Ripon Building

The Basics

Commissioned in 1913, the ornate white Ripon Building was named after Lord Ripon, then governor general of British India. A 2012 restoration returned it to its original Raj-era splendor. As it serves as a government office building to this day, guests can only admire the architecture from the exterior, and some heritage tours of the city stop here, often in conjunction with a visit to the nearby Fort St. George area.

Things to Know Before You Go

• The Ripon Building is worth checking out if you have an interest in architecture.

• Note that because the building is a working government office, visitors are not allowed inside.

• Wear sun protection, particularly if you are visiting during the later morning or afternoon.

How to Get There

The Ripon Building is located due west of the Chennai Central train station and right across the street from Siddique Sarai Mosque and the Chennai Park Station (one stop from Chennai's huge Egmore railway station). It’s about a 10-minute drive from Fort St. George and a 20-minute drive from Mylapore, where many of the city's major cultural and religious attractions are located.

When to Get There

As visitors are not allowed inside the Ripon Building, the ideal time to visit is based entirely on the weather. Temperatures can be uncomfortably high in April and May, so if you're visiting during this time, come early or after dark. Monsoons can start as early as June and last well into October, so if you come during that time, be prepared for heavy showers.

The Greater Chennai Corporation

The Ripon Building houses the Greater Chennai Corporation, which was established as the Corporation of Madras under a royal charter of King James II in 1688, when the city was still under British rule. Responsible for governing Chennai and its 200 wards, the corporation is, after London, the oldest civic body in the world.