Things to Do in Fort St. George

Britain built its first Indian fortress here in 1644. Fort St. George launched modern Chennai and established the East India Company's foothold on the Coromandel Coast—a star-shaped bastion that still is Tamil Nadu's government center while preserving three centuries of colonial history. What makes this place work is how government officials rush past antique cannons daily. You'll hear Chennai traffic mixing with echoes from centuries-old architecture. The Fort Museum houses one of India's best British-era collections, with weapons and documents that bring the colonial period to life.

Traditional South Indian restaurants around the fort serve authentic Tamil food. Dosas and idlis are standard. Street stalls offer sundal, bajji, and fresh coconut water, while George Town hotels provide both regional and North Indian options—international cuisine appears throughout broader Chennai.

November through February delivers the best weather. Temperatures range from 20°C to 30°C during these months, making outdoor exploration comfortable without the punishing heat that defines Chennai summers. Monsoons from June to September bring heavy rainfall that disrupts plans—summer temperatures hit 40°C and feel brutal with the humidity. Early morning visits work year-round. Late afternoon sessions from 4 PM to 6 PM catch coastal breezes that provide relief.