Chennai
Capital of Tamil Nadu, Chennai is the fourth largest city in the country. Tamil is the main language spoken in Madras (Madraspatnam), officially known as Chennai, the centre of Tamil filmmaking.Fervent custodians of Tamil language and culture, citizens of Tamil Nadu were the most vociferous opponents when Hindi was being made the national language.

Sri Parthasarathy Temple
This Krishna Temple built by the Pallavas in the eighth century was refurbished by the Vijaynagar's in the sixteenth century. It is one of the oldest extant temples in Chennai. The temple is situated off Triplicane High Road and is open daily from 6 a.m. to noon and 4 to 8 p.m.

San Thomas Cathedral
This Roman Catholic Church was originally built in 1504, but was rebuilt in neo-Gothic style. The church is said to house the remains of St. Thomas The Apostle (Doubting Thomas). A crypt can be entered by a stairway just before the altar.

Kapaleeshwarar Temple
Situated near San Thomas Cathedral, off Kutchery Road in Mylapore, this Shiva temple is constructed in Dravidian style. The temple displays gopurams, mandapams and a tank, architectural elements found in the famous cities of Tamil Nadu.

Valluvar Kottam
Valluvar Kottam replicates ancient Tamil architecture and has 1330 verse kural inscribed on panels. It honors eminent Tamil poet, Thiruvallur who classic work, the Kural is considered about 2000 years old. Established in 1976, Valluvar Kottam is situated on the corner of Kodambakkam High Road and Village Road and is open daily 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Luz Church
This sixteenth century church is the oldest in Chennai and is dedicated to Our Lady of Light. It was built by the Portuguese sailors who believed they owed their survival to Our Lady of Light.

Little Mount
St Thomas is believed to have lived in this tiny cave when he came to India around 58 AD. Known locally as Chinnamalai, the cave is entered via the Portuguese church that was built in 1551.