Chennai

For the visitors wishing to explore South Indian extensively, Chennai - the capital of Tamil Nadu is the most convenient point of entry. Chennai has an international airport and a rail and road network that links it to all major towns and cities of the region. Chennai has grown from the merging of a number of small villages including its former namesake Madraspatnam. Though many still call it Madras, it is now officially known as Chennai. The city sprawls over more than 70 sq kms and rather than claiming a centre, retains its former regional hubs.

This ancient Shiva temple, off Kutchery road in Mylapore, is constructed in Dravidian style and displays the architectural elements - Gopurams, Mandapams and a Tank - that are found in the famous temple cities of Tamil Nadu.

This red Indo-Saracenic structure at Parry's Corner is the main landmark in George Town. Built in 1892, it is said to be the largest judicial building in the world after the Courts of London.

Situated near the Meenambakkam airport is the place where the Apostle is said to have been killed. St. Thomas is believed to have lived in this tiny cave when he came to India around 58 AD. Known locally as Chinnamalai, the cave is entered via the Portuguese church that was built in 1531.

The Chennai Museum has a good collection of paintings and sculptures, both traditional and modern. The traditional paintings of Tanjore, Rajput, Moghul, Kangra, Deccani schools and modern paintings in oil, tempera, water colour, graphics and acrylic mediums. Graphics and modern style metal sculptures are also in the collections.

Devoted to Lord Krishna, it was originally built by the Pallavas in the 8th century and renovated in the 16th century by the Vijayanagars, and it's one of the oldest surviving temples in Chennai. It houses the five "Avtars" of God Vishnu.

Near Egmore station, St Andrew's Church was completed in 1821 in the classical style. Inside, the impressive blue dome is decorated with gold stars. There are excellent views from the 55m steeples.

The stretch of beach known as the Marina extends for 13 kms south of the pitiful aquarium is the Ice House, once used to store massive ice blocks transported by ship from North America. It later became the venue from which Vivekananda preaches his ascetic philosophy.