Chennai, formerly known as Madras, is 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 metropolitan city in India and one of the largest metropolitan areas in the world. The city was established in the 17th century by the British, who developed it into a major urban centre and naval base. By the 20th century, it had become an important administrative centre, as the capital of the Madras Presidency. Chennai's economy has a broad industrial base in the automobile, technology, hardware manufacturing, and healthcare industries. The city is home to much of India's automobile industry and is the country's second-largest exporter of information technology (IT) and information-technology-enabled services (ITES), behind Bangalore. The city is served by an international airport and two major ports; it is connected to the rest of the country by five national highways and two railway terminals. Thirty-five countries have consulates in Chennai. The name Chennai is an eponym, etymologically derived from Chennapatnam, the name of the town that grew up around Fort St. George, built by the British in 1640. The town was named after Damarla Chennappa Nayakudu of Chandragiri, father of the ruling chieftain of the area, Venkatapathy Nayakudu, although some believe Chennapatnam was named after the Chenna Kesava Perumal Temple, as the word Chenni in Tamil means face, and the temple was thought of as the face of the city.
Customs in India
• The word no has abrasive connotations; therefore do not outright refuse an offer but find a vague way to get around it, such as I’ll try.
• Keep small change handy as street merchants and taxi drivers often claim that they have no change.
• Tipping is a certain way to make sure things get done. It is more than a gift for a job well done.
• Keep your hands in your pockets when walking by temples, as street merchants will often make you pay for a bracelet they put on a free arm.
• Never pat or touch an Indian’s head.
• It is rude to point with your fingers. Instead, use your chin to point. It is also considered rude to beckon with your palm up, whistle or wink.
• A side-to-side head movement denotes agreement while an up-and-down head movement means no.
• As cows are revered animals by Hindu people, wearing leather of any kind can be seen as offensive.
Say it in Hindi
Thought of as the most important Indian language, Hindi is only spoken as a first language of 20% of the population. Nevertheless, it is the official language of the Indian government and seven states of India.
Hello/Goodbye Namaste
Yes/No Jee hang/ Jee Naheeng
Thank you Shukriyaa
Excuse me/Sorry Kshamaa Keejiye
I’m lost Maing raastaa bhool gayaa
How much for…? …kaa kiraayaa kitnaa hai?
I don’t understand Maing naheeng Samjhaa
Where is the bathroom? Gusalkaanaa
kahaang hai?
Do you speak English? Kyaa aap ko
angrezee aatee hai?
Labels: Travel information
posted by Hills @ 1:55 AM
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