Chennai formerly
known as Madras is the capital city of Tamil Nadu state and is the
fourth largest metro city in India. The city grew up around the English
settlement of Fort Saint George and gradually absorbed the surrounding
towns and villages.

However,
despite the strong British influence, Chennai has retained its
traditional Tamil Hindu culture and effectively blended it with the
foreign influence. The city is widely spread in about 180 Sq. Kms. It is
a major trade center, being well linked by road, rail and air to
important cities besides being a sea port. Compared to the other major
metros of India, it is far less congested and polluted.