CHENNAI, INDIA MARCH 23, 2008
Chennai, formerly know as Madras, it the capital of the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. Located on the Coromandel Coast of the Bay of Bengal, Chennai has an estimated population of 7.5 million making it the fourth largest city in India.
Our tour today takes us to the Chettinad Palace. Built in 1902-1912, the palace boasts elaborate use of Italia marbles, limestone and teak. The palace is home to the grandson of the last raja, M.A.M Ramaswamy, a prominent industrialist, who owns the largest stable of racehorses in India. I did not count but there might be from 5000 to 10000 silver cups or awards for every conceivable race 30 to 40 years. Shown are just a few in the extensive collection.
We stopped for tea at the Taj Mahal Connemara Hotel and took a picture of the lovely sky lighted room with urn fountains in the center.
To and from these high level stops we passed thru some of the very poor neighborhoods. The filth and litter abounded and the people seemed to be unaware of it. Before this country becomes a world-class nation something will have to be done about the high level of dirt and garbage.
Chennai, formerly know as Madras, it the capital of the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. Located on the Coromandel Coast of the Bay of Bengal, Chennai has an estimated population of 7.5 million making it the fourth largest city in India.
Our tour today takes us to the Chettinad Palace. Built in 1902-1912, the palace boasts elaborate use of Italia marbles, limestone and teak. The palace is home to the grandson of the last raja, M.A.M Ramaswamy, a prominent industrialist, who owns the largest stable of racehorses in India. I did not count but there might be from 5000 to 10000 silver cups or awards for every conceivable race 30 to 40 years. Shown are just a few in the extensive collection.
We stopped for tea at the Taj Mahal Connemara Hotel and took a picture of the lovely sky lighted room with urn fountains in the center.
To and from these high level stops we passed thru some of the very poor neighborhoods. The filth and litter abounded and the people seemed to be unaware of it. Before this country becomes a world-class nation something will have to be done about the high level of dirt and garbage.
