Do you also think that Chennai is just like any other educational hub? You are wrong! Let's dive to know more about it!  Regarded as the "Health Capital of India", Chennai is the capital of Tamil Nadu, the southernmost state of the Indian Subcontinent. Being situated on the Coromandel Coast, Chennai is a town of rich heritage and Dravidian Architecture of temples. It doesn't just stop there! Chennai has some of the renowned institutes of the world and memorials that attract major tourism throughout the year along with beautiful and amazing places to visit in Chennai. 

The History of Chennai is very old and rich in nature. From the 1st to the 12th century, the Cholas ruled the city. Ancient paintings, coins and caves show that the Cheras and Pandyas owned the city too. The Pallavas came later and defeated the previous emperors while building prolific empires. In 1522, the Portuguese arrived at the city and constructed several forts and cathedrals. Sao Tome is one of them. In 1639, entered the British East India Company to build their factories for trading. The first major settlement was Fort St. George built by the British. By the 18th century, the British got almost full control of the South region and established the Madras Presidency. Madras was the only Indian city to be attacked in World War I. After Independence, Chennai became the capital of Tamil Nadu (previously Madras). 

Chennai is home to South Indian culture and traditions. The National Art Gallery of Chennai and Government Museum has epic pieces from history, architecture, artefacts and literature that attract the artists. The first flag of India was hoisted at Fort St. George after independence. Chennai is also the centre of great folk music and dance. The main classical folk music of the city is Gaana. Bharata Natyam is the crucial dance culture of Chennai. 

Chennai is one of the educational hubs not only in India but all over the country. Colleges and Universities for arts, science, engineering, and management are found numerously in the capital city. IIT Madras, College of Engineering, Anna University, University of Madras, CSIR, Indian Maritime University are some of the renowned institutes of the country. 

Chennai is again famous for its miraculous and advanced health facilities. The National Institute of Siddha, Apollo Hospitals, SRM Medical College Hospital and Research Centre, Sri Ramachandra Medical College and Research Institute, etc are taking the medication and hospitality to a next level. 

Street shopping places in Chennai

Shopping comes first on the to-do list when you are in Chennai and you have some time to spare. From Kanchipuram saree to leaf handicrafts Chennai has it all. Thyagaraja Nagar is one of the busiest market places and most explored places to visit in Chennai that have access to sarees and jewellery for special occasions. George Town has Burma Bazar which is popular for the world-famous Kanchipuram Sarees. Clothes, toys, electronic appliances are easily available in Pondy Bazar of T Road. The 200-year-old Godown Street sells items at a cheaper rate. All shades of cotton clothing are available at Pantheon Road. Moore Market Complex in Park town has access to all kinds of books and stationaries. 

Places to visit in Chennai 

• Marina Beach: Marina Beach is the longest beach in the country, and breathtaking places to visit in Chennai, stretched along 13 km and is located at the centre of the city. The sight of sunrise and sunset is romantic and thousands of beach people gather to enjoy the view. 
• Government Museum: Government Museum, popular as the Madras Museum is the 2nd oldest museum of India and situated in Egmore. The museum aggregates varieties of stuff such as ancient paintings, sculptures, artefacts, etc. 
• Marundeeswarar Temple: Built-in Dravidian Architecture, this temple is a must-explore places to visit in Chennai. Lord Marundeeswarar is known to be "The God of Medicines" and the locals worship here with faith in their hearts.
• Arignar Anna Zoological Park: The zoo is situated 32 km from the heart of the city and is a heaven for lovers of nature and wildlife. This place houses 138 kinds of organisms, flora and fauna. It is visited mostly on holidays as a picnic spot. 
• Valluvar Kottam:  As a tribute to the great Tamil poet and saint Thiruvalluvar, this monument is constructed with profound architecture. This place introduces many exhibitions and events throughout the year.
• Connemara Public Library: The perfect place for the bibliophiles is nowhere but at Egmore. This Library is a combination of lakhs of books on history, poetry, politics, and great literary work. The view of the place is antique and something to cherish and you can consider as the historic places to visit in Chennai.
• Kolli Hills: Kolli Hills is a mountain range and the paradise of travellers as the roadway has 70 hairpin bends. It has other spectacular places like Arapaleeswarar Temple and Agaya Gangai waterfalls. It is also regarded as "The Mountain of Death" and most adventerous places to visit in Chennai.
• Elliot's Beach:  Elliot's Beach is one of the calming beaches and perfect places to visit in Chennai, located at Basant Nagar. The beach gives astounding views and numerous restaurants are now opening by the beach which is a public puller. 
• Vivekananda House: The two-storey house of Swami Vivekananda, built in Victorian architecture, is now serving as a memorial to Vivekananda's simple lifestyle. He stayed here for 6 weeks in 1990, which is called "The Ice House". 
• Santhome Cathedral Basilica: The Cathedral is one of the major attractions and among the popular places to visit in Chennai, built in Portuguese style that emits rich ancient culture. It has a museum and the map of South Asia is its main attraction. 

How to reach Chennai?

Chennai is one of the busiest cities of India and is well connected to other cities.

• Airways: Chennai International Airport is located 7 km from the centre of the city and is linked to major towns of the world. 
• Roadways: Chennai Mofussil Bus Terminal is one of the largest bus stands in Asia and buses are accessible 24/7. 
• Railways: Chennai Central Railway Station is the major station in Chennai and countless trains run from Chennai to other major cities. 

Best time to visit Chennai 

Chennai falls under a tropical dry and wet climate. There appears no such major variation in temperature.

• Summer: March to June- 28°C to 45°C (very hot)
• Rainy: June to September- 20°C to 32°C (annual heavy rains)
• Winter: December to February- 14°C to 25°C (comfortable and chilly)