Chennai: Tamil Nadu Tourism Development Corporation (TTDC) on Wednesday launched ‘Know Chennai’, a one-day heritage tour aimed to introduce Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) school students to the city’s history, culture and architectural landmarks.The initiative was flagged off by TTDC managing director and director of tourism V P Jeyaseelan at the Tourism Office on Walajah Road. TTDC general manager and district revenue officer S Lakshmi Priya, along with senior officials, attended the event.The first trip had 63 students from Chennai High School, Old Washermenpet, along with three teachers, travelling in TTDC’s double-decker electric bus.The tour began around 11am and concluded at 1.30pm. During the ride, students were taken past several of Chennai’s prominent landmarks and heritage sites such as Mount Road, LIC Building, Spencer Plaza, Mecca Masjid, Pallavan Salai, Bodyguard Muneeswarar Temple, Raja Annamalai Mandram, Madras High Court, Secretariat, Reserve Bank of India, Chennai Port, War Memorial, Napier Bridge, the memorials along Marina Beach, Lighthouse, Pattinapakkam Beach, Santhome Basilica, All India Radio, Police Headquarters, Queen Mary’s College, Vivekananda House, Presidency College, Ezhilagam, University of Madras, Doordarshan Kendra, Rajaji Hall and Government Omandurar Multi Super Speciality Hospital.A tour guide accompanied the students throughout the journey, explaining the historical and cultural significance of the locations visited. TTDC also provided snacks to the students and teachers.Officials said the programme was designed to help students gain a better understanding of Chennai’s heritage and civic landmarks through an organised educational tour.
