Chennai, Madras Tourism - Tamil-Nadu

The fourth largest city in India, Chennai is the seat of culture and learning in South India. It is also India's third largest commercial and industrial centre and the automobile capital of India. Lying on the Coromandel Coast of the Bay of Bengal, it is a city famous for its beaches, historical monuments, and its rich cultural heritage.  It is home to one of the world's longest beaches, the 12 km long Marina Beach. Chennai, originally called Madras, has a rich and historical past. Its existence dates back to the 1^st century, where it served as an important military and economic center. It was ruled by many great South Indian dynasties, like the Pallavas, Cholas, and Pandyas. The 15^th century saw the arrival of the Portuguese at Madras, followed by the Dutch and then the British. In 1639, the site of