Fort St George

Built in 1644, Fort St George was the first English fortress in India and the seed from which the city of Madras — now Chennai — grew. Today it houses the Tamil Nadu state legislature alongside a fascinating museum of the colonial era.

Within its walls stand St Mary's Church, the oldest surviving Anglican church east of Suez, and the Fort Museum, whose collection of weapons, uniforms, coins and portraits tells the story of early British India. It's a compact, history-rich stop near the seafront.

• ›The Fort Museum's colonial-era collection.
• ›St Mary's Church, the oldest Anglican church in India.
• ›The old fort walls and their harbour setting.

It's an active government complex, so carry ID and expect security checks. The museum is closed on Fridays. Easily combined with Marina Beach.