I happened to go to the Jane Jacobs Heritage walk today that involved us covering a few famous buildings & monuments in North Chennai, India. This walk was organized by Urban Design Collective. Actually, I was born and brought up here and lived in this part of the city, during the first five years of my life. Thereupon, since our grandmother’s house was close to Broadway (Metro station), we used to visit this place quite frequently. I still remember the cycle-rickshaws we hired, back then. I was surprised to see a couple of them even now!! Continue reading →

No, the above shown crocodile is not trying to intimidate me! I think it’s sleeping with its mouth open. I have seen crocodiles in this pose, even at the Guindy snake park. Anyway, today let us learn more about crocodiles and a few other reptiles that are kept at the Madras Crocodile Bank (Crocodile park) @ ECR (probably 10 KM before Mahabalipuram). Continue reading →

As you know, the East Coast Road (ECR) is the entertainment highway of Chennai and there is even boating available on that road! The Muttukadu boat house is established and being maintained by the TamilNadu Tourism Development Corporation. This spot is located around 30 KM from Chennai (On the ECR) and it is located in between MGM Dizzee World/Dakshinachitra & Kovalam beach. After you cross MGM keep looking for a large over-bridge that crosses this backwaters. On your right, you’ll be able to see the boat house. Continue reading →

I was aware of the Kovalam beach earlier, but I was undecided on whether to visit it or not. I mean, there is not exactly a scarcity of beaches in Chennai, and that too on the East Coast Road (ECR). I went anyway just to check why this beach had become so popular. I found that this beach is indeed different from all the other beaches in Chennai!

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Mahabalipuram (or Mamallapuram) is a very popular tourist destination in Chennai, Tamil Nadu. It is situated around 40 KM from Chennai, on the East Coast Road (ECR). You can also reach it via OMR (Old Mahabalipuram Road) as well, but the ECR is preferred as it is the entertainment highway of Chennai and the road runs parallel/close to the sea. If you leave your windows open, you might even get some sea breeze, as you travel!

Mahabalipuram is famous for its rock-sculptures and other historical monuments. Most of the monuments here were constructed during the 7th/8th Century CE during the Pallava period. Considering its historical importance, the monuments here have (collectively) been designated as UNESCO world heritage site. Continue reading →

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Contrary to its name, the Rayar Gopuram doesn’t have a Gopuram! The large structure to support the Gopuram is there, but the Gopuram was never constructed. But the structure constructed to host the Gopuram itself is majestic. Just imagine, had the Gopuram been constructed, it would stood tall and gigantic! It would have become the star of Mahabalipuram/Mamallapuram!! Perhaps our Government could take it up and complete it? Continue reading →