Chennai is approximately 380 years old and was formed during the British rule. The British came to India with the purpose to trade and formed the East India Company.They would load ships with everything possible from spices, cotton and timber and transport them back to England. An interesting fact would be that even monkeys and peacocks would be transported.

It was a Fort area where the British lived. As it was on the feast day of St.George The patron saint of England they called it Fort St.George. The British would conduct their political activities from this fort area. The governors and viceroys would work from here. So much so after India got its independence the Government of Tamil Nadu decided to continue its governance in this Fort Area.

Inside the fort area there is an old building called Saint Mary’s Church. It is the oldest anglican church east of the Swiss Canal. The church is over 340 years old. After Eli Hugh's death the corporation of Madras was formed and became the second oldest civil authority. The local literature is called the Sangam literature!

Let's focus on the platform of the religious and historical city of Chennai.

1. Mamallapuram- The stretch of Bay of Bengal was taken over by the Pallava kings after the fall of the Romans. There were two major ports of the Pallava kings : Mamallapuram and the other was Mylapore. These two ports proved to be a hub of extensive trade of cotton and spices.

However, more interestingly there were exchanges of ideas of culture, heritage, traditions and temple building. In the writings of travellers Rahu Kalam is mentioned. It is a bad period which happens during the day and lasts for 90 minutes.Rahu Kalam was so important that even Marco Polo took notice of it and mentioned it in his writings.

2.Kapaleeshwar temple-The city is home to one of the most famous Temples called kapaleeshwar temple. This temple is 300 years old and is a very beautiful and vibrant temple.



3.Saint Thomas Basilica – We also have Saint Thomas Basilica, Santhome which is the church named after the Apostle of Christ named Thomas who came to India to preach Christianity.



4. Marina beach - There is the Marina beach which is a long stretch. You would be able to site people here early in the morning as chennai is the land of the early risers. One of the most important parts of any place is the food it has to offer. Chennai has mouth watering Dosas, a variety of chutneys to choose from. As per tradition food is served on a banana leaf.