Chennai, which means ‘small’ in the native language, is one of the largest metropolitan cities in India and also the capital of Tamil Nadu. The city truly represents the Dravidian culture and legacy. Famous for its temples, coconut fringes and silk saris - it has a number of tourist places for the visitor. The pristine beaches and the forts and palaces in Chennai recapitulate the memories of the bygone era before the tourists.

The Marina beach covering an area of 13 kms is the second longest beach in Asia. The St. George Forte built in 1653 by the British East India Company is another landmark in Chennai. The fort also houses a museum with a variety of British and French antiques and the St. Mary's Church, the first English church in Chennai. One of the many old temples of Chennai is the Parthasarthi temple dedicated to Lord Krishna. Built in the 8th century BC by the Pallavas, the temple was renovated in the 16th century by the Vijaynagar kings. Guindy National Park and Snake Park near the Guindy station have a variety of snake species.

Kapaleeswarar Temple, the oldest temple of Chennai, is dedicated to Lord Shiva, a living testimony of the architectural skills of the Dravidian people of the 13th century. Santhome Cathedral, the Birla Planetarium, Elliot Beach, Valluvar Kottam, National Art and Government Museum, Anna Zoological Park, Kalakshetra and the Theosophical Society are some of the other tourist places. On the outskirts of Chennai, one can visit Mahabalipuram, crocodile bank, Muttukkadu, Thirukkalukundram, Vedathangal bird sanctuary, etc.

Chennai also celebrates a number of festivals on the occasion of agricultural activities. The date of the festival is fixed according to the position of the stars and planets. Pongal, celebrated in the month of January, is the most important festival of Chennai. Being a cosmopolitan city, almost all the religious festivals are celebrated with a religious fervour.