The capital city or Thiru-naal (means “Greater Than Indra” in tamil) Town is CHENNAI. Chennai was formerly known as MADRAS that’s why it has a long history which dates back to 2 centuries, when English people brought this land from Danish settlers. Now the capital city of Tamil Nadu, Chennai is the fourth largest city in India.

The city of Chennai is well-known for its historical landmarks like Fort St. George (the historic fort, built in the year 1640 A.D.), Government Museum (has a rich collection of ancient potteries, arms and armours), Kapaleeswarar Temple (built by the Pallava rulers in the 7th century A.D.), San Thome Basilica (built in the memory of Saint Thomas by the Portuguese), etc.

Chennai is one of the major seaports in India, known for its music, art, literature and culture. Tamil Nadu Government Secretariat or also called “The Secretariat” founded by Robert Clive is located in the city of Chennai.

Chennai is also a major destination for foreign tourists as it has many ancient temples, churches and mosques that can be visited by the tourist. The Vivekananda House (a museum dedicated to Swami Vivekananda) is another must visit place in Chennai which actually marks the place where Swami Vivekananda stayed and took refuge in the year 1897. The Government Museum, Chennai is a famous museum in India known for its rich collection of ancient potteries, arms and armours. It also includes a rich collection of Tanjore paintings depicting Hindu mythological stories.

1st capital of tamil nadu

Chennai is well-connected with all other major Indian cities by road, rail and air. More than 80% of the total population in Chennai speaks Tamil as a mother tongue. The city is also a major center for conducting various exams like engineering, medical, bank, etc.

With it’s historical landmarks, rich culture and heritage, beautiful beaches and temples along with great education institutions – Chennai has become one of the most preferred destination for people looking to study/work in India.

why was the capital of tamil nadu renamed

The capital of Tamil Nadu was renamed as Chennai, which stands for ‘Madras’ written in English. Before the Independence, Madras became the capital city of this state because its land revenue department was found here and it has many trading centres more than any other city including all of south India. But after the independence, this region was renamed as Tamil Nadu from Madras state. Therefore the capital of this state must have been named as Chennai only to show an essential fact that this is a Tamil State.

cultural capital of tamil nadu,madurai

Madurai is the cultural capital of Tamil Nadu. It is a city with rich heritage and unique history which dates back to the Sangam Era (about 2000 years old).

The town of Madurai was founded by the Pandyas who ruled over it for more than 1000 years before it fell into the hands of Vijayanagar empire. In 1736, Madurai was conquered by the Mughals who stayed for another 50 years till Tippu Sultan drove them out from this region to re-establish Hindu rule. The latest change in political powers happened in 1775 when it came under British Rule.

From a historical perspective, there are many things which can be said about Madurai.

It is believed that Pandya king Malayadwaja Pandian was the founder of this old town. He ruled over the area in the seventh century A.D. It has been mentioned in several ancient texts that it was initially called “Kazhugumalai”. Kazhugumalai in Tamil means the town of “beautiful stone” which refer to yellow agate stones mined from this area. These stones are believed to have medicinal properties.

The Pandyas ruled over Madurai for more than 1000 years before they were overthrown by Vijayanagar empire under the leadership of Bukka Raya I in 1377. In 1409, the Vijayanagar Empire was defeated by Muslim invaders and Madurai came under their control. The Mughals stayed for about 50 years in Madurai before they were chased away by the Hindu king Thirumalai Nayakar who ruled from 1623 to 1659.

The last change in political power happened in 1736 when Madurai was captured by the Nawab of Carnatic and it remained as his till 1757. It was later passed on to British empire under whose rule this region continues till now.

Madurai is well known for its temples which are situated in various parts of this city.

Temples have been an integral part of the city’s identity and each of them is associated with a unique story.

The Meenakshi Amman Temple is one such temple which attracts thousands of people from all over the world. This is not just another religious destination but also a center for culture, arts and heritage. Another famous place in Madurai includes Thirupparankundram, a hilltop temple located on the outskirts of the city. This is one of the six abodes of Lord Murugan and considered to be one of the 276 “shivasthalas” mentioned in Tevaram, Tamil Saivite devotional literature by Saint Poet (7th Century A.D.).

But apart from temples, this city also has its own share of wonders which can be enjoyed by visitors in their spare time. One such place is the Gandhi Memorial Museum. Its collection includes paintings, photographs and other memorabilia depicting the life of Mahatma Gandhi.

What is Chennai

Chennai is a city in Tamil Nadu. It used to be called Madras until 1996 when it was renamed as Chennai. For most people, this change didn’t mean much but some political parties opposed the idea claiming that Madras is an English word and thus cannot be associated with Tamil culture.

How to reach Chennai

Chennai is a big city and is well connected with all other parts of India through railways, roadways and airways. There are international airports at Chennai which provide opportunities to travelers from different regions of the world to reach this place without any hassles. Connectivity to this city has also improved in recent times due to good roads and highways. It takes less than an hour to get from one place of interest to another using a cab or auto rickshaw.

Chen Chennai is the capital of Tamil Nadu and attracts tourists from all over the world for its various tourism destinations which include beaches, hill stations and wildlife sanctuaries along with temples and mosques in abundance.

Places to visit in Chennai 

1. Santhome Church: This church was originally built by Portuguese but later it was destroyed by the French army. It is situated on the tomb of Saint Thomas who was known to be one of the disciples of Jesus Christ.
2. Mahatma Gandhi Memorial: This museum is dedicated to Mahatma Gandhi, considered as the “father” of India. He promoted non-violence which led to his country’s independence from British rule.
3. Kapaleeshwarar Temple: This temple dedicated to Lord Shiva is a perfect place for those keen to learn about Hindu mythology and architectural marvels of ancient times.
4. Chatrapathi Sivaji Train Station: The first train station in the city was built by British architects during 1873-76. You can experience colonial architecture at this place which is now known as the Chatrapati Shivaji Terminus.
5. Madras High Court: This court started its function during 1892 and was built in typical British style with Gothic architecture. This imposing building can be seen all over Chennai city from different locations.
6. Parks & Gardens   Santhome Beach: The 6 km long beach is situated just 6 kilometers away from the city center. This is not a typical tourist destination but more of local escape where people come to enjoy water sports and adventure activities.
7. Puducherry: Formerly known as Pondicherry, this former French colony is located just 60 kms south of Chennai on the Bay of Bengal. This is a picturesque destination with French style buildings and lush green plantations.
8. Covelong Beach: Located between Chennai and Pondicherry, this beach was earlier used by erstwhile royals to build their summer palace. Now the place is known for surfing which attracts surfers from all over India.
9. Velachery Aquatic Complex: This complex adjacent to Velachery Lake has a swimming pool and a large indoor sports arena.
10. Lakes & Parks Besant Nagar Beach: The 2 km long beach on the eastern coastline is better known as Bay of Bengal. People from Chennai city come here to spend their afternoon with family or friends while enjoying sea food and adventure activities.
11. Guindy National Park: This park located in the city center is a home to variety of indigenous and migratory birds. It is also known as one of the green lungs of Chennai city which provides fresh air throughout the year.
12. Mamallapuram: Popularly known as Mahabalipuram, this historical town was once a port city and a hub of commercial activity during the Pallava period. The place is now well known for its historical monuments and rock carvings.
13. Spice Garden: This theme park located at the outskirts of Chennai attracts tourists from all over India with its variety of flora and fauna. Visitors have the opportunity to swim in a pool with crocodiles, watch birds from close quarters and enjoy boat rides.
14. Krishnagiri National Park: Situated around 150 km away from Chennai on the way to Bangalore, this park is known for its scenic beauty and elephant safari.
15. Mahabalipuram Beaches: This place located on the shores of Bay of Bengal has a long stretch of beaches crowded with restaurants and shops. It is around 60 km from Chennai city.
16. Sriperumbudur: This place located 40 kms away from Chennai is known for its automobile industry. Just 20 km off this place lies another beautiful beach called Marakkanam where you can relax and enjoy water sports.
17. Other Attractions  Theosophical Society: This place is situated in the midst of 35 acres of garden which has interesting rock formations and a 40 foot tall Buddha statue.
18. Padmanabhaswamy Temple: Dedicated to Lord Vishnu, this temple located inside the East Fort near the Indian Ocean.
19. Adyar Poonga: This park on the southern banks of Adyar River is a soothing destination for those interested in bird watching and butterfly aviary.
20. Ripon Building: Built during 1892, this beautiful building with large dome is a great place for visitors who want to know more about colonial era architecture.

Eating places in Chennai 

1. The city of Chennai has an interesting mix of tourist destinations which include religious monuments, modern buildings and beaches. On one hand you have the old town area where traditional street food are located, on the other lies newer areas with high rise apartments and cafes serving world cuisine.
2. The city offers a range of eating places ranging from street vendors selling idli and dosa to 5-star restaurants serving continental and Chinese cuisine. There are some interesting cafes as well which serve mouthwatering pastries, cookies, French crepes and rolls.
3. Budget eat outs  Idli Sambhar is the favorite breakfast dish of Chennaiites. This simple dish made up of steamed rice cakes served along with Sambhar (seasoned lentil broth) and coconut chutney is highly nutritious. It serves as a meal in itself for most of the people who can be found enjoying it at any time of the day. Dosa is another popular dish which is served along with sambhar or coconut chutney or green chutney (chutney made up of coriander and green chillies). Idly (steamed rice and lentil cake) vada ( deep fried doughnut shaped lentil patty ) sambhar and lemon pickle are some other items found in South Indian cuisine.
4. Pongal is a popular dish served during breakfast or dinner during the Tamil month of Thai (mid January to mid February). Though it is usually prepared during Pongal festival, some restaurants offer special pongal menus throughout the year on all days. Oats are simmered in milk, sugar and ghee until thickened to form a creamy consistency. This is served along with upma (semolina cooked with seasoning), podi (powder made of lentils, chillies and other spices).
5. Chennai has a large number of bakeries specializing in pastries. Most popular among them are French Baker, Quincy pastry shops and Pappa’s kitchen. Apart from these there are innumerable roadside stalls selling idlis, dosa sambhar and pongal.
6. Mid range eateries  Chennai has a number of cafes serving Blue Mountain coffee, Cappuccino, Mochas and Lattes. Most cafés offer light snacks like sandwiches and pastries along with these beverages. Many international chains have outlets in the city which specialize in continental cuisine including Pasta, Risotto, Souffles and Pancakes.
7. A few stand out cafes are listed below: 1)  Madras Cafe 2) Wuff 3) Barista 4) Amma’s Bakehouse 5) Angel’s food 6) Flurys 7) The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf
8. High end places  The city has a large number of 5-star hotels serving both Indian and international cuisine. These include Ras Caffé, Westin Chennai, Radisson Blu, Marriott Hotel and Hyatt Regency. In addition to these there are bars and pubs located in the five star hotels which serve cocktails along with finger foods. An interesting option for eating out is the ‘all you can eat’ buffets served in most 5-star hotels. The city also has few restaurants which serve fusion cuisine combining Indian and international dishes.
9. High end places  The city has a large number of 5-star hotels serving both Indian and international cuisine. These include Ras Caffé, Westin Chennai, Radisson Blu, Marriott Hotel and Hyatt Regency. In addition to these there are bars and pubs located in the five star hotels which serve cocktails along with finger foods. An interesting option for eating out is the ‘all you can eat’ buffets served in most 5-star hotels. The city also has few restaurants which serve fusion cuisine combining Indian and international dishes.
10. French bakeries Chennai has a large number of boulangeries (bakeries) serving freshly baked French breads, pastries and cakes. Some popular places are listed below: 1)  Jacob’s bakery 2) Bagel shop 3) Baguette & Co 4) Le m onde de croissant 5) The French Loaf
11. French Bakeries Chennai has a large number of boulangeries (bakeries) serving freshly baked French breads, pastries and cakes. Some popular places are listed below: 1)  Jacob’s bakery 2) Bagel shop 3) Baguette & Co 4) Le monde de croissant 5) The French Loaf
12. Indian-Chinese : Chennai is a heaven for those who love Indian and Chinese food. These cuisines have been adapted to suit the taste of local people and many eateries exist to provide them their favorite dish. 1)  Hotel Saravana Bhavan 2) Asian lounge, Hotel Harrington 3)  Woodlands 4) Green leaf 5) The chinese dhaba 6) Shivsagar 7) Spices 8) Shanthi 9) Meghana Foods 10) Hotel Adyar Ananda Bhavan
13. Chinese Restaurants Chennai has a large number of Chinese restaurants serving varieties of noodles, fried rice and dim sums. The most popular among them are listed below: 1)  Golden dragon, Naraina 2) Orient express 3) Hot n sour – With branches in Eldams road and Kilpauk 4) Mandarin 5) Canton tower
14. Tamil Nadu is one of the largest consumers of tea in India. Chennai has several restaurants specializing in varieties of tea. Some popular ones are listed below: 1) The golden brew 2) Barista 3) Chai street 4) Teacup 5) Chang’s 6) Cafe Coffee Day
15. Indian cuisine ,  Chennai is well known for its distinct flavor of biryani served with coconut milk, lemon and roasted spicy masala.

Shopping in Chennai 

Chennai is a shopper’s paradise with several large malls and boutiques. Some of the shopping centers have been listed below:

1) Express avenue

2) Phoenix market city

3) Spencer plaza

4) Ambience mall

5) I-city

6) Ampa mall

7) Forum Vijaya mall

8) Chennai Citi center

9) Rame mall

10) Another interesting place for shopping is the Chennai airport which has several shops including Westside and Spencers.