Places one must visit during a tour to South India
Fort St. George
The Fort stands as a symbol of the British Raj, amid state offices, facing the sea in the east of the city, just south of George Town. It is the first British fort build around1653 by the British East India Company. The structure of the fort is a fine example of 17th century British military architecture, and was mostly built in 1966. It has a 20 feet thick wall. The country's tallest flagstaff is here, thought to be over 300 years old. The 24 black Charnockite pillars are those reclaimed by the British in 1762 of the original 32 which once formed the colonade of the present Secretariat building.
Within the fort, a number of other early buildings still stand of which St. Mary's Church is the most interesting. It was consecrated in 1680 and is the oldest Protestant Church in the East. The church contains several antiquities, not the least being the oldest British tombstones in India and memories of weddings in which Clive and Elihu Yale, benefactor of America's Yale University, Arthur Wellesley who became Wellington and Warren Hastings were present for weddings held here. Opposite the Church is the Pay accounts office. It was formerly Robert Clive's house commemorates the Empire-builder who first learnt his trade here. It is open to the public.
Other buildings of importance in the Fort are the Old Government House, the Banqueting Hall (now called Rajaji Hall) built by Goldingham for the Governor's official entertainment during the Clive period. The foundations of Indian Army and Civil Service, the land survey by Colin Mackenize, and the archaeological, botanical and zoological surveys were all laid at Fort. St.George. The Fort has a museum contains some fascinating items. Now Fort St. George houses Tamilnadu Secretariat and the Legislative Assembly. The best time to visit is on a Sunday.
Theosophical Society
Founded in 1875, The Theosophical Society is a worldwide body whose primary object is Universal Brotherhood based on the belief that life, and all its diverse forms, human and non-human, is indivisibly One. It offers discourse and meditation sessions as well as lectures on positive health and spirituality. It is famous for its legendary 5000 years old Banyan tree spreading over 40,000 sq ft in the campus.
Closed on Sundays.
Kalakshetra
In Thiruvanmiyur, beyond Elliot's beach, is Kalakshetra or 'Temple of Art'. It was founded in 1936 by danseuse Rukmini Devi Arundale to revive interest in Bharatanatyam which is the classical dance form of the state of Tamil Nadu. Run on the ancient gurukulam system, this institution is devoted to classical dance, music and traditional textile designs and weaving. The Kalakshetra Foundation comprises the Rukmini Devi College of Fine Arts, the Besant Arundale Senior Secondary School, the Besant Theosophical High School, the Craft Education and Research Centre, the Bharata Kalakshetra Auditorium and the Dr U. V. Swaminatha Iyer Library. The Craft Education and Research Center of Kalakshetra is famous for reviving traditional South Indian saree patterns and colors in silk and cotton. It has an extraordinary theater, where in the month of December Kalakshetra holds its annual ballet festival. Throughout the year Kalakshetra conducts music recital and dance performances in different parts of Chennai.
The Deputy - Director
Central Office
Kalakshetra Foundation
Tiruvanmiyur
Chennai - 600 041
Telephone : 044 - 24911836,24914359
Tele/Fax : 044 - 24914359
Muttukadu Boat House
About 36 km from Chennai, on the road to Pondicherry, Muttukadu Boat House run by TTDC (Tamil Nadu Tourism Development Corporation) is situated on the edge of backwaters. Known for its prawn and jellyfish population, Muttukadu is an ideal picnic spot which has facilities for boating and wind-surfing. A windsurfing regatta is organised in Muttukadu, in February every year. Competitions in windsurfing and other water sports are also held. Training and demonstration programmes are held for youth.
Dakshina Chitra
It is a unique Heritage village situated at Muttukadu on the new Mamallapuram Coastal Road, 35 kms South of Chennai. The Arts and Crafts village, Dakshinachitra offers the visitor an unforgettable and authentic insight into the lifestyles of the diverse people of Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh.
Dakshina Chitra derives its name from the Sanskrit word Dakshina - South and Chitra - a picture or sketch. The Tamil history, language and way of life can be experienced with a guided tour. Architecture of the past 200 years is represented in a real rural setting. Every house is typical of its own professional group. One house in each section displays the textiles of the state. Some of the houses have kitchens fitted out with typical cooking utensils or puja rooms full of ritual items. The houses are cared for by women from nearby villages and some demonstrate simple household activities such as drawing 'kolams', grinding grain or making palm leaf decorations. Traders, potters, weavers and others working in the traditional way make exquisite pottery, baskets, and carved stone items, some of which are for sale. The center is now developed to include the cultural replicas from all four states of South India. During special festivals, folk and classical dance performances can be seen here.
Open 10.00am to 6.00pm (Tuesday Holiday).
Address:
Dakshina Chitra
East Coast Road, Muttukadu, Chingleput District
Pin : 600118,
Ph: 044 - 27472603, 044 - 27472783, 044 - 24918943
Contact : E-mail
Mamallapuram (Mahabalipuram)
Mahabalipuram is 59km south of Madras. It was an old port city and capital of the Pallava kings. It consists of 4 kinds of rock structures, cut-out monolithic rock temples (rathas), cut-in cave temples (mandapams), temples constructed from multiple pieces and materials, and bas-relief sculptures carved on large rocks. The combination of old 7th and 8th century Pallava carvings, temples and the wonderful Mahabalipuram Beach make the place a beautiful tourist destination.
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