Chennai City - Introduction

What was Chennai previously called ?
Chennai is formerly known as Madras.It is the capital of Tamil Nadu and is the the fourth largest metropolitan city in India. Chennai, popularly regarded as the Gateway to the South.The city is one of the most peaceful and green metropolis of India.Chennai was developed after 1639 when the British East India Company established a fort and trading post here.The city was established in the 17th century by the British, who developed it into a major urban centre and naval base.

From Chennapattinam To Chennai
The name Chennai is derived from Chennapattinam (It was a village acquiried by British from Chennappa Nayaka, a Vijayanagar chieftain),the name of the town that grew up around Fort St.George.Chennaipattinam was a popular trading center for spices and clothes for more than 2000 years. Gradually, the name was shortened to Chennai.

Climatic Conditions in Chennai
The city has an average elevation of 6 metres (20 feet), its highest point being 60 m (200 ft). Chennai has mainly two seasons - Summer and Monsoon.The hottest part of the year is late May and early June.Daytime temperatures in summer range between 38 °C and 42 °C. The coolest part of the year is January, with minimum temperatures around 19–20 °C (66–68 °F). It gets its bountiful rains from the North-east monsoon from October through December.

Chennai As A Commerical Centre
Chennai is a commercial and industrial hub. The city is the home to much of India's automobile industry and is known as "Automobile capital of India".It is second-largest exporter of Software, information technology (IT) and information-technology-enabled services (ITES). Chennai is the center of South India's film industry.Its skyline is ablaze with bright movie billboards advertising the latest celluloid fantasies.

Airports in Chennai
The Chennai city has an international airport and two major domestic terminals.Kamaraj National airport and Anna International Airport are situated at Meenambakkam about 20 kms from city.

Railway Stations
It is well connected to the rest of the country by five national highways and two railway terminals.The Egmore station is the starting point for trains proceeding to destinations within the state as well as trains to neighbouring state Kerala. Chennai Central Station connects chennai with all major cities and towns of India.

Gateway of South India
Chennai is Popularly known as "Gateway to South India". Chennai is located on the Coromandel Coast of the Bay of Bengal with estimated population of 7.5 million (2007). Thirty-five countries have consulates in Chennai. The city is governed by the Corporation of Chennai consisting of a Mayor and councilors. Chennai is spread over an area of 200 square kilometers and is still growing. Chennai is undoubtedly a great tourist destination in the Indian sub continent. The city is a blend of temples, churches, monuments and several other prime destinations. Chennai is also accessible by road from any part of India.