South India Updated Banner.jpg Logo Southindia
Back to Listing

Chennai

Stretching along India’s south eastern Coromandel Coast off the Bay of Bengal, Chennai (formerly Madras) is the fourth largest city in India and the state capital of Tamil Nadu.

It is said that the city was founded as a trading post by Francis Day, administrator of the East India Company, in 1639, which means it is the oldest of three coastal cities of British India (Calcutta, Bombay and Madras). Madras quickly became the most important of the British settlements in India, and South Asia’s leading sea port. As the first British settlement in India, Chennai has a fine legacy of colonial architecture, displaying influences from the classicism of the 18th century to the eclectic Anglo-Indian School of the late 19th century. Classic sights include Fort St. George, the Indo-Saracenic High Court building, the Theosophical Society building and gardens, the 16th century Kapaleeswarar Temple to Shiva, and on the outskirts of the city, the Cholamandal Artists' Village.

Francis Day was responsible for building the British settlement at Fort St. George in 1640, a walled settlement built to protect the blossoming British colony which included the European residential area, known at the time as White Town, and important trading activity. The city began to grow and evolve around the fortress. Today much of the fort is in use by the government, security forces and other official buildings, however it is worth visiting St. Mary’s Church and the Fort Museum, which houses a fine collection of porcelain formerly belonging to the East India Company and an enormous statue of Lord Cornwallis among the exhibits. St. Mary’s Church is the oldest building in the fort, and thought to be the oldest protestant church in Asia. The plain façade and simple interior design are typical of the era, however the unusually thick walls were built to withstand shelling and cyclones – all of which adds to the history of the building.

The city was officially known as Madras until 1996 when it adapted the of Tamil literary name of the city, Chennai, although the name Madras is still in widely used. Today Chennai is one of the biggest cultural, economic and educational centres in South India, and cars, buses and auto-rickshaws jostle noisily for space and the population is booming as it embraces the 21st century. There are direct international flights from London, and other major cities in India, meaning that it is the perfect spot to start or end an itinerary, or indeed to add southern India to other India itineraries. Chennai is also the gateway to the Andaman Islands, with direct flights to Port Blair. There are a number of luxury hotels in Chennai, but our top recommendations would be Chennai’s Grande Dame, the ITC Grand Chola, and the ultra-exclusive Leela Palace.

Chennai South India 2 Chennai South India 2
Chennai, South India (1).jpg Chennai, South India (1).jpg
Chennai South India 1 Chennai South India 1
Grand Tour Of South India Itinerary Grand Tour Of South India Itinerary
Chennai, South India (2).jpg Chennai, South India (2).jpg
Travel is the only thing that you buy that makes you richer.
Proverb

Client Testimonials

So many highlights to choose from! The hotels were amazing but Maya Villa was a highlight… I loved just hanging out in the hammock reading my book and watching the peacocks chase the cows!
- Krista Weir, Sri Lanka
Difficult to articulate just how good the service from you and your team really was. We know you will continue to do well and hope we have the chance to seek your assistance again before long.
- Mr & Mrs Manson, North India
Ampersand’s preparation, attention to detail and interaction before and during our trip show exactly why good travel agents have a role in today’s internet booking age. They were a delight to deal with!
- Mr David Wallace, North India
Without question, you put together the best trip I have ever taken. We were shown around like visiting dignitaries, the hotels were fantastic and the itinerary was just right. Everybody I know will hear about how amazing Ampersand is!
- Leslie Siben, India
I had a very lovely time and was looked after splendidly. My first visit to India could not have been better, save for being longer! But I shall return at some point and I shall look to you to make the arrangements.
- Matthew Nicklin, North India
I thought the Ampersand team was outstanding. We couldn’t have hoped for anything more.
- Mr Geoffrey Johnson, India
We had a wonderful holiday - everything was perfect. Thank you for helping us to make a thoughtful plan to enjoy and make most out of our trip. The places we visited, the guides, the transportation and driver, the hotels selected... Everything was great!
- Jaime Benitez, South India
Ampersand provided a bespoke and flexible holiday, tailored to my every whim. Their highly professional staff had only one goal which was to arrange an exceptional holiday and some unforgettable experiences in India. I have no hesitation in fully recommending them and they will be the first company I approach in the future - 10/10
- Anonymous, India
Everything you did for us whilst we were away was hugely appreciated, and Ampersand has been exemplary in every way. I'll always recommend you!
- Mr Richard Stoughton, Sri Lanka
I would recommend Ampersand without any hesitation!!! The best travel agent that I’ve ever had. Everything – from the individual care and attention in planning the trip, through to the efficiency of the agents on the ground in India – was handled brilliantly. An absolutely first-class service all round!
- Matthew Annable, Rajasthan, India

Let us keep you up to date

Sign up to our newsletter and never miss out on unmissable exclusive luxury experiences