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Chennai is the capital city of Tamil Nadu. Belonging to South India, the city is one of the most prominent business, cultural and academic hubs in the country. It attracts many foreign tourists every year. The city is home to art galleries, museums, amusement parks, temples, shopping malls and wildlife parks. The Marina Beach in Chennai is one of the most significant tourist attractions in South India. The city has a hot and humid climate.
The city of Chennai has sightseeing and activity options that are suitable for all kinds of travellers. The architecture of the buildings in Chennai is especially beautiful, attracting many foreign tourists. Kids would enjoy the amusement parks, zoos and beaches of Chennai. People interested in history, art and culture have much to see in the city.
Chennai, previously known as Madras, is the fifth largest metropolitan city in India. The capital city of Tamil Nadu is a prominent centre for business, culture and academics. It is one of the most visited cities by foreign travelers. In 2015, 'Lonely Planet' listed Chennai among the top 10 cities to visit in the world. Since more than one-third of India's automobile industry is based in Chennai, it is popularly called 'The Detroit of India'.
Located on the Eastern Coastal Plains with an average altitude of 6.7 m, the city of Chennai has a tropical wet and dry climate. There are three rivers and many lakes all around the city. The temples, art galleries, statues and buildings of Chennai showcase grand architecture. Buildings like Madras High Court, Southern Railways Headquarters, Government Museum and Ripon Building display a unique Indo-Saracenic style of architecture.
The National Art Gallery, Government Museum and Fort Museum are major tourist attractions in Chennai. Tourists can enjoy watching classical dance shows at the cultural centres in the city. Marina Beach in Chennai is a world-famous tourist attraction featuring scenic beauty and bustling activity. Madras Crocodile Bank Trust, Arignar Anna Zoological Park and Guindy National Park are the popular wildlife parks in Chennai. Express Avenue, Citi Centre, Forum Vijaya Mall, Abirami mega mall, Ampa Skywalk and Phoenix Market City are some of the significant shopping malls in Chennai. The city also has beautiful amusement parks like Queens Land, Wonderla and MGM Dizzee World.
The city is at an average altitude of 6.7 metres(21.9 ft) above sea level.
The city has a hot and humid climate during most months of the year. The hottest months are May and June. From mid-October to mid-December, the city experiences rainfall.
During the winter season that lasts from November to February.
By Air
Chennai has an airport of its own called Chennai International Airport, 14 kilometres from the main city area. The airport is connected to major cities in India and abroad. You can hire a taxi or book a cab from the airport to reach your hotel.
By Train
Chennai has four major railway stations, Chennai Central, Chennai Egmore, Chennai Beach and Tambaram. The Chennai Central station is the biggest one. It is well-connected to all the major cities in India and some smaller towns as well. You can take an auto or hire a taxi to reach your hotel.
By Road
Luxury buses are also easily available to Chennai from many cities across the country. Chennai Mofussil Bus Terminus is the major bus station in Bangalore. All buses arriving from other cities have their major stop here. NH 4, NH 5, NH 45 and NH 205 are highways that connect Chennai to other major cities.
Breakfast delicacies like Idly, Dosa, Vada with Sambar and Puttu is extremely popular in Chennai. Kothu Parotta and Chicken Chettinad are famous non-vegetarian dishes. Among sweets, Mysore Pak and Payasam are quite popular.