Chennai the cultural hub of South India has plenty of attractions to suit every palate.

Silk saris

From traditional vegetarian fare to international cuisine, from silk saris to the latest in fashion, from ancient temple architecture to modern high-rises, from classical music and dance to discos throbbing to heady beats, Chennai has them all and many more vivid contrasts that are a pleasant surprise.

Several activities and excursions are being planned for visiting alumni and their families during the Global Conference, and details will be available here soon.

What to see...

The Marina

The second longest beach in the world, a stroll down the elegant promenade or a drive down the beach road is exhilarating.

The Pantheon Complex

The Pantheon Complex

This imposing complex now houses the Museum with its superb collection of South Indian bronzes, the National Art Gallery and the Connemara Public Library.

Theosophical Society (Adyar)

The world headquarters of the theosophical society, the 90-year old library of the Society has an invaluable collection of oriental manuscripts.

Kalakshetra (Thiruvanmiyur)

This 'temple of art' founded in 1936 by Rukmini Devi Arundale, the renowned Bharatanatyam danseuse, is one of the finest dance schools in the country.

Guindy National Park (Guindy)

Guindy National Park (Guindy)

Next door to IIT Madras, this is probably the world's only game reserve within city limits. A large population of spotted deer apart from blackbuck, civet cat, jackal, mongoose, monkeys, reptiles and some bird life can be found here. The snake park nearby has an impressive collection.

Santhome Basilica

A towering Cathedral built in 1896 on the site where St. Thomas one of the Disciples of Christ - was buried.

Sri Kapaleeswarar Temple

Sri Kapaleeswarar Temple

This ancient Siva temple is a delightful introduction to Dravidian temple sculpture and architecture. Fragmentary inscriptions date back to 1250 AD, but the present structure is a renovated one, which was rebuilt by the Vijayanagara kings in the 16th century.

St. Thomas Mount

The hill where St. Thomas was killed. An old, relic-filled church, built by the Portuguese in 1523 can be found at the summit.

Vandalur Zoo (29 Kms)

The Aringar Anna Zoological Park is said to be the biggest in South Asia and has an impressive collection of tropical mammals, birds and reptiles.

The East Coast Road (also known as New Mahabalipuram road), leading to Mahabalipuram from Chennai City is the city's "Entertainment Corridor". Many new attractions have sprung up along this road:

Mayajaal

Mayajaal

This 100,000sq.ft. fun centre on the East Coast Road has all the latest in entertainment - a state-of-the-art Bowling Alley, Video Game Arcade, India's first 6-Theatre Cineplex - under a single roof.

MGM Dizzee World

An amusement park at Muttukkadu enroute to Mahabalipuram.

Cholamandal Artists' Village (18 km)

Contemporary art, sculpture, batik and craft flourish in this sea-side artists' commune as artists and sculptors live, work, exhibit and sell their work here.

DakshinaChitra

DakshinaChitra (21 km)

Here traditional village streets from Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh have been re-created with all the traditional ornamentation. Craftsmen from these four states live and create handicrafts here, and sell their wares directly to visitors.

Muttukadu Backwaters

Located near DakshinaChitra, the Boat Club here offers facilities for boating and windsurfing.

Crocodile Bank (40 km)

Several species of Indian and African crocodiles and alligators bred in captivity are kept here in open pools.

Covelong (43 km)

This picturesque fishing village en route to Mahabalipuram has an idyllic beach and a charming luxury beach resort - Taj's Fisherman's Cove.

Mahabalipuram

Mahabalipuram (58 km)

Also known as Mamallapuram, this was an ancient seaport built by Emperor Mahendravarman Pallava in the 7th century. Today, it is best known for its exquisite temples, monuments and beach resorts.