Chennai is one of the India’s largest cities and the capital of Tamil Nadu state. It is the cultural capital of India and one of most the most visited cities by tourists. Recently, I was in Chennai and really had an awesome time. My experience in Chennai mostly involves around traditional wedding, Chennai special food, long street drives and walks, some hopping in Pondy bazaar and visiting Marina Beach, the most crowded and longest beach of India.
Chennai trip is a really special for me because it gave me one of the exciting experiences of my life.The First Flight Journey.
My first flight journey was so comfortable and enjoyable. I am so thankful to Jet Airways for such pleasant first flight experience.Though, I was very nervous and feared about the all of the incidents that could happen in the way. But once I was in the air, I was quite brave and all the fear was gone. I was enjoying the view of earth and I was surrounded by the most beautiful thing, the clouds.
Beautiful wall art at Chennai airport
It took us around 2 hours to reach Chennai from Mumbai Airport. My friend had already arranged a cab for us. Our cab driver knew English, so we managed to communicate with him. During our drive from airport to guest house at Moors road, our cab driver informed us about the nearby places to visit.
Chennai is also known for hot weather. I was a bit worried about the temperature, but luckily the climate was moderate and pleasant.
Street shop – Colorful sculptures
Colorful House
Talking with local people was a good experience. I had a conversation with a few locals at the guest house. People are helpful and cooperative.
Panditji giving blessing to newly weds
Traditional music
Chennai is a big city. We had spent most of our time on the streets. As mentioned in my earlier post of Marina Beach, regarding the auto rickshaw drivers, we did not have a good experience with rickshaw drivers. We had to bargain with them most of the time.
My friends posing with auto rickshaw driver
Well, just like a normal marketplace, the street side areas were mostly occupied by street shops and local sellers. We tried to do some shopping in Pondy bazaar. Though, I did not find anything interesting or different in the local market, but I took Mysore pak (Sweet item).
Pondy Bazaar
Street walls painting
Chennai is full of colors, yellow seems the favorite color of Chennai. I have seen beautiful and colorful temples along the road side almost on the every mile and every area.
Small temple
Express avenue mall
Valentine’s day celebration
I enjoyed all the south Indian dishes which I tried in Chennai specially typical south food served in traditional wedding . Idli is my favorite south Indian dish. The taste of Sambar in Mumbai and in Chennai is totally different.
Idli & Vada
Masala Dosa
Sambar rice
Traditional food served on banana leaf
At the end of our trip, we went to see off my friend at the Chennai railway station. Chennai station is a heritage building and one of the oldest stations in India.
Chennai railway station
This time I wandered on the streets of the Chennai, enjoyed a lot of Chennai special food and traditional wedding, fought with auto rickshaw drivers and I saw the Bay of Bengal for the first time. All counts in good memories of the trip.
I just want to mention that I am working on my India travel bucket list. Chennai is a part of Tamil Nadu and there is still so much to see in Tamil Nadu like Chola temples, Mahabalipuram, Kanyakumari, Ooty etc. I will soon come here to see all other attractions.
So now it’s your turn, Have you been to Chennai? What were your first impressions?
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Thak you for writing about the city I have loved for the last 60 years. If intersted, please see my city-centric photo blog: https://madrasnallamadrasblog.wordpress.com/
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glad you liked chennai!
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I love the idli…Vida…dosa etc. Haven’t been to Chennai in particular but been enough to the south to get the feeling. Heard ppl don’t speak English there… Vannakam, d only word I know 😊
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Yeah, Communication is a bit barrier in Chennai, but Now days, most of the people speak English in South including some of the auto or bus drivers and local shopkeepers.
By the way I love Idli, vada too 🙂
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so an idli vada date in the future, in south India preferably. They don’t taste all that good in Goa.
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Hahaha.. My pleasure 😛
Btw, It doesn’t taste that good in Mumbai as well .
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so mumbai and goes goes off the list, lets run away to chennai to eat it. How about we catch the Chennai Express? We’ll reach faster no…express afterall :p 😀
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Hehe, sounds good. I would to go by Chennai Express 😛
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Woooow… I want to visit soon !! 🙂
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I would love to go
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Indeed!
It is a nice place to visit. 🙂
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You had me with the food photos because I love Indian food to a disturbing degree. Also the final two photos didn’t make it on the page. Would you be good enough to give it a quick look?
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Indeed, Indian food is delicious. I am a big food junkie as well. There are so many variation in Indian food depending upon the regional areas and each region has it own specialty food item. Good to know that you like Indian food. If possible try some Indian street food, you will love it. Thank you!
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I have tried it actually, in KL and Singapore. I just can’t get enough of it.
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Wow, you really capture the atmosphere. My girlfriend and I are tentatively planning a trip to India next winter, it’s great to start getting some ideas as to where we should go.
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Thank you so much!
You will surely have a great time in India. Best wishes for your trip 🙂
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I have not been to Madras in years
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lovely post! although i do would like to add that you seemed to have received the quintessential south-india, tamil-brahmin experience, which is nice and all, but there are other sides – such as the terrific sandwich stalls on Pantheon road, the Russian cultural center which organizes great jazz music, and tons of non-tam-bram related activities 🙂 I’m glad you had a great time though!
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Thank you!
I am so glad that I had a good time, but that’s true as well there’s always the other side. Luckily, I did not experience any such activities 🙂
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I was in Chennia only for a day but enjoyed the scenic spots in Tamilnadu. Except ooty, all of which you have mentioned were treats to the eye !!!
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That sounds good! I will cover all the remaining places on my next visit.
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yes there is a museum of South Indian houses Dakshinachitra on ECR don’t miss it !!
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I guess I missed it, but ECR is beautiful. I really enjoyed my journey from Chennai to Pondicherry. Totally scenic!
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True . Completely agree!
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Was in Chennai a couple of years ago 🙂
Yes, its a wonderful place ..!!
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Yes, wonderful and colorful 🙂
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The vegetarian food there is awesome 🙂
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Really awesome! I liked Sambar rice and Rasam 🙂
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Ya… 🙂
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