SIGN IN WITH GOOGLE
SIGN IN WITH FACEBOOK.jpg&w=1366&h=500)
23 Min Read The southern kingpin, Chennai is where cultures make and break. Apart from its delicious filter kappi the city boasts of an old world charm, the constant conundrum, the faint smell of mogra, slightly damp air and a variety of South Indian cuisine. And if you happen to be in the city for a while, here’s where you should spend your 24 hours:
BEACH WALK
View this post on Instagram#sunrise #beach #colorful #paradise #thiruvanmiyurbeach #heavenonearth #chennai #sky
The city is home to early risers and if you are one we suggest you take an early morning walk on the beach. The city is home to various beaches and each with its own charm. While an early morning stroll is a perfect start to the day, watching the sunrise will make it even better. Situated on the east coast, Chennai has a spectacular skyline and the sunrise only adds to it. If you want to embrace a quiet walk we suggest you head to Thiruvanmiyur beach and if you wish to visit a local fish market, Marina is the choice.
PRO TIP - Be aware of the crabs on the beach
BREAKFAST
On your way back from the beach indulge in a hearty South Indian breakfast. Apart from steaming idlis, crisp dosas and the lip smacking vadas, you should try Pongal, a dish made out of rice served with sambar or Idiyappam, a noodle cake made out of vermicelli generally. We also suggest that instead of the plain idlis you go for ghee podi idli or the paper roast dosa. All breakfast places serve lip smacking food but our pick is Ratna Cafe (multiple outlets) or Murugan Idli Shop (multiple outlets).
PRO TIP - It’s pronounced as saam-baar as opposed to sambar.
MID-DAY
Connemara Public Library is where you should be headed next. Apart from being a home to various books, this library is an architectural marvel. The foundation stone of the library was laid in the year 1890. The natural light making its way through the tainted windows and the impenetrable silence are the combination one needs for a perfect reading environment. Post the library, head to North Chennai. Filling you with the vibes of colonial Madras, this part of the city houses all official buildings and also Madras High Court. The red sandstone, out of which most buildings are made of, will be your constant companion here. Explore the markets around and have a taste of various ethnicities coming together here.
PRO TIP - Do not forget to always have water with you or sip on the coconut water available almost everywhere.
LUNCH
While you are in North Chennai you can’t miss the Sangeetha Canteen for lunch. Extremely light on the pocket, this place is a gem discovered. We suggest you try Sambar rice and the Curd rice along with a glass of fresh lime water. You will see a lot of lawyers from the High Court enjoying a hearty meal here. After your meal is over, indulge in some Jigarthanda available at the Murugan Idli Shop right across the street. Post lunch you should visit the Armenian Church here. It is one of the oldest churches in the Indian Subcontinent originally constructed in the year 1712.
PRO TIP - Spend some time and the Church and rest for a while before you head out for the evening
EVENING
After a well rested afternoon we suggest you head straight to Bombay Lassi in Triplicane for some evening snacks. Famous for their samosa, kachori and jalebi this place starts crowding early evening because one can’t resist the hot pipping samosas especially when it rains. Post the snacks we suggest an indulgence with the streets of Mylapore. While heading out for the evening, make sure you are well rested, because the streets of Mylapore for a filter kappi expedition require some walking. Enjoy a cup of a well deserved filter coffee before heading on. In order to get a taste of being a local, we suggest you take the MRTS and get down at Mylapore. Kapaleeshwarar Temple is the prime source of a crowd there. The streets of mylapore are filled with ‘light on the pocket’ places for coffee.
PRO TIP - There is no sitting arrangement at Triplicane and since there is quite some walking involved do not carry a heavy backpack.
DINNER
While one has cherished South Indian meals throughout the day, the city has a gem stored for a quiet and cosy dinner. A tiny, quaint place, Mezze, in RA Puram is just what one needs. Warm lights, courteous staff and the lip smacking meal all under one roof. Everything on their menu is best but one thing you shouldn’t miss is their hummus. Post dinner, only dessert and coffee is what one needs to bring the day to a halt. The Old Madras Baking Company (OMBC) is a paradise. Located at a distance of about 20 minutes from RA Puram, nothing gets better than OMBC.
PRO TIP - Both Mezze and OMBC are small places and definitely worth it. However, we suggest you head for an early dinner and dessert to avoid crowding and not miss the delicious brownies at OMBC.
It has rightly been said, Chennai is a city but Madras an emotion. And apart from the above mentioned itinerary the city has a lot to offer. Bessy beach for a stroll, That Madras Place for its food, Writer’s Cafe for its ice cream, the list is long. All we know is that 24 hours in the city will definitely tempt you for more.
.gif&w=371&h=265)
04 Min Read 
Offbeat destinations
