Chennai, originally known as Madras Patnam, was located in  the  province  of Tondaimandalam,  an area lying between Pennar river of Nellore and the  Pennar  river of Cuddalore. The capital of the province was Kancheepuram. Tondaimandalam was ruled in the 2nd century A.D. by Tondaiman Ilam Tiraiyan, who was a representative of the Chola family at Kanchipuram. It is believed that Ilam Tiraiyan must have subdued Kurumbas, the original inhabitants of the region  and  established  his rule over  Tondaimandalam.  The streets are clogged with traffic, the weather oppressively hot, the air heavy with smog, and sights of any interest are uncooperatively thin on the ground.
The best places to visit Chennai are Anna Zoological Park, Elliot’s Beach, Marina Beach, Kapaleswar Temple, Government Museum and National Art Gallery, San Thom Cathedral, Valluvar Kottam, Covelong Beach.

Getting to CHENNAI