MY DARLING CHENNAI

HAPPY NEW YEAR MY DEAR FELLAS 

Hi everybody am back to blogging and my blog is about the city I live in. I live in the most beautiful, vibrant, energetic fast moving popular urban city called Chennai. Chennai is both my home and my happiness.

" SORGAME ENDRALUM NAMMA ORU POLA VARUMA" is a beautiful song composed by the genius music director Maestro Ilayaraja .This song is apt for me as am in head over heels in love with my city. Located at the coromandel coast of T.N. It  is in the heart of South India and extremely popular with iconic landmarks and famous tourist attractions. Chennai is also known as " India's health capital".

Chennai is a home for traditional mami, mama, animal lovers, temple goers, history lovers etc. Chennai has all in one platter catering to the varied needs of tourist and also ensures that tourist go back home with loads of unforgettable memories to be cherished for a lifetime.

So friends vanga " MADRAS AH SUTHIPAKA POLAM" ( Lets get ready to explore Chennai)

PLACES OF INTEREST IN CHENNAI - 

KAPALEESHWARAR TEMPLE 

Located in Mylapore in the suburb of chennai is the " Kapaleeshwarar Temple". A temple dedicated to Lord Shiva built in the Dravidian kind of Architecture .The temple has some of the most beautiful scupltures and one among them is the bronze idol of 63 saints.

MYLAPORE SAI BABA TEMPLE : Located near the Kapakeeshwarar Temple this temple is   dedicated exclusively to the saint " Lord Sai Baba".

ASHTALAKSHMI TEMPLE : The Ashtalkashmi Temple is located in Besant nagar ( Coastal area  of the city).The temple is dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi where the Goddess Lakshmi is worshipped in 8 varied forms.

AARUPADAI MURUGAN TEMPLE : Located next to the Ashtalakshmi temple is the Aarupadai Murugan Temple where the deity " Lord Murugan" is worshipped in 6 different forms.

BESANT NAGAR BEACH : located between the "ASHTALAKSHMI Temple & the ARUPADAI TEMPLE" is the Besant Nagae beach

SANTHOME CATHEDRAL CHURCH  : which is claimed to be built over the tomb of opsotole.

MARINA BEACH  : Marina Beach is one of the second longest beach in India along the Bay of Bengal.

GUINDY NATIONAL PARK : 

One of the very few national parks that are situated inside the city. The park is the extension of the Governor's official residence called the " Raj Bhavan". It extends deep inside the Governor's estate with beautiful flora and fauna. The park is one of the 8th smallest national park and a must visit for animal lovers.

BIRLA PLANETORIUM 

Birla Planetorium was built in 1988 in the memory of the great industrialist Mr.B.M. Birla.Birla planetarium is not only located in Chennai but also other major places such as Trichy, Hyderabad, Kolkata etc.

Birla planetarium is one of the famous tourist spots in Chennai and also a preferred tourist destination in schools for field trips.This planetarium provides a virtual tour of the night sky and also holds cosmic shows. The experience of closely watching the night sky is something surreal .Birla planetarium is the ultimate place for astronomy lovers.

GOVERNMENT MUSEUM 

The government museum or the Chennai museum is all about history , culture etc. Located in Egmore the museum was built in 1857 and it is one of the most oldest museums in India .The museum has a rich collection of archeology and numismatics. The national art gallery located inside the museum premises boasts of the most timeless paintings of eminent artist Mr. Raja Ravi Verman etc. The National museum is a paradise for history lovers.

CONNEMRA PUBLIC LIBRARY 

Located in Egmore in Chennai, the library has some of the most precious books of all times. Connemara library is the four national depository library which receives a copy of all the periodicals published in India. The library has a separate braille section and a separate I.A.S study center. The library has a rich rare collection of books including the 1608 bible.

ARIGNAR ANNA ZOOLOGICAL PARK 

Arignar anna zoological park is located in Vandalur is also known as the Vandaloor zoo in the southwest part of Chennai. Established in 1985 the zoo is spread over an areas of 602 hectares and is also one of the longest zoo in the world. Apart from housing around endangered species of mammals reptiles and amphibians it also has a butterfly park .Animal lovers and animal enthusiast are sure to have a whale of a time visiting the zoo.

KINDLY BE INFORMED THAT ONLY THE ABOVE MENTIONED INFORMATION AND STATISTICS IS TAKEN FROM WIKIPEDIA. THE REST PART OF THE BLOG ARE MY OWN WRITING.

Alright having explored the most famous tourist attractions in Chennai lets get ready to see where Chennaities eat.

" AM ON A SEA FOOD DIET, I SEE FOOD & I EAT". 

Your trip to Chennai is incomplete without savouring the  local delicacies . So get ready and join with me to tickle your taste buds and unleash the foodie in you by treating yourself in some of the best restaurants in Chennai. Refresh yourself after a long day by gorging on  hot doas,idlies and last but not the least the aromatic south Indian filter coffee which you can die for.

Chennai has a variety of restaurants that cater to the varied tastes & budget of people. Right from the elite class to the middle class Chennai has all in one platter. Be it North Indian, South Indian, Chennai has various restaurants to satiate and tickle your taste buds. Get ready to savour the delicacies in the restaurants mentioned below which are some of the famous restaurants in Chennai.

THE RESIDENCY : 

THE RESIDENCY TOWERS : THERE ARE 3 RESTAURANTS IN THIS PARTICULAR HOTEL , THE NAMES OF THE SAME ARE MENTIONED BELOW 

DAKSHIN 
QUEEN - ROOF TOP DINING 
MAIN STREET : LONDON THEMED RESTAURANT 

COPPER POINT - RESTAURANT IN GRT GRAND.

THE PIANO & THE MALGUDI RESTAURANT IN HOTEL SAVERA 

HOTEL ACCORD METROPOLITAN 

TAJ COROMANDEL 

ITC GRAND CHOLA 

CROWN PLAZA

PURE VEG RESTAURANTS IN CHENNAI

• ANNALAKSHMI RESTAURANT 
• SANGEETHA VEG RESTAURANT 
• ADYAR ANATHA BHAVAN 
• MATHURA 
• R.R. MATHYSA 
• NEW WOODLANDS 

AUTHENTIC NORTH INDIAN SPECIALITY RESTAURANT 

• PIND 
• KAILASH PARBAT 
• PAKWAN 

Apart from the restaurants mentioned above Chennai also has some of the most unique theme based restaurants which offers unforgettable and different dining experience to their esteemed guests.

THEME BASED RESTAURANTS IN CHENNAI

CICLO CAFE : Located in Kotturpuram near Gandhi Mandapam . The main motto of the restaurant is to encourage and promote cycling.

KHAIDI KITCHEN : Located in Bishop Wallers Avenue , Mylapore this restaurant has a unique ambience of a prison and the stewards are dressed as prisoners & jailers. This is a must visit restaurant for a lavish and wholesome dinner .The dinner can be enjoyed and cherished for a lifetime by dining behind bars in  dim light rooms the one of a kind  experience is surely unique unforgettable. 

ROBOTIC RESTAURANT 

Located in Porur & OMR this restaurant has a totally unique concept where the  food is served by robots to their esteemed  guest. The food served by robots are terribly amazing and mind blowing. The robotic restaurant is a must visit with kids as they are sure to feel amazed and happy.

SUPER STAR PIZZA 

" NAAN ORU DARAVAI SONNAH NURU DARAVA SONNAH MADHRI ". One of the most iconic unforgettable favourite dialogue of the great superstar and also the demi god for many and he is the ace actor " Superstar Rajinikanth".

This superstar restaurant located in Perungudi is solely dedicated to the evergreen hero. The walls of the restaurant are fitted with pics of the great star and the menu of the restaurant are named after the hero's cult classic movies. Upon visiting the restaurant one is sure to feel the greatness of the star . This restaurant is a boon and a major hit among his loyal and dedicated fans all over the world.

Apart from all the above mentioned restaurants  Chennai also has a food walk and that is known as the "OMR STREET FOOD.

OMR STREET FOOD : This is where an array of shops are located on the left and right corner of the streets and varieties of food are sold. Upon visiting the same your sure to be spoilt for choices.

PLEASE BE INFORMED THAT THERE ARE ALSO CERTAIN GOOD NON VEG RESTAURANTS IN CHENNAI.BUT HAVING NO IDEA ABOUT THE VARITIES AND TASTE OF NON VEG FOOD THE SAME IS NOT MENTIONED ABOVE.

Chennai this beautiful city is not only famous for its various culinary delights, iconic monuments but also famous for shopping. Chennai is also known as the shoppers paradise and the city offers a wide range of shopping experience right from the posh elite upmarket malls to street shopping Chennai has it all.

" WHOEVER SAID MONEY CANT BUY HAPPINESS SIMPLY DIDNT KNOW WHERE TO GO FOR SHOPPING".

Alright friends with no further time to waste join me for a wonderful amazing and a mind blowing shopping experience in Chennai.

The real shopping experience in Chennai is felt when shopping in the below mentioned busy, Vibrant, chaotic streets of Chennai and those places are

1. PONDY BAZZAR, 
2. RANGANATHAN STREET 
3.SOWCARPET 

On the above mentioned places there are an array of shops located on both sides of the road. Ranging from clothes , fashion accessories, jewellery ,handbags etc. Be it cheap stuffs to costly stuffs the items sold in the market are definitely a crowd puller and something that never fails to impress the tourists. Tourist visiting the place are sure to fall in love with the items  displayed.

Shopaholics upon visiting the place are sure to get excited while shopping however travelers upon visiting the mentioned areas are requested to sharpen their bargaining skills in order to ensure that they get the right quality of the product. The art of bargaining and shopping in the busy chaotic streets of Chennai are an experience to be cherished.

Apart from street shopping chennai also has some lovely below mentioned malls.
1) PHONEIX MALL - VELACHERY 
2) VR MALL - ANNA NAGAR
3) FORUM MALL - VADAPALANI 
4) CITY CENTRE - ALWARPET 
5) PVR MALL - AMINJIKARAI 
6) MARINA MALL - OMR 

Chennai, this lovely city is known very much for the love and warmth and the josh to welcome tourist anytime and ensure that they are treated well and sent back with unforgettable fond memories. But to enjoy the city peacefully and in a relaxed manner the best time to visit Chennai is from October -February as at this time of the year the weather is pleasant and it gives you ample opportunities to explore and enjoy the city more.

The suburb in Chennai called Mylapore is a mix of both heritage and lifestyle and visiting Mylapore during the time of festivals is a feeling and experience beyond words. Lets look at the festivals celebrated in Mylapore with great pomp. One of the most important and a famous festival Chennaities look forward are as follows.

1) MYLAPORE FESTIVAL : The soul and culture of Chennai can be found in Mylapore which is a suburb of Chennai. The south Indian culture is vigorously followed in Mylapore. Although being very developed the suburb turns completely traditional at times when needed. The Navaratri and Mylapore festival celebrated in the divine streets of Mylapore are class apart. 

The Mylapore festival is celebrated at the first week of January and Chennaities look forward for this festival excitedly right from the fag end of the previous year.

There are varied culture events & cultural games lined up for 4 days This unique vibrant , colourful festival is celebrated in Mylapore . This was initially started off as a Kolam festival and had slowly expanded to Mylapore festival with lots of activities. 

Upon entering the busy, vibrant , colorful streets of Mylapore you shall be welcomed by a carpet of Kolams
( Kolams are intricate drawings made by rice flours on the roads). kolams of various, sizes, design can be spotted on the roads. The patience, dedication, enthusiasm, creativity, of the artists are visible in their drawings. People participate with great enthusiasm during the kolam festivals. Apart from Kolams the Mylapore festivals are also well known for the below.

SHOPPING : Apart from the above mentioned street shopping in  Chennai Mylapore festival  also provides an amazing shopping experience . Shopping during the Mylapore festival is an experience to behold, and cherished. There are shops that sells  ethnic and eco friendly bags, souvenirs, fancy and artificial jewellery and lot more. 

FOOD : There are also food stalls that serves yummy, lip-smacking, traditional, healthy dishes at the Mylapore food festivals.

More than good food & an amazing shopping experience the festival is also very famous for concerts, traditional games, traditional dance etc.

'

The streets of Mylapore are once again decked up during " Navarathri ". .Navarthri a 9 days holy festival is celebrated  all over India every year during the month of October. 

The main motto of this festival is to celebrate and worship Goddess " DURGA" in 9 varied forms for 9 days. The festival is celebrated in different forms in different parts of India.

KOLKATTA - DURGA PUJA
MYSORE - DUSSHERA
TAMILNADU - KOLU DOLLS

KOLU DOLLS : Kolu dolls are nothing but dolls of different deities arranged at houses in stands of odd numbers. The dolls arranged in the racks symbolizes the presence of 9 forms of " MAA DURGA" at home. People who visit their friends & relative's home during Navarthri are given return gifts with betel leaves, nuts etc.

It is during this season that dolls of different kinds are arranged on the left and right side on the narrow streets of Mylapore. Taking a walk on the colorful streets of Mylapore to catch the glimpse of the cute and beautiful dolls arranged is yet another sight to behold and and an experience to cherish. 

Apart from dolls of Gods & Goddess there are other variety of dolls displayed in the market. Tourist visiting Chennai during the month of October must remember to take a heritage walk on the narrow, colorful, busy, chaotic streets of Mylapore.

These kolu dolls which are kept on sale can also be purchased and taken home as souveniers .  Apart from all the above mentioned specialties of Chennai , Chennai is also famous for music and dance festival.

 The music and dance festival in Chennai which is conducted during the "TAMIL MONTH OF MARGHAZI". The Marghazi month starts from Dec 15th till Jan 15th. This traditional month in Chennai is called the music and dance month. where eminent singers and dancers put forth their  traditional performance.

The hotels are full during this particular seasons as people from far & wide come to indulge themselves in traditional shows . Apart from music & dance concerts the season also has something called " HARIKATHAS". (TRADITIONAL STORIES ARE RECITED IN THE FORM OF MUSIC, POETRY). Apart from enjoying the music & dance, people once again get a chance to relish authentic traditional delectable dishes and also the energy stimulant drink coffee.

My dear new found friends and fellow bloggers I  hope I was very clear in defining about the specialty of the city I live in. So people planning to travel to Chennai gear up, pack your bags and get ready for a lovely trip to Chennai.

Am a wanderlust and yet to begin my journey exploring various beaches, climbing mountains, trying varied cuisines, experiencing different cultures etc. But wherever I travel I  will settle no where other than Chennai. Chennai is always been my homeland & will be my homeland. Chennai is my first love, my home, my happiness, my mother's lap etc.

I LOVE YOU AND WILL ALWAYS LOVE YOU MY DARLING CHENNAI.

Thank you