The ‘capital of the south’ has always been the rather dowdy sibling among India’s four biggest cities. But if you have time to explore Chennai’s diverse neighborhoods and role as keeper of South Indian artistic and religious traditions, the odds are this 400-sq-km conglomerate of urban villages will sneak its way into your heart.
HISTORY
Chennai or Madras as it was called before, on the Coromandel Coast, is the capital city of Tamil Nadu, a State of the Indian Sub continent. It is a major industrial, commercial, cultural, economic and educational centre of the Southern India. The Chennai District’s population is 46,81,087 . Chennai City is the sixth largest populated in Indian cities. It is known as the "Detroit of India" because many automobile industries are located here. There are many versions and legends as to how this city’s name kept changing from Madras and Chennai from time to time. Originally this city was called as Madras, from Madras pattinam during Nayakars rule. It was a fishing village situated to the north of the present Fort St. George. British bought the piece of land from the King of Vijayanagar and built the Fort St. George that houses today’s Secretariat complex of Government of Tamil Nadu. British retained the name as Madrasapattinam, though the locals called it as Chennapattinam. A Legend also says, this city was first named Chennai in honour of Damal Chennappa Nayakkar. In 1996, the then ruling Government of Madras, renamed it as Chennai and it stands good till date.
CULTURE
The doorway to South India, Chennai is a miraculous gift the land of Tamil Nadu embraces. Drawing the quality of 'Unity in Diversity' from the homeland country India, Chennai carries the legacy of rich cultural heritage imbibed in its fine arts, music and dance forms, people and cuisines.
ATTRACTION
This story is from the September 2016 edition of Safari India.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the September 2016 edition of Safari India.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
kathakali - god's own story
setting foot on the southern shores of india, off the arabian sea, one is transported to green foliage, coconut trees, incessant rain, men and women dressed in pristine white clothes (mundu). god’s own country
brics convention on tourism in khajuraho
Top 16 World Heritage Sites India
India’s civilization is perhaps among the oldest in the world. Ancient manuscripts and excavations of well-planned cities have revealed rich heritage and a culture embedded in the sands of time. We take you on journey to the many UNESCO recognized World Heritage Sites…
Formula 1 Grand Prix
Formula 1 at Abu Dhabi
IF You Can Dream It... You Can Do It: Rana Kapoor
Rana Kapoor is the Managing Director & CEO of YES BANK. As a professional entrepreneur, since 2003, he is progressively establishing a high quality, state-of-the-art private Indian Bank with a vision of “Building the Best Quality Bank of the World in India” by 2020. Under his leadership, YES BANK has steadily evolved as the “Professionals’ Bank of India” with exemplary business and financial outcomes as evidenced in the financial results since inception, with highest RoA/RoE, and the best asset quality amongst leading Public and Private Banks in India. Rana Kapoor received an Honorary Fellowship from All India Management Association (AIMA), Doctorate in Science (Honoris Causa) from G.B. Pant University of Agriculture & Technology, India’s foremost and oldest Agri University, for his contribution to the Food & Agribusiness sector in INDIA. He has been credited with the number of awards. This is the excerpts from the interview.
Sikkim Switzerland of the East
This Indian state – home to spectacular scenery, remarkable religious monuments and vibrant cultures is known for exceptional cleanliness and integrity of the people.
Peace for Growth of Tourism - New Agenda
PATWA International Seminar at WTM London.
Wildlife in India
Are you a wildlife lover? If yes, you must visit India . There are a large number of flora and fauna, wide varieties of animals and birds, all these you can explore. It will add more thrill, if you visit wildlife destinations on the back of elephants or by jeeps. If you want to see the nature and its habitats from near, you must spend a few days in the forest. In fact, you could enjoy wildlife safari at night also.
2017: strong year for airline profits
the international air transport association (iata) announced that it expects the global airline industry to make a net profit in 2017 of $29.8 billion. on forecast total revenues of $736 billion, that represents a 4.1% net profit margin. this will be the third consecutive year (and the third year in the industry’s history) in which airlines will make a return on invested capital (7.9%) which is above the weighted average cost of capital (6.9%).
rural tourism
rural india has much to offer to the world. rich in traditions of arts, crafts and culture, indian villages can emerge as important tourist spots. people in the developed world who have a fascination for knowledge about traditional ways of life, arts and crafts cannot resist visiting rural india.
