A flight to Chennai takes you to India’s fourth-largest city and the film-industry-rich capital of Tamil Nadu state, founded in 1639. Don’t miss Chennai’s Fort St George and the ancient Kapaleeshwarar Temple in Siva Dravidian style.
Explore times gone by at the Chennai Government Museum where there are superb Chola bronzes, archaeological pieces and local art. The living culture of Chennai is best discovered in the bustling old George Town area.
Find a city retreat along the Marina, a 13km stretch of sand, or at the monkey home of Guindy National Park (3km from Chennai). Or make it to the legendary Shore Temple and other Pallava artist attractions at Mahabalipuram (58km from Chennai).
The people of Chennai are largely vegetarian and thrive on lunchtime thalis (meals). Try one served on a banana leaf – made up of curried vegetables, relishes, rice and chapattis, washed down with a cooling yoghurt Lassi drink |