It
was an unplanned trip to Chennai. I was in South India – the last leg of my India tour – but then my tour guide- Sam suggested that we take a detour and spend
some time in Chennai. I’m glad I agreed.
The city will welcome you with clogged traffic, hot weather, smog and
lots of people around but there is something humble about the city that
actually will make you like it instantly.
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| Kapaleeswarar temple in Chennai |
Sam
(Sambuddha) filled me in with a little history of the place. The city was a
seat of power for many South Indian kingdoms through centuries. Then there were
the British and the French colonial forces.
Today it is counted as one of the four metros cities of India. It’s an
urban conglomerate with a maze of well connected roads and transport. The
culture is strikingly different than any other Indian city and it is refreshing
break.
It’s
a city of intricately carved Hindu temples and structures, palaces. The Marina
Beach boasts of being the longest
stretch of beach in the country and it is beautiful. There is also the Covelong
Beach and the Elliot’s Beach. The city is not just about temples; there are
some beautiful churches we well. San Thome
Cathedral, Velankanni Church, St Mary’s Church are a must see. If you can,
spend an evening in a Bharatnatyam dance recital. It is a classical dance form
and very popular in this part of the country. From Chennai you could go site
seeing in nearby places like Mahabalipuram, Dakshinachitra, Fort St George and
Government Museum. Go on a small bazaar walking tour in the city – it is a
great experience. Witness how the
craftsmen create such wonderful 12 yards of gorgeous silk saris.
The
food is simple yet surprisingly mouthwatering. From crispy rice pancakes called
dosa to soft and fluffy rice cakes –
idlis with a side of sambar and hot chutney- it’s a treat
for the palate. One flavor that you will definitely find in the food is
coconut. From coconut sweets to banana chips fried in coconut oil, Chettinad
Pepper Chicken cooked in coconut milk! The
filter coffee has a special edge to it. The people around are nice and
friendly. It’s a pretty sight when you spot women wearing beautifully dark
colored saris that look outright comfortable and easy to manage. Their long
hairs are adorned with pretty white flowers. Don’t even think of trying to
learn a phrase or two of Tamil just for laughs or to make communicating easier
with the locals; it’s not going to happen.
The good thing – most of them understand English.
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From
the Senate House to the Kapaleeshwarar temple War Memorial to Theme Parks, bars,
pubs, cafes, movie halls on one hand, humble little eateries and temples and
crowded busses on the other hand go hand in hand. You get the best of both
worlds and that is what makes this place so special. My trip to Chennai only
lasted four days but I can say I had a great time.
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