Formerly known as Madras, Chennai is the capital of Tamil Nadu state in southern India. If anything, the chaotic city traffic stands out above all the things to see in Chennai. If you just stay in one spot and let the traffic pass in front of your eyes, you'll feel the movement of trucks, buses without glass windows, tricycles, cars, motorcycles with girls in traditional Indian dress, bikes, pedestrians and animals. The traffic and the din of horns is unpleasant for Western travelers, but it's one of the Chennai activities worth experiencing. Since it's such a large city, you should plan what to do in Chennai ahead of time to really experience everything. Starting in the north of the city at the port, you'll find majestic imperial buildings and Chennai attractions, such as Central Station, the Supreme Court or Fort St. George, the first fort built in India by the British. In the north of the city, these are the main places to visit in Chennai. In the center of the city, from the monuments to honor MG Ramachandran to the statue of Mahatma Gandhi, you can enjoy a leisurely stroll along the numerous statues in memory of the country's other notable people. Continuing south, and after crossing the river Adyar, other attractions in Chennaii include Guindy National Park, the Indian Institute of Technology and the Theosophical Society. Spending the day at the 13 km long Chennai Beach is one of the best things to do in Chennai, since it's the largest Indian city beach, and the second longest beach in the world. Other stuff to do in Chennai is to try all kinds of different food Chennai. Each dish is spicier than the last!