Chennai or as it used to be known Madras

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Arrived in Chennai yesterday after a 2 hour flight from Kolkata. It is certainly hotter with the temperature in the upper 20s and very little cloud in the clear blue sky. Madras was the start of it all for the Brits in India with the East India Company setting up its first trading post in 1640 in the form of a fort known as Fort St. George. The fort is now used as a government complex and it is difficult to imagine its original layout which included parade grouds, barracks and a church. The church still remains but is in need of some love and care. However, the memorial stones on the walls make interesting reading as quite a few were erected in memory of officers who died in action defending the empire.

Scattered around the city are several churches and the most interesting is the Basilica of San Thome which is built over the tomb of Saint Thomas or Doubting Thomas. He came to South India after the death of Christ to spread the gospel and met his death after being mortally wounded by a lance. The crypt at the Basilica is said to contain a bone from his hand and the weapon that killed him.

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Photos

Basilica of San Thome
An impressive Gothic-style structure built in 1898 on the site of the original structure built in the early 16th century

St. Andrew's Kirk
Built in 1821 and inspired by St. Martin-in-the-Fields. Cost of construction £20,000

Kapaleshvara Temple
The largest Hindu temple in Chennai with fascinating sculptural panels

Colourful figures on the temple
Detail of the outside of the temple showing just a small part of the massive sculptural panels.

Statue of Ghandi
Standing alongside Chennai's seashore is an imposing statue of Ghandi watching over all.

Lynne feeling a bit better
Antibiotics acquired in Calcutta now kicking in!

Chennai Railway Station
A quiet period!

Comments

[Bryce]

Lets write a book
Morning campers, I have just had a very nice half hour scrolling through your blog and enjoying every minute of it. Your trip looks fantastic and will certainly take some beating NEXT YEAR! Seriously though folks I really think you could turn your blog into a book.perhaps a few anacdotal of which i am sure their are loads,.Worth considering at least me thinks. This is the evening of day 4 of the new job and touch wood all seems ok so far. Very strange set up, half the staff have only worked for the company for 6 months ? I will no doubt hear the tale over the next few week. Great news to hear about your dad Lynne!! Thats it for now folks All our love x x x