Chennai in pictures

Chennai has numerous beautiful Dravidian-style temples. The Kapaleeshwarar Temple is one of the city's oldest and best-known temples. Originally built in the 7th century, it is dedicated to Shiva and located in the neighbourhood of Mylapore.

The San Thome Basilica is the best testament to Chennai's vibrant and multi-cultural history. This Roman Catholic basilica was built in the 16th century by Portuguese explorers, over the tomb of St Thomas, an apostle of Jesus. It was rebuilt in its present Neo-Gothic architectural style by the British in 1893.

Tamil cuisine has a wide range of vegetarian as well as non-vegetarian delicacies. Its flavourful and makes liberal use of local spices and condiments. Chennai is blessed with restaurants that cater to all budgets, and offer local dishes from within Tamil Nadu, as well as the cuisines of its neighbouring states.

Tamil Nadu has a vibrant tradition of textile weaving. Chennai has innumerable shops selling the region's famous silk saris. The most popular among these are the Kanchipuram variety, which are named after the city in which they are woven. Made with heavy silk and zari, these make for excellent gifts and heirlooms.

The Spencer Plaza is an important Chennai landmark that dates back to colonial times. Originally built as a departmental store in the 19th century, it was reconstructed in 1985. It contains over 400 stores, while its atrium has been built in the Indo-Saracenic style of the original building.

The Kalakshetra Foundation is a cultural academy dedicated to Bharatanatyam, one of the oldest classical dance forms taught and practiced in India. It was founded by dancer Rukmini Devi Arundale in 1936, and has had a long and illustrious history as a centre for the arts. The campus is open to visitors, who can see its museum and crafts centre, and learn about the rich living traditions that are practised here.

The vast complex of the Theosophical Society is located next to the Adyar River in south Chennai. It houses shrines of various faiths, such as Hinduism, Christianity, Islam and Buddhism. Its gardens contain a huge variety of trees, but their highlight is undoubtedly the 400-year-old Adyar Banyan Tree with vast, sprawling roots.

Spread across ten acres, Dakshinachitra is a heritage village located south of Chennai. It recreates the traditional architecture of homes in several south Indian states, and has demonstrations by potters and craftspersons, and performances by folk dancers.

Chennai is also a convenient base to make trips to some of southern India's most important heritage sites. Mahabalipuram, also known as Mamallapuram, is an ancient port town, located close to Chennai. Now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is dotted with beautiful temples and monuments built between the 7th and the 9th centuries.