Royapuram, Residential neighborhood in Chennai, India
Royapuram is a residential neighborhood in northern Chennai organized around a major fishing harbor where boats dock daily to supply fresh seafood. The harbor serves as the working center of the area, supporting local markets and food businesses.
The area became prominent in 1856 with South India's first railway station, which continues to operate today. This station remains the oldest continuously functioning railway facility on the Indian subcontinent and shaped the early growth of the neighborhood.
Fishing families here practice methods refined over centuries, visible each morning as boats return and the harbor transforms into a lively marketplace. This daily rhythm shapes the identity of the place and connects residents to their maritime heritage.
Several bus routes link the neighborhood to central Chennai, and the railway station provides direct connections to destinations across Tamil Nadu state. The harbor area is walkable, but visiting in early morning is recommended to see boats arriving and the market at its busiest.
The neighborhood takes its name from St. Peter's Church, an original place of worship that shaped the area's character. The name comes from Royappa, the Tamil word for St. Peter, a connection that remains alive in the local geography and identity.
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