Offering a rich mix of history, culture and nature, the city has no dearth of tourism attractions. This sprawling coastal city boasts of the second largest beach in the world, Marina Beach. The sea here is a rhapsody in blue, hugging the golden sand coastline tenderly, a jewel in the tourist attractions.

Chennai has carved a unique identity, merging the Dravidian and Western cultures. The architecture itself is a confluence of different styles ranging from the Dravidian to the Indo-Saracenic style, reflecting the colonial era. Many historic buildings like the Presidency College, Fort St George, Madras High Court, Governors residence, Rippon building stand witness to this unique architectural style pioneered in Madras.

Fort St George, now houses the Tamil Nadu legislative Assembly and Council and offices of the state’s Secretariat. Glimpses of early Madras are preserved here in Clive Corner, Wellesley House, Fort Museum and St. Mary’s Church. The Government museum established in 1857 is one of the country’s finest museums, displaying many prized possessions.

Santhome, the place where apostle St. Thomas was martyred, now has a towering basilica, attracting Christian pilgrims from all over the world. The city also boasts of numerous art galleries, ancient temples and shopping areas.