Around The US Consulate, Chennai

I am writing this impromptu, after taking a call from a couple of friends who’re in Chennai for their Visa appointments. They wanted to know what they could see around the US Consulate within a couple of hours before they take their train back to Bangalore. Having spent all my life in Chennai, it is safe to say, I know my way around the place. So if you’re one of those that want to have a quick look at the sights and sounds of the metropolitan city of Chennai, with a time constraint, this might help you.

The US Consulate is located in Anna Salai, named after ‘Anna’, former politician of Tamil Nadu & ‘Salai’ meaning Road. This road is one of the arterial roads connecting many parts of the city and is perhaps also one of the widest, longest & busiest roads in the city. So what are you’re options around Anna Salai?

1. Spencer Plaza, Mount Road

This is the oldest mall in the country. The very concept of mall in India started with the construction of this building. Originally built during the British Raj in 1863, it was reconstructed after a fire accident in 1985 & serves as one of the prominent landmarks of the city. The building has changed a lot with time (for good or bad?? Don’t know) but still many elements of the olden days remain. You have everything from big modern brands to local handicrafts.

2. Poompoohar, Mount Road

This is a State government funded initiative to empower local and rural artisans. You will find many handicrafts and handloom products exclusive to the State of Tamil Nadu and is ideal for some unique gift shopping.

3. Express Avenue, White’s Road

It is the largest mall in the south of India & also boasts of the largest gaming arcade in the south of India. It is promoted by a subsidiary of the Indian Express group. You will find the best of cinemas, the best of restaurants and of course the biggies of retail here. Ideal spot for some retail therapy or maybe a quick movie at Escape, their cinema hall.

4. Sathyam Multiplex, White’s Road

Sathyam cinemas has been around for a quite a while now. Apart from movie screenings, it has Blur- Dedicated to gaming freaks, also has a bowling alley. Magic pot-A day care centre (so mums & babies, alike can have their space) and Ecstasy- A restaurant. There have been times when I’ve spent an entire day in just those 3 or 4 storeys.

5. Amethyst, White’s Road.

This comes diagonally opposite to the parking lot from Sathyam’s and up the road from Express Avenue. I recommend this place to everybody who wants to have a quite time. It is a restaurant cum boutique. I visit this place a lot. It is in the heart of the city, quite inconspicuous from the outside. Inside, it is set in a very contemporary South Indian/Anglo fashion amidst a lot of landscaped greenery. It has great food and a lovely collection of clothes, trinkets and organic spa products.

6. The Marina Beach

This beach runs along the coromandel coast of the Bay of Bengal. The beach starts from Fort St. George in the north all the way to Besant Nagar in the south for a little over 13km, making this the longest beach in India and the 2^nd longest in the world. It’s the perfect getaway on a cool evening. I usually tell people to go closer to the patch near the light house as there are lesser people there compared to the rest of the beach. You can see the Port Trust of Chennai from anywhere in this part of the beach & if you’re lucky you may catch a few a container ships docking. These are turbulent waters that forms the rough patch between the Indian Ocean and the Bay of Bengal, so I DO NOT recommend swimming. Also there are no life guards in any of the beaches in Chennai. The beach is a perfect ending to a long day.

7. Khader Nawaz Khan Road, Nungambakkam

This place is also close to Anna Salai. You will find many unique shops and restaurants here catering to many tastes. You can hop from Calvin Klein to Man Mandir or Kalaniketan that makes traditional saris and south/north Indian dresses. You will find restaurants serving European, Mediterranean, Indian & oriental cuisines here and also some quite little coffee shops. You’re also parallel to Rutland gate, where the German Embassy is located.

8. St. Thomas basilica (or San Thome Church), Mylapore.

It was built first by the Portuguese explorers in the 16^th century and later the British rebuilt it in 1893. It is one of the most beautiful cathedrals in the city, located on the same line as the beach.

9. Naturally Auroville, Khader Nawaz Khan Road.

This is a beautiful boutique that needs a special mention. I am positive that anybody that visits this place would come out wearing a smile with or without purchases. Everything you get in here is handmade, right from Home décor to aromas & fragrances and clothes. Its joy just to see all that can be made from natural raw materials.

10. The Madras Music Academy

The Music academy as it is more commonly referred to was inaugurated in the 1920’s. It is a primarily engaged in promoting the Indian art form of Carnatic Music & also the Indian Classical dance of Bharatnatyam. Eminent & upcoming young artistes of both these cultural arts perform in the auditorium of the Music Academy. Every year in the month of December, the Academy holds a music festival called ‘Marghazhi utsav’, for the whole month. Ever since its inception, this festival has been a major tourist attraction and a haven for music patrons. Concert schedules and details are available on their website and I recommend this festival to all those who want to understand the quintessence of Chennai & her culture & traditions.

So here were a few options for the hasty traveler. You can easily cover two of the above mentioned spots in a span of 2-3 hours. The list is not in any particular order based on direction or location. I’ve simply taken the US consulate as the centre point and have listed the sites the way my mind has mapped the area. (Many thanks to Guru for the idea for the post)

Tips for traveling in Chennai:

·        Carry umbrella, shades & sunblock.

·        Wear cotton clothes for a more comfortable time.

·        The language spoken is predominantly Tamil & perhaps a little English, enough to make a tourist get around the city without any trouble.

·        There are boards & directions everywhere written in both Tamil & English. You will make your stay by easily even without knowing Tamil.

·        Chennai has a typical costal weather. For all the delicate darlings, the best time to visit is between September through March. For those who are not fussy about the weather, sun or humidity, the city will welcome you at any time of the year.

·        Be wary of the auto-rickshaws. Regardless of whether you’re a local or from out of the city, they will loot you (meaning: autos are expensive). The autos do not operate on a meter basis, so sharpen your bargaining skills prior to your visit.

·        Hire a cab for a more comfortable & in some cases, perhaps a more economical commute. Have a ‘call-taxi’ number at hand. There are many reliable taxi services available.

·        The public transport system is very good. There are buses & local trains connecting all to parts of the city. The bus & train schedules, routes & frequencies are available on the Metropolitan Transport Corporation limited (Chennai) website {mtcbus.org}

·        DO NOT SWIM in the beaches. The waters are very rough & muddy and there are NO LIFEGUARDS in any of the beaches in Chennai. Be content just getting your feet wet.

·        The beaches, malls & roads are safe. There are cops all around. The beaches are patrolled by the mounted police and do not allow you to enter water before sunrise & after sunset.

So those were just a few things to keep in mind. Travel without expectations or self set boundaries & you will find yourself appreciative of everything that a place has to offer.

We wish you great times ahead!