Chennai, on the Bay of Bengal in eastern India, is the capital of the state of Tamil Nadu. The city is home to Fort St. George, built in 1644 and now a museum showcasing the city’s roots as a British military garrison and East India Company trading outpost, when it was called Madras. Religious sites include Kapaleeshwarar Temple, adorned with carved and painted gods, and St. Mary’s, a 17th-century Anglican church.
The Government Museum houses Indian art and archaeological objects, notably bronze sculptures from the medieval Chola dynasty. Wildlife and plants can be seen at Guindy National Park, Arignar Anna Zoological Park and the Theosophical Society’s gardens. Food stalls line Marina Beach, a popular spot for walking and flying kites. The Kalakshetra Foundation – comprising an art museum and several theaters – is one of many venues presenting Tamil performing arts throughout the year.
When to visit: Peak travel periods include May–Jun and Dec–Jan. Chennai has a hot and humid climate. Generally, there is very little rain Jan–May. Torrential rains arrive during the northeast monsoon, usually around Oct–Nov. The Marghazi Festival of Music & Dance (Dec–Jan) focuses on classical South Indian Carnatic music and Bharatanatyam dances. The Pongal Festival (Jan), is a traditional harvest celebration, typical of Tamil Nadu, with sweet rice delicacies, ornamented cattle and streets decorated with powdered chalk designs.
