South Chennai
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South Chennai is one of the newer areas of Chennai south of the Adyar River.
Get in
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Map of South Chennai
See
[edit]- 1 Cholamandal Artists' Village. Set up by a group of artists to serve as a recluse for artists of all genres. This village offers the ambience needed for creativity to flow and is inhabited only by artists. The village offers guesthouse facilities exclusively for artists from elsewhere so that they could also benefit from the environment provided by the place. A must-visit for those who appreciate the finer things of life.
- 2 Pallikaranai Wetland. A Ramsar site and the only surviving wetland ecosystem of the city. The marsh contains several rare or endangered and threatened species and acts as a forage and breeding ground for thousands of migratory birds from various places within and outside the country.
Places of worship
[edit]Churches
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- 3 Church in honour of Our Lady of Health (ஆரோக்கிய அன்னைநினைவாக தேவாலயம் Arockia Annaininaivaaga Devaalayam, Church of the Madonna of Velankanni, Annai Velankanni Shrine), Beach Rd, Ashtalakshmi Garden, Besant Nagar (suburban: Indira Nagar MRTS ), ☏ +91 44 24911246, +91 44 365 263 421, fax: +91 43 65263 517. 5AM–9PM. Founded in the 16th century after the three miracles: the apparition of Mary and Jesus to a slumbering shepherd boy, the curing of a lame buttermilk vendor, and the survival of Portuguese sailors assaulted by a violent sea storm.
- 4 St. Thomas Garrison Church (புனித தோமஸ் மலை Punita Tōmas Malai), St. Thomas Mount (metro: St. Thomas Mount 2 ½ km away, or take bus to stop Butt Road). St. Thomas, referred to as Didymus, in the Gospel of St. John is one of the twelve disciples of Jesus Christ. He is one of the prime witnesses to the resurrection of Jesus. St. Thomas Mount is associated with St. Thomas, the apostle of Christ, who is believed to have been martyred here. The mount is commonly called in Tamil Parangi Malai or Bhringi Malai. History says 2000 years ago, a saint Parangi lived here (parangi in Tamil is used to refer to a white person). According to local myth, St. Thomas was one of the first Christians to reach India and to preach Christianity. He is believed to have reached South India in AD 52, and spent the last years of his life in a cave on this hill. Tradition states that Thomas was assassinated by an arrow in 72 CE, by persons hostile to him. Thus, the hillock acquired the name St. Thomas Mount. Over time Anglo-Indians predominated in this area. A small relic-filled Church built in 1523 by the Portuguese stands at the summit of the 300 feet (90m) high St. Thomas Mount. The place was visited by Pope John Paul II during his visit to India on 5 February 1986. At the northern foot of the mount, is a gateway of four impressive arches surmounted by a cross bearing the inscribed date 1547. A flight of 160 steps leads up to the summit of the mount. There are fourteen stations of the cross erected on the way to the summit.
Temples
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- 5 Adeeswar Temple (Vada Sabari), 82 Santhome Hwy Rd, Raja Annamalaipuram. This temple is the exact replica of Sabari Malai, Kerala where Lord Ayyappa is worshipped.
- 6 Anjaneyaswami Temple (Anjaneya Temple), Nanganallur (get down at St. Thomas Mount 2 and catch an auto or walk for 15 minutes). This temple is very famous because of the deep veneration shown for Lord Hanuman. One amazing fact about this temple is the 32 feet (10m) idol of Anjaneyar that is moulded out of a single rock.
- 7 Ashtalakshmi Temple (Ashtalakshmi Kovil), Besant Nagar. 9:30AM–12:30PM, 4:00–8:30PM. The temple is dedicated to Lakshmi, the consort of Vishnu. Astha, in Sanskrit, is the number eight and eight forms of Lakshmi are worshipped in the Ashtalakshmi temple.
- 8 Ayyappan Temple (R.A. Puram Ayyappan Koil), Madhavan Nair Street, Mahalingapuram, Nungambakkam. This is the first temple dedicated to lord Ayyappan in Chennai. The temple also houses Lord Vinayakar and Lord Subramanian with his consorts Valli and Devayani constituted the Parivarams.
- 9 ISKCON Temple (Sri Sri Radha Krishna Mandir; ஸ்ரீ ஸ்ரீ ராதா கிருஷ்ணர் கோவில் Śrī Śrī Rādā Kiruṣṇar Kōvil), Injambakkam. 4:30AM–1:00PM and 4PM–9PM. The temple of the Hare Krishnas in Chennai.
- 10 Marundeeswarar Temple (மருந்தீஸ்வரர் ஆலயம் Marundīsvarar Ālayam), Thiruvanmiyur. 6AM-1PM, 3-8PM. Shaiva siddhanta lectures daily 7PM-8:30PM. This temple is believed to have been built in 11th century and is dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is believed that the temple was also visited by Saint Valmiki, who authored the Hindu epic Ramayana. The temple has two entrances, one from East Coast Road and the other from West Tank Street, both adorned by 5-tiered gopuram (gateway tower). The entrance from the West Tank Street has got three gates whereas the entrance from the East Coast Road has only one gate. The temple occupies an area of about 1 acre (0.40 hectares) - numerous images adorn the pillars of the temple, while stucco figures adorn the gopurams. The Mandapam (hall) housing the Somaskanda form of Shiva has 36 massive pillars adorned with carvings.
- 11 Madhya Kailash (மத்திய கைலாசம் Mattiya Kailācam; Nadukkayilai), Sardar Patel Rd, Rajiv Gandhi Salai, Adyar (Kasturba Nagar MRTS ; very close to IIT Madras and Adyar Cancer Institute). 5:30AM–noon and 4PM–8PM. Very popular for locals. Ananda Vinayagar Lord Ganesha, the bestower of happiness, sits right in the centre of Parameshwar, Ambikai and Thirumal.
- 12 Prathyangira Devi Temple, Shollinganallur. M-F 8AM–noon and 4–7:45PM, Su 8AM–1PM and 4–8:30PM. A magnificent temple built for Goddess Prathyangira, in her incarnation of Shri Maha Prathyangira Devi. She is considered to be a powerful repellent of the influences generated by witchcraft, and is said to have the power to punish Adharma. This is one of the few temples of Prathyangira and the only temple for Shri Maha Prathyangira Devi, the Shanta form. Regular pujas are offered every day and special pujas during festive season.
- 13 Shirdi Sai Baba Temple, Venkatesa Agraharam, Mylapore. 6:30AM–1PM and 3–8PM. Built in the memory of the revered saint Sai Baba of Shirdi, this temple is among the two shrines dedicated in Sai Baba's name in the city.
Do
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- 1 Birla Planetarium, Gandhi Mandapam Rd (close to Guindy National Park and Anna University), ☏ +91 44 24410025, +91 44 24416751, +91 44 24915250, +91 44 24918787. The Science and Technology Centre is open on all days except on national holidays. Program Timing 10:45AM–1:45PM and 3:45PM. English noon, Tamil 2:30PM. Built in memory of B.M. Birla, the well known industrialist and visionary. Adjoining the planetarium is a Periyar Science and Technology Museum which will be of interest to students and other science scholars. Package cost ₹45, ₹20 for children.
- 2 Kart Attack. A centre dedicated to fulfilling the speed maniac's desire for a thrill in a safe and secure environment. The first go-karting centre of Chennai, this has placed Chennai on the go-karting map of India and has been instrumental in creating a few go-karting champions also.
- 3 Prarthana Beach Drive-in Theatre (10 km (6.2 mi) from Adyar). Offers both a drive-in theatre and a drive-in restaurant VGP.
Beaches
[edit]- 4 Breezy Beach, Water Land Drive Rd, Lakshmana Perumal Nagar, Valmiki Nagar. It is smaller and less popular than Elliot's Beach. This beach is not as commercialised as Elliot's Beach and is hence more quiet and peaceful. Evenings are delightful and with gentle breezy here, Lots of tourists are attracted towards this beach. Since the residential area around this beach is occupied predominantly by young professionals working in the IT/ITES industries (that thrive in the area), this beach has turned into a hot spot for them. It is less polluted and eco-friendly. For those who look for a calm, cool and breezy place to relax, this beach is the best place in Chennai.
- 5 Edward Elliot's Beach, Urrur Kuppam, Besant Nagar (near Besant Nagar. Take a bus to stop 'Annai Velankanni Church Bus Stop' - From Indira Nagar Railway Station take 2nd Ave and walk for ten min.). This is spread along the coast down south from the Marina Beach. It is also the night beach for Chennai youth. This beach is comparatively quieter. At the end of this beach are the Velankanni church and the Ashtalakshmi temple. Good roads, pavements, walking tracks illuminated sands make visiting this beach a real pleasure.
- 6 Golden Beach. The first amusement park in Chennai, just about 11 km away from Adyar. Still a landmark of Chennai, this park offers over 40 odd rides for the fun seeker.
Parks
[edit]- 7 Guindy National Park (Children's Park), Sardar Vallabhai Patel Rd, Adyar, Guindy. M W-F 9AM-5:30PM, closed Tu. The park area stands close to 280 hectares. Guindy Park is probably the smallest national park in the country and the only park within the city suburbs of India. The park is inhabited by more than 20 species of trees, about 14 varieties of shrubs and more than 14 species of woodland mammals. The place also houses many species of rare birds and amphibians. The dry deciduous forests of Guindy are lined with tree species like Amona Squamosa, Atlanta Monophylla, Feronia Limonia and Azadirachta India. The popular park animals include species like Indian Antelope (Black Buck), Elephant, Spotted Deer, Indian Civet, Jungle Cat, Hedgehog, Pangolin and Jackal. Some rare bird species found in the park include Black Winged Kites, Honey Buzzards, and Pariah Kites. The park is also home to many reptile and amphibian species. ₹15, free below 10 years, 11 to above ₹5, school children age 5-12 from government and aided schools ₹2, children from private schools age 5-12 ₹10, still camera ₹10, video camera ₹75.
- 8 Guindy Snake Park (Chennai Snake Park Trust) (next to Guindy National Park). M W-F 8:30AM-5:30PM, closed Tu. Founded by one of the prominent wildlife conservationists Romulus Whitaker. The park houses a number of snake species, lizards, crocodiles and turtles. The park breeds more than 30 species of Indian snakes. Some of the most sought-after species include King Cobra, Indian Rock Python, Reticulated Python, Adders and Vipers. In addition to the snakes the park also breeds species of lizards, crocodiles and turtles. The museum in the park premises contains preserved specimens of many reptiles and amphibians. They have a snake display show 4 times daily, and live snakes of different species are shown to the audience with a voiceover in 3 languages (English, Tamil and Hindi). ₹15, ₹5 for children below 12.
- 9 Tholkappia Poonga (Adyar Eco Park). An ecological park at the Adyar estuary. The park consists of a tropical dense evergreen forest, with over 160 woody species, and comprises six vegetative elements such as trees, shrubs, lianas, epiphytes, herbs and tuberous species.
Buy
[edit]Shopping malls
[edit]- 1 Phoenix Marketcity, Velachery. In addition to the usual Market City components, Market City Chennai is expected to include an IT park.
Eat and drink
[edit]Splurge
[edit]- 1 Bella Ciao, Lounge Beach Garden, #4, Shri Krishna Enclave, Kottivakkam, ☏ +91 44 24511130. Italian-owned and run, authentic Italian food. The famous wood fired oven pizza, home made pastas, steaks and salads.
- 2 The Good Spot, 30/31, Second Main Road, Kasturibai Nagar, Adyar, ☏ +91 44 48622727, write2tgs@gmail.com. 11AM-11PM.
- 3 The Great Kabab Factory, Radisson G R T Hotel, G.S.T. Road, St Thomas Mount, ☏ +91 44 22310101. noon-2:45PM, 7PM-11:45PM. Specialities: Galoutti Kabab, Tangri and Murgh Malai Kababs, Fish and Mutton Kababs. They serve alcohol and have valet parking. expensive.
- 4 , 1 GST Rd, Le Royal Meridien, St. Thomas Mount (Le Maridien), ☏ +91 44 22314343, +91 44 43534545 (reservations). Noon-3PM & 7PM-11:45PM. India restaurant serving Royal Indian Cuisine. Live Ghazal performances. A Private dining room is available for up to 12 persons and an intimate bar for pre-dinner drinks. very expensive.
Sleep
[edit]Mid-range
[edit]- 1 Lemon Tree Hotel, Chennai, 72 Sardal Patel Rd, Guindy, ☏ +91 44 4423 2323.
- 2 Somerset Greenways Chenna, No 94 Sathyadev Ave, MRC Nagar, ☏ +91 44 7100 0001, enquiry.chennai@the-ascott.com. The residence is 10 minutes away from the Chennai CBD. Studio through to 3-bedroom apartments. Each apartment features kitchens, separate living rooms complete with home entertainment systems.
Splurge
[edit]- 3 Aloft Chennai OMR - IT Expressway, 102, Rajiv Gandhi Salai, Sholinganallur, ☏ +91 44 3966 5500. From ₹4,000.
- 4 Hilton Chennai, 124/1, Jawaharlal Nehru Rd, Guindy.
- 5 ITC Grand Chola, No. 63, Mount Road, Guindy, ☏ +91 44 2220 0000, reservations@itchotels.in. Grand design cues taken from Chola architecture. The award-winning Peshawari within ITC Grand Chola is the Indian speciality restaurant with the rugged flavours of the North-West Frontier and the art of tandoori cooking. The food is cooked in clay ovens or tandoor in the traditional style which is viewed through the open kitchen.
- 6 Kohinoor Asiana Hotel, 1/238 IT Expressway, Semmencherry.
- 7 Le Royal Meridien, 1 GST Road, St. Thomas Mount, ☏ +91 44 2231 4343, fax: +91 44 2231 4344.
- 8 The Leela Palace, MRC Nagar, Adyar, ☏ +91 44 3366 1234, toll-free: +91 124 4425 444, fax: +91 44 3366 1212, reservations@theleela.com.
- 9 Novotel Chennai OMR.
- 10 Park Hyatt Chennai, 39, Velachery Road, Guindy, ☏ +91 44 7177 1234.
- 11 Park Plaza Chennai OMR, #531, GST Road, St. Thomas Mount, toll-free: 1800 1080 333, DelhiReservationsCentre@radissonhotels.com.
- 12 Radisson Blu Hotel.
- 13 Trident Chennai, 1/24, G.S.T. Rd, ☏ +91 44 2234 4747, fax: +91 44 2234 4555, chennai@trident-hilton.com.
- 14 Turyaa Hotels Chennai, 144/7, Rajiv Gandhi Salai (OMR), Kottivakkam, ☏ +91 4466970000, reservations.chennai@turyaahotels.com. 5-star hotel. Offers 10% discount with free Wi-Fi and breakfast on online bookings.
- 15 The Westin Chennai Velachery, 154 Velachery Main Rd, ☏ +91 44 6633 3777. Check-in: 2PM, check-out: noon.