Chennai, Tamil Nadu - South India's Cultural Capital
Stretching along the Bay of Bengal, Chennai anchors Tamil Nadu's identity with landmarks spanning centuries from the colonial-era Fort St. George, India's first British fortress, to the Dravidian gopuram of Kapaleeshwarar Temple in Mylapore. Marina Beach, one of the world's longest urban beaches, draws crowds for sunset walks, while San Thome Cathedral Basilica marks the burial site of St. Thomas the Apostle. A short drive south, the UNESCO-listed shore temples of Mahabalipuram extend Chennai's heritage trail along the coast.