Chennai (சென்னை, Madras), Tamil Nadu,

Chennai, India


Chennai (Tamil:சென்னை), formerly known as Madras (மெட்ராஸ்), is the capital of the southern state of Tamil Nadu. It is the fourth biggest city (the fourth most populous metropolitan and the fifth most populous urban area) in India. The city has a population of 4.3 million people and a metropolitan area of 6.5 million.

Unlike many cities in India whose history goes back to antiquity, Chennai is "relatively new". It was founded by the British in 1640. It is the short form for the town of Chennaipattinam, which grew around Fort St. George built by the British. Chennaipattinam was itself named after Chennaiappa Naicker, the ruler of Kalahasthi and Vandavasi, from whom the British acquired the site in 1639.

National Art Gallery, Chennai


Chennai was popularly known as Madras - that name was derived from Madraspattinam, the name of a fishing village to the north of the city. In 1996 the state government changed the name to Chennai. However it is still popularly called Madras by its residents as well as by Indians from other parts of the country.

Chennai experiences a tropical climate. It can be very hot in the middle of the year, with average high midday temperatures of 38-42°C (100-108°F) between late May and early June, when the locals regard the "air is on fire". You can get cooler temperature in January, when the average low can be a comfortable 18-20°C (64-68°F). The wettest months are mid-October to mid-December, when Chennal receives the full force of the northeast monsoon.

St Andrew's Church, Chennai

Planning your trip to Chennai

The Chennai International Airport (MAA) is the third busiest airport in India after the ones in Mumbai and Delhi. Budget travelers can fly AirAsia to Chennai from Kuala Lumpur and Penang.

From the airport, you can take pre-paid taxi to downtown Chennai. Expect to spend about Rs. 450 for the journey in a Toyota Innova. You can save by taking the standard black-and-yellow-top taxis. Upon paying for your taxi, you are given a charge slip. Go to the taxi stand and get a number from the desk. Give one copy of the charge slip to the driver and keep one as your receipt.

Planning your travel within Chennai

The most practical way to travel within Chennai is to take its suburban trains. If you have to use the auto rickshaws, negotiate carefully and clearly before you board. Many auto rickshaw riders take the opportunity to fleece their passengers, more so if you are a foreigner. If you find a reliable one, you can even hire him to take you around for the entire day.

Basilica of San Thomé, Chennai

Places of Interest in Chennai

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Please use the information on this page as guidance only. The author endeavours to update the information on this page from time to time, but regrets any inaccuracies if there be any.

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