Chennai, which started as Madarasapattanam, a fishing village has now developed and has become the Gateway of South India. The city has expanded quickly along the Old Mahabalipuram Road and the Grand Southern Trunk Road (GST Road) in the south and towards Ambattur, Koyambedu and Sriperumpudhur in the west. Marina Beach runs for 6 km (3.7 miles), spanning along the shoreline of the city and it is the second longest urban beach in the world.

Chennai has been the most visited Indian city since 2008, in terms of foreign tourists' arrival. The New York Times has found Chennai fit to be featured as a place to be in 2014. In fact, it is the only place in India that the newspaper has featured among 52 tourist destinations. Visit the 350 year old capital of Tamilnadu, the seat of rich Carnatic music and the birth place of Bharatnatyam, the oldest classical dance in India. A unique city that is as trendy as it is traditional and one of the safest Metropolitan cities of India.

The temples of Tamilnadu are unique artistic marvels that attract tourists all over the world. Chennai and the nearby temple town Kancheepuram have several centuries old temples which enthral visitors with their tall "Gopurams" and exquisite sculptures. The oldest buildings in the city dates back to 7th and 8th centuries, which include the Kapaleeshwarar Temple in Mylapore and the Parthasarathy Temple in Triplicane built in Dravidian style architecture.

Chennai has world-class medical facilities, including both government-run and private hospitals. Chennai attracts about 45 percent of health tourists from abroad and attracts an equal number from other parts of India due to its world class facilities and trained specialists available. The Tidel Park in the city is the largest IT Park in Asia and houses the head offices of leading software companies. Chennai is the second leading exporter of information technology (IT) and business process outsourcing (BPO) services in India. It is also known as the Detroit of India because of its automobile manufacturing industry which produces more than 40% of the auto parts and motor vehicles in India.

Visit the Marina or Elliots, frolic about in the waves watching the Bay of Bengal and also get a taste of Chennai street-food in the many eat-outs on their shores. Needless to say about the filter coffee, idly, vada and dosai which are a gourmet's dream come true. If you want a quieter time with the sun, sand and the waves, Mahabalipuram with its numerous beach resorts is just the place for you.

Fulfil your shopping extravaganza in any of the magnificent malls or traditional silk show-rooms - Not to forget the pavement shops of T.Nagar and Sowcarpet which are a shopper's delight.

So, gear up an intellectual feast in our two-day academic extravaganza coupled with a fun filled break in our delightful city.