The city of Chennai, formerly known as Madras, is one of the earliest cities established by the British in India. But its history goes much further back in time with some of the city’s neighbouhoods having a documented history of over 1500 years. Colourful temples, grand colonial buildings, bustling markets, spicy south Indian fare, iconic filter coffee, classical music and dance, the finest silk and jewellery stores and the larger than life movie stars – there are many unique cultural encounters that a visitor can look forward to in Chennai.