Fort St. George

Fort St. George Presently used as the state secretariat, the St. George Forte is another landmark of Chennai. Built in 1640, the fort stills retains its large walls, massive wrought iron gates and deep moats. The fort has a grey granite exterior unlike the Mughal forts that has lavish ornamentation and luxury. It housed barracks for the British army, a parade ground, and the oldest church of Chennai-the St. Mary's Church.Fort St. George has grown into George Town, the commercial heart of the city throbbing with life from dawn to dusk. Walk to The Fort St George over the lovely grassy expanse of Midsummer Common and take a seat on one of the many picnic tables arrayed in its courtyard, from where you can gaze back over the common. Even better, wander round the back to the outside tables in spitting distance of the calmly flowing River Cam, with its many boat houses and passing rowers. The sight of men and women out on the river straining to pull their oars makes you feel happier to be taking it easy.