Geoerge Town constitutes the commanding post in the Chennai
city. The city, which forms one of the four and the smallest
metropolitan city, owes much to the George Town locality. The
locality was first adopted by the British Powers as their base, in
the year 1639 A.D. The fort, called St. George's Fort, was built in
the year 1640 A.D. and that ensured the permanent settlement of
British East India Company in the city. By 18th century the locality
along with its adjacent areas grew as a major urban centre and a
naval base. Chennai city as such grew from this small commercial
centre, George Town and after the independence was declared as the
capital of Tamil Nadu state.
George Town is located on the Eastern Coastal Plains of Chennai
city. The eastern region is marked by the Chennai Port and the coast
of Bay of Bengal. The township does not coincide with the
geographical centre of the city. The place (George Town) lies on the
eastern edge of the city and equi distant from the northernmost and
southernmost outskirts. The region forms one of the leading
commercial centres in the city. George Town is provided with great
many attractions, historical as well as belonging to the
contemporary era. The place is hooked up with the rest of the city
by an extensive network of roads and railways.
One of the most popular tourist attractions present in the locality
include that of Fort St. George complex. The millitary building
(fort) of the British is present occupied by important government
offices like Tamil Nadu Secretariat and Legislative Assembly. The
complex also highlights a lighthouse that has been renovated several
times. A small gallery in the complex features the British High
Officials of the bygone era. Other important offices in the suburb
precincts include Chennai High Court, and foreign offices of Norway,
Turkey, Italy and Hungary.
The Madras War Cemetery or Common Wealth War Graves are located
towards the south western periphery of George Town. The cemetery
bears the burial places of Common Wealth forces who died in the war.
The region of George Town houses some of the crowded market places
of Chennai. Burma Bazar that lies close to the Raja Salai Road is
one such place. The place also features a number of institutions
like clubs, hospitals, colleges and cinema halls. Some renowned
institutions of the region are Sea Farers Club, Gymkhana Club, Nehru
Hospital, Vikram Hospital, Bhatt Hospital, Government Dental
College, Chennai College, Bharati Women Arts College, Crown Cinema,
Padmanabha Cinema, Blue Star Cinema, etc. The region is quite
congested and is marked with heavy traffic.
Accessibility
- The Broadway Bus Stand and High Court Bus Stand provides
easy means of commutation but they are often over crowded.
- George Town is connected with the city suburbs by railways.
The main railway station that is Chennai Central Railway Station
lies in the vicinity of George Town.
- The nearest airport for George Town is the Chennai Airport,
which is located some 16 kms far from the place.
Areas Under George Town
- Broadway
- Parrys
- Sowcarpet
Other
