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Chennai

South India's thriving industrial port

The port of Chennai with a thriving global trade in silks, spices and jewels, was a capital over centuries of empires and colonies, and the region around it grew rapidly from a tiny town to the bustling metropolis it is today. Formerly known as Madras, Chennai’s location along the coast offered great opportunities for industries, and like other ports in India, some of the first few industries were set up for textiles. The streets of Chennai evoke a sense of history that is intermingled with its political identity today, the older structures fulfil modern-day administrative roles, and the effect of the port is evident in the industrial and urban development. On the streets of Chennai, it is difficult to tell the difference between the political hoardings and the movie posters – essential elements of the city’s life, as is the variety of rice-based preparations of its rich cuisine.

Recommended Activities

Immersive, thematic activities to explore destinations

Pongal

Celebrate Tamil Nadu's most popular festival

Chennai
Broadway Show: Fort St. George

Discover Chennai's own 18th Century 'broadway'

Chennai
Kalakshetra Dance Centre

Trace the tradition of India's oldest dance form, Bharatnatyam

Chennai
Home cooking experience

Partake a homely cooking lesson & meal

Udaipur , Jaipur , Chennai , Cochin
Margazhi Music Festival

A festival of music, dance, painting, sculpture and architecture

Chennai
Cholamandal Artists Village

An idyllic contemporary artists' village

Chennai
Dakshinchitra Art Museum

Glimpse the art & architecture of South India

Chennai
Mylapore Folklore Trail

Listen to stories behind daily rituals

Chennai
Chennai Sightseeing Circuit

Discover Chennai's historic landmarks

Chennai

Recommended Accommodations

Select, immersive stays across destinations

The Raintree Hotel, Chennai

A great vantage point for culture & commerce

Chennai
Vivanta by Taj – Connemara, Chennai

Reside at Chennai's only heritage hotel with a 120-year-old tradition

Chennai
Leela Palace – Chennai

Chennai's first seafront hotel inspired by the Chettinad dynasty

Chennai

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