Chengalpattu

Chengalpattu is located in Kanchipuram district in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. It is a taluk and suburb of South Chennai that was earlier known as Chingleput. The region is located at a distance of almost 55 kilometres from Chennai and is an important commercial centre. Chengalpattu serves as the headquarters of the Chengalpattu taluk and is on the national highway NH 45. Chengalpattu is located at 12.7°N latitude and 79.98°E longitude. It has an average elevation of 36 metres above the sea level. The name of the suburb has been kept after a specific type of lily known as `chenkazhuneer poo.` It is found in abundance in Chengalpattu. Chingleput assembly constituency is under the Chengalpattu Lok Sabha constituency.

History of Chengalpattu
According to history Chingleput was earlier the capital of the rulers of Vijayanagar Empire. They selected the town as their capital after they lost the Battle of Talikota in 1565 at the hands of the Deccan sultanates. Later in 1639 a portion of the coastal land was offered by a local governor to the British East India Company. The later constructed the Fort St George on it. Another fortress adorned by a lake was built during the 16th century by the Vijayanagar kings in Chingleput. In 1751 Chingleput went under the rule of the French. Later in 1752 Dharaniraj seized it. The town proved as an important spot for the British. Chingleput guarded the British and offered shelter to the residents during their battle with Hyder Ali of Mysore. After defeating Colonel W. Bailliet the army of Sir Hector Munro stayed in the town in 1780. The town with time developed itself significantly and was widely known for its pottery work. Rice trade was also carried out here. The silk and cotton weaving industry, tanneries, indigo dyeing, a cigar factory also flourished here. Salt was also manufactured along the coast.

Educational Institutions of Chengalpattu
Chengalpattu has established several schools and colleges to impart education among the children residing in the town. Some of the important schools located here are:
* Sri Ramakrishna Mission Boys` Hr Sec School
* Sri Ramakrishna Mission Girls` Hr Sec School
* Sri Ramakrishna Mission Girls` Hr Sec School
* St. Mary`s Primary School
* Brindavan Public School
* Progress Matriculation School
* Annai sathiya matriculation school
* Swami Vivekanandha Vidhiyalaya Jain Matriculation School
* Little Jacky Matriculation Higher Secondary School
* Arignar Anna Govt Boys Higher Secondary School
* Blessings Matriculation Higher Secondary School
* Vivekananda Matriculation School
* St. Joseph`s Higher Secondary School
* St. Joseph`s Kinder Garden School
Some of the important colleges in Chengalpattu are:
* Asan Memorial College of Engineering and Technology
* Karpaga Vinayaga Institute of Dental Science
* Government Law College
* Vidhya Sagar Women`s Arts and Science College
* Karpaga Vinayaga Institute of Nursing
* Karpaga Vinayaga College of Engineering and Technology
* Government Arts College
* Karpaga Vinayaga Institute of Medical Science
* Shri Andal Alagar College of Engineering
* Chengalpet Government Medical College
* Asan Memorial Dental College

Tourist Spots in Chengalpattu
Chengalpattu has evolved as a significant tourist spot over the years. It is visited by tourists from different corners of the country. The Tamil Nadu Tourism Development Corporation (TTDC) has built a boat house in Kolavai Lake that serves as a spot for relaxation for the visitors. It is located beside the NH 45 highway. It acts as a bridge linking the districts in the vicinity with several important tourist places such as Muttukadu, Mahabalipuram, Thirukazhukundram, theme parks located on East Coast Road and others.

Kolavai Lake
Kolavai Lake is the second largest lake after Madhuranthagam Lake in Kanchipuram District. The industries in Chennai get water from the lake when the lakes in the city become dry. The water body was earlier spread over a huge area but has now reduced considerably due to encroachments and the construction of Mahindra World city. The water has now become polluted.

Several notable industries have been set up in Chengalpattu such as Infosys, Tech Mahindra, BMW, Wipro, Pepsi, Ford, Nokia, TVS, Nissan, Hyundai, Siemens, Mahindra R & D, Renault, Apollo Tyres and others. The town`s proximity to Chennai and other places has helped it develop significantly. Chingleput is also an important railway junction.