Chennai, formerly called Madras, is the biggest metropolitan city of South India. Chennai has very ancient European and Christian connections. St. Thomas arrived here from Palestine in 52 AD. Santhome Cathedral commemorates his visit. It has a rich cultural heritage that is a blend of traditional South India and legacy of the British Raj. Marina Beach, 13 kms long, is world’s second longest beach. Near Chennai is Kalakshetra, a colony founded by Rukimini Devi for promotion of art. Here, you can have a look at sculptors, painters & artists engrossed in their creations and buy their exhibits. The Fort of St. George bult by Sir Day was the first place of real estate built by the British in India. Now it houses the Tamil Nadu Government Secretariat. Theosophical society founded by Madam Blatvasky moved its headquarters from New York to Chennai in 1882.

Tourist Attractions
Kodaikanal is the most famous hill station of South India falling in Tamil Nadu. It is nestled in the rich flora of Neelgiri Hills and has the famous Kodaikanal lake. Covelong offers an exotic experience with famous beaches, fortresses, churches just a few miles away from Chennai. 44 Kms from Chennai is the famous crocodile breeding farm of India.