Chennai in India
The glory of the hot southern resort earned a major Indian city of Chennai (formerly – Madras, taken by the British and abolished in the mid-nineties by local authorities). In this corner of paradise opt most of the tourists who do not represent their holidays without the sea and the beach. This contributes to the tropical climate. The summer is very warm and humid, and temperatures often exceed 40 degrees Celsius mark.
The history of the city dates back several thousand years. Since time immemorial former small village famous for its fishing and trade developed Rybolovlev. This feature allows the merchant path is through Madras been laid to form it as a large shopping center. The first European to set foot in the city in the middle of XVI century. These were the Portuguese traveler, followed by the British colonialists arrived who had their views and plans for the future of Madras.
Their efforts have been put into operation many companies involved in the main types of heavy industry. Since then, enough time has passed, Madras changed his name to Chennai, has greatly expanded its borders and has become an important industrial and tourist attraction. During the reign of the European colonizers, the city several times alternately passed from hand to hand. Particularly active and tochilas fierce struggle between the French and British troops. Last who conquered the city, were British, and dominating here until the complete liberation of India from colonial influence.
In a short period of time in the twentieth century, Chennai has expanded its territory several times, adding to himself several suburbs and surrounding villages. In place of the small village grew impressive for its size metropolis. This city is a vivid example of an amazing combination of ancient culture with the progressive trends of today. The proof of this – dilapidated huts and shacks centuries ago, bordering modernistic building large trading companies, universities, libraries, supermarkets and nightlife.
Chennai has an extremely rich and informative story. During the period of existence of the ancestors of centuries of local residents were left many objects worthy of the attention of wider society. Among the main assets include a few:
The most revered residents Memorial victory. The monument was erected in memory of those killed in the two world wars of the twentieth century. Those interested can place flowers in homage to the fallen. In teaching is very interesting museum exhibits Chennai exhibited here, ancient tools and old weapons – the result of many archaeological and historical research. All items are divided into the Stone, iron, bronze and other centuries. The museum’s collection contains rare sculptures and paintings by local and international artists.
Broaden my horizons in the field of culture is possible and in the National Gallery of Art. Gallery, a place which had to first take a victory memorial, now is crashing one of the largest museums of painting and the city, and contains pictures of the creators of the era of Mongol rule and samples of craft business.
The fortress of Sao Jorge is stationed another interesting museum – the Museum of the East India Trading Company. All rooms and halls are decorated in the style of the time when the organization is based. In the interior objects can overlook direct similarities with the original furniture and household appliances. The libraries are different patterns of business documents and agreements concluded by sales representatives.
Widely known in certain circles of the building has the Theosophical Society, which was founded in the late nineteenth century on the outskirts of the city. However, over time, resulting in extending the rapidly burgeoning cities, the museum moved from the vicinity of a sudden in the central region. The building itself is a unique library containing tens of thousands of books. The most outlandish of them have pages made from the leaves and made out of tree bark. In the vicinity of Chennai are famous at home and abroad Architectural Museum. This is another miracle of the city and a unique object for knowledge. As exhibits are home of the ancient Hindus, brought here disassembled and re-erected. Here are shown the home of peasants, workers, artisans, fishermen and merchants. True unpleasant fact for tourists will be the fact that the price of tickets rather large even by international standards. Nevertheless, the impression from what you see in the museum will justify the money spent.
A very famous landmark is the courthouse. Constructed in the late nineteenth century, has a chic design with eye pleasing architecture. The interior of the building used by a variety of murals and stained glass windows. Indoor facilities should be located an additional beacon. But the plans were only plans and idea was not implemented. Chennai has a lot of temples, churches and mosques. Among which the most famous Cathedral of St. Thomas. Gained its fame as one of the first Catholic churches in India. The temple was built in the beginning of XVI century. However, lack of church members quickly led to decadence.
Very popular among the tourists is the Karaplisvarar. There is much debate and tension over the issue of the church. Some historians says that Karaplisvarar was built thousands of years ago, taking into account the image depicted on the walls and pictures of the ancient god Shiva. On the other hand, they oppose the opinion of scientists and architects who are relying on the research of the building, talking about quite a different age – no more than three hundred years. However, this does not prevent the Temple Karaplisvarar annually receive thousands of pilgrims from all over the world. Separate stories describe Church Luz.
Some believe that the temple was built by sailors from the European continent on the spot of light seen during a storm, as a symbol of salvation. Since then, the church bears the name “Luz”, which means “light”. The best place to stroll the gardens become a local Garden Society. This reserve of flora occupy a considerable area of several hectares, and boasts rare species of flowers, trees and shrubs also grow in the park a few copies of ancient trees. Sea experience will stay with you after a visit to the Snake Park. In a small reserve collection of the most interesting species of reptiles from all over the world. Is coming to visit the family, the little children come to the special delight of the sight.
Children also love to Dizzy Waldo is the amusement park. The park is located on the outskirts of Chennai and attracts hundreds of tourists daily small. In Chennai is one of the most lingering beaches in the world – Marina Beach. In the regions beaches comfortably accommodated hotels and hotels, entertainment centers and casinos. In the sands of compact hundreds of souvenir stalls crammed with loud barkers sellers.
Along the coastline has consistently scurrying fishmongers, seafood and typical oriental sweets. Marina Beach – it is also a unique blend of resort area with the huge crowds of tourists and official buildings, which are located in close proximity to the beach. Not far from the beach loungers adorn the Senate building and Madraskogo University. In the streets you can still see a lot of bikes and sidecars. This is due to hot climatic conditions and long-time love of the Hindus to such types of two-wheeled transport.
By the way, pedicabs and presently maintained their popularity. Services of these carts are happy to use local residents and tourists. Sometimes wheelchairs can be large and can accommodate up to 5 clients, which allows the carrier extra money. As for the internal peace of the city, here has its pluses and minuses. One of the major advantages – the predominant proportion (about 40% of the total) in the manufacture of cars. On volumes of cars Chennai is the first in India. An important event for the city – a public annual tennis tournament, which takes part the most famous tennis stars.
Profit from attending events and live broadcasts constitute a significant contribution to the city treasury. The local authorities have serious problems with acute standing question of poverty. Almost a quarter of the local population lives below the average citizen. This explains the large number of slums and poor areas in the vicinity and the suburbs. Also, not that the remaining tasks for operation of urban housing. Due to the lack of multi-storey buildings, the boundaries are constantly expanding Chennai pressure owners of private homes being built. The next obvious drawback is the virtual absence of environmentally friendly.
All water bodies located in the urban area is very dirty and have no use for the water economy. That small amount of fresh water lakes, whose waters are used the local water survey company, can not fully meet the requests of the huge city. Over the last century were made desperate attempts to address this problem by creating artificial channels and raising the dam. The first dam was built on one of the local rivers British engineer, and it would seem, water supply issue was resolved. However, the needs of the fast growing cities grew along with it. Soon, the water issue has arisen again and even more acute. Date back a number of efforts to address the shortage of water resources. But it was in vain.
Making general conclusions about this, of course, attractive in many ways, the city, it can be said that a person who wants to learn the culture of India, its history, see informative attractions, as well as the realities of life will find the necessary information.
Going to Chennai, do not forget that this city a long history and established specific traditions. Therefore, before sending here should read a particular cognitive literature on this site, or consult a travel agent or representative of the company in which you buy a ticket. Should not rely solely on information from advertising leaflets, as it is often not the case. And of course, relaxing at the resort, it is important to remember the insidious manifestations of the local climate. Because of the coast-wind always feels hot rays of the sun.
However, their excessive influence can cause serious damage to your health. Swimming in the sea, should be afraid of poisonous stinging jellyfish and algae, which are sometimes found in sea water. In some places the bottom is covered with shells. Bathing in “difficult” areas should buy special shoes. Will come in handy warnings regarding the use of local food. The body of a man accustomed to his “home” kitchen is not always able to respond adequately to the exotic oriental dishes.
Tap water to drink is also recommended. Best place to buy bottled mineral, which is sold at every step in the shops and supermarkets. Compliance with these rules will save you from such unwanted “surprises” on vacation. Visiting Chennai once a tourist will want to repeatedly return to this place.
