Location
Chennai, the capital of the state of Tamil Nadu is situated in the South Eastern part of the Indian Peninsula. It is the Tamil cultural capital of the world. Running 20 Kms north to south and 13 kms east to west it covers a sprawling area of 174 Kms. Geographically 13th north parallel and 80 longitude and is on the shores of Marina Beach.

Chennai - the 'Gateway to the Southern India', is the ideal starting point of your voyage of discovery in Tamil nadu, and other parts of the south. The city has excellent travel and communication facilities,road rail and air services take travellers to any point in the state, none of which is much more than 24 Hrs away from the state Capital.

Climate
Chennai is basically a tropical city and humidity prevails normally between 62 to 86%. Proximity to the sea brings in cool breeze much to the relief of the scorched Chennai. Normally Chennai records in a day 36.5 C maximum and 20.8 C minimum. April-May being the summer in Chennai. When the mercury sometimes shoots upto 42 C. Winter spreads over November-January. The monsoon lashes the city at different spells between July-August & September - November. However, the rainy days restricted to a few days to a couple of weeks during these monsoon periods, that makes the situation pleasant for a tourist. Average rainfall is 1215 mm

Population

Chennai Census at a Glance
Area	:	70 sq.km(approx)
Population	:	Total :4,216,268 6 Males Females 2,161,605 2,054,663
Population Density	:	24,231  5
Sex-Ratio	:	951
Decade Growth Rate	:	9.76% 6
No of literates	:	Total :3,079,004 5 Males Females 1,670,094 1,408,910
Literacy rate	:	80.14 % Males Females 84.71% 75.32%

*Reports based on 2001 census results

People
There are peoples of all faith, creed & color living in harmony. Chennai is a mixture of societies who speak different language & dialects. Chennai has the unique pride of holding a sizable number of trades, serving people hailing from other states. A major portion of the population of Chennai constitutes not the natives of the metropolis.

History
The cultural capital of India and capital of Tamilnadu state, is one of the oldest cities in the country. It still preserves the very best of Indian Culture and traditions and provides a deep insight into the Dravidian traditions and society. The city was founded in 1639 by Sir Francis Day who arrived with East India Company. It was also a major centre of cholas and Pallavan culture can be seen in the temples and tanks which still survive.

Chennai was the first major settlement of British in India and it was here that many who went on to build the empire first learnt their trade. The city replete with much that is of significance in British Indian History. But the most alluring feature of the city is its allegiance to ancient traditions as well as keeping pace with the modern developments. The city still retains the charm, culture and courtesies of the ages. The gracious, spacious city is a major tourist and industrial center. The city is also a shopper's paradise and the best purchase include exquisite silk sarees, intricate jewellery, sandalwood, leather, ivory, bronze and silver handicrafts. The shopping experience at Ranganathan Street in T.Nagar and Anna Salai display fantastic collection of handicraft Emporiums at Anna Salai or Mount Road is unforgettable. The fine Government sponsored Handicraft Emporiums at Anna Salai display fantastic collection of handicrafts and handloom fabrics. For lovely cotton and woven fabrics on can also bargain good buys at shops on the pavements.