Location
Chennai Airport Hotel near Attractions
The Radisson Blu Hotel Chennai is just three kilometres from the Anna International and Kamaraj Domestic terminals at Chennai International Airport. We are located only seven kilometres from the shopping and commercial areas and near a number of attractions, including the Birla Planetarium. Our Chennai airport hotel is also convenient to IT Park and industrial zones.
About Chennai
The East India Company established its presence in southern India on the Bay of Bengal in 1639 with the establishment of Fort St. George. The city of Chennai, formerly known as Madras, grew up around the fort area. It now serves as the capital of Tamil Nadu and is the fourth largest city in India, with over six million inhabitants. It sprawls over a large area yet, in spite of recent industrial growth, seems less congested than other large Indian cities. Its role as a trade center is furthered by rail, road, and air connections in addition to its seaport. It presents both modern and traditional charm, its many British influences juxtaposed with Tamil-Hindu traditions. The Tamil Nadu government uses Fort St. George today, and within the compound is a museum holding many remembrances of the East India Company and the British period. Nearby is St. Mary's Church, the oldest Anglican church in India. In contrast, Sri Parthasarathy Temple, dedicated to Krishna, dates to the 8th century AD; and Kapaleeswarar Temple, honoring Shiva, dates to the 13th century AD. San Thome Cathedral is a Roman Catholic church built by the Portuguese in 1504 and named for the Christian disciple ("Doubting Thomas") who lived and taught here in the first century. Chennai is also home to the Theosophical Society, which holds meetings along the Adyar River under a huge banyan tree (diameter of approximately 250 feet). Marina Beach, east of the city, is known as the second longest in the world, stretching for several miles. Kalakshetra (Temple of Art) was founded in 1936 to train and support interest in bharatanatyam, the traditional dance of the region. Music and dance performances are given in the city throughout the year. The National Art Gallery and Government Museum displays an extensive collection of artifacts in its archaeology section and bronze gallery. Chennai can be extremely hot and humid, but does benefit from cooling sea breezes in the late afternoons and evenings.
Did you know?
Chennai's most popular athletic entertainment is the game cricket, a team sport played with a bat and ball. Chennai houses The M.A. Chidambaram Stadium, one of the oldest stadiums in India, along with the Chemplast Cricket Ground on the campus of IIT Madras. Prominent cricketers from around the world come to play and coach in Chennai. In addition to cricket, other popular sports played in Chennai include football, tennis, hockey, automobile racing, horse racing and golf.