The Charming City of Chennai, India

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.

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.

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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