.Chennai Expat

Chennai Expat Update(s)

noreply@blogger.com (filip) — Sat, 16 May 2009 07:30:00 +0000

Dear readers,

I'm getting quite some mails from expats, travellers, newspapers even, to meet up
in Chennai. Thanks for all these invitations but I'm not living in Chennai anymore, I returned to Belgium, Europe.

I hope this blog still offers some useful information if you are planning to go to Chennai as an expat or as a tourist. You are welcome to send me more information for updates in the blog too. mail filippelgrims at gmail.

I will try to occasionnally post some news updates and pictures from Chennai too. Though it's hard to keep in touch. I started this blog as a little experiment in India when I started working in the online marketing sector. I still am, which immediately explains why I don't find much time anymore for my little Chennai Expat project :).

Anyway, enjoy your reading.

Royals visit Chennai

noreply@blogger.com (filip) — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 09:24:00 +0000

King Albert and Queen Paolo of Belgium brought a visit to India and visited Chennai, among other cities in India (Delhi, Hyderabad,..). The result of the visit is a new agreement between the Port of Chennai and the Port of Zeebrugge in Belgium. In exchange of technical assitance the Port of Chennai will open up for Belgium shipping companies and build up mutual business relations.

While King Albert was attending semenaries in Chennai, the Queen visited the Holy Family Ansenarium in Tiruchirapalli where people suffering from lepra are taken care of.

Together the King and Queen also paid a visit to Mammalapuram.

They also had a look at the Tomb of Saint Thomas in the Santhome Basilic and where guests at the Kapaleeswarar Temple in Mylapore.

Check out the pictures!

Sunset Serenade in Chennai

noreply@blogger.com (filip) — Fri, 31 Oct 2008 11:19:00 +0000

If you still don't know what to do on Saturday night, check out the following concert in the Sir Mutha Rao Concert Hall: Sunset Serenade, (Harrington Road, Chennai) for a good cause!

Concerts / Performance Arts

noreply@blogger.com (filip) — Tue, 28 Oct 2008 11:05:00 +0000

Sir Mutha Venkatasubba Rao Concert Hall

This modern concert hall in the center of Chennai regularly hosts concerts and performances of both Indian and Western Arts and culture, which makes a good place for expats in Chennai who seek some entertainment outside the fancy hotel clubs.

The hall is fully air-conditonned, with comfortable seats and has a perfect accoustic. So don't be afraid, the Sir Mutha Rao Hall meets international standards and will guarantee you a fine night out.

The website of the Sir Mutha Venkatasubba Rao Concert hall, www.sirmuthamemorial.com , is still under construction, but hopefully will soon feature a list of upcoming performances.

In the past I have personally enjoyed a lot the Earthsync world music Festival at this venue and therefore I show you the video I made of it below. Other performances at Sir Mutha Venkatasubba Rao Concert hall the include the famous citar player Ravi Shankar and Jose Feliciano.

Sir Mutha Venkatasubba Rao Concert hall

Shenstone Park 13/1, Harrington Road

Chetpet, Chennai

(in between Shopper's Stop and the French Loaf Bakery)

Earthsync music Festival @ Sir Mutha Rao Concert Hall

Chennai in the Picture

noreply@blogger.com (filip) — Thu, 23 Oct 2008 08:50:00 +0000

view over Chennai from St. Thomas Mount

view over Egmore, Chennai

goats eating posters in Chennai

Nungambakkam high road, now called MG Road

Adyar River, behind the railway, south of Chennai

British Airways Abandons Chennai

noreply@blogger.com (filip) — Sat, 23 Aug 2008 05:44:00 +0000

Despite 5 weekly flights to Chennai, British Airways has no longer office in Chennai. Previously a one man's office was installed in Citi Center, but since the 1st of August this office has closed down. British Airways now solely redirects its customers to a customer service call center in Delhi: 91 98403 77470

An e-ticket can still be easily modified online, but when it comes to making changes for paper tickets some problems might arise.

Firstly the customer number is not always reachable and though you might be calling the right number, sometimes you'll get the message that the number doesn't exist or is currently too busy. They also might put you unusually long on hold.

Second, if changes have to be made to your paper ticket, British Airways in Chennai will redirect you to the American Airlines Office in Chennai, located in a small side alley from Anna Salai, near Spencer's Plaza. The service there is actually quite good and better than what BA provides.

Third, several complaints have been filed against BA in Chennai for their poor customer service in Chennai. Please be patient and remain calm.

Good luck!

Hospitals

noreply@blogger.com (filip) — Sat, 02 Aug 2008 12:10:00 +0000

Hospitals in Chennai

In case you need to see a doctor or need emergency care, it's not a bad idea to immediately head to the hospital without trying to look for a doctor's cabinet in your neighborhood.

Chennai's most famous hospital is the Apollo Hospital. It's a renowned hospital, from the biggest Asian Healthcare group Apollo. Normally an acceptable level of quality healthcare can be provided and the premisses are quite modern.

Apollo Main Hospital
#21,Greams Lane (off Greams Road)
Chennai - 600 006

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Situated right off Poonamallee High road, the Billroth hospital also offers quite advanced and modernised medical care. The facilities look clean and the staff is friendly.

Billroth Hospitals
off Poonamallee High Road
Shenoy Nagar - Chennai 600 030

R.A Puram
Chennai - 600 028

Pubs In Chennai

noreply@blogger.com (filip) — Thu, 24 Jul 2008 05:27:00 +0000

Just like the clubs, bars are obligatory located in hotels around Chennai. You'll find a list of clubs in the nightlife section. Some of the nightlife spots can hardly be called a club though and are more suitable for a drink than a dance. Chennai Expat lists some of the Pubs - Bars in Chennai below.

The Leather Bar

One of the trendiest bars in Chennai, in the Park Hotel. Stylish interior and fancy drinks.

The Park
Corner of Mount Road & Nungambakkam high Rd
Nungambakkam, Chennai

Bike & Barrel

Residency Towers own bar. The pub seems to be designed to sit and have a chat, but the music is too loud to actually do that. Peep at one of the multiple tv screens while you yell at your conversation partner and sip on your drink. Single men are doomed to the second floor and watch down on the crowd from there, this might be a bit discomforting for woman, foreign in particular.

Residency Towers
115,Sri Thyagaraya Nagar Road (TN Road)
T. Nagar, Chennai

King George

Stylish, colonial and conservatively furnished bar of the Taj Coromandel. 300 Rs for a beer.

Taj Coromandel
Nungambakkam high road (MG Road)
Nungambakkam, Chennai

Starrock

Another bar, near the Park Hotel. The music is too loud, the interior quite dark and the waiters try hard to look like tough bouncers, but your choice of bars in Chennai is so limited you might want to try it out.

Kodambakkam High Road (next to Palmgrove hotel)
Nungambakkam, Chennai

King's Hotel

This hotel in Egmore has a daily happy hour from 11am till 6pm, during which your Kingfisher costs 98 Rs. The place is a bit dark, probably to take away the discomfort of daytime drinkers to be recognized, but the beer is cold. Their other spacious bar on the topfloor has a huge big screen broadcasting sports and opens at 7pm with beer at 130 Rs. It's a men's world.

The King's Hotel
Halls Road
Egmore

Zara's

Zara's offers both good drinks and food, in spanish style. Covered in our restaurant section.

TTK Road
Gopalapuram, Chennai

The Expatriate Experience in Chennai

noreply@blogger.com (filip) — Mon, 21 Jul 2008 06:55:00 +0000

Hello there,

If you are planning on moving to Chennai or looking for what is there to do in the city as a unaccustomed foreigner, you have landed in the right place!

Chennai expat is a collection of tips, tricks and adresses in and around Chennai to make your stay more comfortable and make it easier to get around Chennai.

Chennai expatriates already covers a broad range of subjects, ranging from Nightlife, to Coffee Bars, immigration issues, from how to take an autorickshaw to finding a good hotel.

The blog is constantly being updated with more stories and news from Chennai so make sure to come back for more. You are also welcome to add your relevant comments under the respective blog posts to suggest new places or share experiences and make Chennai Expat even more resourceful for expatriates planning to work in Chennai.

Cinemas

noreply@blogger.com (filip) — Sat, 19 Jul 2008 20:29:00 +0000

Going for a movie is a popular way for Chennaiites to pass time. The Tamil Film Industry, Kollywood, is popular and find its roots in Chennai (the K from Kodambakkam). The cinemas are heavily airconditioned and it sounds odd, but you could get cold in there if you are not wearing enough cover.

Watching a Tamil movie is surely a must for every newcomer to Chennai, as the cinema experience will be pretty different from your home country. Applaus, comments, or even a little dance is allowed during the often long movie and makes it more lively than usual.

The most popular Hollywood movies will be offered as well and online reservation is sometimes possible (and convenient to have good places).

Inox multiplex

The most modern cinema complex in Chennai, situated in the City Center Mall. 4 screens, 909 seats. Tamil, Hindi and English Movies. book tickets

City Center
Dr. Rhadakrishna Salai
Mylapore, Chennai

Sathyam Cinemas

A big and popular cinema complex with 6 screens and 2380 seats, digitally projecting Indian and foreign movies. Located right off Mount Road/ Anna Salai, the entry is on Whites Roads from now on. Book your tickets on their site.

8, Thiruvika Road
Royapettah, Chennai

Prarthana Drive In Theatre & Restaurant

Remotely located on ECR (the coastal road in the south towards mammalapuram), this is the place to watch a movie in open air. Waiters come around to take food orders while you enjoy a movie, chilling on a sheet and with some beverages. Charming maybe, but compared to the freezer cinemas in the city, probably less comfortable, more expensive and far away. It is targeted toward families with kids though and the 100 x 60 feet screen is impressive. Daily shows at 7PM and 10PM.

East Coast Road (12 km from Adyar)
Injambakkam, Chennai

Specialty Shops

noreply@blogger.com (filip) — Sat, 19 Jul 2008 19:54:00 +0000

For many shops and shopping commodities, Chennai has specific streets and areas where you can most easily find your specific items. Going to these areas will not only save you time, but sometimes also money as the competition in those areas is higher and prices are better.

Richie Street - Electronics & Computer

In this little street off Anna Salai and not so far from Spencers Plaza, hundreds of little shops sell all kind of electronics. From laptops to i-pods, playstations and headphones, the tiny shops are absolutely packed with them. Grey market for sure, no receipts nor warranties...but yeah lower prices.

Pondi Bazaar

The whole neigborhood around Pondi bazaar in T.Nagar is focused on textile: Silk, Saries, clothes... some of the shops are so huge that the choice, the staff and the crowds will be literally overwhelming you. Take your time and get good bargains to take some silk home for your family or get completely accustomed and go for a sari or lungi yourself.

Khader Nawaz Khan Road

This road has besides 'Mocha' also many designer clothes shops. Among them Evoluzione, Zare, Atmosphere, Cotton World and Rehane. The Auroville shop with handicrafts, natural products from Auroville and some clothes is also situated there. If you get tired of shopping the 'Naturals' Beauty Parlour can bring your inner peace, tranquility and soft skin back.

Parrys

The Parrys neigborhood, quite distant from the center of Chennai, boosts an amazing amount of shops selling what can be best generalized as 'household stuff'. All metal and inox things from plates and cups to barbeques are graciously exposed in and outside the shops. If you plan on moving to Chennai for while, this is the place to be if you need to fine tune your kitchen. Many shopkeepers in the center may refer you to Parrys in case they don't have the desired item.

Dollars And Pounds

A renowned store for men's clothing and a huge collection of cool T-shirts, each of them unique and only sold once to make sure nobody alse has the same t-shirt. They also offer a broad collection of imported American gadgets, watches and accesoires. Useful if you are looking for some stuff you had back home but couldn't find yet in Chennai. Find the place by the fancy shopper bike and/or sports cars outside the shop.

#17, 1st Main Road, Gandhi Nagar
Adyar, Chennai

Find These Places on a specially designed Google map!

Coffee Bars/Cafés

noreply@blogger.com (filip) — Sat, 12 Jul 2008 04:27:00 +0000

As the sale of alcohol is restricted to hotels and dotchy wine shops in Chennai, one can find several places to saviour a good black coffee, especially when you get tired of the milky mix you get at work. Many of them offer a menu combination of milkshakes, coffees, small snacks, brownies and ice creams.

Below Chennai Expat highlights some recommandable places, in particular for expatriates and long stayers in Chennai.

Amethyst

This place is bading in the green and located in an old colonial villa, which gives it flair and a rustique character. They serve excellent coffee and french "viennoiseries" and a range of small snacks, mostly non-indian. Great for an afternoon of chatting over a cup of coffee with friends or to quietly check your emails in the garden using their wireless internet service. There is also a stylish boutique inside with clothes and jewelry. Recommanded by Chennai Expat as a good meet-up place for expatriates and foreigners in Chennai.

Amethyst
Sundar Mahal,Jeypore Colony
Padmavathi Road,
Gopalapuram, Chennai, 600086

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Anouki

Right around the corner from the Park Sheraton Hotel, Anouki delivers pretty much the same experience as Amethyst. A quiet coffee shop with some excellent snacks (think Croque Monsieur, Quiche) and a stylish clothes and accesoires shop. It's a bit smaller than Amethyst and therefore less crowded, but the atmosphere is as good and therefore also highly recommandable.

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Mocha

If you want to experience how historically bad service can actually get, Mocha is very much recommandable to discover the dark dephts of unequalled customer ignorance. This doesn't prevent the Chennai teenagers to come in masses though, so usually a loud bunch of kids make the trip complete. You can have coffees, shakes and shisha (arabic waterpipe) in all flavours; you can also get an annoying waiter who brings your wrong order 2 hours late because he didn't get it right after the 5th time he asked you. Make sure you don't carry weapons and check your bill before paying.

Mocha
Nungambakkam, Chennai

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Casa Piccola

Next to Mocha, situated on top of the Bang & Olufsen Showroom of Chennai, you can find the cosy rooftop terrace of Casa Picola. It offers more or less the same concept as Mocha (Coffee,Shisha,Snacks,Burgers) but offers faster service and better quality in general. The bean bags are comfortable and the breeze on the rooftop can be quite refreshing some times. The place is usually filled with spoiled and snobby teenagers deriving from Chennai's upper class along with some casual foreigners enjoying some western food. You can also order your food online

Casa Piccola
#7, Kader Nawaz Khan Road
Nungambakkam, Chennai

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The French Loaf

As the name suggests this place is a French inspired bakery offering a fine breakfast to take away or to enjoy inside or outside the café itself. The coffee comes in big mugs and tastes pretty good along with a chocolate Danish, an Almond turnover or even some vegetarian kish. Service is friendly but for some reason they NEVER offer you napkins without asking for them. The French Loaf now also opened an outlet in Spencer's plaza in the foodcourt on the first floor. A good place to remember how a European breakfast is supposed to look like.

The French Loaf

Harrington Road

Chetpet, Chennai

(near Shopper's Stop Mall)

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Café Coffee Day

This chain of coffee shops has outlets all over Chennai. Some of them are nice and offer a reasonable level of service, others have often more waiters than customers inside which might make you feel uncomfortable. Ok for a quick coffee or milkshake to cool down.

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Barista

Similar to Coffee Day, Barista is a chain of coffee places in Chennai. They have outlets on Nungambakkam High Road, on Elliot's in Besant Nagar and in Spencer's plaza, among other places around the city.

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Ice Dreams

This small ice cream joint in the corner on Nungambakkam High Road, is pretty basic nonetheless charming and clean. The guys try really hard to give you a good ice cream experience and they serve huge ice creams for reasonable prices. Open till 11PM, Ice Dreams is a good reason to skip dessert elsewhere and go for an evening ice cream session. Try the Sizzling Brownie or Brazilian Love Song.

Ice Dreams
Nungambakkam High Road (next to Puma Store)
Chennai

Pondicherry

noreply@blogger.com (filip) — Fri, 11 Jul 2008 16:08:00 +0000

About 140km down south from Chennai you'll find Pondicherry. This small town is what became of the original French village of Pondicherry when the French landed in India and settled down to open trade routes between India and Europe.

Today, it is mainly this old French part of Pondicherry that will please you as it is quiet and not as polluted as Chennai. Many of the restaurants, plotted around in the streets near the beach are inspired by the french cuisine, but nonetheless serve a Indian-French fusion kind of steak.

Yet Pondy is the perfect getaway from the big city for a weekend. The State of Pondicherry is independant from Tamil Nadu, resulting in the sale of tax free alcohol, at strongly reduced prices compared to Chennai. Eating and Drinking is the credo in Pondicherry!

Things to See

Mahadma Gandhi Memorial on the Beach

Sri Aurobindu Ashram

Places to Stay

The Promenade Hotel*****

Pondy's own 5 star boutique hotel, overlooking the sea and right in front of the Gandhi Statue. See their website here.

Hotel Mass ***

Situated right next to the bus station, this is one of the bigger hotels in Pondy. visit their website to check availibilty and prices (starting at 1800 Rs).

Guesthouses

There are many guesthouses available offering basic double rooms with bath room for only 400 Rs a night, on a 24 hour check-in basis. Before checking in you do good to run a quick check-up of the actual room and see if running water is available as well as clean bed sheets. Take a walk around in the streets near Pondicherry beach and you'll find one soon.

Guesthouse Villa Labourdonnais
Rue Labourdonnais
Pondicherry

How To Get There?

A taxi will bring you from Chennai to Pondicherry for prices ranging from 1800 to 2500 Rs. depending on how much they try to ripp you off and the size of the vehicle.

You can also take the bus in CMBT and take the 3,5 hour ride to Pondicherry for 61 Rs among (many) locals.

Schools/Colleges

noreply@blogger.com (filip) — Sat, 05 Jul 2008 10:30:00 +0000

International Schools in Chennai

If you are living in Chennai for a while and you have children, you will want to send them to a school in Chennai. Below you find a selective list of the international schools in Chennai.

Judging on the standards you pursue for your child's education you can contact the schools and pay them a visit to judge for yourself. More Indian colleges can be found in Madras of course, but the subject is too broad to be covered on this blog for the moment. Hopefully the short list of schools in chennai will already send you in the right direction.

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The American International School

For the Americans in Chennai, The official American Internation School in Chennai offers customized education. About theirselves on the website:

AISC FACULTY

"With 77 faculty members, AISC has a low average teacher : student ratio of 1:7. All faculty are trained in American methods of delivery with 75% of the staff holding post-graduate qualifications in addition to their undergraduate degrees.
Faculty at AISC hail from all over the world, and bring with them a wealth of experiences, teaching and otherwise, to the AISC educational program"

American International School Chennai
100 Feet Road, Tharamani, Chennai
visit their website

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The British International School

According to their website, they follow Britsh educational standards and - surprise! - focus heavily on education for the international community in Chennai. Surf to www.britishschool.in before you send your children.

The British School
2/628, Sultan Ahmed Street, Neelangarai
4KM from Thiruvanmiur, East Coast Road, Chennai.

Taking Autorickshaws in Chennai

noreply@blogger.com (filip) — Sat, 05 Jul 2008 10:29:00 +0000

Tips To Take Autorickshaws

If you don't have your own driver nor bike and if you are not so fond of crowded busses, auto's or rickshaws, tuk-tuks, those yellow three wheelers, are your only option.

Whereas in other cities meter rates aplly per kilometer, none of that in Chennai. Every time you wish to take an auto you'll have to bargain the price with the driver. The driver in question will try to charge more for: bad weather conditions (usually rain), heavy traffic, long way from his home, a beer after his shift, family + children, many passengers etc. Bargaining skills are absolutely required so here are some tips to get down your transportation costs.

1) Try to have an idea how far your destination is. Look on the map before going out and remember some landmarks nearby your end destination. Normal rates are approx. 6 rupees per kilometer during daytime so try to calculate the 'honest rate' and add a premium % to decide yourself how much the autodriver is ripping you off. This should result in a good guess of what the price should be.

2) Stick to the price in your head and don't hesitate when you bargain. Even if the driver says you are out of your mind, bigger is the chance he'll come driving after you when you walk away.

3) Auto's/Rickshaws on the road are usually better to catch then the ones chilling out on the side. The driving ones might be on the way back from somewhere with already some earned money and therefore more susceptible to good bargaining.
Secondly, the chilling ones on the side are slightly more likely to be drunk or smoking so you don't want to disturb them or pay them a premium to actually get their lazy ass up.

4) Don't believe a word the driver says. Heavy traffics, far away neigbourhoods, 12 hungry families to feed, petrol expensive...You'll hear it all, particularly at the end of the ride when you have to pay. Don't give in and again, stick to the bargained price.

5) Try to go by meter in a first bargaining stage. Reach for the button that is usually under the drivers seat to de-activate the meter and tell the driver he's a thief if he doesn't want to go by meter. Your knowledge of turning on the meter will impress and give you more bargaining power. If you've bargained a final fixed price, try to leave to meter on , as it will give you the honest price and more bargaining power next time you go the same direction.

Worship

noreply@blogger.com (filip) — Sat, 05 Jul 2008 10:28:00 +0000

Looking for a place to worship? Chennai has plenty of choices when it comes to worshipping! The different spiritual and religious communities live peacefully side by side in Chennai and the city is host to a myriad of churches, mosques, temples and shrines.

Besides that you will notice very quickly upon your arrival the omnipresence of religious signs and an ongoing spiritual vibe as a veil over everyday life. Auto's are decorated with stickers from different gods, almost every shop will have a little statue or a flickering neon light depiction of Ganesh. Many a local will also send you on your way with a cheering "God Bless You" or finish a sentence with "Insjallah".

Around 75% of the population is Hindu though so you do good to learn which God protects you against what to be on the same frequency as the locals. Moreover, it's interesting to distinguish between the Gods and their attributes when visiting one of the many temples in and around Chennai, to understand the depicted mythology better.

Christian/Catholic Churches in Chennai

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Santhome Cathedral Basilica

Named after Saint Thomas (Doubting Thomas), the Santhome Cathedral in Chennai is also the burial place of this Saint and apostel of Jesus Christ, which gives it an extra spiritual importance. The Cathedral is beautifully white, situated right next to Marina Beach and surely worth a visit.

Santhome Basilique
Santhome High Road (near beach, 1km from Light House)
Chennai

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St. George's Cathedral

The Saint George Cathedral is situated right in the city center on a road that has been strangely called "Cathedral Road". The Cathedral is open for people seeking silence and prayer, everyday from 6 till 6.

Saint George Cathedral
CSI Diocese of Madras 224 -
Cathedral Road Chennai - 600 086

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Velankanni Church

In this church located on Elliot's Beach in the Besant Nagar district, Mother Mary or Our Lady of Health is adored. It is accordingly called the "Mecca for Christians in Chennai" and therefore a good place to go for prayer if you live in the area.

Velankanni Church
Elliot's Beach (in the corner, the streets takes a bend)
Besant Nagar, Chennai 600090

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St. John The Baptist Church, Egmore

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Temples

Chennai expat has listed the most famous Hindu temples of Chennai in the Sights & Sites section

Sightseeing in Chennai

noreply@blogger.com (filip) — Sat, 05 Jul 2008 09:31:00 +0000

Places to see in Chennai

Valluvar Kottam

This monument in the center of Chennai is dedicated to the famous poet/Saint of Tamil Nadu, Thiruvalluvar, who write his renowned Thirukurrals 2000 years ago. The monument is constructed in 1976, so quite modern, but therefore not less impressive. The huge stone chariot in massive stone is a piece of craftmanship and gards a statue of the Master himself in the upper part. These days, the pieceful environment around the monument is a popular dating place for young and old Tamil couples, so you'll never be alone out there.

Valluvar Kottam Valluvar Kottam High Road, Nungambakkam Chennai

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St. Thomas Mount

On this hill located outside the city, towards the airport, Saint Thomas has preached Christs message to hundreds of Tamilians centuries ago. While walking up to the church on top of the hill, the 14 stages of Christ last suffering are depicted in stone statues. The church itself on top of the mountain is rather small but hosts a relique from the Saint and the view over the city is amazing.

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Marina Beach

One of the biggest beaches in the world, stretching over more than 12 km along the coast of Chennai. This is not a beach like you imagine it though, it's crowded and dirty and nowhere to swim. A long alley of shops on the beach will take you to the waterline, where hundreds of chennaiites stare at the horizon with their family or have a little picknick. Avoid going during the hottest hours of the day because you will literally melt on the shadeless beach.

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Temples

Kapaleeswarar Temple

This temple in Mylapore is famous for its detailed encriptions of Hindu mythology on its Gopurams(tower). The temple dates from the eight century AC and was built by the Pallavas to worship Lord Shiva. There are 4 daily pujas.

Sri Parthasarathy Temple

A 8th century temple dedicated to Lord Krishna in Triplicane. This Vashnavite temple is one of the oldest constructions in Chennai and showcases beautiful carvings.

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Snake Park

Shopping

noreply@blogger.com (filip) — Sat, 05 Jul 2008 09:29:00 +0000

Where to Go Shopping in Chennai?

Spencer's Plaza

This Mall of Malls in Chennai hosts a wide range of smaller and bigger shops under one roof. Though prices are usually higher than elsewhere in the city, all major brands and shop-chains are represented with an outlet at Spencers plaza (Nike, Adidas, Landmark, Raymond,...). They are complemented by hundreds of little shops in the side alleys with souvenirs, clothes and crap.

Spencer's also features a decent supermarket and has a food court on the third floor with all the usual (fast) food joints like KFC, Subway, Domino's and some Chinese/Indian variations.
Bear the huge crowds during weekends and don't get lost.

Spencer's Plaza
Mount Road (Anna Salai)
Chennai

City Center

The City Center Mall near the beach is the most up-market in Chennai. Unlike Spencer's Plaza it chooses to uniquely host flagship stores of top brands and therefor you will not find the cheap side alley shops. The interior is bright and in general the mall is more enjoyable than Spencers, though it hosts less shops and focuses mainly on clothing.

When the shopping gets to tiring, go for a movie in the INOX Cinema on the top floor or have a bite with a wonderfull view over Chennai in the rooftop restaurant. On the third floor you will find an extensive foodcourt with a myriad of known and unknown food stands ranging from Pizza Hut to Pakistani Kebab.

In case you have kids, release them on the huge playground adjacent the food court but sit far away if you are cursed with sensitive ears.

City Center Mall
Dr. RadhaKrishna Salai
Mylapore, Chennai

Ispahani Center

This Mall on Nungambakkam High Road has a bit of every thing: a coffee shop (Coffee Day), clothes, ATM, Fast food (Marry Brown), a bakery...It's always fresh inside which makes it an ideal place to stop by on a hot day and it's central position in town makes it easy to quickly hop in for some ice cream or milkshakes.

Ispahani Center
Nungambakkam High Road (between Taj Coromandel and The Park Hotel)
Nungambakkam, Chennai

Shoppers Stop

Shoppers Stop is the only Indian member of the “Intercontinental Group of Departmental Stores”, which has the likes of Selfridges (United Kingdom), Karstadt (Germany), Marks & Spencer (UK), Matahari (Indonesia), Myers Grace Bros. (Australia) and Rustan’s (Philippines) among its members.". See more on www.shopperstop.com

Shopper's Stop
Harrington Road,
Chetpet, Chennai - 600 031.

Store timings:
Weekdays: 11:00 - 9:00
Weekends: 11:00 - 9:00

Other

Several other malls are scattered around Chennai. Many of them boost an interesting mix of different sized travel agencies, clothes shops, coffee shops, Shoe shops, DVD rentals, gyms, tailors and more. Go out to discover and bargain yourself some good deals. See the list below as a starting point.

Alsa Mall, #45 Monthiet road, Egmore, Chennai
Raahat Plaza, #172 Arcot Road, Vadapalani, Chennai. (opp. Vijaya Hospital)
Prince Plaza, #94 Purasawalkam High Road, Chennai.
Fountain Plaza, #114 Pantheon road, Egmore, Chennai.

Pondicherry

noreply@blogger.com (filip) — Sat, 05 Jul 2008 09:29:00 +0000

pondy

Mammalapuram

noreply@blogger.com (filip) — Sat, 05 Jul 2008 09:28:00 +0000

Mahabilapuram is the perfect getaway from the city when you stay in Chennai for a longer time. This small fisher town, about 60km down south from Chennai, became a touristic hub because of its unique beach temple, relaxed atmosphere, bizarre rock formations and of course its continuous flow of fresh fish in the various restaurants. You can go around Mammalapuram in about 3 to 4 hours, but that's ok, as it leaves you plenty of time to enjoy a cold Kingfisher on a shady rooftop terrace.

Go to Mahabilapuram to escape from the tumultous city, enjoy the silence, eat good seafood, stop time for a while and particularly for expatriots: bear in mind that India is more than just crowds and pollution.

Getting there

A cab from Chennai can get you there in an hour for about 350 rupees (without AC),
but taking the bus is an experience you will tell your grandchildren,
so hop on the bus in CMBT Bus Station, pay 21 Rupees and take the 1.5 hour/60 km joy ride to Mammalapuram among locals.

Places to Stay

Thanks to its relative proximity, Mammalapuram is the perfect place to stay one or two nights over the weekend to come down from the working week. If you are looking for a luxurious hotel
you probably will have to direct your attention to the various beach resorts along East Coast Road (ECR). The Ideal Beach Resort is very close to the town, but others can be found around as well.

The other way to experience Mammalapuram is checking into a guest house near the beach.
For 200 Rupees you will get a double bed room with bath room (+AC, +TV for 150 Rs. more), pretty basic, but you'll notice the difference when you wake up in the morning and go for a continantal breakfast across the street. The coffee is strong, the atmosphere relaxed and the beach close by so seize the day and enjoy, before returning to Chennai.

- Moonrakers restaurant, on the main road towards the beach. Great seafood (Mixed Seafood Noodles!) and friendly service.
Tip: head immediately to the third floor to have a calmer environment and better view.

-Starry Sky Guesthouse

-The New Café, with view on the below street a good place to enjoy breakfast or an evening beer.

Places to See

The beach temple, yes on the beach, is pretty unique (because it's on a beach), but compared to other monumental temples across Tamil Nadu it's rather small and washed away. Decide for yourself if you want to pay the 250 rupees entrance for foreigners or if you will just walk around the fence and see the same thing from 50m further away for free.

Krishna's Butter Ball or Budha's Butterbal is a rock that has been balancing on the edge of a stone slope for millenia. Interesting enough to see, to take a picture of for the family back home and to move on. When it's not too hot you could consider to take a walk around the park featuring more rocks and some early cave like shrines.

When you've seen most of Mahabilapuram you can head to a beach resort to chill out on the beach. Look in your travel guide and decide which fits your needs best.

The Ideal beach resort is only 6km away and an auto or share auto will bring you there for about 40-50 Rs. You pay a 200 Rs Entrance fee and get a clean beach, swimming pool,towels and hammocks in return. Chances are real you run into other expatriots from Chennai, not to name the russian delegation in particular, so have a chat over a cold beer and relax.

more information on the official Ideal Beach website

Housing

noreply@blogger.com (filip) — Sat, 05 Jul 2008 09:28:00 +0000

Real estate prices in Chennai are sky high at the moment and the housing market is very tight. Appartments and houses in Chennai are expensive for the occupiable space you get, so preview some of your budget for that, if your company has not taken care of it already.

Finding a place that fits your taste might take time and if you are looking for expatriate housing you could think of outsourcing the whole process and let some real estate agent come up with a list of houses that meet your standards.

Be aware

Going on the road with a real estate agent seems like a good plan to quickly find a place to stay, but be aware though. Many of them are shrewd business man (and more than one surely skilled liars) and they might take advantage of you as a foreigner. Read carefully all rent related documents, because the law on renting is not as advanced here as it is in the western world. Clausules might include the craziest requirements sometimes, from a 11PM curfue to a yearly 10% rent increase.

Living Areas in Chennai

One of the important criteria when looking for a place to stay is how far it is from work. The journey to work can be tiring and long, as traffic is enormous in the morning between 9 and 11.

Many of the international companies, as well as the major software companies, TCS, Satyam and Infosys have offices on old mahabilapuram road, in the south of the city and have their own staff busses to get there. Tidel Park, the biggest software park in Chennai is also located in the south, at the start of Old Mahabilapuram road (Thiruvanmyur).

The Besant Nagar neigbourhood is located in the south of Chennai, conveniently close to many office buildings and a popular residential area for expatatriates. Elliot's beach is close by and the hood is pretty quite compared to other areas.

Mylapore is not located that far south as Besant Nagar and therefore closer to the city center (though Chennai has no real downtown center), and is also an active and nice living area with several residential properties around.

Closest to the action might be the Nungambakkam neighborhood, though it is not entirely residential area, there are some beautiful propereties there, in the heart of Chennai. A walk around there will quickly give you an impression of what is offered.

Transport

noreply@blogger.com (filip) — Sat, 05 Jul 2008 09:26:00 +0000

Getting Around in Chennai

Transportation in Chennai can be a real pain. The traffic is not only heavily unorganised, but also extremely overcrowded so you always have to calculate enough travel time when going for an appointment. As an expatriate in Chennai you might be lucky enough to have an AC car with driver, if not here are some other ways of transport in chennai.

Public Tranport

Public transport is available, mainly in the form of busses because Chennai has no metro or underground network yet. It can be fun once or twice to run after the bus and hold yourself hanging out of the door hoping not be hit by other users of the public streets, but busses are hardly recommandable to get around comfortable in Chennai.

Busses are cheap though(4Rs) (not surprising seen the number of people they can carry) and drive around at more or less fixed intervals. The city bus system consists of approx. 3000 busses on 617 routes and transports somehow 4 million passengers daily.

This tool will help you find out which bus you have to take to go to your desired destination in Chennai. You can also check the official Metropolitan Transport Corporation of Chennai website for exisiting bus routes.

Mofussil Bus Terminal (CMBT )

The biggest bus station in Asia, spread over 37 acres and therefore worth the visit even if you don't intend to travel. This is the main bus station in Chennai, and the best place to board the bus if you would like to have a seat on your way to Mammalapuram or Pondicherry. Auto drivers might refer to the same place as Koyambedu Bus Station, named after the place where it's located. If you are travelling by bus from or to Chennai, this is the place to be.

Auto-Rickshaws

This is an important way to get around in Chennai and therefore has a categorie on its own. Go to "Auto-Rickshaws".

Trains

Chennai has a train network accros the city. It consists of 2 main lines, one line going along the coast and another line going through the city, almost parralel to the other line at some points. In 'Fort' , the station near Fort Saint George, in the north of Chennai, you can change from one line to the other.

The coast line railway is being renovated and drops you from 'Fort' immediately in front of Tidel Park and Old Mahabalipuram road in the South. It goes all the way parralel with the coast line and stops in many stations.

The city line, also starting from 'Fort', stops in Egmore Railway Station, Chetpet, Nungambakkam, and continues through the city towards Kodambakkam, Mambalam, Guindy and Saint Thomas Mount.

Trains are cheap with rates ranging from 4 to 7 Rs for most destinations. To escape from Chennai by train (sleeper trains etc.) you'll most probably have to go to Chennai Central Station.

Click on the map for a more detailed view of Chennai's Railway network.

Immigration Office

noreply@blogger.com (filip) — Sat, 05 Jul 2008 09:26:00 +0000

After landing in Chennai and looking forward to a long stay, you will probably have to register at the Immigration Office. Basically if your passport has a stamp - register within 14 days - you are subject to this horribly time consuming "Welcome to Chennai" treatment. This is mostly the case for one year (business) visas.

Tourist visas normally don't require registration, but depending which country you are coming from, there might be restrictions so better check before hand.

What If I Don't Register?

If you register after the deadline of 14 days, the immigration process might become slightly more time consuming and will cost you the lump sum of 1470 Rs.

The problem will also arise when you try to exit Chennai (maybe sooner than expected ;)). You will need to produce a valid immigration form in the International Airport in order to escape.

Where To Go?

The Immigration Office is situated on Haddows road, within the premisses of the Passport Office Campus. Don't be fooled though, the Immigration Office you need is a smaller building in the back, you need to go in the alley on the side of the big building. Don't make the mistake to start 'Q'-ing in the wrong building.

Recognize the place thanks to its continous stream of people through the black gates. Opposite the road you'll see Standard Chartered buildings and Reliance store.

Immigration Office Chennai
# 26, Haddows Road, Nungambakkam

For Americans in Chennai: the US Consulate is situated on Anna Salai (Mount Road), find more information on visa procedures for US Citizens on the Consulate's website.

For British in Chennai: the adress of the British High Commission in Chennai might be useful:

BRITISH DEPUTY HIGH COMMISSION, CHENNAI
(covers states of Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Union Territory of Pondicherry in South India)

Ms Sarah Spencer, Consul
British Deputy High Commission,
20 Anderson Road,
Chennai 600 006.
Tel. +91 44 42192151
Fax: +91 44 42192322 / 28203790
bdhcchen@airtelmail.in

Hotels

noreply@blogger.com (filip) — Sat, 05 Jul 2008 09:25:00 +0000

Chennai has a lot of hotels in different price classes and with different options and service levels. To fit your needs best, you can try out one of the many hotel search engines or throw a quick glance on the list below.

Hotels in Chennai are also known as (the only) party spots, if you feel like clubbing, go to the Nightlife section to see which club is located in which hotel.

The Usual International Selection

These international Hotels don't need an introduction and all offer comprehensive websites with information and online booking facilities. Note that the hotels around Saint Thomas Mount/GST are the closest to the airport and that the others are located on the bigger boulevards in the center Chennai.

Sheraton Chola Hotel, Cathedral Road, Chennai

ITC Hotel Park Sheraton, T.T.K Road, Chennai

Marriott Courtyard, Anna Salai 564, Chennai

Radisson GRT Hotel, Saint Thomas Mount, Chennai

Le Royal Meridien, GST Road/St. Thomas Mount, Chennai
GRT Grand Orient

Trident Hotel (previously Trident Hilton Hotel), GST Road, Chennai

Other Luxury Hotels

Taj Coromandel, Nungambakkam High Road (MG Road) #34, Nungambakkam, Chennai.
Chennai's prestigious 5 star Hotel

Taj Connemara, Binny Road (Anna Salai/Spencer's Plaza), Chennai.
baby sister of Taj Coromandel, 4 stars, features Distil club.

Rain Tree Ecotel, St Mary's Road, Alwarpet, Chennai.
Ecologically responsible Hotel, features Havana Club.

Restaurants

noreply@blogger.com (filip) — Sat, 05 Jul 2008 09:25:00 +0000

Luxurious Dining

For exquisite dining in Chennai you can most easily select one of the many restaurants the 4 & 5 star hotels host. We refer therefore to the hotel section and their respective websites to see the wide range of different types of restaurants. Note that if you want to enjoy a good glass of wine during your dinner or a real Irish Coffee at the end, you have almost no other choice than going to these places.

Some restaurants are noteworthy:

High Altitude Dining

The Highest Rooftop Restaurant in Chennai with amazing view. See picture.

Accord Hotel
G.N Chetty Road
T. Nagar, Chennai

The Crown

Rooftop Restaurant of Residency Towers Hotel. During weekends Residency Towers also offers midnight buffetin their main restaurant, ideal after finishing the party at 11PM. See the crown shape in the background of the picture to recognise the restaurant.

Residency Towers
T.Nagar
Chennai

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Restaurants

Chennai offers a wide range of restaurants, as usual Chennai Expat selects the most interesting one for foreigners. Do try one of the many Indian 'hotels' for a Chicken Bryani or Palak Paneer though, in virtually every street you'll find some food joint.

Mainland China

best Chinese restaurant of Chennai

Quality Inn - Aruna Hotel
Sterling Road, Nungambakkam

Fisherman's Fare

Reasonably priced seafood in the heart of Chennai and friendly service. For 160 Rs you already get a good oriental seafood combo and an express lunch for even less in a nice airconditioned environment. They go easy on the spices and offer a mix of Western, Chinese and Indian Food.

2 outlets sitiauted close to each other, though the first one is nicer:

Casa Major Road, Egmore
Spur Tank road, Chetpet

Kaboul

North Indian and West Indian cuisine, recommandable!

35, TTK Road
Alwarpet, Chennai

Bella Ciao,

Half open Italian rooftop restaurant with a varied Italian menu and nice view. It's situated on the third floor of the building neighboring Ispahani Center.

140, Chotabai Center
Nungambakkam High Road (MG Road)
Chennai

Don Pepe

If you are a fan of Mexican food, this is the place to be. Like always it's more of American-Mexican -Indian fusion, but worth the while.

73, Cathedral Road
Gopalapuram,Chennai

Zara's

A massively popular place judging the public during weekends, but that has it's reason. Spanish Tapas combined with good coktails or a Kingfisher in a trendy decor. An interesting mix of restaurant-bar and nightlife spot and regularly frequented by expatriates and foreigners, which also means that things don't come cheap at Zara's.

Cathedral Road
Gopalapuram, Chennai

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Burgers

Eatalica

A small place with big burgers, grilled sandwiches and more of that. The whole menu is named after American celebrities and film stars and the tv is always on, which makes it a good place for a quick bite. They do serve beef (burgers), something rare in Chennai. The Puff Daddy Burger is about the biggest you can get, unfortunately served with a minimal portions of french fries.

Eatalica
Sterling Road
Chennai (near loyola college)

Sparky's - Never Trust A Skinny Chef

The question really is if you should trust this not so skinny chef, because his all you can eat buffet on friday nights can be a true challenge (275 Rs). The Restaurant has 'US of A' printed all over it, as the decoration, chef included, is pure American. The burgers, steaks, spare ribs, french fries, cokes and brownies are so as well, and therefore rare in Chennai. Knock yourself out on the huge portions.

15, East Spur Tank Road
Chetpet, Chennai. (in front of palimar hotel)
sparky's website

Marry Brown

The Indian interpretation of a typical fast food joint. This means waiting 15 minutes for your chicken burger (no beef or pork), fake coke and salty fries. Pretty dissapointing when you just arrive and compare to your home standars, but you might be tempted to go back after too much chapathis and paneer massalas. Branches all over Chennai.

McDonalds

There is 1 Mc Donalds in Chennai! Somewhere hidden in the foodcourt of Ascendas IT Park, near Tidel Park. Not very accessible, but worth looking for.

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Breakfast @ The French Loaf

This bakery/café place offers a European inspired breakfast and serves some pretty good coffee as well. The environment is nice and there's a possibility to quietly enjoy your breakfast on tables outside. The French Loaf is situated about 500m from the Shopper's Stop mall on Harrington Road. The French Loaf also has an outlet in Spencer's Plaza, in the foodcourt on the first floor.