Chennai, formerly known as Madras, is the capital of the Indian state called Tamil Nadu and the fourth largest city in India, with about 7.5 millions inhabitants.

Chennai, formerly known as Madras, is the capital of the Indian state called Tamil Nadu and the fourth largest city in India, with about 7.5 millions inhabitants.

After 1639, when the British East India Company established a fort and a trading post on the coast of the Bay of Bengal, it developed from a small fishing village into a bustling metropolis.

The dominant British influences are visible everywhere in the city (old cathedrals and wide tree lined avenues); however, the footprint of the traditional Tamil-Hindu culture is undeniable, which can be seen in the numerous old temples. When in Chennai, pay a visit to Fort ST. George, built by the British East India Company and used today by the state legislative assembly, the Kapleeswarar Temple, the biggest one in the city dedicated to Lord Shiva or the Santhome Cathedral, the Christian temple built by the Portuguese between the 14th and the 15th century.

But remember! These are just a few examples of what you can see and enjoy in this Indian metropolis. Its rich cultural heritage offers tourists a big choice of monuments and attractions you don’t want to miss.