hennai, the capital of Tamil Nadu one of the four southern states of South India, is distinctly different from the northern part of India. When you look around--you cannot miss the nine-yard sarees, the ancient temple architecture, the traditional vegetarian fare, and ofcourse the classical music and dance.

You will also be pleasantly surprised at the vivid contrast as the tradition blends smoothly with the modern everywhere, for you can also spot the latest in fashion, the modern high rise buildings, the fast food outlets and discos throbbing to heady beats.

Chennai, previously called Madras, is comparatively a new city, about 350 years old. It was the first major British settlement in India. As a consequence, the city is replete with much that is of significance in British Indian history. But the much older settlements have stories to tell too, they have a recorded historical past, centuries older than Chennai and so the city is an amalgam of ancient and more modern history.

The clear skyline, long sandy beaches, parks and historic landmarks make Chennai a convenient entry point or base to start a tour of Tamil Nadu and further on to the rest of South India. Chennai is the fourth largest city in India and is located on what is popularly called the Coromandel Coast of the Bay of Bengal at its east, while the state of Andhra Pradesh is on its northwest and the states of Kerala and Karnataka on its western side.

As you think of song and dance--it is Chennai you must come to--for the city nay the whole state is vibrant with classical notes. Along with all other natural beauty--these ancient notes still beckon the lover to her shores.

The Madras (Chennai) Music & Dance Season is celebrated during the latter half of December & early part of January. It is a cultural extravaganza that has no parallel anywhere in the world.

Also known as the Margazhi festival, it was started way back in 1927. More than Fifty such festivals are conducted in the city where about a thousand song and dance recitals are held. One can enjoy the recitation of established artists and up - coming artistes who get a chance to exhibit their talents.

Art lovers from various parts of the world visit the city during this season and in nearly all the concerts, there is always a rush for tickets.

This is also the best time to visit Chennai--i.e. the winter season, when it remains cool. Being situated in the tropical zone, Chennai normally has a very hot and humid climate.

One can undertake the south India package tours by road or by train. However you must include the following fascinating destinations in your itinerary for a satisfying and fulfilling holiday.

From Chennai, drive down along the seashore to Mahabalipuram, which consists of ancient rock hewn temples of dravidian style and architecture. And for more of those, do not miss Kanchipuram, 64 kms from Chennai, an ancient city with 1000 temples and 124 shrines.

The magnificent Rock-Fort, with a climb of 434 steps awaits you at Trichy. Sir Robert Clive's house is still there and so is the Danish Church.

At Tanjore, one can see the beautiful Chola temple made of a single granite block using the Egyptian technique of building pyramids. Also at Tanjore you can shop for bronzes and handicraft.

Madurai is the land of the great Meenakshi temple with its towering gopurams rising high above the surrounding countryside.

South India is not all about ancient temples and sculpture. At Periyar National Park, which extends to 777 square kms along the high mountain ranges of the Western Ghats, lies the splendor of wild life which can be enjoyed while cruising on the periyar lake.

Further south, the historical town of Cochin, founded by Vasco de-Gama, is a natural harbour created by the underwater Malabar mud-banks. Here you can see the ancient Jewish Synagogue, Portugese churches and the Chinese Fishing nets.

A drive to Trivandrum is a must, to view the scenic beauty of Kerala, which is lush green and is full of lakes and water. You could also visit Cape Comorin or Kanya Kumari - the southern most part of India.

From there you could go North to Bangalore, India's Silicon Valley. From Bangalore you could go to Belur and Halebid-12 th century temples and master pieces of Hindu art. Then you could travel to Mysore to see the Maharaja palace.

The hill stations of Ooty and Kodaikanal, the French settlement of Pondicherry, the industrial belt of Coimbatore-South India has a lot to offer.

Worldroom: Chennai City Guide

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