Chennai-The Cultural Capital of India

Chennai, the capital city of Tamilnadu is a land of Dravidian dominance and diverse culture in harmony with each other. For a first time tourist visitor to this southern land, there are many places for exploring. Some of the wonderful tourist destinations in and around Chennai are:

• Mahabalipuram : It is essentially an excursion destination 50 km away from the main city. The place is revered for its nine holy spiritual shrines that have been made of hard rock and five other shrines popularly called as Pancha Pandava Rathas. There are other wonderful architectural splendors like the four rathas(sort of royal carriage) made from a singular rock during the 8 th century.
               
• Kanchipuram : Roughly 70 km away from Chennai city, it is the land of numerous southern temples. The 6 th and the 7 th century saw the construction of many temples and shrines known for its architectural grandeur and marvel. Great spiritual heads like Siruthonder and Buddhist Bhikku once graced the land with their holy presence. Apart from these, the city is famous for its Kanchivaram saris, a must for all South Indian bridal collection. They are exquisitely woven pure silk saris with gold borders and designs.
              
• Bird Sanctuary : The Vedanthangal bird sanctuary is at 85 km from Chennai city, it is home to many domestic and migratory birds. You can reach the place by bus route or private car. The sanctuary is housed in 72 acres of land, which is muddy and covered with number of tall trees. You may encounter more than 20 species of water birds during the winter season. The place is a photographers delight with hundreds of migratory species from all over the globe.
                 
• Animal Research Center : This unique research center offers a deep study and analyses of Crocodiles and efforts are being made to increase their population. The place is one of the best breeding grounds for crocs. The center also houses a snake farm for demonstrating the ways to extract toxin from deadly poisonous snakes.

Chennai is shopper's paradise for traditional and authentic south Indian items like handloom saris, handicrafts, embroidered works, silk materials and brass and aluminum utensils. Even ornaments and jewelry of gold and silver are relatively less costly and available in variety of designs and structure. Many people from all over the country travel all the way to Chennai to purchase saris and jewelry in bulk, for any grand occasion or weddings. There are premium retail shops at Mount Road for Silk materials, while you may shop at Theyagaraya Nagar for Gold ornaments. Burma Bazaar houses exclusive imported electronic gadgets, ready to wear garments, scents and perfumes. All in all, the city is literally a gold mine for shoppers and for thousands of tourists, who are on the hunt for authentic Indian artifacts.

Chennai is also a land where culture and tradition go hand in hand with modernism and new technologies. Indian prime festivals like Navaratri, Dussehra, Diwali are celebrated in great style. Children and adults adorn new clothes, and lighted diyas adorn every doorstep. Children burst crackers and enjoy themselves thoroughly. Some south Indian festivals like Kartika, Pongal(Tamil new year) and Mamallapuram dance rituals are important celebratory occasions for Tamilians, and are conducted likewise.