George Town, Historical neighborhood near Fort Saint George, Chennai, India
George Town stretches from Chennai Central railway station to the Bay of Bengal, with narrow lanes filled with shops focused on specific goods and traditional markets lining the streets. The area functions as a densely packed shopping district where merchants from different regions operate businesses selling everything from textiles to electronics.
The area grew after the British East India Company established Fort St. George in 1640 as their first fortress in India. The settlement expanded rapidly into a major trading hub that shaped the region's economy for centuries to come.
The neighborhood is home to religious structures of multiple faiths, where temples built in the 17th century still stand as visible reminders of the diverse communities that have lived here. Walking through the streets, you encounter these different places of worship side by side in everyday surroundings.
The best time to visit is in early morning hours when the lanes are less crowded and shops are opening up. Wear comfortable walking shoes since you'll be on foot navigating narrow and uneven pathways throughout the area.
Parry's Corner stands out, named after Thomas Parry who established a major trading company in 1787 that became well-known across the region. This intersection has remained a vital crossroads for commerce and transportation for generations.
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