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Historical
KALAKSHETRA
Founded in 1936 by Rukmini
Devi Arundale as a centre
for dance, music, and
traditional arts and
crafts in Tiruvanmayur, it
is a show window to South
Indian culture. It is
housed in a lush 100-acre
plot filled with
traditional Kerala
architecture, on the
outskirts of Chennai.
Kalakshetra is home to the
greatest exponents of
Bharatanatyam and aspiring
young dancers. Students
from around the world are
trained under the
residential 'gurukula'
system. In 1997, when
Queen Elizabeth visited
Chennai, the newspaper
headlines screamed,
"Diana's
mother-in-law
visits," and needless
to say, papers sold out on
that day!
THE HIGH COURT
A 108-year-old building of
Indo-Saracenic
architecture. Located near
the entry point to the
city, Parry's Corner. Has
huge domes, a grand
central cupola and a
granite Doric column, 49
metres above sea level,
which was erected in 1841
to serve as a stand for
the second lighthouse. The
Small Causes Court and the
City Civil Courts are also
located here
FORT ST.GEORGE
Built in 17th century.
Seat of political power in
Tamil Nadu. Earliest of
British constructions in
state. Looks quite
forbidding with huge
walls, imposing iron gates
and deep moats. Houses a
museum, St Mary's Church,
Town Hall, the tallest
flag-staff on Beach Road.
ANNA SQUARE
Built in honour of the
late Chief Minister CN
Anna Durai. First memorial
in Tamil Nadu on a burial
site. Visited by tourists
all-year long, thronging
the Marina. Anna Square is
packed on 'Kannum Pongal'
day.
GANDHI MANDAPAM
Built to honour the father
of the nation. Located
opposite Anna University
on Sardar Vallabhai Patel
Road. Suprisingly Gandhi
Mandapam is a favourite
haunt for lovers.
MGR MEMORIAL
Adjacent to Anna Memorial
on Beach Road. 13 year old
structure. Contains mortal
remains of former Chief
Minister and matinee idol
M G Ramachandran
(popularly known as MGR )
beneath its granite
tiling.
RAJAJI MEMORIAL
Constructed in memory of
independent India's last
Governor General, C
Rajagopalachari. On Sardar
Vallabhai Patel Road in
Guindy. The tall dome ('gopuram')
is situated near the
Guindy Children's Park.
Visiting hours are from
1000 -1800 every day.
VALLUVAR KOTTAM
With a granite chariot,
terraced garden and
pillars. Built in the late
seventies, in honour of
the eminent Tamil
poet-saint Thiruvalluvar.
Valluvar wrote the 'Thirukkural',
a collection of 1224
rhythmic couplets on the
way both kings and common
men ought to live. A
life-sized statue of the
poet is a star attraction
for tourists. The Central
Auditorium can seat 4,000
people. Couplets from the
Thirukkural are engraved
on the stone walls of the
corridor. It is located on
Valluvar Kottam High Road
VICTORY WAR MEMORIAL
On the beach road near
Island Grounds. In honour
of soldiers who died
fighting for their
country, since WWI.
Museums
PERIYAR SCIENCE AND
TECHNOLOGY CENTRE
Next Birla Planetarium.
Contains various thematic
displays on science and
technology. Good fun for
children. Open from 10:00
am to 5:45 pm. Closed on
Mondays, Independence Day,
Republic Day and Gandhi
Jayanthi. Entry Fee is Rs
5 for adults and Rs 2 for
children below 12 years. %
491-5250.
BIRLA PLANETARIUM
Inside the Periyar Science
and Technology Centre at
Kotturpuram. 236-seater
air-conditioned
planetarium. Unveils the
mysteries of the night sky
and the solar system
through video projections
and special effects.
Courses in astronomy and
night sky observations are
organised for the public
every second Saturday.%
491-5250.
DEVELOPMENT CENTRE FOR
MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS
Has exquisite collection
of ancient and modern
musical instruments.
Located at 86 Munda Kanni,
Amman Kovil Street, and
Mylapore.
FORT MUSEUM
Located within Fort St
George on Beach Road (Kamaraja
Salai). Contains a
treasure chest of early
writings on Chennai,
paintings of the colonial
era, rare coins, and
artefacts. Timings: 9:00
am to 5:00 pm. Closed on
Friday.
THE GOVERNMENT MUSEUM
On Pantheon Road, Egmore.
143-years-old. Exclusive
sections on geology,
archaeology, anthropology,
numismatics, botany,
zoology, ancient sculpture
and a remarkable
assortment of weapons.
Relics from the 2nd
century, the Buddhist site
at Amaravati, prehistoric
works from the Stone and
Iron Ages and antique
jewellery. The adjacent
National Art Gallery has a
wonderful collection of
paintings, bronzes and
handicrafts dating back to
the 9th century. Timings:
8:00 am to 5:00 pm.
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