Central Railway Station Chennai
To reach there, one can easily board bus or local train and get down @ PARX Station and then walk to the Central Station .and if u have luggage , u can hire @portetr @ not more than Rs 75/- for 4 luggage.
Try bargaining with porters.
Chennai Central Railway Station in Chennai is the home to the Southern Railways and the most important rail hub in South India. Trains from here connect the city to other states of India, while trains to other parts of Tamil Nadu (excluding Coimbatore and Salem) are catered to by the Chennai Egmore station. Chennai Central is the main hub for the Chennai suburban railway. The building of the railway station, one of the landmarks of Chennai, was designed by the famous architect Henry Irwin.
This station is also noted for a whole range of amenities available within the premises. The station has book-shops, restaurants, accommodation, Internet browsing centers and even an essential commodities shopping mall. This station is completely Wi-Fi enabled. Recently, in 2005, the buildings were painted to a creamy yellow color, but concurring with the views of a campaign by citizens of Chennai and also to retain the old nostalgic charm, they were painted back to their original brick-red color, which was how the buildings were built originally.
Chennai Central serves as a symbolic landmark for people in South India as this served as the main gateway for all people who travelled to South India during British times. Chennai Central has been greatly instrumental in earning Chennai the famous sobriquet "Gateway of the South
Friday, August 1, 2008
Chennai Mofussil Bis Terminus
The Chennai Mofussil Bus Terminus or CMBT is a bus terminal in Chennai, India catering outstation buses.
Spread over an area of 37 acre in Koyambedu, this is the largest bus terminus in Asia[1] and is accredited with the ISO 9001:2000 quality certification.[1]
The CMBT foudation stone laid by Chief Minister (1996-2001) Dr.M.Karunanidhi. The CMBT was planned and built by the Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority at a cost of Rs 103 crore[2] and inaugurated on 18 November 2002 by then Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu Dr.J.Jayalalitha.[3]
It can simultaneously station 270 buses and handle over 2 thousand buses and 2 lakh passengers a day.[2] The 36.5 acre bus terminus has an 18,000 sq ft waiting facility for passengers, a 25,000 sq ft (2,300 m²) parking space for auto rickshaws, cabs and private cars, and 16,000 sq ft (1,500 m²) parking space for two-wheelers.[2]
Spread over an area of 37 acre in Koyambedu, this is the largest bus terminus in Asia[1] and is accredited with the ISO 9001:2000 quality certification.[1]
The CMBT foudation stone laid by Chief Minister (1996-2001) Dr.M.Karunanidhi. The CMBT was planned and built by the Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority at a cost of Rs 103 crore[2] and inaugurated on 18 November 2002 by then Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu Dr.J.Jayalalitha.[3]
It can simultaneously station 270 buses and handle over 2 thousand buses and 2 lakh passengers a day.[2] The 36.5 acre bus terminus has an 18,000 sq ft waiting facility for passengers, a 25,000 sq ft (2,300 m²) parking space for auto rickshaws, cabs and private cars, and 16,000 sq ft (1,500 m²) parking space for two-wheelers.[2]
Picnic Spots
V.G.P Golden Beach ResortThis is a very skillfully planned beach resort geared to entertain the visitor with sculptured vignettes from the past folk dances and ethnic food cuisine. There is an entertainment arcade for children and for adults. There are folk dance performances apart from an Art Centre which sells handicrafts and articles made out of sea shells. The beach is clean and ideal for sun-bathing.
Vandalur
The sprawling 1,265 - acres the Anna Zoological Park at Vandalur is the biggest in South Asia and has a rich variety of different species of mammals, reptiles and birds. The enclosures for the animals are located in natural surroundings with vast areas for the animals to move freely.
Kanchipuram (75 kms.)
One of India's seven great mythologically famous Hindu cities, Kancheepuram has a plethora of temples, each one unique in its own way. Besides being the Golden City of temples, Kancheepuram has for over four centuries, been famous for its weavers who till today weave sarees using the best quality silk and pure gold thread. It has been the centre of culture and learning and Adhi Shankaracharya, one of the famous Gurus of India has established his ashram (Kamakoti Peetam) here. More Info
Mamallapuram (58 kms.)
Built in the 7th century, this ancient Pallava port is the site of several antique sculptural marvels. The only remaining shore temple is a spectacular two-spired shrine which is unique in that it houses shrines for Vishnu and Shiva.The Pallavas had perfected the art of sculpting rocks to build temples without using brick, mortar or timber and the five monolith Raths (chariots) stand as the surviving masterpieces of Pallava sculpture. Arjuna's penance is the world's largest bas relief measuring 27m by 9m. This sculptural panel shows animals, Gods and Angels contemplating the descent of the Ganges from it's source in the Himalayas and also depicts popular fables from the Panchatantra. Besides these, the Mahishamardhini Cave, the Krishna Mandapam and Varsha Mandapam also have beautiful reliefs depicting Vishnu reclining on the coils of seven headed serpent, Krishna as incarnation of Vishnu lifting mount Goverdhana to protect his kinsman from the wrath of Indra respectively. More Info
Vedanthangal (85 kms.)
Vedanthangal is one of the largest bird sancturies in India. It is a marshy, 30 hectare park with lake visited by over 1,00,000 migratory birds every year. The majority of these birds can be seen between November and February. The variety of birds include Herons, Darters, Spoonbills, Pelicans, Sandpipers, White Ibis, Cormorants,Blue winged teals and Swans.
Crocodile Bank (44 kms.)Several species of Indian and African crocodiles and alligators bred in captivity are kept here in open pools. Visitors can view the reptiles from close but safe proximity. There is also a small snake farm here that conducts demonstrations of venom extraction.
Muttukadu (36 kms)
The backwaters of Muttukadu have been developed by the Tamilnadu Tourism Development Corporation to serve as a scenic picnic spot and a centre for watersports. In February every year, a windsurfing regatta is organised in Muttukadu. Competitions in windsurfing and other watersports are also held. Training and demonstration programmes are held for youth.
Covelong (48kms) The remains of the Fort have now been converted into a luxury beach resort which offers facilities for windsurfing and swimming. An ancient Catholic Church, a mosque and the ruins of the Fort make interesting viewing from this 5 Star hotel.
Vandalur
The sprawling 1,265 - acres the Anna Zoological Park at Vandalur is the biggest in South Asia and has a rich variety of different species of mammals, reptiles and birds. The enclosures for the animals are located in natural surroundings with vast areas for the animals to move freely.
Kanchipuram (75 kms.)
One of India's seven great mythologically famous Hindu cities, Kancheepuram has a plethora of temples, each one unique in its own way. Besides being the Golden City of temples, Kancheepuram has for over four centuries, been famous for its weavers who till today weave sarees using the best quality silk and pure gold thread. It has been the centre of culture and learning and Adhi Shankaracharya, one of the famous Gurus of India has established his ashram (Kamakoti Peetam) here. More Info
Mamallapuram (58 kms.)
Built in the 7th century, this ancient Pallava port is the site of several antique sculptural marvels. The only remaining shore temple is a spectacular two-spired shrine which is unique in that it houses shrines for Vishnu and Shiva.The Pallavas had perfected the art of sculpting rocks to build temples without using brick, mortar or timber and the five monolith Raths (chariots) stand as the surviving masterpieces of Pallava sculpture. Arjuna's penance is the world's largest bas relief measuring 27m by 9m. This sculptural panel shows animals, Gods and Angels contemplating the descent of the Ganges from it's source in the Himalayas and also depicts popular fables from the Panchatantra. Besides these, the Mahishamardhini Cave, the Krishna Mandapam and Varsha Mandapam also have beautiful reliefs depicting Vishnu reclining on the coils of seven headed serpent, Krishna as incarnation of Vishnu lifting mount Goverdhana to protect his kinsman from the wrath of Indra respectively. More Info
Vedanthangal (85 kms.)
Vedanthangal is one of the largest bird sancturies in India. It is a marshy, 30 hectare park with lake visited by over 1,00,000 migratory birds every year. The majority of these birds can be seen between November and February. The variety of birds include Herons, Darters, Spoonbills, Pelicans, Sandpipers, White Ibis, Cormorants,Blue winged teals and Swans.
Crocodile Bank (44 kms.)Several species of Indian and African crocodiles and alligators bred in captivity are kept here in open pools. Visitors can view the reptiles from close but safe proximity. There is also a small snake farm here that conducts demonstrations of venom extraction.
Muttukadu (36 kms)
The backwaters of Muttukadu have been developed by the Tamilnadu Tourism Development Corporation to serve as a scenic picnic spot and a centre for watersports. In February every year, a windsurfing regatta is organised in Muttukadu. Competitions in windsurfing and other watersports are also held. Training and demonstration programmes are held for youth.
Covelong (48kms) The remains of the Fort have now been converted into a luxury beach resort which offers facilities for windsurfing and swimming. An ancient Catholic Church, a mosque and the ruins of the Fort make interesting viewing from this 5 Star hotel.
Valluval Kottam
The standing memorial to immortal Tamil Poet-Saint Thiruvalluvar is shaped like a temple chariot and is, in fact, the replica of the temple chariot in Thiruvarur. A life-size statue of the saint has been installed in the chariot which is 33m. tall. The 133 chapters of his famous work Thirukkural have been depicted in bas-relief in the front hall corridors of the chariot. The auditorium at Valluvar Kottam is said to be the largest in Asia and can accommodate about 4000 people.
Brila Planetarium
The Birla Planetarium at Kotturpuram, between Adyar and Guindy, is the most modern planetarium in the country. Adjoining the planetarium is a Periyar Science and Technology Museum which will be of interest to students and other science scholars.
MGR FILM CITY
MGR Film City Set up by the Government of Tamil Nadu in the sprawling Tharamani area, MGR Film city houses various locations and settings for film-shooting besides dubbing and re-recording theatres. The software city is coming up nearby.
Guindy National Park
The Deer Park 595 acres in extent, situated adjacent to Raj Bhavan was originally a part of the Governor's Estate. Now it is fragmented and the major part is a thickly forested game sanctuary where the spotted dear and the black buck roam about and a wealth of smaller fauna thrive. This is the country's only Wild Life Sanctuary within a city's limits. Raj Bhavan, the Governor's mansion, occupies one end of the park, and at the other is the beautiful forest-girt campus of Chennai's famous Indian Institute of Technology, one of Asia's foremost technical educational institutions. In between, and edging the road, are a famous Cancer Institute, a Children's Park with its own mini zoo and mini-railway, a Snake Park, rich in reptiles, and Memorials to Gandhiji, Rajaji, the first Indian Governor-General, and Kamaraj, a great national leader. Latest addition to this array of memorials is that of Bakthavatchalam, former Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu. Opposite the park are the Anna University of Technology, whose nucleous was the oldest technical school in the East, and the Central Leather Research Institute. To the east of the Park as well as at the back of it sprawls the campus of the Central Institute of Technology. Not far way is one of the country's finest Race-courses
San Thome Cathedral Basilica
San Thome at the southern end of Marina derives its name from St Thomas, the apostle of Christ who is believed to have come to Madras sometime during 52 AD. He was killed on St Thomas Mount just outside the city in 78 AD. and was interned in San Thome beach where a church was later built. Several years later, another church was built further inland and his mortal remains were transferred from the old church to the new one. In 1606 the church was rebuilt as a cathedral and in 1896 it was made a basilica. The beautiful stained glass window at the basilica portrays the story of St Thomas and the central hall has 14 wooden plaques depicting scenes from the last days of Christ. In the cathedral is a 3ft. high statue of Virgin Mary which is believed to have been brought from Portugal in 1543.
Marina Beach
Marina Beach, the pride of Chennai is the second longest beach in the World and has a wide sandy foreshore. Situated on the beach, the Anna and MGR Samadhis which are memorials of the most popular former Chief Ministers of the State attract good crowd everyday. An aquarium is also located on the Marina Beach. Some of the most beautiful buildings in Chennai such as the University of Chennai, Senate House, Chepauk Palace, Presidency College, and Ice House are located on this beach drive.
Easily reachable by local train @ BEACH STATION or LIGHT HOUSE STATION
Easily reachable by local train @ BEACH STATION or LIGHT HOUSE STATION
Kapaleswarar Temple
Situated inMylapore , this is an 8th Century Pallava temple.The temple 'Gopuram' (tower) is in the characteristic Dravidian style of architecture. Dedicated to Lord Siva, the temple has some beautiful sculptures , among which the bronze idols of 63 Saivaite Saints (Nayanmars) which adorn the outer courtyard are rare specimens.Also in the courtyard under the old Punnai tree is a small shrine depicting Goddess Parvathi in the form of a peacock ('MAYIL') worshipping Lord Siva.
PLACES OF INTEREST IN CHENNAI
MUSEUM
The Pantheon Complex was built before 1789 and was a place of assemblage for the British till it was bought by the Government in 1830. Later, several new buildings were added to it. Today, this complex houses the Government Museum, the National Art Gallery and the Connemara Public Library.The museum was established in 1857 and has the country's best collection of South Indian bronzes, both ancient and modern, among which the beautiful bronze icons
of Nataraja, Rama, Sita, Lakshmana and Hanuman are worth mentioning. The museum also has geology and anthropology sections. The Amaravathy Gallery contains rare second century marble sculptures which depict important events in the life of Gautama Buddha. The sculptures were unearthed from the Buddhist ruins at Amaravathi.
The National Art Gallery exhibits serveral beautiful paintings, which include 16th and 18th century ones from Rajasthan, the Mughal period and 17th Century Deccani art. There are display of bronzes from the 10th and 13th centuries and Indian handicrafts from the 11th and 12th centuries.
The Pantheon Complex was built before 1789 and was a place of assemblage for the British till it was bought by the Government in 1830. Later, several new buildings were added to it. Today, this complex houses the Government Museum, the National Art Gallery and the Connemara Public Library.The museum was established in 1857 and has the country's best collection of South Indian bronzes, both ancient and modern, among which the beautiful bronze icons
of Nataraja, Rama, Sita, Lakshmana and Hanuman are worth mentioning. The museum also has geology and anthropology sections. The Amaravathy Gallery contains rare second century marble sculptures which depict important events in the life of Gautama Buddha. The sculptures were unearthed from the Buddhist ruins at Amaravathi.
The National Art Gallery exhibits serveral beautiful paintings, which include 16th and 18th century ones from Rajasthan, the Mughal period and 17th Century Deccani art. There are display of bronzes from the 10th and 13th centuries and Indian handicrafts from the 11th and 12th centuries.
History Of Chennai
Chennai, widely known as Madras till 1996 ,has a rich tradition and civilisation with a blend of the old, and the new, vibrating ceaselessly to keep pace with the rest of India, as the buoyant metropolis of the third most industrialised State.
People in Chennai are deep rooted in their cultural moorings and traditions, even though modernity has its own impact. Chennai is airy, spacious with verdant green patches and beaches.
With a population of about six million, Chennai is the fourth largest city in India. It has played a notable role in deciding the political destiny of India on many an occasion. Chennai has regained its pride of place in the automobile industry as the 'Detroit of the South'. Days are not far away when Chennai may be a 'Silicon City' with high-technological knowledge in software. Maybe that real India, in her pristine cultural warp and beauty as detailed in history, still lives in Chennai.
A visit to Chennai to see the graceful people of glorious land will surely help the visitor to carry home this imprint of Indian heritage.
People in Chennai are deep rooted in their cultural moorings and traditions, even though modernity has its own impact. Chennai is airy, spacious with verdant green patches and beaches.
With a population of about six million, Chennai is the fourth largest city in India. It has played a notable role in deciding the political destiny of India on many an occasion. Chennai has regained its pride of place in the automobile industry as the 'Detroit of the South'. Days are not far away when Chennai may be a 'Silicon City' with high-technological knowledge in software. Maybe that real India, in her pristine cultural warp and beauty as detailed in history, still lives in Chennai.
A visit to Chennai to see the graceful people of glorious land will surely help the visitor to carry home this imprint of Indian heritage.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)