Chennai

Chennai, formerly known as Chennai Madras, serves as the Chennai capital of Tamil Nadu and ranks as the sixth largest city in India. Located at sea level along the Coromandel Coast, this vibrant metropolis houses nearly 11 million people. For those unfamiliar with the Chennai country name, it lies in India and plays a major role in the nation’s southern identity. The modern Chennai city name replaced Madras officially in 1996, yet many locals still use both interchangeably. The city began in 1639 when the British East India Company built Fort St George, the first major English settlement on the Indian subcontinent. Today, the heritage quarter around the fort reflects that colonial past. Beyond history, Chennai stands as the cultural heart of Tamil civilisation. It nurtures Carnatic music and Bharatanatyam dance, and hosts landmarks such as the 7th and 8th century Kapaleeshwarar Temple in Mylapore and the 19th century San Thome Basilica built over the tomb of St Thomas. Marina Beach stretches 13 kilometres along the coast, making it the second longest urban beach in the world. Modern Chennai also drives India’s auto manufacturing industry, earning the nickname Detroit of India, and supports Kollywood, the Tamil film industry. The city’s food culture thrives on Chettinad cuisine, strong filter coffee, and classic tiffin meals at places like Saravana Bhavan, offering a distinctly Tamil culinary identity.