METRO & CULTURE · TAMIL NADU
Chennai (Madras) is the capital of Tamil Nadu and the cultural capital of South India, home to Bharatanatyam dance, Carnatic music, and the world's second largest film industry (Kollywood). The city's Marina Beach stretches 13km, making it one of the longest urban beaches in the world. The Kapaleeshwarar Temple in Mylapore (7th century), San Thome Basilica (built over the tomb of Apostle St. Thomas), Fort St. George (the first English fortress in India, built 1644), and the Government Museum (India's second oldest) are key landmarks. Chennai is 700km from Cochin.
November to February for mild weather (24–30°C). January for the Pongal festival and the Chennai Music Season (Margazhi festival). Avoid October–December early monsoon when cyclonic rains can cause flooding. March–May is hot (35–42°C).
Chennai International Airport has domestic and international flights (20km from city). Chennai Central and Egmore are major railway stations with trains from across India. Drive from Cochin takes about 10 hours via NH544 and NH48.
