For those history buffs this is a must see. Muck of Britain's involvement in India can be seen in this place, lots of background the the East India Company which had the words biggest private army and trade block in its time. St Mary's is chock full of memorials to those who lived, served and died here. Some very tragic one with regards the wives of those who were here. Beware: Entrance is now by an online ticket. My driver used his phone to buy and I reimbursed him. I'm guessing this is due to security in the area as a large part of the fort is still in use by the military as well as locl Govt.

Minimal access is given to the greater fort area accept to the small museum. This is because the government is literally functioning within the other buildings. There is no separate access at the security gate for a museum only visit, but feel free to push to the head of the queue with some ID to sign in. Fascinating exhibits inside the museum in forlorn conditions. The entire site of the fort is a museum in itself but tragically is not treated as such. Similar to the situation at the government museum.

The Fort St. George Museum, nestled in Chennai, is a historical marvel waiting to be explored. Founded in 1644, it stands as a living testament to the British East India Company's colonial influence in India. The fort's architecture, a blend of British and Indian styles, is a sight to behold, with its sturdy bastions and imposing ramparts. The museum houses a trove of colonial artifacts, from vintage weaponry to rare coins, offering a mesmerizing journey into the past. A hidden gem for history enthusiasts, it's worth a visit, especially if you seek a less crowded, immersive historical experience. Conveniently, the Fort St. George Museum offers ample parking in an open ground just across the road. Entry is hassle-free through a QR code scan at the main entrance, with a nominal INR 20 fee for adults. Enjoy a seamless visit!

St Mary’ Church deserves five stars, but we could not enter the museum as you have to pay online Rs 300 pp for foreigners vs Rs 25 pp local BUT you have to pay online after scanning a QR code. My UK phone on mobile data never got past the ‘loading’ so we were barred from entry, so the museum deserves zero stars. Also security is tight entering the fort area and they demand a passport or picture thereof. My UK driving licence proved acceptable so that was fine and the area is tidy, the buildings interesting and the people friendly and helpful. St Mary’s alone made the trip worthwhile. The memorials to so many who died far from home, and sometimes in places like Burma and Penang, most going back to the 18th century. Thought provoking.