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A tour of Chennai will prove fascinating for any visitor, for the capital of Tamil Nadu is a vibrant metropolis. With beaches, historic monuments and temples to snake parks, a choice of the finest hand-woven textiles in silk and cotton, spicy south Indian cuisine, strong filter coffee, Chennai is a historic city turning increasingly cosmopolitan. Some of the places to visit in Chennai are:
Marina Beach: Stretching over 13 kilometers this popular beach is the second longest beach in Asia.
Fort St George: Built by the British East India Company in 1653 this fort houses St Mary's Church, the first British Church in Chennai and has a museum with a collection of British and French historical artifacts. It is currently used as the State Secretariat or seat of local government.
St Thomas Mount: One of Christ's disciples, St Thomas is believed to have visited India between 52 and 72 AD. He is believed to have died in the area called St Thomas Mount. The Portuguese built the Luz and Descanco churches. There are several churches and a museum to be seen on St Thomas Mount.
Theosophical Society: The serene setting of this institution in Adyar, spread out over 100 green acres, makes it a popular spot for visitors. It is also famous for the large Banyan tree in its grounds. This banyan is over 200 years old and its branches and aerial roots spread out over a large circumference.
Kalakshetra: Smt Rukmini Devi Arundale founded this cultural institution of international repute in 1936 as a cultural academy for the preservation of traditional values in Indian art, especially in the field of dance and music. Performances of the classical arts can be seen here throughout the year.
Guindy National Park and Snake Park: A unique institution, this centre is renowned for the study and preservation of snakes and other reptiles.
Parthasarthi Temple: Built in the 8th century B.C. by the Pallava Dynasty and dedicated to Lord Krishna, this temple was renovated in the 16th century by the Vijayanagara dynasty and continues to be in active use today.
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