Fort St George is a historic fort in Chennai, India, that was built by the British East India Company in 1644. It was the first English fortress in India and the seat of British power in south India for more than two centuries. The fort, named after the patron saint of England, is a well-preserved monument that houses various government offices, a museum, a church, and a flagstaff. It is one of the most popular attractions of Chennai and a must-visit destination for history and culture lovers. Visit during Chennai Local Sightseeing by cab
Location of Fort St George
Fort St George is located on Rajaji Salai, near the Legislature and Secretariat, in Fort St George, Chennai. It is about 3 km from Chennai Central railway station and 20 km from Chennai International airport. It is easily accessible by public transport such as buses, trains, metro, and auto-rickshaws.
Timing / Entry Fees Fort St George
Fort St George is open from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm on all days except Fridays and national holidays. The entry fee is Rs. 5 per person for Indians and Rs. 300 per person for foreign tourists. The camera fee is Rs. 200 for still camera and Rs. 500 for video camera.
How to Reach Fort St George
Fort St George can be reached by road from any part of the city. You can take a bus, taxi, or auto-rickshaw to reach the spot. You can also take a train to Chennai Central railway station or a metro to Government Estate metro station, which are both close to the fort.
Things to Do / Must See Fort St George
Fort St George offers various things to do and see for tourists and visitors of all ages and interests. You can enjoy a tour of the fort, a visit to the museum and the church, a view of the flagstaff and the cannons, etc. at the complex. You can also visit the nearby attractions such as Marina Beach, Kapaleeshwarar Temple, Santhome Basilica, etc.
- Tour: A tour of the fort is one of the main attractions at the complex. You can learn about the history and significance of the fort and see its various structures and features such as the ramparts, bastions, gates, barracks, etc.
- Museum: The Fort Museum is housed in a building that was once used as an exchange house by the East India Company. It displays various artifacts and exhibits related to the colonial history and culture of Chennai such as portraits, paintings, coins, medals, weapons, uniforms, furniture, etc.
- Church: The St Mary’s Church is located inside the fort and is one of the oldest surviving churches in India. It was built in 1680 and is known as the ‘Westminster Abbey of the East’. It has a beautiful architecture and interior with stained glass windows, wooden carvings, marble statues, etc. It also has a cemetery where many prominent British officials are buried such as Robert Clive, Elihu Yale, etc.
- Flagstaff: The flagstaff is located at the centre of the fort and is one of the tallest in India. It is made of teak wood and stands at 150 feet high. It flies the Indian national flag during day time and is illuminated at night.
- Cannons: The fort has several cannons that were used for defence and attack during wars. Some of them are displayed outside the museum while others are placed on the ramparts. The most famous cannon is called ‘The Dragon’ which has a dragon’s head carved on its mouth.
Significance of Fort St George
Fort St George is a place of historical and cultural significance. It was established in 1644 by the British East India Company as one of their first settlements in India. It served as their headquarters and trading centre for more than two centuries. It also witnessed many events and battles that shaped the history of Chennai and India such as the Carnatic Wars, the Siege of Madras, etc. It also gave birth to a new settlement area called George Town which grew to become the city of Madras (later renamed Chennai). It also showcases the British influence over the architecture and culture of Chennai.
FAQ’s
- Q: What is the best time to visit Fort St George?
- A: The best time to visit Fort St George is from October to March when the weather is pleasant and cool.
- Q: What are the facilities available at Fort St George?
- A: There are basic facilities available at Fort St George such as parking, toilets, drinking water, cafeteria, souvenir shop, etc.
- Q: What are some tips for visiting Fort St George?
- A: Some tips for visiting Fort St George are:
- Wear comfortable shoes and clothes as you will have to walk a lot to explore the fort.
- Carry water, snacks and a camera to capture the views.
- Be respectful while viewing the exhibits and do not touch or damage them.
- Do not litter or smoke at the fort premises.
- Respect the local culture and environment.
Conclusion
Fort St George is a historic fort in Chennai, India, that was built by the British East India Company in 1644. It was the first English fortress in India and the seat of British power in south India for more than two centuries. The fort, named after the patron saint of England, is a well-preserved monument that houses various government offices, a museum, a church, and a flagstaff. It is one of the most popular attractions of Chennai and a must-visit destination for history and culture lovers.
It offers various things to do and see such as a tour of the fort, a visit to the museum and the church, a view of the flagstaff and the cannons, etc. It also has a rich history and heritage that showcases the British influence over Chennai.
