We’ve all been to Marina, eaten at Saravana Bhavan, and watched a movie at Sathyam, but how many of you have done this list of 10 things available right here in our fair city?
10 Things Even A Hardcore Chennaiite Probably Doesn't Know About
Enjoy A Panoramic View Of Chennai City At St Thomas Mount
A tiny hillock just next to the airport, St Thomas Mount is known for the church on top of the hill. The view from the top is 360 degree of awesome and the best part is that because the airport is nearby, you can see plans take off and land — up close!
Try A Little Burmese Cuisine
A tiny group of stalls in Burma Bazaar formed originally by Tamil refugees from Myanmar, make fresh veggie filled, hot, hot atho noodles and other Burmese dishes in the evenings post 5pm. Read more about the Burmese atho noodles here.
Adopt A Book At The Madras Literary Society
The Madras Literary Society is an age old library with over 80,000 books. 60 foot high shelves packed with books from before you and I were born, make the library feel like something straight out of Harry Potter. To add to that, they have an ‘adopt a book’ scheme where you sponsor the restoration of one of the library’s old books and in return you can see your name added to history as they acknowledge your contribution in the book. For more info check out our feature on them here.
Geek Out At The Royal Enfield Factory Tour
Another factory tour, though this time there’s less sugar and more petrol. Get a chance to visit one of the oldest motorcycle manufacturing factories in the world, right here in Chennai. The Royal Enfield Factory Visit is a must see for bike enthusiasts. For more info about the tour, read about it here.
Cool Down With A Glass Of Jigarthanda At Murugan Idli
This badam based cold beverage, originated in Madurai, is the best solution to beat the heat and our Murugan Idli shop does it the best. For more on what else is good to eat and drink at Murugan Idli, check out our recommendation on them here.
Rescue And Release Baby Sea Turtles On The Turtle Walk
The Turtle Walk is a yearly event from January to April, conducted by the Student Sea Turtle Conservation Network that aims to protect the endangered Olive Ridley Sea Turtle that nests on our beaches. The walk itself happens at night and you’ll have trained guides accompanying you to show you how to spot turtles and more. Read more about Turtle Walks here.
Visit India’s Oldest Bookshop, Higginbotham’s
India’s oldest bookshop is on Mount Road and it is a relic! With books from across all genres to stationery this is a bibliophile’s paradise. For more on this amazing monolith of a bookshop check out our feature on Higginbotham’s here.
Chill Under A 450 Year Old, 40,000 Sq Ft Banyan Tree
The Adyar Aala Maram (Banyan Tree) is the second oldest Banyan tree in the country. Situated in the Theosophical Society in Adyar, it is truly a sight to behold. For more info on how to check it out, read about it in our Besant Nagar Hood Guide here.
Check Out A Camera Museum With 100+ Year Old Cameras
Dr. Arun’s Photography and Vintage Camera Museum features some of the oldest cameras in history and each of them tells a story. The museum is a collection of Dr. Arun’s cameras he’s collected since 1997. There’s also a veritable collection of photos of Chennai from the 60’s and 70’s. For more on what to expect, check out our feature on them here.