Things to Know About Chennai: Capital of Tamil Nadu

Last updated on January 8, 2023

Chennai, also known as Madras, is the capital of the Indian state of Tamil Nadu and is known for its rich culture and traditions. The Indian state of Tamil Nadu emerged as the most popular tourist destination in India.

The city has a diverse population, with people belonging to different religions, castes, and linguistic groups.

Chennai is known for its traditional South Indian music and dance forms, such as Carnatic music and Bharatanatyam. It is also known for its classical Tamil literature, which has a long and rich history dating back to the Sangam period (300 BCE to 300 CE).

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More About Chennai

Tamil, the official language of Tamil Nadu, is spoken widely in Chennai and is known for its distinctive and complex grammar.

Chennai is home to a number of important cultural institutions, such as the Kalakshetra Foundation, which promotes traditional Indian arts, and the Government Museum, which houses a collection of art, archaeology, and natural history exhibits.

The city is also known for its vibrant festivals, such as Pongal (a harvest festival), Diwali (the festival of lights), and Ganesh Chaturthi (a festival celebrating the birth of the Hindu god Ganesha).

In terms of cuisine, Chennai is known for its South Indian dishes, such as idli (a type of steamed rice cake), dosa (a type of crepe), and sambar (a lentil-based stew). Tamil Nadu is also known for its filter coffee, which is a popular beverage in the state.

Top Things to Do in Chennai

Chennai is the capital city of the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. It is a major cultural, economic, and educational center in South India, and is known for its historical landmarks and temples.

Some popular tourist attractions in Chennai include:

1. Marina Beach: A 12 km long natural urban beach along the Bay of Bengal. It is the second-longest beach in the world.
2. Kapaleeshwarar Temple: A temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, located in the neighborhood of Mylapore. It is known for its vibrant festivals and stunning architecture.
3. Fort St. George: A historical fort built by the British in the 17th century. It now houses the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly and other government offices.
4. Guindy National Park: A protected area located within the city limits, home to a variety of flora and fauna, including blackbucks, spotted deers, and jackals.
5. Valluvar Kottam: A memorial dedicated to the classical Tamil poet and philosopher, Tiruvalluvar. It features a chariot-shaped auditorium and a life-size statue of the poet.
6. Chennai Snake Park: A park dedicated to the conservation and study of snakes and other reptiles. It is home to a wide variety of snake species and also houses a snake venom-extracting unit.
7. San Thome Basilica: A Roman Catholic basilica built over the tomb of St. Thomas, one of the twelve apostles of Jesus. It is a popular place of pilgrimage for Catholics.
8. Government Museum: A museum housing a collection of art, archaeology, and natural history exhibits. It is one of the oldest museums in India.
9. Kalakshetra: A center for the preservation and promotion of traditional Indian arts, such as Bharatanatyam (a classical dance form) and Carnatic music.

I hope this gives you a good overview of the tourist attractions in Chennai. Let me know if you have any other questions.

Chennai GDP

The Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of a city or region is a measure of the value of all goods and services produced in that area.

According to the latest available data, the GDP of Chennai was estimated to be around $78 billion in 2018, making it one of the major economic hubs in India.

The economy of Chennai is diverse and includes a mix of industries, such as manufacturing, information technology (IT), automobile, healthcare, and financial services. If you want to start a new business in Chennai, you must get your Indian business visa.

The city is home to a number of large companies, including Tata Consultancy Services, Cognizant, Ford, and Hyundai, as well as many small and medium enterprises (SMEs).

Chennai is also a major center for research and development in India, with several research and development (R&D) centers and institutes located in the city.

It is home to the Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras), one of the premier technical institutes in the country, as well as the Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Chennai, which is a top business school.

Chennai Infrastructure

Chennai is known for its well-developed infrastructure. The city has an extensive network of roads, including national highways and state highways, as well as a well-developed public transport system.

The Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority (CMDA) is responsible for the planning and development of the city’s infrastructure.

The CMDA has implemented several infrastructure projects in recent years, including the construction of flyovers, underpasses, and grade separators to ease traffic congestion, as well as the development of mass rapid transit systems such as the Chennai Metro and the Chennai MRTS (Mass Rapid Transit System).

Chennai also has a well-developed water supply and sewage system, managed by the Chennai Metropolitan Water Supply and Sewerage Board (CMWSSB). The city gets its water from various sources, including reservoirs, lakes, and rivers.

In terms of energy, Chennai is served by the Tamil Nadu Electricity Board (TNEB), which is responsible for the generation, transmission, and distribution of electricity in the state.

The city also has a number of power plants, including thermal power plants and wind farms, which generate electricity.

Chennai has a well-developed healthcare infrastructure, with a number of government and private hospitals and clinics providing healthcare services to the city’s residents. The city is also home to several medical colleges and research institutes.