Taj Coromandel Chennai

Chennai, the industrial capital of Tamil Nadu in southern India, is where the history of British settlement in India has ancient roots. This has resulted in some splendidly monumental municipal buildings and a number of broad avenues and gardens.

But Chennai's history stretches way beyond the British presence, with its resourceful citizens actively engaging in trade with the Chinese, Romans, Greeks and others more than 2,000 years ago.

Still retaining much of its traditional charm, this bustling city, formerly called Madras, provides a captivating insight into southern heritage. Chennai is proud of its Tamil culture and in many ways is still traditionally conservative, lacking the cosmopolitan flavor (and nightlife) of Mumbai, Bengaluru (Bangalore) and Delhi.

Music, dance and many other art forms from south India are widespread in Chennai and the Tamil film industry is huge. Religious heritage has left its mark with old churches, ancient temples and of course the wonderful shore temple of Mamallapuram, under two-hour drive away.

Chennai has grown dramatically over the past few decades and has enjoyed marked economic growth in recent years, thanks mainly to a booming IT industry. Today, Chennai sprawls out in all directions over the flat land along the coast and up the river valley and feels somewhat hectic and chaotic as new shopping malls and modern sky rises spring up, residential districts spread, and squatter settlements are scattered throughout.
Dining
This metropolitan city caters to any taste. Menus are marked by popular cuisine, ethnic as well as international, that will invigorate your taste buds. Chennai dishes are based on rice, coconut oil and lentils and offer plenty of options for vegetarians and non-vegetarians. For those seeking International options… Chinese, Continental, Italian, and Japanese dishes are available at various eateries spread in and around the city.

Nightlife
Chennai's nightlife scene is curbed by laws that prohibit bars and nightclubs operating beyond midnight, although some do stay open a little longer. Shame, as there are some fabulous venues around, although a fraction of the number seen in Mumbai, Bengaluru (Bangalore) and Delhi. Of the few decent bars and clubs, most are in the 5-star hotels. Many nightclubs have a cover charge (usually only on weekends), a smart-dress code and may only allow couples (i.e. not single males). Most national newspapers have a Chennai edition, including the Hindu, Indian Express and Times of India, with a supplement dedicated to local news and listings. CityInfo is a fortnightly What's On guide with basic listings, available at tourist offices and some hotels. Hallo Madras is a monthly city guide.


Address :

Taj Coromandel
37, Mahatma Gandhi Road
Nungambakkam
Chennai - 600 034
India
Tel: (91-44) 6600 2827
Fax: (91-44) 6600 2089
Email: coromandel.chennai@tajhotels.com