Posts Tagged ‘Chennai’

Chennai: Popular Tourist Destination

Travel | Posted by admin
Feb 14 2009

A popular destination with modern tourists is the Indian megacity of Chennai. This is one of the largest urban areas in India and has become a cultural and economic center for the state of Tamil Nadu as well as the rest of India. Chennai was once known as Madras and is the current capital of Tamil Nadu.

Once visitors arrive in the city, they will find a wide variety of lodgings available. There are numerous hotels, hostels, and inns to suit a range of budgets, including some fine 5 star Chennai hotels. There are even a few beach resorts that take advantage of the city’s beautiful beachfront.

As the capital of Tamil Nadu, Chennai is the undisputed center of all Tamil culture. Art, dance, theater, and film all reflect the Tamil culture and language. This is most obvious in the Tamil film industry. Affectionately known as Kollywood, it produces Tamil language films for distribution across India and all over the world.

Shoppers will find plenty of place to hunt for bargains. The city has everything from wholesale markets to department stores, from neighborhood markets to shopping malls. Merchandise ranges from antiques to jewellery, from textiles to electronics. Chennai is also a great place to find traditional art and handicrafts from the various regions of India.

The city has a national park within its borders that protects many endangered species and is the home of the Guindy Snake Park. Chennai actually has a number of parks, gardens, and animal sanctuaries that can provide hours of enjoyment and relaxation for an entire family. Families may also want to check out the city’s three amusement parks, its water park, or the various sporting venues across the city.

Winter in Chennai

Travel | Posted by admin
Dec 08 2008

Chennai is the capital of Tamil Nadu in India. The city used to be known as Madras and was established in the 17th century by Great Britian.  Today, Chennai is a cultural and economic center and the fourth largest city in India. December and January are host to a trio of festivals that celebrate the culture and traditions of Chennai.

The annual Madras Music Season starts off in December.  It is known as the world’s largest cultural event. Over five weeks, this cultural festival features performances by hundreds of musicians and artists.  Although it began as a month-long celebration of Carnatic music, over the years it has grown to include dance, drama, and some non-Carnatic art forms.

Pongal is the most important of Chennai’s festivals. A traditional harvest festival, Pongal has been celebrated for at least 1000 years. The word means “boiling over or spill over.” For four days, the prosperity of the harvest is celebrated by thanking the sun, the rain, and farm animals.  In Chennai, the celebration is not limited to the Tamil, but enjoyed by people of all faiths.

January finds the city celebrating the Chennai Sangamam as part of Pongal. This is an annual arts festival which showcases various arts of Tamil Nadu. Spread over eight days, Chennai Sangamam includes classical Indian music and folk forms such as mayilattam, periya melam, kokali attam, and thappattam. It also encompasses performances by school children, folk drummers, and theater productions.

In addition to these annual events, Chennai offers a wealth of attractions and entertainment to keep any visitor busy and happy. Beaches, shopping, theater, sports, clubs, art, music, and dance are all part of the Chennai experience.  Five Star Hotels Chennai as well as designer shopping and exclusive restaurants can create a unique Chennai experience.