AIR
Chennai is connected by Jet, Indian Airlines, Air Sahara, Air India, Deccan Air to the rest of the country. Some international airlines like Lufthansa, British Airways, Air Emirates, Gulf Air, Kuwait Airways, Singapore Airlines, Air malaysia, Thai Airways connect Chennai to the rest of the world.

Airport
The Meenambakkam Airport is located 17 km southwest of the city centre. It has terminals for both domestic and international travel. Prepaid taxis available at the airport. Alternatively, you can use the airport bus if you are staying at one of the major hotels.

RAIL
The Tamil Nadu Express from Delhi, Ganga Kaveri Express from Varanasi, Shatabdi Express from Bangalore and the Charminar Express from Hyderabad are some of the trains from the major cities to Chennai. You also have the Coromandel Express from Chennai to Calcutta.

Railway station
There are two railway stations at Chennai ? Central and Egmore ? and most of the trains arrive here. The Central Railway Station links north and west and Egmore Station the south. There are separate stations for local trains. Chennai Central Railway Station is located on Periyar EVR High Road. Relatively easy to get transport to and from the Central station though lack of knowledge of the local language Tamil could be a hindrance.

ROAD
The city is well linked by roads to the major destinations in South India. It is connected by the National Highway Nos 4, 5 and 45.

Area
174 square kilometres

Population
As per the 2001 Census, Chennai has a population of 42.16 lakh.
Density of population: 24,231 persons per square kilometre.

Climate
Tropical climate. Hot and humid. The occasional sea breeze makes it a trifle more bearable at times. Temperatures soar highest in May (Between 40 and 45° Celsius). Winter in Chennai (December, January and February) is not worth the name. Monsoon is intermittent (July-August and September-November).

STD Code
044

MGR Film City
Known the world over for its film industry, MGR Film City is a special delight in Chennai. Situated on the outskirts of Buckingham Canal, tourists are allowed between 8 am and 8 pm. Enthusiasts can get into their act by making a special request to be allowed to take up a side role.

Marina Beach
Can you go to Chennai and not go to Marina Beach? The second longest city beach in the world, it is bustling with activity especially during the evening. Close by are Anna Park and MGR Samadhi. You have fortune tellers and palm readers to keep you engaged while vendors lure you to buy peanuts and sip coconut water.

Kapaleeshvara Temple
Kapaleeshvara Temple, an ancient classic of Dravidian architects, is the oldest in Chennai. Inscribed with scriptures of the past, it also displays gopurams, mandapams and a tank typical of the temples of Tamil Nadu.

The Theosophical Society
The Theosophical Society, much as the name suggests, offers discourse and meditation sessions as well as lectures on positive health and spirituality. J.Krishnamurthi and Maria Montessori have both lectured here, under the huge banyan tree (spreading over 40,000 sq ft). Classes continue to be held at this spot. Closed on Sundays.

Fort St George
Fort St George, the first structure of Madras city built by the British. Today it houses the Secretariat and the Legislative Assembly. The Fort Museum close by has an interesting collection of colonial memorabilia.

Sri Parthasarathy Temple
The temple is a typically Chola structure, dating back to the 8th century. Dedicated to Lord Krishna, it was renovated by the Cholas and has sculptures of Vijaynagar kings. The inner sanctum is a must see.

Santhome Cathedral
Built over the tomb of the apostle St Thomas, this basilica is an important pilgrimage site. More interesting for its past history of renovations and rebuilding, it may not be exceptional in terms of workmanship. There is a museum catering to people who are interested in history. Open daily, 6 am-6 pm. Museum closes on weekends.

Government Museum
Established in 1957, the museum is a set of six buildings that encompass every phase of a historic city, from the architecture to ornaments. A comprehensive collection of Chola bronzes and Ram idols keeps the tourists captivated. There is a children s museum and the National Art Gallery in the same area.

MAHABALIPURAM
a seventh century centre for Pallava Kings culture and arts situated on the Bay of Bengal coastline. There are 9 rock cut temples and 5 monolithic temple. Each Pancha Pandava Rathas and four out of five ratahas are supposed to have been carved out of a single rock. Some of the world s largest and unique bass relief from the 8th century of the Dravidian style. Mahabalipuram is located at 50 kilometer drive from Chennai the metropolitan capital of TAMILNADU and the cultural gate way of SOUTH INDIA.

Crocodile Bank
located close to Mamallapuram and 44 kms drive from Chennai. It is the Crocodile breeding and research center run by Romulus Whittaker. This farm breeds several species from India and Africa in captivity to augment the crocodile population. There is also a small snake farm which conducts demonstrations of venom extraction from poisonous snakes.

Covelong
The ancient fort at Covelong has now been converted into a beach resort. The old catholic church, a mosque and ruins of the fort are a picture postcard view. The resort is equipped with facilities like wind surfing and swimming. It is 48 kms from Chennai.

Vedanthangal Bird Sanctuary
located at about 86km from Chennai, it can be reached by bus from the little town of Chengalpet which is a couple of hours bus journey from Tambaram. This spread of around 72 acres of marshy land with trees ideal for nesting are home to many species of water birds. They nest mainly from December to March. Winter brings migratory visitors. Vedanthangal is great place for photographers. Around 24 species of birds flock here.

LAKE PULICAT
Is a large backwater lake a few tens of kilometers to the north of Madras. Ponneri is the closest town that can be reached by local train from the Central Station in a couple of hours. A rickety bus takes you forward thence. The little fishing village of Annamalai Cheri is a good point of approach, where fishermen can be persuaded to take you out onto the lake and to its far side.

THIRUKKALUKUNDRAM
Located at 70 kms drive from Chennai. The Shiva temple here is located on top a hill which is 160 m high. Every afternoon two white kites come to the temple and are fed by the priest. It is said that these kites are saints who stop at the temple on their journey to Varanasi from Rameshwaram. Below the hill temple is larger Shiva temple with a tank which is said to have healing powers. Every 12 years a conch is found in the tank. A large collection of such conches are kept in the temple.

KANCHIPURAM
The Golden City of a thousand temples, and one of the seven sacred cities of India, is 71 km from Madras. It was, successively, the capital of the Pallavas, the Cholas and the Rajas of Vijayanagar. During the 6th and 7th centuries, some of the best temples in the city were built by the Pallavas. The city was also a great seat of learning. Sri Sankaracharya, Appar, Siruthonder and the great Buddhist Bhikku lived, and worked here. Today, it is known not only for its temples, but also for its handwoven silk fabrics.