The history of Chennai upholds the development of Chennai from a small fishing village into a lively metropolis and a major southern gateway. Chennai, a 369-year-old city and the capital of Tamil Nadu was previously known as Madras. Being the fourth largest city of India, located on the eastern Coromandel coastal area of the Bay of Bengal and being India’s knowledge center, the city is thickly populated with a population of 7.60 million approximately.

The famous historical facts actually serve the history of Madras, the modern city. The events of southern India, colonialism and the immense growth of Chennai during the 20th century reveal the history of the city. Though world’s 36th largest metropolis existed in the Indian map from times immemorial but the official birth of the metropolis is counted from the time when two merchants named Andrew Cogan and Francis Day from the East India Company established a factory-cum-trading post in 1639.

Chennai originally was a collection of villages, suspended in between paddy fields and enclosed by palm trees. Almost every south Indian dynasty like the Pallavas, the Pandyas, the Cholas and the Vijaynagar dynasty reigned over the city. A settlement was established so as to serve the control center which was concluded on St George`s Day on 23 Apr., 1640 and was named St. George`s Fort. The native town, officially recognized as the George Town, consisted of numerous populated lanes, each dealt in unique trade and served the British residents.

The Kapalesvara Temple, Parthasarathi Temple and Pallava Port of 7th century prove the vivacious age-long existence of the city. In 1746, French took over the control of the city and the St. George`s Fort by raiding the town along with the villages in proximity though the British Government succeeded in retrieving it back in 1749. The Treaty of Aix-la-Chappell attributed to achievement. Post this event, the area was fortified in such a manner that no pirate re-captured it and the Madras Presidency was founded by the 18th century once the region of Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka were mostly triumphed over.

The British rule has got a significant contribution in the history of Chennai since, during their rule, the city observed some prominent changes like improved naval base, introduction of railways which well-connected Chennai with other major Indian cities like Kolkata, Mumbai etc. in the later part of the 19th century. The simplified accessibility of the city donated to the advancement of trade and communication thus, linking it with the neighborhood. One of the most important events included in the history of Chennai is that this was the one and only Indian city which was hit in the World War.

During Indian Independence in 1947, Chennai was declared to be the capital of Tamil Nadu. The city of Madras was renamed as Chennai by the Government of Tamil Nadu in 1997. However, the thorough history of Chennai highlights the colonial rule to be responsible for the commercial expansion of the city. Even till date, the apex point of the State Government is housed in the St. George Fort while most of the significant business headquarters are operating from George Town.

Of all the cities in India, Chennai leads in the number of organ donations due to increased public awareness. This city tops in voluntary organ donation, and there are large number people who had accepted to donate organs from their brain dead loved ones. There were many cases where the donated organ is transported to a hospital in other part of the city during peak hour’s traffic in a record time. Thanks to the humanity and the spirit of Chennaites who support this. Over the recent times, Chennai has become the natural destination for people seeking organ donation.

In a westernizing India, Chennai is very traditional and culturally very strong city. It is the only Metropolitan city which still houses many cultural centers for traditional Carnatic music, dance academy like Kalakshetra for Bharata Natyam, centers for literature, a dedicated library for Tamil language, etc. This city celebrates many cultural festivals like Marghazhi utsavam or Madras Music Season, Chennai Sangamam, etc. People here widely follow the old Tamil culture and traditions. You can commonly find ladies wearing tradional Pattu pudavai (Silk Saree) with Malligai poo (Jasmine flower) and men’s wearing dhotis.

Chennai is for sure the safest of all metros in India. There are very few or no untoward major incidents happened till now (touch wood!). It is a safe city for Females and People here respect women most. There is a strong belief that Chennai is not friendly to outsiders but it is actually not. On a bigger note, it is the only city which allows an outsider to become a celebrity, a Business owner, a CM, a leader, etc. Remember the famous saying “Vandharai Vazha Vaikkum Thamzihagam” meaning “Place that will allow anyone to prosper”.

This is one of most important and unique fact where the city and the people love their native language Tamil so much. But it does not mean that the people here hates other language or the people who speaks other language, the people here only disapproves anything that could offend their mother tongue. Tamil language has long history and it is one of oldest language in practice with vast literature and grammar, People here recognize it and have immense love and attachment towards their language. It is probably the only city in India which still speaks its native language even after Hindi dominations after Independence.

Chennai has many famous historical spots and temples in and around the city. This city houses some of famous temples like Vadapalani Murugan Temple, Kapaleeshwarar Temple, Parthasarathy Temple, Thiruneermalai Vishnu Temple and many more. Kanchipuram, an ancient town with many famous temple is very near to Chennai. Churches like St.Thomas Mount church, Santhome Basilica Church are inside the city limit. There are also many other historical monuments like St.George Fort, Karl Schmidt Memorial, etc. present in the city.

Shopping in Chennai is very special since there are variety of options for every class of people. From malls to street side vendors, traditional shopping to new age shopping on Malls, the options are abundant for both varieties and budget. There are wholesale markets at Parry’s Corner where you have a dedicated street for everything you need. The city’s oldest markets like Burma Bazaar, Zam Bazaar, Moore Market, South-Asia’s oldest mall Spencer Plaza are still active.

Unlike other metros with only multinational branded retails, Chennai has its own retail chains like Saravana Stores, Pothys who truly understand local needs. This city has large number of Jewellery showrooms, silks, handicrafts and many more things that you want to buy.

Chennai is a coastal city with lots of beautiful beaches within the city limit. The availability of Beaches gives a wonderful and affordable getaway option for every class of people who visits and lives in Chennai. Marina Beach, the world’s second largest urban beach is here. Some of the famous Beaches in Chennai are Marina Beach, Besant Nagar Beach, Thiruvanmiyur Beach, Covelong (Kovalam) Beach, etc.

Chennai has many restaurants and hotels that serves typical South Indian dishes. South Indian Cuisine include tradional Tamil cuisine, Chettinadu, Andhra, Kerala and Karnataka cuisine. There are many star hotels, street food corners, Burmese food corners, chain of restaurants for authentic foods, etc. There are many varieties of South Indian dishes cooked differently in different cuisine. Some of the mouthwatering dishes are Idli, Dosa, Vada, many varieties of Biryanis, filter coffee, etc.

Mahabalipuram, the ancient Pallava kingdom town is very near to Chennai. This place houses the UNESCO recognized monuments constructed by King Pallavas between 3rd and 8th century AD. The monuments to visit in Mahabalipuram are Five Rathas, Shore Temple, Hill side caves, Watch towers and Tiger cave.

ECR Road or East Coast Road is a scenic road that connects Pondicherry and it runs parallel to Bay of Bengal Coast. Along this road, there are many scenic spots, beach resorts and historical places for a perfect getaway with family. A weekend drive to Pondicherry in this road is very famous in Chennai.