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| Country | Cheap | |
| Region | Tamil Nadu | |
| Population | 4.6 million (2011) | |
Chennai (angle: Chennai, tamile: சென்னை), iam Madras, with 4.6 million inhabitants (7.5 with the suburbs) is the largest city in the South Cheap. It is also the capital of the state Tamil Nadu.
Understand
Geographical sketch
Chennai is located along the southeast coast of India, bathed by the Bay of Bengal.
Two rivers flow through the city:
- on the north side - Kuvam(angle: Koovam or Cooum, tamile: கூவம் [ˈKuːʋʌm])
- on the south side - Adjar(angle: Adyar, Tamil: அடையார்).
Climate and most suitable time for the trip
Chennai's climate is hot and humid.
The temperature is usually between 20 ° C and 30 ° C in winter (December to February) and between 25 ° C and 40 ° C during the warmer months (April to July).
Rains depend on the northeast monsoon, so are very abundant in October and November and quite abundant from July to December. During the remaining months rains are very scarce.
So, the most favorable time to visit Chennai is from January to the first half of March.
Languages and religions
The majority of the population (about 80%) are Tamils and speak Tamil, which, unlike Hindi, does not belong to the Indo-European language group. Tamil uses its character set, different from the Indian character set.
There are also many (c. 10%) who speak Telugu. It is approx. 250 thousand foreigners (not Indians).
Travelers will often find people who know English (even very well); however, many uneducated people often do not know English or know only a few words.
Hinduism is the most widespread religion (about 80%). Islam (almost 10%) is also quite common. Christianity (about 8%) is more common than in many cities in central and northern India.
See
Churches of various religions
There are several historical churches and temples of various religions in Chennai.
Among them most important:
- Basilica of St. Thomas in Mylapore (also: Santhome Church), a Christian church and national sanctuary, built over the tomb of the apostle St. Thomas, who died a martyr on a hill near present-day Chennai in the 1st century. Several churches existed here; the current one was built in 1883 by the English instead of a previous church made by the Portuguese possibly in the 16th century.
- Great Mosque in Triplicane, an Islamic church built in 1795 in memory of Nawab Muhammad Ali Walajah. It has two minarets. In the surrounding area are the tombs of several famous Muslim dignitaries.
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- Kapalishwarar Temple (Kapaleeswarar) in Mylapore, a Hindu church. It was probably built in the 8th century, but its current appearance dates back to the 17th century. The temple honors the goddess Karpagambal, one of the forms of Parvati, wife of Shiva. The main entrance (gopuram) is 37m tall and very rich in detailed figures. Nearby is an art bath, used mainly for the festival Thaipusam in January / February.
Other historic buildings
- Fort St. George (Fort st. George), north of the Kuvam River, built by the English in the 17th century.
Museums
(... to-do list ...)
Natural curiosities
- The sandy beach Marina (angle: Marina Beach, tamile: மெரீனா கடற்கரை Merīṉā kaṭaṟkarai) is a vast sandy beach along the flat coast, approx. 13km and width up to 400m. It is quite close to the city center. Chennais visit it not only for baths but especially as a park where one walks, meets friends and enjoys carousels.
Eat
Tamil cooking is similar to the cooking of the various states of South India, with some distinctions. It is further away from the cooking used in North India, however there are several common aspects with it as well.
Very common (but not mandatory at every meal) are:
- rice
- lentils and beans (often creamy)
- pepper
- typical sauces (between which coconut sauces)
It is traditionally eaten only with the right hand, without cutlery.
South Indian coffee is also worth mentioning.
