Chennai, the capital of Tamil Nadu, is one of India’s oldest continuously inhabited cities, where ancient temples stand alongside colonial-era architecture and modern skyscrapers. Originally known as Madras, the city grew around Fort St. George, built by the British East India Company in 1644. Today, the fort houses the Tamil Nadu legislative assembly and a museum displaying 18th-century weaponry, uniforms, and early maps of the region.

Chennai’s cultural identity is strongly tied to classical music and dance. Every December, the city hosts the Margazhi Music and Dance Festival, with performances in venues ranging from intimate sabhas to sprawling auditoriums. Bharatanatyam, a classical dance form that originated in Tamil temples, is regularly performed in institutions like Kalakshetra, where visitors can attend open rehearsals or schedule guided tours. Even outside the festival season, live Carnatic music performances and dance recitals are easy to find in the city’s many cultural centers.

One of Chennai’s most well-known features is Marina Beach, which stretches for over 13 kilometers and is among the longest urban beaches in the world. Early morning walkers share space with vendors selling roasted peanuts, soap bubbles, and spicy sundal. At the southern end of the beach stands the iconic lighthouse, which is open to the public and offers panoramic views from its top floor. Nearby landmarks include the statues of Tamil scholars and freedom fighters, as well as the memorials of M.G. Ramachandran and J. Jayalalithaa, both former Chief Ministers of Tamil Nadu.