Chennai, the cultural heartland and the most important metro of southern India, carries centuries-old traditions in its way of life. But it is also an IT-savvy 21st century city where temple spires and high-rises exist in complete harmony. International hotels like the Park Sheraton Hotel & Towers, Taj Coromandel, Le Royal Meridien and The Park offer every facility a corporate executive desires; there are several convention centres, comfortable shopping malls, museums, art galleries, and much more. Just out of Chennai is the balmy beach resort of Mahabalipuram with its ancient ruins, and the temple city of Kanchipuram.