Fort St. George in Chennai
· Summer: March-May (22°C - 42°C)
· Winter: December-February (12°C - 32°C)
· Monsoon: June-August
Best time to visit:
November-February
Opening Time: 10:00 a.m.
Closing Time: 05:00 p.m.
Weekly Holiday: Friday
Entry Fees for Indians
Adults: INR 5
Children:
N/A
Cameras: N/A
Video Camera: INR 25
Entry Fees for Foreign Nationals
Adults:
INR 100
Children:
N/A
Cameras:
N/A
Video Camera:
INR 25
The British constructed it as their first fortress in India and the whole city of Madras (modern day Chennai) developed around it. Known by names like White Town and George Town, the fort was constructed in 1644 and was named so as its completion date coincided with St. George’s Day. Boasting of architectural excellence on the Bay of Bengal Coast, it is indeed among the top-notch attractions of colonial heritage in India.
Among the most notable structures within the fort complex, St. Mary’s Church (admired for splendid glass windows and frescos), the Grand Arsenal, Clive’s House, Wellesley House and King’s Barracks have wonderful old world charm and superb architectural elements. India’s highest flag staff (about 150 ft. and made of teakwood) is another attraction.
The building of Exchange House is now a museum which displays exclusive attractions like coins, medals, stamps, clocks, lampshades, paintings and portraits of British, French and Indian origins. Swords, pistols, rifles, breast plates, helmets and many other items of armoury form another section worth exploring. The museum and other sections of fort arrange great expeditions for the history lovers and are must-visit places in Chennai.
Connectivites
Road:
Standing along the Bay of Bengal coast, the fort is easily accessible from all parts of Chennai. There is no dearth of local buses, taxis, auto-rickshaws and cycle-rickshaws to access this marvellous structure.
Railway:
The fort is close to numerous railway stations within Chennai, including those at Chennai Beach (about 2 km.), Park Town (about 3 km.) and Chennai Fort (about 3.5 km.). Besides hiring auto-rickshaws or cycle-rickshaws, you can prefer to walk from these railheads towards the fort.
Airway:
About 22 km. from the fort is Chennai International Airport. Hire a taxi or an auto-rickshaw or board a bus to reach the fort from here.