Chennai

Situated on the India’s eastern Coromandel Coast, Chennai (formerly Madras) is south India’s biggest, brightest city. The fourth largest of India's cities after Mumbai, Calcutta and Delhi, it was once a bastion of the British Empire: built as a naval base and trading post for the East India Company, the city quickly expanded to become the South’s key administrative centre, and thus the thriving urban hub one finds today. This metropolis is a microcosm of ancient traditions and cultures, co-existing with modern day industry and commerce. It is a fascinating city boasting ancient temples, colonial architecture, hi-tech hubs, sandy beaches, and a marvellous tradition of music and dance. The capital of Tamil culture, and gateway to the South, Chennai demands exploration.