AA Voyages et Forex Inde Private Limited AA Voyages et Forex Inde Private Limited AA Voyages et Forex India Private Limited a été incorporé il ya 15 ans le jeudi 28 Mars 2002 et il est enregistré à RoC-Mumbai en tant que Société Privée limitée par les Actions ayant son capital autorisé De Rs. 1000000.0 et le capital versé de Rs. 100000.0 Selon AA Travels And Forex Inde et selon les informations qu'il a signalé au registraire des sociétés à Mumbai sa dernière Assemblée générale annuelle (AGA) n'a pas été tenue jusqu'à présent et son bilan n'est pas rempli jusqu'à présent selon les dossiers de MCA . Il ya plus de 0 DirectorsOfficers qui détenait des postes à A A Travels et Forex India Private Limited. Vous pouvez rejoindre la société à leur adresse enregistrée 41 Maker Arcade en dessous Saudiconsulate près du World Trade Center Défilé Cuffe Mumbai Maharashtra - 400005 Inde - Nov 19, 2016 8230 Alpari uk review. Forex trading avec alpari new zealand. Forexyard examen utiliser trois types de plates-formes de trading forex à. Top des courtiers forex 8230 Forex Mentor Big Dogs Novembre 16, 2016 8230 Réfléchir à quand j'ai trouvé le Forex, le commerce puis 8211 pour dire franchement 8230 We039ve obtenu quelques mentors fantastiques dans la salle de commerce qui sont là pour vous aider. 8230 Jack Schwager (Auteur) Entretiens plusieurs grands chiens dans l'investissement et 8230 Pompes à pénis Cheap Herb traitement Petite fille Trouver le courtier forex mieux adapté à votre style de négociation. Nos revues de courtier forex vous donner une vue approfondie des meilleurs courtiers forex sur le marché. Alpari UK Forex Broker Review - Alpari UK est considéré comme l'un des principaux courtiers Forex ECN dans le monde. Revues et évaluations des courtiers Forex. Revues contrôlées par la qualité sur les courtiers Forex. Trouvez votre meilleur courtier Forex. Forex brokers: critiques, classements, classements, listes. Informations détaillées sur plus de 500 courtiers Forex en ligne. Découvrez ce que vous attendez d'ETX Capital si vous le choisissez comme votre courtier Forex. 8230 dans l'industrie par l'acquisition du courtier Alpari FX désormais redondant et a déménagé à 8230 Comment Forex comptes PAMM travail Investopedia Parmi ceux intéressés par le trading forex, le compte PAMM offre une bonne alternative sans implication directe. Voici comment fonctionnent les comptes PAMM. Forex Broker Forex Brokers Forex Brokers Forex Brokers Forex Brokers Forex Brokers Forex Forex Brokers Forex Forex Brokers Alpari a annoncé que le 6 Décembre Monnaie du Bélarus et 8230 Je veux l'audio de route et de midi Horloge de Traktor à Reaper, afin que je puisse jouer et boucle des pistes dans Traktor, et ensuite utiliser FX dans Reaper en synchro avec 8230 Alpari Forex Broker Review 19 nov. 2016 8230 Alpari uk review. Forex trading avec alpari new zealand. Forexyard examen utiliser trois types de plates-formes de trading forex à. Top des courtiers forex 8230 Forex Mentor Big Dogs Nov 16, 2016 8230 Réfléchissant à quand j'ai trouvé pour la première fois le Forex, le commerce puis 8211 pour dire franchement 8230 We039ve a obtenu quelques mentors fantastiques Richie Hawtin: Comment je joue Gear Walkthrough 8211 DJ TechTools DJ TechTools Le plus grand Communauté pour DJ et techniques de producteur, tutoriels et conseils. Secrets de Traktor, commentaires de contrôleur, une bibliothèque massive de cartographie de MIDI, et plus. Forex Mentor Big Dogs Nov 16, 2016 8230 En réfléchissant à quand j'ai trouvé le Forex, le commerce puis 8211 pour dire franchement 8230 We039ve obtenu quelques mentors fantastiques dans la salle de commerce qui sont ici pour aider. 8230 Jack Schwager (Auteur) Entretiens plusieurs grands chiens dans l'investissement et 8230 Pompes à pénis Cheap Herb traitement petite fille Profitez des prix les plus bas et la meilleure sélection de DJ Remix Logiciel à Guitar Center. La plupart des commandes sont admissibles à la livraison gratuite. 31 Oct 2013 8230 Coup de coeur pour le travail avec les tracteurs 8230 les effets Iceverb, Granuphase et Turntable FX, dans ce panneau pour le par225metro DryWet a 8230 29082013 3:44 pm emstudiosaos Conseils pour DJ Tricks, Gear Laisser un commentaire 8230 Lors du mélange externe , Le potentiel d'expérimentation avec les unités FX et les entrées est 8230 Traktor tente de vous aider aussi bien avec un limiteur maître 8230 DJM-900 nexus Introduction officielle DJsoundsFeb 17, 2011 8230 Les DJ peuvent connecter un câble USB et de contrôle Traktor avec Timecode CD 8230 6 superbes effets Sound Color FX de qualité studio et de 8230 et de style sequencer au club, six nouveaux effets renforcés tourner 8230 Johnny vous montre quelques trucs et astuces de conception sonore dans NI Polyplex 8230 Sur la vidéo pour voir comment utiliser certains des Global FX dans Polyplex NI 12012011 183032Video incorporé 183032LIKEN facebookDjPaulGoodnight LIKEN Dj Tutorial 252ber das Thema quotDer Dropquot. Préréglages modernes pour V-Station. Des tonnes de préréglages qui apporteront une nouvelle vie au synthé de Novation V-Station Visite Un guide complet décrivant comment devenir un DJ, divisé en 10 étapes individuelles. Apprenez l'art du deejaying, et comment le faire avec passion et but. Jun 22, 2012 8230 8230 à d'autres pistes audio à mélanger séparément ou à des effets individuels. 8230 qui permettent à un signal entrant de triggerexaggeratealter l'effet. 8230. Je suppose que la plupart d'entre nous connaissent environ 99 de ces trucs, mais encore, même si 8230 Seuls les autres logiciels thaat pourrait me faire sauter est traktor, s'ils ouvrent le remix decks8230 Traktor Fx Tricks Je veux l'audio route et horloge midi De Traktor à Reaper, afin que je puisse jouer et boucle des pistes dans Traktor, et ensuite utiliser FX dans Reaper en synchro avec 8230 Alpari Forex Broker Review 19 nov 2016 8230 Alpari uk review. Forex trading avec alpari new zealand. Forexyard examen utiliser trois types de Forex Forex Daily Scalper. Page principale Forex Daily Scalper logiciel par Rita Lasker amp Green Forex Group Comment faire de l'argent dans le Forex 8211 Admiral MarketsHow faire de l'argent dans le Forex n'est pas une chose difficile à saisir. 8230 la plate-forme la plus puissante et conviviale pour Forex CFDs trading. 8230 commerçants de détail Forex perdent de l'argent au lieu de, let039s dire 50 Parce que tout le monde veut 8230 Créer un environnement commercial où l'argent n'a pas d'autre moyen, mais de s'écouler vers votre compte. Commencer le chemin facile Pour que vous puissiez commencer vous devez savoir what8217s exigé de vous8230 Pas beaucoup Un ordinateur avec l'accès d'Internet (de votre maison 8230 Le commerce de forex est maintenant accessible à tout le monde par l'intermédiaire des courtiers en ligne de Forex, 8230 Fournissez le commode Manières de négocier 8212 ou un novice amical 8230 25 juin 2011 8230 Combien d'argent avez-vous besoin de gagner sa vie comme un commerçant de forex 8230 que vous aurez besoin dans le commerce à plein temps sera différent pour tout le monde. Et de manière efficace pour atteindre vos objectifs commerciaux 8230 Imprimer Friendly 8230 Voulez-vous recevoir 100 Commissions SI VOUS VOULEZ FAIRE UN QUICK CONSISTANT MONEY, LIRE READING8230 J'ai 3 annonces qui ont été me faire une tonne d'argent chaque Comment Forex Alpha Currency Analytics Can Aidez-vous à: Youll expérience beaucoup moins de stries perdre et cesser de donner l'argent inutile de retour sur le marché Le nouvel indicateur de code Forex X est quelque chose que vous avez vraiment à l'expérience 8230. peut maintenant tous être précisément prédit, de la manière la plus facile et conviviale que 8230 Trading Forex de cette façon permet à chacun d'utiliser cet outil unique pour faire des profits en 8230 ForexMart est un nom commercial de Il opère sous l'autorité de la Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission (CySEC) (licence numéro 26615) et est enregistré 8230 Nov 16, 2016 8230 Réfléchissant à quand j'ai découvert le Forex pour la première fois, en échangeant 8211 pour le dire franchement 8230 We039ve a obtenu des mentors fantastiques dans la salle de commerce qui sont là pour vous aider. 8230 Jack Schwager (Auteur) Entretiens plusieurs grands chiens dans l'investissement et 8230 Pompes Penis Cheap Herb Traitement Petite fille obtient Big Dick Pompes Penis Cheap naturellement grand pénis avec Cvs Cock Enhancement Products et Dick Enhancement Union Banque de l'Inde Forex Branches UBI Recrutement 2017 8211 Postuler En ligne 1 Live UBI Recruitment 8230UBI Recrutement 2017 Union Bank of India postuler en ligne pour 1 emploi en direct Les ouvertures 8211 10th, 12th, Graduate 8230 Au moment de l'indépendance Inde039s en 1947, UBI avait seulement quatre branches 8211 trois à Mumbai et un en 8230. Forex Officier, Économiste. Union Bank Of Mar 22, 2016 8230 Même Ezekiel Chew, le cerveau derrière le Mentor Asie Forex Home Study 8230. Incohérence: de nombreux commerçants de forex faire d'énormes quantités d'argent en 8230 8 août 2016 8230 Télécharger Swaps d'intérêt E-Book Online middot 00 : 24. Télécharger Comment faire des devises comme les Big Dogs. Le Forexmentor Trading 8230 Si vous étiez perdu ou confus, comme un ami proche, votre mentor serait par votre 8230. pour le commerce à plus court terme ainsi et il fonctionne sur les actions, FX et matières premières. 8230. Comment battre-out 95 de la 8220big dog8221 Wall Street experts8230 et de trésorerie comme un fou Que les médicaments sont des bloqueurs bêta Capsule d'impotence à l'ail et les bloqueurs de bêta-pilules traitement du cancer de la prostate peut causer l'impuissance (dysfonction érectile ou ED). Formation de Forex avec Peter Bain8217s Forex Money Makers Video Penic cours Big Male Penis Bulge 8211 maleichelptreatment Penic Big Penis Enhancement Drugs Travailler avec Est-il une pilule pour les hommes et l'impuissance Traitement traitement du cancer de la prostate peut causer l'impuissance (érectile 8230 UBI Recruitment 2017 8211 Postuler en ligne 1 Live UBI Recruitment 8230UBI Recrutement 2017 Union Bank of India postuler en ligne pour 1 emploi en direct Ouvertures 8211 10th, 12th, Graduate 8230 Au moment de l'Indépendance indienne en 1947, UBI avait seulement quatre branches 8211 trois à Mumbai et une en 8230. Forex Officer , Banque Economique de l'Inde, Banque de l'Inde, Vijaya Bank, Oui Banque 8230 Andhra Bank services à ses clients par le biais de 1536 succursales, 49 Compteurs de prolongation, 8230. la conservation des valeurs mobilières, des devises, des titres à revenu fixe et des actions et 8230 Jul 7, 2015 8230 Mais avec des prêteurs comme Union Bank of India se concentrant fortement sur le numérique, ce mythe est 8230 LIRE AUSSI: Les banques vont lentement dans l'ouverture des branches rurales Forex World Wide Formation et soutien Le marché des changes est un marché mondial décentralisé pour le commerce des devises . Cela comprend tous les aspects de l'achat, la vente et l'échange de devises à des prix actuels ou déterminés. In8230 Maraltsupgt174ltsupgt Flex FX. MaraFlex FX est la solution Marabu039s pour les cartes d'identité à une ou plusieurs couches. Il est très flexible et a une excellente capacité de laminage. Commerce Perusahaan Forex Terbaik Di Indonésie Courtier Mikro Forex Terbaik. 2014. Perusahaan memimpin dalam peringkat courtage ForexStars Awards. 8230 Indonésie, ditutup VENDEZ USDCAD posisi di 1, 3017. Pas de vapeur de mon nettoyeur à vapeur VAX Blog officiel Vaxs guide de pourquoi theres pas de vapeur provenant de votre nettoyeur à vapeur vous parle par une série d'options et de solutions pour assurer Bank Branch Code Adresse Union Bank De l'Inde (UBI) Code IFSC: UBIN0530221 Code MICR: 226026002 Code de branche: 530221: Branche: LUCKNOW MAIN 29, State Bank of Mysore. Forex Services State Bank of Mysore est une banque nationalisée en Inde, avec siège à Bangalore. C'est l'une des cinq banques associées de la State Bank of India. Code de branche de banque Adresse Union Bank Of India (UBI) Code de IFSC: UBIN0533726 Code de MICR: 682026011 Code de branche: 533726: Branche: COCHIN MAIN P. B. NO. My True Fx System Système d'imagerie microCT Quantum GX - combiné haute vitesse, haute résolution, avec une dose de rayons X suffisamment faible pour une imagerie longitudinale vraie tout en un seul instrument. Conseils Forex Trading Forex Trading Secrets Trading de devises Basics 8230Statistics montrent que pour les nouveaux commerçants de forex, le commerce rentable est difficile à réaliser. 8230 à qui de prendre les bénéfices, et les meilleures offres pour les prêts d'éducation. Nous offrons un large éventail de services bancaires personnels, NRI, MSME, Corporate et Services bancaires ruraux. La Banque de réserve de l'Inde (RBI) est l'institution bancaire centrale de l'Inde, qui contrôle la politique monétaire de la roupie indienne. Il a commencé ses activités le 1 er avril 8230 Union Bank of India Employeur 8211 Salaire 8211 Obtenez une comparaison de salaire gratuite basée sur le poste, les compétences, 8230 Passez à tous Assistant Branch Manager, Salaires bancaires 187 8230 Union Bank of India (UBI) 532477) est l'une des plus grandes banques publiques de l'Inde (le gouvernement possède 63,44 de son capital). Le système d'imagerie microCT Quantum GX-combiné haute vitesse, haute résolution, avec une dose de rayons X assez faible pour une imagerie longitudinale vraie tout en un seul instrument. Conseils Forex Trading Forex Trading Secrets Trading de devises Basics 8230Statistics montrent que pour les nouveaux commerçants de forex, le commerce rentable est difficile à réaliser. 8230 à laquelle de prendre les bénéfices, et le système de négociation ferme la position sans 8230 Forex World Wide formation et de soutien Le marché des changes est un marché mondial décentralisé pour le commerce des devises. Cela comprend tous les aspects de l'achat, la vente et l'échange de devises à des prix actuels ou déterminés. In8230 Maraltsupgt174ltsupgt Flex FX. MaraFlex FX est la solution Marabu039s pour les cartes d'identité à une ou plusieurs couches. Il est très flexible et a une excellente capacité de laminage. Commerce Ici, jeter un oeil à cette capture d'écran8230 je didn8217t le faire. Un de mes étudiants commerciaux, Fred Davis, m'a dit après que je me suis assis vers le bas à mon ordinateur portable après le retour de 8230 La vérité est que la plupart des règles du système tendance suivent la même chose. Ils montrent hautement 8230 Ma stratégie de base utilise Average True Range (ATR) à cette fin. 8230 Il ya beaucoup d'entre eux ciblant le marché de détail, en particulier dans l'espace FX. Utilisez un 8230 Perusahaan Forex Terbaik Di Indonésie Courtier Mikro Forex Terbaik. 2014. Perusahaan memimpin dalam peringkat courtage ForexStars Awards. 8230 Indonésie, ditutup VENDEZ USDCAD posisi di 1, 3017. Pas de vapeur de mon nettoyeur à la vapeur VAX Blog officiel Vaxs guide de pourquoi theres pas de vapeur provenant de votre nettoyeur à vapeur vous parle par une série d'options et de solutions pour assurer DOIT LIRE 8211 Comment les statistiques peuvent Aider à la négociation Forex robots Ce qui est vrai pour l'image à long terme ne peut pas être vrai à court terme et généralement c'est la façon dont les choses sont. 8230 Comment est la loi de grand nombre important dans l'analyse des systèmes de forex 8230 La première idée qui me vient à l'esprit est de retraits commerciaux. Forex scalping est devenu de plus en plus populaire parmi les nouveaux commerçants. Apprenez à scalper le marché forex avec ma stratégie de scalping forex. Courtier Mikro Forex Terbaik. 2014. Perusahaan memimpin dalam peringkat courtage ForexStars Awards. 8230 Indonésie, ditutup VENDRE USDCAD posisi di 1, 3017. UMW Holdings Berhad 8211 presse En ligne avec le bénéfice réduit avant impôts, le bénéfice net attribuable aux actionnaires de la Société pour le deuxième trimestre terminé le 30 Juin 2014 également réduit à 8230 Courtier forex yang Populaire de l'Indonésie par le memiliki reputasi bagus dapat diliat di website review broker forex Indonésie terbaik. Mencari courtier melalui badan 8230 12 Des 2016 8230 courtier-forex-terbaik Untuk menghilangkan rasa était-était, pilihlah courtier forex yang juridique teregulasi dan. 8230 Forex Ebook Analyse Technique Zero to Hero Guide 8211 AnyOptionChapitre Sept: Analyse Technique, 8230. Grâce à l'analyse technique (nous couvrons 8230. Bien que la négociation des devises est normalement effectué sur le marché FOREX, 8230 Trading de devises dans le Forex et marchés à terme par Carley 8230Jan 4, 2012 8230 Le livre NOOK (eBook) de la négociation de devises dans le Forex et FBS Adalah Broker Forex Terbaik di Indonésie 823026 Ags 2016 8230 Setiap commerçant de l'Indonésie sudah bekerja dengan FBS. Alasannya Commerce de FBS itu mudah, nyaman dan yang paling 8230 21 sept 2016 8230 Mau tahu gan, courtier forex terbaik di dunia yuuk cekidot setiap tahunnya 8230 courtier forex yang terbaik dan terpercaya d'artikel kali ina saya akan 8230 Yang Terkenal Di kalangan Trader Indonésie middot Aujourd'hui, grâce à vos commentaires, nous lançons quelques modifications à l'interface utilisateur 8230 10 Ags 2015 8230 Di Indonesia, transaksi (Par l'intermédiaire de l'analyse technique (nous allons couvrir 8230. Bien que les devises de négociation est normalement effectué sur le marché FOREX, 8230 Commerce de devises dans le Forex et les marchés à terme par Carley 8230Jan 4, 2012 8230 Le livre NOOK (eBook) du commerce de devises dans le Forex et les contrats à terme 8230 Analyse technique Méthodes et techniques commerciales 8230 18 déc 2015 8230 En pratique, De nombreux acteurs du marché utilisent l'analyse technique en conjonction avec l'analyse fondamentale pour déterminer leur stratégie commerciale. Un important 8230 Forex Daily Analyse Technique 8211 Nous à MTrading Inde fournir une analyse technique complète à nos clients gratuitement. Obtenez une vue d'ensemble sur divers sujets et concepts Forex chez FOREX. Un compte réel (également connu sous le nom de compte de trading en argent réel) vous permet de négocier des devises, des matières premières et des actions avec de l'argent réel et faire des profits réels ou des pertes. MONEY. au 8211 accès rapide aux entreprises, produits et services de l'industrie australienne des services financiers. Finances Plan d'investissement Gérer Protéger. Covent Garden FX reviews Comparer l'argent de vacances Le marché des changes est un marché mondial décentralisé pour le commerce des devises. Cela comprend tous les aspects de l'achat, la vente et l'échange de devises à des prix actuels ou déterminés. In8230 Maraltsupgt174ltsupgt Flex FX. MaraFlex FX est la solution Marabu039s pour les cartes d'identité à une ou plusieurs couches. Il est très flexible et a une excellente capacité de laminage. Commerce Forex avec Alpari 8211 la quotCompany de l'année sur le Forex Marketquot. ECN trading. Spreads 8230 Forex trading avec Alpari: fiabilité et innovation dans le trading. Précédent 8230. Service d'aide à l'auto-correcteur finissant à 8230. Formation Alpari Investment Academy 8230 Aujourd'hui, Alpari est l'un des plus importants courtiers Forex au monde. Th8230 Forex Trading en ligne FX Marchés Devises, Spot 8230 A propos de votre compte démo FOREX. Un compte démo est destiné à vous familiariser avec les outils et fonctionnalités de nos plates-formes de négociation et de faciliter les tests de 8230 Perusahaan Forex Terbaik Di Indonésie Broker Mikro Forex Terbaik. 2014. Perusahaan memimpin dalam peringkat courtage ForexStars Awards. 8230 Indonésie, ditutup VENDEZ USDCAD posisi di 1, 3017. Pas de vapeur de mon nettoyeur à la vapeur VAX Blog officiel Vaxs guide de pourquoi theres aucune vapeur provenant de votre nettoyeur à vapeur vous parle par une série d'options et de solutions pour assurer la formation Forex pour les débutants et les professionnelsFxcareers Est une académie de formation forex établie à Chypre. FX Carrières offre formation basée sur le besoin et des certifications à ses étudiants. 8230 Pourquoi FX 2000 Brokers Worldwide Trading 5.3 Trillionday Opportunités de carrière 8230. Je crois que je peux vraiment exceller dans les ventes ou les rôles de soutien à la clientèle au sein d'une firme de forex. Mon objectif final est 8230. Devenez un agent de transfert d'argent Rejoignez notre équipe Ria Financial 8230Ria est une société de transfert d'argent à travers le monde qui a été fondée en 1987. 8230 Nous vous fournissons tous les matériaux, le soutien et la formation vous 8230 Jan 6 , 2017 8230 Les données de cette semaine devraient montrer les réserves chinoises de devises précairement 8230 Alors que la deuxième économie mondiale du monde a encore la plus grande réserve de devises 8230 Depuis lors, les autorités ont intervenu à plusieurs reprises pour soutenir le yuan lorsque 8230. Hellenic Shipping News Worldwide Online Un compte réel (également connu sous le nom de compte de trading en argent réel) vous permet de négocier des devises, des matières premières et des actions avec de l'argent réel et faire des profits réels ou des pertes. MONEY. au 8211 accès rapide aux entreprises, produits et services de l'industrie australienne des services financiers. Finances Plan d'investissement Gérer Protéger. Covent Garden FX reviews Comparer Holiday Money Covent Garden FX sont notés 4.95 sur la base de 378 commentaires de clients. Lire toutes les critiques ici ou publier votre propre commentaire. Qui fait de l'argent réel à partir de forex Forex Factoryshe dit chaque minute passée sur le commerce de forex est une minute perdue, comme personne ne pouvait 8230 Quantifier l'argent réel investi et le profit réel .. par mois Utilisez notre glossaire forex pour obtenir ajusté aux mots communs, Les termes utilisés 8230 Argent réel: Les commerçants de taille significative, y compris les fonds de pension, d'actifs 8230 Obtenez 5000 d'argent réel gratuitement Il ya tellement de commerçants habiles et expérimentés avec leurs propres stratégies de négociation unique et rentable dans le worl8230 Real Money from TheStreet: Stratégies et conversations avec les conseillers financiers, les gestionnaires de fonds de couverture, CFA et investisseurs de valeur renommée. Acheter Forex Axis Bank Taux de change de Axis Bank. Obtenez les derniers taux exhangeforex étrangers pour diverses devises en ligne sur Axis Bank. Axis Bank Multi-Currency Forex Card La carte Axis Bank Multi-Currency Forex. Une manière sûre, sûre et commode de porter le forex 8211 it8217s votre permis pour faire tous les plans que vous voulez. Le meilleur Forex Le moyen facile de gérer votre argent en ligne Rejoignez les voyageurs les plus intelligents de UK8217. Passez à l'étranger avec une carte de monnaie FairFX en Euro, Dollar américain ou Sterling. Comment jouer au jeu Forex The Secret News Weapon est un logiciel de trading de devises Forex qui permet aux traders Fx de mettre en avant les événements économiques de nouvelles sur le Forex, les Futures FX, les actions et ainsi de suite. Aujourd'hui, je suis officiellement laisser le chat sortir du sac Je vais vous donner mes 9 secrets BIG à négociation rentable OK, ils arent vraiment Bienvenue sur notre site Web LION FX TRADER est spécialisé dans le développement de robots Forex (experts conseillers). Ils sont utilisés par les commerçants comme des outils pour l'achat et la vente de devises 8230 Excellent taux de change en ligne. Comparez Holiday Money en association avec Travel FX est un distributeur spécialisé en devises offrant une alternative aux banques, bureaux de 8230 Avec un Forex Broker, vous pouvez échanger des devises en ligne avec de l'argent réel. Vous êtes nouveau dans le trading FX, lisez cet article. Kochi (anciennement Cochin Malayalam.) Est une ville cosmopolite au Kerala avec un port commercial animé. Kochi est la capitale financière du Kerala et, avec une population de plus de 2 millions, la plus grande agglomération urbaine de l'état. C'est l'une des principales destinations touristiques en Inde. Comprendre modifier Les filets de pêche chinois à Fort Kochi sont une icône de la ville Une ville née dans la tempête, nourrie dans la rivalité et établie comme terrain de bataille pour les empires européens. Cette phrase fait la compréhension parfaite de Kochi qui a été formé comme une ville portuaire antique après les grandes inondations de la rivière de Periyar en 1341. Avec le partage de l'empire de Chera Kerala au 14ème siècle, cette région est arrivée sous le contrôle d'une nouvelle dynastie, Seigneurs féodaux. Avec l'avènement de la colonisation, Kochi est devenu le premier grand champ de bataille de presque toutes les puissances européennes. Cependant, moins elle a eu un impact sur les fortunes de cette ville. Historique Modifier Les commerçants de Kochi ont commencé à commercialiser des épices comme le poivre noir et la cardamome avec les Arabes, les Hollandais, les Phéniciens, les Portugais et les Chinois il y a plus de 600 ans. Cela a aidé Kochi à prospérer et à devenir la porte d'entrée de l'Inde ancienne. C'est à Kochi que commence la colonisation de l'Inde. Le Portugal a été le premier à établir sa base à Kochi, suivi par le néerlandais et l'anglais. Le traité anglo-néerlandais de 1814 obligea les Hollandais à céder Kochi aux Britanniques en échange de l'île Bangka en Indonésie. Les Britanniques ont réussi à établir leur influence sur Kochi, limitant leur administration directe à une petite enclave de Fort Kochi et Ernakulam britannique avec leur capitale à l'île Bolgatty. Le reste du royaume de Kochi a été administré par Kochi Maharajas de leur capitale à Thripunithura. Cependant la vraie administration a été faite par Diwans (premiers ministres), laissant les Maharajas pour patroniser la culture, les arts et se concentrer fortement sur la santé publique et les domaines de l'éducation. Les fondations de la ville moderne de Kochi ont commencé quand monsieur Robert Bristow, un ingénieur supérieur royal de marine a senti le besoin d'un grand port moderne après l'ouverture du canal de Suez. Cela a fait la création de la plus grande île artificielle du pays, l'île de Willingdon pour abriter le nouveau port de Kochi. Dans les années 1930, le Maharaja de Kochi a rejoint le tollé public pour former un état commun de peuple parlant malayalam en se confondant avec le Royaume de Travancore et le Malabar britannique. Kochi Maharaja Kerala Varma Raja était à l'avant-garde de cette agitation, et a adopté la résolution Aykiakerala au Parlement de Kochi. En 1947, le Royaume de Kochi et Travancore fusionné pour former l'État Royal de Travancore-Kochi. Le Maharaja de Kochi était parmi les premiers à préconiser l'adhésion de l'état à l'Union indienne nouvellement formée. Enfin en 1948, l'état de Travancore-Kochi a fusionné avec l'Inde. Depuis la formation du Kerala en 1957, Kochi a été la capitale commerciale du Kerala ainsi que le siège de la Haute Cour du Kerala. Depuis 2000, Kochi a revitalisé son économie, en mettant l'accent sur le tourisme, les technologies de l'information et le port. Culture modifier Les charmes coloniaux de Fort Kochi avec des rangées de bungalows et de ruelles traditionnelles européennes Kochi a une culture cosmopolitian, fortement influencée par les partenaires commerciaux historiques, portugais, néerlandais, arabes, chinois et japonais. Kochi est le siège de l'église latine du Kerala et a beaucoup d'églises et d'adeptes catholiques. Kochi était traditionnellement un pot-pourri de diverses communautés indiennes et internationales. Les chrétiens syriens ont entamé la première vague d'immigration, suivie par les Juifs entre le VIIe et le Xe siècle. Les marchands arabes se sont aussi établis à Kochi. Au 15ème siècle, Gujaratis s'installe à Kochi, en particulier sur l'île Mattencherry, où ils ont joué un rôle important dans le commerce d'épices et d'autres domaines. Plus tard, au début de l'ère coloniale, les Portugais, les Hollandais, les Français et les Britanniques se sont tous établis à Kochi. Les Portugais avaient une forte influence à Fort Cochin. La culture britannique a été fortement ressentie, en prêtant à Kochi une forte communauté d'Anglo-Indiens. Au début des années 1970, les Punjabis se sont installés ici, concentrant leur forte présence sur l'industrie automobile locale. Tamilians, Telugus, Kannadigas ont tous formé de petits établissements depuis les jours de la royauté. Récemment, des étudiants du Cambodge, de Thaïlande, de Corée et d'Indonésie se sont installés à Kochi pour des études et des activités de recherche. Kochi a une population importante d'expatriés principalement des pays européens qui se sont installés à Fort Kochi. La plupart d'entre eux sont des personnes âgées qui se sont installés pour profiter de la vie de retraite et de nombreux hôtels boutique et des restaurants dans cette région. En raison de la croissance rapide de la ville, une majorité de la population locale sont maintenant des immigrants. Généralement, les Kochinites sont modernes et à la mode. Étant une ville qui a une tradition de différentes cultures étant donné le même respect, un niveau élevé de tolérance existe. La ville a une attitude moderne, mais une certaine modestie sociale de base demeure, surtout dans les villages et les zones rurales. Climat modifier Kochi a un climat tropical typique. Les températures oscillent entre 30176C et 35176C pendant la journée et autour de 24176C pendant la nuit. Kochi est l'un des premiers endroits où l'expérience des fortes pluies de mousson commence à la mi-mai. Kochi connaît de fortes pluies entre le milieu de mai et la première semaine de septembre. Les températures de la journée pendant la mousson tombent entre 25176C et 30176C pendant ces mois. De septembre à début février, le temps est beau, marqué par des vents frais et des averses légères entre les deux. Cependant en février, la saison d'été commence. Bien que la température ne touche jamais 40176C, la présence d'humidité élevée peut rendre les étés très durs. Cela se poursuit jusqu'au début mai. Cependant les douches d'été fréquentes refroidissent la dureté de l'été. Orientation Après la croissance rapide au cours des deux dernières décennies, Kochi est maintenant l'une des zones urbaines les plus densément peuplées en Inde. La ville de Kochi se compose de: Carte de la région de Kochi La ville continentale d'Ernakulam le coeur et le hub de transport de Kochi avec trois parties distinctes: le district d'affaires central (CBD) qui a Mahatma Gandhi Road (route de MG) Et Chitoor Road Downtown avec des zones résidentielles haut de gamme et le quartier des affaires à SA Road et Vytilla Junction et la banlieue avec Edapally, Pachalam, Palarivattom qui a de nombreuses zones commerciales et commerciales. Île de Willingdon grande île artificielle faite de sable dragué des remous pour approfondir le port de Kochi. Nommé d'après Long Willingdon, alors le vice-roi régnant de l'Inde, il abrite le port de Kochi, le commandement naval sud du quartier général de la marine indienne et de nombreux hôtels cinq étoiles. Péninsule de Mattencherry et Fort Kochi (Old Kochi) principalement une enclave touristique. Fort Kochi forme la partie supérieure de la Péninsule avec des bâtiments coloniaux soigneusement arrangés, des routes étroites et bien pavées, des structures influencées par les Anglo-Hollandais et de grands magasins d'antiquités. Mattancherry est principalement une ville commerçante, célèbre pour son établissement prospère de Gujarati apporté à la ville aux 16ème et 17ème siècles par le commerce d'épices. Ouest de Kochi. La partie inférieure de Mattancherry, qui sont principalement la ceinture de pêche agricole de la ville. La région comprend le célèbre village touristique de Kumbalangi, de petits hameaux de pêche comme Edakochi, Kumbalam, Perumpadappu etc, tous connus pour leur beauté pittoresque. Bolgatty Island l'île où les Britanniques ont établi une résidence royale, qui est maintenant converti en un hôtel cinq étoiles. Célèbre pour son grand terrain de golf, les pistes d'équitation, la marina et les chantiers navals. Vallarpadom Island, où le nouveau terminal international de conteneurs Mega de Kochi (TIC) a ouvert ses portes. Vypin Island une des îles les plus densément peuplées dans le monde avec de nombreux villages de pêche, villages touristiques et la populaire plage de Cherai. Aluva la deuxième plus grande ville à Kochi UA, célèbre pour ses rives du fleuve Periyar. L'aéroport international de Kochi se trouve à proximité. Thrikakara Ville célèbre pour le grand temple de Vamana, le centre focal d'Onam, le festival national du Kerala. Aussi la maison de l'Université de Cochin et d'autres instituts d'enseignement. Thripunithura la capitale d'autrefois du royaume de Kochi est célèbre pour divers palais historiques, musées et temples, et comme un centre des arts. Maradu à côté de la ville de Kochi un quartier d'affaires à venir avec de nombreux hôtels haut de gamme. Quand visiter edit La saison touristique est normalement d'août à février. Décembre étant le mois le plus touristique de la ruée a de nombreux festivals et des attractions spéciales à accueillir avec le fameux carnaval de Cochin et les célébrations de Noël. La saison d'Onam (mi-août-mi-sept) est également une saison touristique occupée considérant la ligne traditionnelle de diverses festivités. Récemment la mousson est fortement promue par le département du tourisme comme une saison de rajeunissement qui devient lentement également une saison populaire pour visiter pour éprouver les pluies abondantes. Cependant, il est toujours conseillé d'éviter Mars et Avril, compte tenu de l'été sévère, mais il est principalement la saison touristique indienne domestique. Tourist information edit Free information and city maps are available at state run Kerala Tourism Development Corp ( KTDC ) offices at: Tourist Reception office in Marine Drive, 91 484 2353534 from where KTDC city tours startsends. Railway Tourist Office at Ernakulam South Railway Station, 91 484 2378723. Airport Tourist Counter in Arrival hall of both terminals, 91 484 2611308, 91 484 2611309. City Tourist Information Center at Old Collectorate in Park Ave, 91 484 2381743. Central Toll Free Number . 1 800 4254747 The India Tourism also has its office at Willingdon Island 91 484 2668352. The District Tourist Promotion Council (DTPC) also helps in providing information to tourists about other parts of Kochi District, which can be reached at 91 484 2367334, 91 484 2383988. Get in edit Kochi is well connected by air, road, rail and ferry from others parts of India, and to some international destinations. By plane edit Cochin International Airport Cochin International Airport (IATA. COK . ICAO. VOCI ) 1. General tel: 91 484 305-3000, Flight status and Airline desk transfer: 91 484 2610115, 91 484 2611322, 91 484 2610033. Located in Nedumbassery, 29 km from the city center, this is the largest airport in Kerala and one of major gateway to India. It is also Indias 4th busiest International Airport. Tourist Visa on Arrival is available for 11 nationalities as per Government of Indias Immigration Policy at Bureau of Immigrations VOA Counters inside the airport. Cochin has regular flights to almost all the cities in Middle East and few destinations in Southeast Asia. Indias low cost airline Air India Express, have its primary hub in Kochi which connects to multiple cities in Middle East, Dubai being most prominent. Its equally well connected from most of the cities in India by domestic carriers There are regular direct chartered services from Europe and the USA during tourist season. The airport, known for its unique Kerala architecture, has two terminals, one for Domestic and other for international. Both are located side by side, interconnected via a Central Block terminal. Visitors cannot enter into the main terminals and need to wait in the visitors area outside. However they get into the terminal upto check-in area along with the passenger on purchase of visitors ticket. Baggage need not be x-rayed for International passengers as the terminal is equipped with in-line checking. However one need to scan in domestic terminal. Facilities in and around the airport edit Transit and early passengers can use the Airport Guest Hotel in Central Block on hourly as well as per night basis for Rs 750-3,500. It has 14 air conditioned executive rooms and 2 dorms. Both the terminals have shopping options. International terminal houses Cochin Duty Free which has good collection of premium liquor brands, perfumes, chocolates, Jewellery, Handicrafts and other items at competitive prices. A couple of shopping options exists in international concourse, including WH Smith Bookstores, Handicraft center, electronics etc. The international terminal has a multi-cuisine restaurant, a terrace garden dining and lounge bar with BBQ facility both operated by CGH Earth. In addition, the Central Block has a 5 counter food court, mainly fast food joints. There are many cafes and snack corners in the waiting area. The Concourse have free wifi network, a small business centre, free public telephones for local calls and large plasma televisions in the waiting lounge area. Premium lounges are available for first and business class passengers. Visa-On-Arrival for selected nationalities, will be available by end of this year. The Airport has a full fledged Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO), whose chief officer is empowered to grant visa extensions, fee waivers and other visa-related issues. The Airline Center, located next to International terminal, houses offices of most of the airlines as well as leading travel agencies. The domestic terminal has a good shopping arcade selling mainly Kerala-unique items. It has a multi-cuisine restaurant within the check-in lobby and few cafes inside security concourse. There are somewhat cheaper options after security. The domestic terminal has a shopping arcade before check-in, mainly selling Kerala souvenirs. Also it has limited shopping options in concourse. The airport has a good 18 hole golf course nearby. Golfers can register at the Airport Golf counter and pay green fees to use the facility. There is a recreational center, an Olympic size pool as well as bar lounge at the golf club. There are six major airport hotels, all located opposite to the airport terminal. These offer rooms on an hourly basis. There are also many budget hotels and restaurants near to the terminal. Getting to and from the airport edit By bus edit Orange Bus for Airport shuttle KSRTC operates two classes of bus service from the airport: fast passenger (White-Blue Livery), super fast express (Green or Red Bus) (operate every 10-20 minutes to most of the nearby towns and places. Both services are basic and no-frills in nature. All the bus services stop only at the bus point located near Central Block (city-side). KSRTC also operates premium air-conditioned service which consists of modern Volvo fleet, better known as Orange Buses. These operates every 30-40 mins to Kochi City via Aluva, Kalamassery, Vytilla and terminates at Fort Cochin. Cost is 70 Rs or less. The journey takes 1 hour 40 minutes. There is an Orange Bus in every 30 Minutes frequency from the Airport and from Fort Kochi. You can make use of Free Cochin Bus Finder app to search for KSRTC and Private bus time and route. The free app can be downloaded from Google Play play. googlestoreappsdetailsidcom. sodtech. cochin. bus. finder By prepaid taxi edit All taxis operated from Cochin airport belongs to Cochin Airport Taxi Society (CATS)2 which is a pre-paid taxi service. While outside taxis can drop-off passengers at airport, only CATS taxis are allowed to pick and drop passengers from airport. CATS charges government fixed rate and process is simple. Take a receipt from CATS counter in arrivals hall and walk to the prepaid taxi stand to find your taxi. For airportcity transfers, the standard charge is Rs 684 for non air-conditioned cab or Rs 828 for AC cab. The standard rate for all vehicles is Rs 19 per Km for Non Air-conditioned vehicles and Rs 23 for Air-conditioned vehicle. The Minimum fare is Rs 400 with distance of 22 Kms. All the rates are inclusive fare for Up amp Down. Bookings can be made at 91 484 2610115 (Extn: 2242) CATS also operates limo services as well as customized packages available for fullhalf day trips. By Radio Taxi Service edit Radio cabs are also available on prior booking basis. Most of Radio cabs need to be booked via toll free numbers or through mobile apps. KochiTaxi. co. in. Perumbavoor. 91 9497874030 (cokkochitaxi. co. in ), 3. Keralas favorite taxi services in kochi. 160edit Bcabs. 0484-404-666-7. 4. Popular city cabs with fixed cab rates with various fleet. 160edit Travel Dayz. Vyttila. 0484-230-333-9 (infotraveldayz ), 5. Safe, Reliable amp Afrrodable Taxi Cab Service in Cochin. 160edit The Trip India. Perumbavoor. 91 8281667203 (packagesthetripindia ), 6. Taxi in compitative Rates in kochi. 160edit By Radio Taxi Aggregaters edit Radio Taxi Aggregate providers like Uber, Ola provide taxi services thro multiple platform based aggregation of local taxi. These services can be used through their dedicated mobile apps or through call center support. They are fairly better due to easy tracking of services as well as technology driven support. Uber - Worlds largest Taxi Aggregator services are available in Kochi. There is no dial a cab facility for Uber, rather all bookings made via their dedicated mobile app. The service is highly popular due to their cheap rates and fast access. Uber also introduced cash payment directly to driver system apart from their traditional E-Wallet system. Ola (Call 0484-3355335) - Indias version of Uber. The service is available over phone apart from app based support. Ola Cabs will feature Ola stickers to recognize. By car edit Many car rental companies like operates counters in the arrival area of both terminals. Many hotels and travel agents provide free pick-updrop-off services in their cars. By train edit The Airport railway station is under construction. The nearest railway stations are Aluva (10 Kms south) or Angamally railway station (6 kms north) where almost all major express amp passengers trains to all over Kerala halts. By autos edit Three-wheeler autos are not allowed to ply inside airport, to protect interests of CATS Taxis. However its pretty easy to get an auto outside the airport premises which is ideal for budget conscious travelers. An auto ride from airport to nearest railway station like Angamally or Aluva costs less than Rs 50. Be prepared to bargain. Getting autos in early mornings and late nights is pretty difficult. All autos will be allowed only upto Cargo Terminal Area, not inside airports drop-off point. Passengers need to walk to Airline Center area, to get Auto services. By helicopter edit Chipsan Aviation and Pawan Hans located in departure gate of domestic terminal, operates a wide range of helicopter services to almost all parts of city as well as state, which requires a prior booking. K-Air, Joy Jets, Kalyan Aviations and couple of other operators also operates air-taxi and private jets. Cochin Airport recently started its own helicopter services with support of Chipsan Aviation. Scheduled and chartered helicopter services to pilgrimage centers like Sabarimala. Guruvayoor and major cities like Thiruvananathapuram. Kozhikode are available. By train edit Kochi is well connected by train from all parts of India. Most Kerala-bound trains have a major stop here. There are two major rail terminals inside the city limits. Ernakulam Town Station ( North Station ), (IR Code160: ERN), 91 484 2395198 , is mainly for Inter City trains and a few long distance trains. Ernakulam Junction Station ( South Station ), (IR Code160: ERS) 91 484 2353751 (service inquiries 131, 133, reservations 132, 1361) is a major Indian railways station. Most of the long distance trains to and from Kerala pass through here. There is a good food court, large waiting areas, book shops, a medical shop and a few retiring rooms along with a dorm. Kochi has many suburban railway stations where long distance trains stop, such as Aluva, Thripunithura and Angamally. Book in advance, as trains are usually crowded. Reservations are available from 3 months in advance of the travel date. Depending upon the season and day bookings may close up to several days prior to departure with all remaining travellers going onto a waiting list. You can also try using Tatkal which is an emergency booking system costing Rs 150 above the normal rate. The Tatkal service opens one day(excluding the day of journey from the train originating station) before the departure of the train. One of the best ways to get to Kochi is to take the Konkan Railway train from Mumbai. The train ride is renowned for the breathtaking scenery and the natural beauty of the terrain. This train does NOT go to Kerala, but ends at Goa By bus edit Kochi is accessible from all southern parts of the country as well as other parts of the state, through the extensive state run Kerala Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) bus services and services of neighboring state transport corporations. KSRTC operates 3 types of services Super Fast (No Frills), Express (Standard non-AC) and Garuda Hi-tech (Volvo premium). Karnataka State buses run daily services from Bangalore. Mysore and Mangalore with three types of services the Rajahamsa (executive service, with reclining seats), the Club Airavat (Premium Ac service, with reclining semi-sleeper seats), and Ambaari (Ac sleeper service). Tamil Nadu SETC operates superfast and executive services to many destinations like Madurai, Ooty. Coimbatore. Tirunelveli, Salem. and Trichy. Most inter-state buses start and end their journey from KSRTC Central amp Inter-state Bus Station (CBS), located in the heart of the city at Rajaji Rd. To reduce congestion at CBS, some local route KSRTC buses startend their services at KSRTC Boat Jetty Stand located in Park Avenue. Apart from govt services, numerous private bus companies operates scheduled services to almost all major cities in South India as well as Mumbai, Goa etc. All these buses are executive or premium services offering air-conditioned travel with good facilities and higher prices to match. Several online bus booking sites like redBus. in 7 Ticketkaran 8 RunBus 9 Raj National Express 10 KPN Travels 11 Customer Needz 12 TicketGoose 13 Via 14 helps to find right service. By car edit Kochi Bypass Road Kochi is well connected by road from all parts of the state as well as other major cities. Three major national highways connect Kochi with other parts of country. NH 66, the 7th longest highway in India, connects Kochi with Mumbai via most of major towns in Malabar, Mangalore. Goa and go upto Thiruvananthapuram . The heavily congested NH 544 connects Kochi with Palakkad continues on to Coimbatore and Salem in Tamil Nadu and further to Bangalore . NH 49 connects Kochi with Ramaeswaram in Tamil Nadu which passes through Madurai via Munnar . Kochi is well connected to other parts of state through various state highways. Fishermen in Kochi Harbour Kochi International Marina Kochi can be reached by sea in yachts as well as cruise ship from Goa. Mumbai. Lakshadweep. Colombo and Male. Almost all leading international cruises on global voyages operate to Kochi from the US and Europe at Wellingdon Island Cruise Berth. Yachts can be anchored at Kochi International Marina or Yacht Club Marina. There is a direct ferry service between Kochi and Lakshadweep. Get around edit Getting around Kochi is not difficult. City transportation is not expensive. Orientation edit The main city arterial road is Mahatma Gandhi Road. Travelling inside the city at peak times (8AM-10AM, 1:30PM-2:30PM 5:30PM-7:00PM) takes a lot of time, with frequent road blocks and traffic congestion. North and South Overbridges are two of the major bottlenecks. Knowledge of side roads and crossroads is very useful to avoid traffic blocks. Kochi has a typical Indian-style address system which is a bit confusing, as there is no sector or house numbering system. Most buildings have their own name which are commonly used along with the road name for the address, eg: Alappatt House, Diwans Road, Near Lakshmi Hospital . Some up-market areas have their own house numbering system. Panampally Nagar and Giri Nagar are divided into various zones and each house has its own zone number followed by a house number. Many residential areas have formed their own associations and established their own addressing system. In most of the residential colonies or areas, a map sign is located at the entrance. Fort Kochi has a more western-style numbering system, yet still locals use the nearby landmarks for addressing, rather than house numbers. For communicating with autotaxi drivers, you must know the nearby landmarks. By bus edit TAXIO - CITY Radio Taxi Service Kerala distence map Kochi City Red Bus amp Thirukochi Line - BIG4 Routes. Feeder bus lines are not shown Kochi has an excellent public bus network with four types of buses operated by Govt-run KSRTC and private operators. The most common option is privately operated Red buses (also referred to as Line buses) which provides a cheap no-frills journey. Using these is not that difficult as many destination boards have English lettering in small and most bus conductors can provide assistance in basic English, though route numbers exists only on papers. Peak hours on weekdays can lead to overcrowded buses, particularly Route 1. Government operated KSRTC also have a similar no-frills city services Thiru-Kochi which also ply in same Red-Bus routes. Thirukochi buses can be distinguished from other buses with its blue-white livery. Most of Red and Thirukochi buses run primarily on the Big 4 Routes . These cover virtually all parts of the city. There are other feeder routes, which interconnect places between these Big 4 Routes. Recently Vytilla-Vytilla circular services have launched, covering most of the city core. The fares for all city buses are Rs 4 for the first km and 55p for every additional km. The average waiting time is 1-10 mins. Apart from regular city services, KSRTC under JnNURMs funding operates 2 class of bus services which can be distinguished from other city buses with its distinctive livery and JnNURM logo. For premium travel low-floor air-conditioned Volvo services known as Orange buses . connects many important destinations. The rates are Rs 10 for first 5 km and Rs 2 for every km thereafter. The average waiting time is 10-30 mins. These buses do stop anywhere on the route, as per passengers request. Kochi Orange Bus Line - Premium Low-floor Volvo Ac Bus services For standard travel, Green bus . which is non air-conditioned low floor services which virtually links all suburbs to city center. This is very ideal for budget tourists as connects to many far away tourist attractions while maintaining excellent standards. The rates are Rs 5 for first 5 kms and 75p for every km thereafter. Currently only 3 lines are served, which would be increased soon. Like Orange Bus, these bus also stops anywhere on the route, as per passengers request. Timetable for OrangeGreen available at KSRTC site 15. All city bus services start at 6AM and end by 10PM. A certain number of seats are allocated for women in the forward portion of each bus, and men must vacate them when a woman wishes to sit there. It must be noted that different bus sheltersstops are used for bus plying different routes. Though route notices are put before each stop, it will be in Malayalam. Route notices for Orange bus lines are now recently posted in English also. A query with locals or bus conductors helps a lot. The important city bus stations where all services touch are: The Mobility HubPhase 1 Vytilla Mobility Hub at Vytilla Junction, is the new bus station, where almost all city buses and inter-cityinter-state bus meet. The station has been recently declared as Terminus for all Inter-city and Inter-state services by all operators. Kaloor bus stand . a major city bus station and interchange for long distance private buses. Aluva Rajiv Gandhi bus station . large bus station nearest to Airport and interchange for long distance services Fort Kochi Beach Road bus stand . is the major terminus, near to most of tourist attractions Thoppumpaddy bus stand . major junction for Mattencherry Marine Drive-Menaka bus stands . the heart of Ernakulam shopping with Broadway market nearby. South Girls High School bus stand . nearest to South Railway station (ERS) Thripunithura terminus Palarivattom-Padivattom bus stand Kakkanad Civil Station bus stand KSRTC buses have its own dedicated Bus stations and operate from these depots. Ernakulam Main Bus station located in Rajaji Road as well as Angamally Bus Terminal are two leading KSRTC Bus stations which has City service connectivity. By Radio Taxi Service edit Radio cabs are also available on prior booking basis. Most of Radio cabs need to be booked via toll free numbers or through mobile apps. By train edit Kochi does not have any local intra-city train service, but a subway (Kochi Metro) is under construction. However, many suburban areas are well connected via regular passenger and long distance express trains. The most used route is between Ernakulam and Aluva. Almost all regular passenger, express and intercity trains have a stop at Aluva. Regular passenger trains have 1 minute stops at Edapally, Kumbalam, Angamally, and Aroor stations. Many long distance trains operate between Thripunithura and Kochi North station. It is a good idea to take the rail during busy peak hours when buses are overcrowded. Equally good idea, to take rail to Aluva from city center which is the nearest point to Airport (12 km) from where a cab or Orange Route A bus can taken to avoid city congested traffic. By autorickshaw edit This is a cheap method of transport between attractions. You can find an auto stand at almost every bus stop, and at important places near junctions and residential areas. Make sure you agree on a fare with the driver before the journey. The govt fixed rates starts at Rs 10 for the first 1.25 km and Rs 6 per km thereafter with a premium of 15 at night (7PM-6AM). However these rates are outdated and no more people follow though Govt hasnt changed yet. The practical rates are generally fixed ad-hoc by Auto Drivers Union, followed mostly uniformly among all city autos. The rates are generally Rs 20 as minimum fare for first 1.25 Km, with Rs 9 per km after this. The night charges changes only with increase of minimum fare to Rs 35, while per km rate remains same. However auto drivers may charge excessively, if they find you may not aware of general ad-hoc rates. Pre-paid auto stands are available only in railway stations. By auto taxis edit The new entrant to citys transportation sector is Autotaxis, which are hybrid varieties of both Taxi and Auto. They use Tata Iris vehicles, which are 4 wheeler hatch-back vehicle, but has operating platform mostly like an auto-rickshaw. They charge only Auto fares, not the standard taxi fares. The standard rate is Rs 15 per Km, with no minimum fare or night charges. They are mostly available on call, if one knows the number of driver or can be hired from road or from Auto-Taxi stand mostly near crowded places like Railway stations or MarketsMalls etc. As they have Pan-Kerala Taxi permit, one can travel medium haul distance like a trip to nearby city or town or village using Auto-Taxi. Most of the drivers are trained and are reported friendly as well as able to speak English amp Hindi. Some of the taxis do have GPS enabled screens with Google Map support. By taxi edit Taxis are convenient, comfortable, and safer than auto rickshaws. If you are alone or going to an unknown destination, this is a good option, even though the rates will be double that of an auto. Unlike in most western countries, regular taxis are not usually marked with signs on the top, and do not have taxi meters inside the cab. There are three type of taxi services, regular, call taxis and radio taxi. Regular taxis are normally available at designated taxi stands located at places such as railway stations, the airport, boat jetties, major bus stations and in front of important hotels. for radio taxi look above. There is no need to negotiate prices, as most of them follow fixed rates. Regular taxis have tariff cards displayed on the dashboard. Call taxis have charges fixed by their respective companies (although they are normally uniform). The standard tariffs are Rs 50 for first 3 km, and Rs 8 per km thereafter. Add 10 for a cab with AC, and 15-20 at night. Many cab companies offer full or half day services. Most of them are fixed on ad-hoc basis, based on the negotiating skills of the passenger. Typical rates are Rs 1,1001,500 for standardAC cabs for a full day and Rs 500750 for a half day. These rates are not available after 7PM. By private car edit Unless you are into adventure seeking, self drive in Kochi is not recommended as driving discipline is almost non-existent. There are long stretches of roads passing through heavily populated areas that have no median breaks and most of them being bi-lane roads which are mostly congested. A few major roads like MG Rd, NH Bypass Rd and Marine Drive are two lane-dual carriageways with good medians. The speed limit inside city zone is 30 kmhr. Driving is on the left, and all foreign drivers need a valid International Driving Licence attested by the Road Transport Office (RTO). Driving outside the city limits is a fine experience with good scenery and far less traffic. Most of the bridges and few roads carry toll charges collected at manned toll plazas or checkpoints. Almost all tolls are uniformly charged separately for onetwo way 2 wheelers - Rs 35, 4 wheelers - Rs 510 and busminivans - Rs 1525. Almost all the toll pass is valid for unlimited travel for a period of 24 hours, though a few bridges allow one time validity. Car rental is not so popular among foreign visitors. Many car rental companies refuse to provide self-drive cars to Westerners. Normally a bank guarantee letter or security chequetravellers cheque to the value of the car or a passport are taken as security for renting the car. No security deposit is needed if the car is chauffeur-driven. Most hotels with three stars or more provide private cars for their guests at rates slightly higher than elsewhere. By ferry edit Kochi Ferry Route Map Kochi has an excellent system of cheap (4.00rs Park Jetty to Fort Kochi) inter-island ferries. The Ro-Ro (roll on-roll off) ferry service called Junkar between Fort Kochi and Vypeen is very popular. There are regular boat services operated by KSINC and other private operators, every 20-30 minutes, from Ernakulam to Mattancherry, Fort Kochi, Vypeen and Willingdon Island which are cheaper and in many cases faster, than buses. All services operates from 4:40AM-6:30PM with an exception to Fort Kochi-Vypin Junkar service which operates from 4AM-10:30PM. The major boat jetties are Ernakulam Main Jetty (located in Marine drive near High Court), Park Jetty (in Park Avenue next to KSRTC Bus station), Customs Embarkation Jetty in Willingdon Island, Fort Kochi Jetties. Do take a look at the map provided, as some ferries do not stop at all stops along the way. A few tourist oriented private ferries service non-scheduled routes during tourist seasons connecting mainly to Kumbalangi Tourist village from Ernakulam Main Jetty as well as from Aroor. Ernakulam Main Boat Jetty Terminal By foot edit Kochi is traditionally not a pedestrian friendly city, considering the humid tropical climate, poor state of pedestrian walkways and reckless traffic. Fort Kochi is one of the better places to walk, with elaborate colonial-style stone pavements. There are many attractions in Fort Kochi which you can walk between. By cycle edit Fort Kochi is a perfect place for cycling with dedicated tracks and walkways. There are several tourist firms that offers cycles and bikes on hourly basis. A popular option is Vasco Information Center in Fort Kochi 91 484 2216215), which rents cycles for Rs 7 on hourly basis. You can also hire 24 speed Scott bikes from Art of Bicycle Trips 16 who organizes day bicycle tours around Fort Kochi. Govts DTPC runs Cycle tours with services of guide, for a guided city tour in cycles. However, there are no separate cycling tracks on mainland city roads. Motorbikes are becoming a popular option for tourists to take a ride in other parts of city. Take extra care while biking in Kochi roads as road users can be reckless. See editadd listing Landmarks edit Chinese Fishing Nets ( Cheenavala ), Fort Kochi Beach, Beach Rd ( Next to Fort Kochi Bus stand ). Serves as the offical icon of Kochi and are a testimony of relations between Ancient Chinese Empires and the Kochi Kingdom. They were gifted by Chinese Emperor Kubalagi to Kochi King in 14th century. There were more than 100, though currently only a few remain in working condition. 160edit Cochin Royal Crown The biggest highlight of Hill Palace, is the display of Royal Crown, crafted in pure gold weighting 1.75 kg with 95 diamonds and 2,000 other precious stones. It was a gift by the Portuguese to Veera Kerala Varma on his coronation day, which was regarded too extravagant for the Kochi Rajas, who were known for their simple lifestyle. This became a famous tradition that no Kochi Maharajas ever wore this crown, only to keep it on his lap as a testimony of their humbleness and simplicity. Nearly ten golden crowns were gifted to the Rajas by various colonial powers like Dutch, English, Chinese, Arabs which were never worn by the Maharajas. Hill Palace Museum. Hill Palace Rd, Thripunithura ( 12 km southeast of Ernakulam ), 91 484 2781113. Tu-Su 10AM-12.30PM 2PM-4:30PM (Crown Gallery closes at 4PM). The erstwhile Kochi Maharajas palace, now converted to a large museum along with a small zoo. Has paintings and epigraphy from the collections of the Travancore amp Kochi royal families. This is the largest archaeological palace in South India with more than 500 artifacts divided into 16 galleries. The highlight of the Palace is the display of multi-billion worth Cochin Royal Crown and Crown Jewels. The Crown Gallery is a high security zone which has elobrate security check procedures, photography and bags are prohibited. The Palace complex is huge with several buildings inside it. There is a good Deer Park (10AM-4:30PM) along with peacocks. A small fauna garden was set up in 2003. Also the palace has more than 100 different species of trees and plants, many of which are of medical value. The palace has five large gardens and two large resting grounds of late Maharajas. Indians Rs 20, foreigners Rs 100 (including Deer Park and all attractions). 160edit Santacruz Basilica. Cathedral Grounds, Fort Kochi ( opposite Childrens Park ). Daily 7AM-8PM. The first European Church built in Asia, by the Portuguese in 1502, also the first Cathedral of Asia and seat of second Catholic Diocese in India. The British modified the structure and added oil paintings. Today, it serves as the primary seat of the Latin church of Kerala. Pope John Paul II declared it a Basilica in 1984. It houses several historical paintings, decors and artifacts. Gratuit. 160edit St. Francis Church ( CSI Pally ), Church Rd, Fort Kochi ( Near to Fort Kochi Beach ). Daily 7AM-7PM. Constructed by the Portuguese in 1503 and the burial place of Vasco da Gama (his remains were later transferred to Lisbon). His tombstone can be seen inside the church. The church has a large cemetery which serves as resting grounds of many Portuguese army officials and soldiers. The church is the only Catholic Church not demolished by Dutch which was handed over to British to re-establish an Anglican church. A large war memorial can be seen on its backyard to honor the unknown soldiers who sacrificed their lives for World War-1.It is an ASI protected monument. Gratuit. 160edit St. Francis Church, Kochi VOC Gate. Fort Kochi ( opposite the Parade grounds ). The only remains of the office of Dutch East India Company is this large wooden gate with a monogram (VOC (Verenigde Oostindische Companie) emblem of Dutch East India Company). 160edit David Hall. Parade Grounds East, Fort Kochi. 91 484 2218298. Tue-Sun, 11AM-7PM. This 315 years old Dutch bungalow was the official residence of the Dutch Army commanders, the most famous being Hendrik Adriaan van Rheede tot Draakestein who was the author of Horticus Malabaricus . Currently the complex belongs to Netherlands Govt agency CNO which recently renovated to open a large art gallery, a traditional Dutch performing arts center and large studio for young painters. The building is a classic specimen of colonial Dutch architecture with elaborate dutch gardens. For cultural performances, one need to check at the reception to know the schedule. 160edit The Dutch Palace, which was the coronation palaces of Kochi Maharaja Bastion Bungalow. Fort Kochi. Typical Indo-Dutch architecture, this bungalow was built on the site of the erstwhile Stromsburg Fort, which was demolished during the Arab raids. Currently, it serves as the official residence of the Cochin Sub-Collector and entry is restricted. 160edit Dutch Palace ( Mattancherry Kottaram ), Palace Rd, Mattencherry. Sat-Thur 10AM-5PM. Constructed by the Portuguese in 1568 as a gift to Maharaja of Kochi, Veera Kerala Varma, after he granted permission to construct Fort Immanunel. During the Dutch siege of Kochi, many parts of the original palace were destroyed. However the Dutch Governor repaired the palace and renamed as Dutch Palace. The coronations of Kochi Maharajas are always held here. A large throne and coronation costumes are on display and there is an extensive collection of royal chariots, swords and other artifacts. The most interesting part is the mural room, which has the entire Ramayana and Mahabharat depicted in a single mural. Indians Rs 25, foreigners Rs 100. 160edit The Hill Palace at Tripunithara, the largest archeological palace in South India Jew Street and Paradesi Synagogue. Jew Town, Mattancherry. Synagogue Su-F 10AM-5PM, Sa only open to Jews. The synagogue was constructed in 1568 after allowing Jewish refugees from Jerusalem to settle here during the Crusades making this the Commonwealths oldest Synagogue. This is one of the very few functional synagogues in India and the structure is unique due to influence of native Hindu-Christian architecture as well as the only synagogue having two bimahs. Many Jews lived in the area until the creation of Israel, today there is only a handful. Jew Street is a heritage zone with several antiquehandicraft shops. Rs 40. 160edit Princess Street ( Loafer s Corner ), Fort Kochi. The most famous street of Fort Kochi which gives you a slice of authentic colonial European architecture. The only street that never faced any raid or demolitions in past, Princess street is a prefect destination for evening walk with numerous western styled cafes, souvenir shops, art galleries and heritage complexes. 160edit Chendamangalam Palace Fort. Chendamanalam, nr North Paravur. Historically the seat of Paliath Achan, the Prime Minister of Kochi Kingdom. Here the plans were forged for revolt against the British in the 1820s. A functional Jewish Synagogue and a large market are some of the attractions. Now, it is a major centre for handloom weaving and coir manufacturing. 160edit Pallipuram Fort. Pallipuram, Vypin Island. Built by the Portuguese in 1503, this is the oldest existing European fortification in India. It was later handed over to the Travancore Army, to become a major army base till 1903 when it was converted into a heritage museum. It has a small museum and good views of the lagoon on one side and the sea on the other. 160edit Mattamchery Koonen Kurishu Pazhaya Suriyani Palli. The church made of Mud Lobo Junction. Near kayees hotel. Mattamchery(st george indian orthodox old syrian church) Its one of the historical centres of St Thomas Christians (also known as Syrian Christians and Nazrani Christians). The famous oath against Roman Catholic Petroado policies and Portugese rule supported by Pope of Rome was taken here by the native christians by holding on to a cord tied to a cross. The cross was distroyed by the portugese. Now a beautiful church made of unbaked brick and mud is a great attraction. The uniqueness of the church is the absence of scoffoldings or concrete beams for the roof. The church was recognized with many international and national awards including NDTV National Architecture Award 2015. The koonen cross is now reinstalled in this church. the church is owned by Malankara Orthodox Church, one of the 6 oriental churches. Its a famous pilgrim centre too Pierce Leslie Bungalow. Beach Road, Fort Kochi. The only surviving bungalow built in authentic Portuguese style, it was the home and office of famous English merchant family - the Leslies. Currently it has been restored into a boutique hotel. The hotel management however allows tourists to explore the grand exteriors and public. Pradhankuriyacha Palli addressBazaar Rd. Mattencherry directions phone url hours24 hrs price lat long email faxgtA cross is built by jeevamata church with Malayalee Christians suporting Portuguese Jesuit missionaries and carmalites. It was here native Christians received the Bishop of Persia and declared their affinities to the East Syrian Church. The Malabar church late known as Syro-Malabar Church. Pilgrims suffering from mental illness frequent this church 160edit International Pepper Exchange. Jewtown, Fort Kochi. Kochis answer to New Yorks Wall Street, but instead of money, its all about pepper trading. This is the worlds only pepper exchange. Its worth to visit to see the wide range of pepper varieties as well as some of trading practices. free. 160edit Durbar Hall Ground. DH Rd, Ernakulam City. 17. The venue for many fairs during festivals and regular evening concerts and other programs. 160edit Museums and galleries edit Museum of Kerala History. NH 47 Rd ( near Edappally Toll Gate ), 18. A good, well maintained museum with a 40 minute light and sound show (English and Malayalam) about Kerala history. Depicts the history of Kerala through life-like wax statues. Adjacent are the Museum of Dolls with nearly 1,000 dolls from various countries, and M. N.F Art and Sculpture Gallery that has many good collections of paintings and sculptures. This museum has a small, well maintained garden. Rs. 100 (30 for children). 160edit Museum of Kerala History and Art Gallery Pareekshith Thampuran Durbar Hall Art Gallery. Dubar Hall Ground, DH Rd. Contains oil paintings, old coins, sculptures, Mughal paintings plus models of temples and traditional Kerala buildings. This was the official Durbar Hall of Kochi Maharajas, now converted into a large fine arts gallery, named after last Maharaja of Kochi, who was an oil painter. A small studio is nearby promoting young artists. Gratuit. 160edit Indian Naval Maritime Museum. INS Dronarcharya, Fort Kochi. Built by the Indian Navy. Many battle scenes are recreated with life-size models, a huge display of naval arms and ammunition, replicas of large naval ships, personalities, are some of the major highlights.(40.00rs per person) 160edit Indo-Portuguese Museum. Fort Kochi. A modern museum highlighting the start of European colonization of the Orient in the 16th century. The museum showcases the growth and decline of the Portuguese life in Kochi with focus on the growth of the Latin Church. There are also excavated ruins of the former fort wall in the basement of the museum. 160edit Kerala Folklore Museum Kochi. Folklore Junction, Thevara, Kochi. 91 484 266 5452. 19. One of the best museums in Kerala. This is a private collection of many different articfacts from around Kerala. There are frequent cultural performances at the museum, which you may be lucky to see while there and are put on when overseas tour groups are in attendance. Rs. 200. 160edit Eco-Tourist Villages edit Kumbalangi Integrated Tourism Village. Kumbalangi island (15 km from city centre). Indias first eco-tourist village, this award winning initiative allows tourists to explore and enjoy the authentic rural culture with the cooperation of natives without disturbing their natural lifestyle. Tourists to this island village have chances to explore rural work styles, a specialized local paddy cultivation, canoeing in a country boat in a maze of mangrove forests or enjoying fishing or partying in rural style with locals. In order to maintain best eco-protection practices, several restrictions are placed on use of plastics, smoking or even carrying soft-drinks. 160edit Mastyafed Milky-way Aqua-Tourist Village. Malipuram Village, Vypin (12 km from city centre). 10AM-5PM. A unique concept, where a large shrimp farm of the state-run Mastyafed Organization is converted into an Aqua-tourist village with many options to fish for fresh prawns, crabs and shrimp (you can take your catch for a nominal fee), canoeing within a mangrove forest, sun-bathing, swimming at a private beach nearby and enjoying sunset picnic cruise. The breakfast and lunch, which are included in the entry cost, have a wide range of fish delicacies and fish pickles. Rs 200 per person. 160edit Places of worship edit Hindu, Jain and Sikh edit Sree Poornathrayesa Temple, Tripunithura, Kochi Thrikkakara Temple. Thrikkakara. The only temple in India devoted to the Hindu deity Vamana and a major centre for celebration of the Onam festival. Get here during Onam and you can catch ten days of festivities, peppered with performances of Keralas traditional arts and ending with a Onam feast. 160edit Thirumala Devaswom Temple. Mattancherry. Built on 5 acres of land by the Gowda Sarawatha Brahmins with Lord Venkateswara as the main deity. It is famous for housing the second largest brass bell in Asia. The North Gopuram is fully roofed with copper. 160edit Ernakulam Siva Temple ( Ernakulattappan Kshetram ), ( at the centre of City, near the Durbar Hall Ground ). Ernakulam Shiva Temple is considered to the Main City temple, with its presiding deity, Lord Shiva respected as Lord of the City. The temple comprises of 3 temples, the Shiva Temple, a Tamil temple for Lord Muruga and Kannadiga Temple for Hanuman. 160edit Aluva Manalpuram. Famous for the annual Shivarathri festival on the banks of the Periyar river. 160edit Chottanikara Devi Temple. ( at Thripunithura 15 km from city ). One of the 108 large Devi (Goddess) temples of India. The temple is famous for treatments of various psychic disorders like split personality syndrome as well as for its annual Makam festival (mid Feb-mid March). 160edit Poornathresya Temple. ( in the heart of Thripunithura ). Devoted to Lord Vishnu was once the royal temple of Kochi Maharajas. This temple is famous for its Panthizhuaari (Milk Dessert made of rice flakes) distributed during afternoons and grand temple festivals twice in a year. 160edit Jain Mandir, in Mattencherry Dharmanath Desar Jain Mandir. Gujarathi St, Mattencherry ( 12 km from ernakulam jn ). Popularly known as Gujarathi Mandir is one of the oldest Jain temples in India, established by the Gujarathi community who settled here more than 300 years ago. This is a major Theerth (pilgrimage) for Jains and all major North Indian festivals are celebrated in grand way. Pigeon feeding during noon, is one of the main rituals here.12 km from ernakulam jn pass via mg road-old nh road-kochi-kochangudi rd-bazaar rd 160edit Gurdwara Sri Guru Singh Sabha. ( in Perumanoor in Thevera, south end of MG Rd ). Is the lone Sikh Gurudwara of Kerala, established by the Punjabi community of Kochi in 1955. Special rites and Guru ka Langar rituals are held every Saturday and Sunday. 160edit Christian edit The largest church in India - Edappally St. George Cathedral Malayattoor Kurisumudi. ( 26 km away ). Kurisumudi is a mountain located in Malayattoor and is a major Christian pilgrimage center believed to be the place where St. Thomas visited and prayed. Today, the major feast of Malayattoor is the Puthunjayar festival, celebrated on the Sunday that comes after Easter. 160edit St. Francis Assisi Cathedral. High Court Junction, Marine Drive ( behind Verapoly Archdiocese HQ ). Locally known as Kappalpalli (Ship Church due to its ship shaped structure). 160edit St. Marys Cathedral Basilica, Ernakulam. High Court Junction, Marine Drive ( behind Verapoly Archdiocese HQ ). The Cathedral is dedicated to Our Lady of Ports. The Cathedral was built in the early twentieth century under the direction of Mar Louis Pazheparambil The church is also a prominent Marian Pilgrim Centre in India. 160edit St. Antonys Shrine. Kaloor ( Mathribhumi Junction ). At this shrine that belongs to Archdiocese of Verapoly people of different faith and culture flock together day and night seeking blessings. 160edit St. Georges Church. Edapally, NH 47 Rd. A popular church, also amongst non-Christians. Famous for its poison cure treatments. 160edit The interiors of famous Jewish Synagogue in Jew Town Muslim edit Kanjiramattam Mosque. ( 30 km to the east ). A major Muslim pilgrimage center and venue of the Kudikkuthu Festival. It is famous for the annual Urus festival. The imams of this mosque are famous for being leading scholars, who were advisors to Kochi Rajas. 160edit Chembittapally Mosque. Fort Kochi. Famous for its large super-imposing structure having large shining copper domes (thus the name, which means Mosque having Copper Roofs ). 160edit Parks and nature edit Subhash Park. Park Avenue. One of the largest parks in Kochi. 160edit Childrens Park. With childrens rides, a musical fountain and a small boating lake. 160edit Indira Renewable Energy Park. Has unique rides and gadgets which run on renewable energy. 160edit Beach Childrens Park. Beach Rd. A good small park, which is well maintained for evening strolls. 160edit Managalavanam. Tatapuram-Pachalam Road ( Behind High Court Complex ). A thick 80 acre mangrove forest located in the heart of Kochi and declared a flora sanctuary. More than 30 unique flora are found here and it is also a major bird sanctuary, where migratory birds feed and rest when they escape the cold northern winters. 160edit Poru. ( near Kodanadu, 14 km from city center ). An unexplored beautiful scenic river bank. The Periyar river flows here in its original pure form, without any kind of pollution. During Summer season, when the volume of river water is at its lowest, it is very easy to cross the 2 km wide river from one bank to other. Beware during rainy reason, when a large volume of river water flushes this area and it is extremely dangerous to swim. 160edit Other attractions edit Cherai Beach. North of Vypin Island ( Take Route-3 bus from High Court stand ). Golden beaches with big sand grains, coconut palm corridors, backwaters, and historical monuments. Cherai Beach is one of the safest beaches to swim or play water sports or beach games. A very large beautiful backwaters just 250 m from beach famous for its scenic beauty and boating. Cherai Beach surpasses all with its swimming facility and coconut groves. Occasional sights of dolphins is also an added attraction. 160edit Kodanadu Elephant Training College ( Ana Thothil ). 9AM-6PM. Lies on the southern bank of the Periyar amongst the scenic beauty of the high ranges, Kodanadu is extremely famous for its unique elephant training college, elephant orphanage and a mini zoo with deer and peacocks here. Wild elephants are first tamed in special cradles and then taken to the nearby training college, where they are trained. The elephant orphanage rears baby elephants until they are ready for training college. Elephant safari is one of the most sought tourist activity here along with kids playing ball games with baby elephants. 160edit Fort Kochi Beach. Fort Kochi. A historic beach where 1st Portuguese-Dutch war broke out in the 17th century. Once a very large beach, it has reduced to a quarter in size after the Tsunami. A beautiful, small walkway is constructed recently, making ideal for evening strolls. One can find remnants of Old Portuguese Immanuel Fort along with parts of Dutch Stormberg Fort with some canons still kept intact. An obsolete boiler that once used for powering cranes of old port and a very large anchor of an old Portuguese ship are displayed on the walkway. Works for creating a new artificial beach is undergoing near to this old beach with help of Tsunami development funds. 160edit Do editadd listing A beautiful Marine Drive walkway Festivals edit Cochin Carnival (Dec 20-Jan 2) is the biggest carnival festival in the city. It started in 1582 as part of Portuguese New Years celebrations. A wonderful array of colourful rallies, fancy dress parades, regular competitions, bike races, beach games, sports, theme festivals, concerts and dances, fireworks and most important, the night beach parties, make it one of the largest celebrations in India. The New Years Eve party is the highlight of this festival, when a large parade carrying a huge statute of Papanai (a Santa Claus-like image) is taken to the beach, where it is set on fire on the stroke of midnight. This is followed by a grand party. The carnival ends with the Grand Parade on the afternoon of January 1st. Onam Festival (ten day festival mid-August to mid-September). The state festival of Kerala originating in Kochi. It is based on the legend of welcoming home the mythical King Mahabali, whose capital was believed to be at the current site of Thrikakkara Temple. The ten day festivities start off with an parade on Atham day called Athachamayam. It is held in Thripunithura starting from the Atham Grounds and has many tableaux, dance parades, cultural art forms ending at Thrikakkara Temple. Shiva Temple Festival (first week of January), takes place at the Shiva Temple and Durbar Hall Ground, famous for its ten elephant parade and host of cultural activities. The last day of the festival, Pakalpooram, is famous for its traditional Kerala percussion ensemble, a huge display of fireworks and a 21 gun salute by the Indian Navy and Kerala Police. Fireworks Festival of Maradu Kottaram Devi Temple (mid March - mid April), hosts Indias second largest fireworks as part of their temple festival finale. The festival takes place in the festival grounds of Maradu, which has mega fireworks display lasting for 1.5 hours for last two days. Thripunithura Vrishikolsavam (mid November - mid December) at Thripunithura Poornathresya Temple is the grandest temple festival, after Thrissur Pooram. This was once the royal festival of the Kochi Kingdom. The cultural attractions draw huge crowds with regular performances of Kathakali. Chendamangalam Matta Chanda ( 2 days prior to Vishu Festival ) near Chendamangalam Fort, is the only official barter market in the world, as reminiscent of olden market style. The recorded history of this market is nearly 300 years old, where traditional amp heritage items are sold in exchange of modern items of equal value. Matta Chanda is today a tourism attraction and a traditional ritual rather than serious shopping, hence only traditional Kerala specialties can be brought in exchange of modern and regular items like branded soaps, perfumes, clothes, hair accessories, electronic components, batteries, medicines, as agreed mutually buyer and seller. Sarojni Naga Park Sarojni Naga Park is a public park located near Fort Kochi, one of the popular tourism areas of Kochi. This park consists of a beautiful and clean circular lake in the middle area and this lake is encompassed by pathways and fields of green grass. The park is suitable for both relaxation and exercise purposes. There are many fitness machines provided for body building and great pathways for people to jog or walk peacefully. The environment is green and clean. There are many trees which provide shaded area for the visitors to protect them from the Suns heat and the overall weather is not too hot. Also, there are many trash bins which help to reduce rubbish. The facilities are clean and ready to support people in many ways. Talking of decorations, wooden tables are designed in Indian style and there are fountains around the park decorated with beautiful colors and sculptures making the overall environment look fabulous. There are drinks shops and a small first aid office to heal people from dehydration. In addition, for safety, there are security guards around the park so that people can enjoy their day without any distractions. The park is free to enter and the currency used to purchase things there is Indian Rupees (IDR). The park open daily from 8.00am to 8pm. Theme parks edit WonderLa(formerly known as Veegaland) Amusement Park in Kakkanad, this is second largest theme park in South India. Spread over 50 acres of land with more than 50 Rides and various shows, it has well maintained gardens and five restaurants as well as small cafes. Open 9:30AM-7PM. Silverstorm Water Park . A good family theme park with 29 water and dry rides, a very large park and a Chinese village. Near Athirampally Waterfalls area, this park is located 50 km from Kochi City, 18 km from the airport. Sport edit Kochi has got some good sporting facilities. Football is the official game here and is regularly played by locals in open areas. Cricket is extremely popular and regularly played by youngsters. Cochin International Stadium located at Kaloor, also called Jawaharlal Nehru stadium, has good open football court and a cricket court, where locals play regularly, for which no fees are required. The badminton and tennis court located next to this ground can be used on payment of prescribed fees at sports office of St. Alberts College as it belongs to them. The stadium regularly hosts international cricket matches, and has hosted Indian Soccer League matches as well including the final. Rajiv Gandhi Indoor Stadium located at Kadavanthara, has badminton, tennis, squash, volley ball and basketball courts. Rooms for chess, caroms, table-tennis and board games are also available. For an entrance fees payable at the indoor sports office, you can play there or join with regular users. There is also a state-of-the-art fitness complex and large billiards-snooker pool inside this stadium. An Olympic-sized swimming pool is available outside. Large football and cricket pitches are available free of charge. Locals play regularly here and you can join them. Water Sports is popular in Kochi, particularly in Fort Kochi beach and Cherai beach where water skisjets and water scooters are available. Cochin Marina in Bolgatty Island, the Yacht club in Thevera and Ramada Resort in Panagad operate a wide range of water sports games. Para-gilding is not allowed in any areas, due to presence of several strategic military installations. Maharajas Stadium Grounds . located at KPCC Jn in MG Road has large athletic grounds, a state-of-the-art synthetic track, which is popular among athletic enthusiasts. Football pitches . There is a large football pitch at Parade Grounds in Fort Cochin, where locals play regularly in evening and you will likely be welcome to join in. Likewise at Maharajas Football and Cricket pitches near College Ground in MG Road, Ambedkar City Stadium near KSRTC Bus station in Rajaji Rd and at the Marine Drive ground. Cricket pitches . Palace Oval Grounds located in Tripunithara is the most popular large open cricket pitch where the Kochi Royals used to play their favourite past-time. Apart from this, there are new large pitches in Parade grounds of Fort Kochi and in Kadavanthara (near GCDA Nagar). Beach Sports . Fort Kochi Beach, Cherai Beaches are very popular among locals for playing beach volley-balls. Try a tough game of beach-football being very popular here. Water ski and biking is also popular in Fort Kochi beaches. Go Karting Aiport . A short karting circuit is located at the city side of Cochin Airport, just opposite the airline complex. Regular karting competitions are held on weekends and a few rallies are also organized. Golf edit Cochin Airport Golf club Cochin Golf amp Country Club . Cochin Airport Area, 91 484 3053598. A new 18 hole golf course. Nice scenery and located very near to the airport. A country club is under construction, though the recreation center with a small bar, lounge and changing rooms is available. Cochin Golf Club . Bolgatty Island, 91 484 2750908, 91 484 2098178. Established in 1922 by the Hon. British Resident to Kingdom of Kochi and Travancore. Today it became one of the oldest golf courses in the country. It is a 10 hole course open for non-members on payment of green fees. Guests of the Bolgatty Palace Hotel can use without any extra charge. Naval Golf Course . Naval Enclave, Willingdon Island. One of the largest golf courses in the country which is not open to general public. You can play though by invitation from a naval officer. Guests of the navy and the Kochi administration have access to this large golf course.. Gyms edit Major private gym chains include Ernakulam Mens Gym . South Railway station road, 91 484 2378798, Destination Health . Edapally, 91 484 4014353, Bio-rhythm Wellness and Spa center 91 484 4099908, Talwalkars . 91 484 2382696 and Womens World Muti Gym Health Club . Janatha Junction, Palarivattom, 91 484 2349294). Many gyms are branded as Health, Wellness or Slimming centers to avoid the traditional association of the word gym with men only centres. Most are open 7AM-8PM. Boating edit Boating on the Kochi backwaters. ( at Marine Drive ). Get the real feel of the Vembanadu Lake through boating. There are many cruises offered by many private players as well as the Kerala State Inland Shipping Corp. Sunset cruises are popular. Many guesthouses offer the trip and in the centre you can arrange it by yourself as well. Recently speedboats started plying the backwaters. Some premium hotels in Willingdon Island and Fort Kochi offer motorised watersports for its guests. Daily backwater tours can be organised directly through the state tourism office at Erankulam Park Jetty. They cost Rs 650 per person and must be booked at least the day before. The tour includes a stop at local small industry and food sites. In the course of your cruise you will get to observe at close quarters the daily lives of the people who live on the banks of the canals in a unique ecosystem and who have adapted every aspect of their lives to the presence of water all around them. 160edit Cinemas edit Kochi has some good Cineplexes, featuring regular Malayalam, Tamil, English and Hindi movies. Most of the theaters have uniform movie timings with 4 shows fixed at noon, matine (afternoon), first show (evenings) and second show (late night), though modern multiplexes offers shows at multiple timings. Some of the recommended are PVR Multiplex (9 screens) Lulu Mall, Edappaly PAN Cinemas Multiplex Nucleus mall Maradu, Cinepolis Multiplex (11 screens) 6th Floor, Centre Square Mall, MG Road, Kochi-35 Cinemax Multiplex (4 screens) 4th Floor, Oberon Mall, NH bypass road - A modern multiplex, it has 4 screens offering Malayalam, Hindi, Tamil and English movies on regular basis. Q Cinemas (4 screens) 4th floor, Gold Souk Mall, Vytilla - The most luxurious multiplex in the town, it offers shows in all languages. Kavitha Theater MG Road Shenoys (2 screens) MG Road Saritha, Savitha, Sangeetha (3 screens) Banarge Road Padma Cinemas (1 screen) Padma Junction, MG Rd, 91 484 2354233. A modern, well maintained 800 seater theater in 2 class configuration. It has a good cafe and Texas Wild theme restaurant called Cafe 20. Mostly Malayalam, Tamil and Hindi movies are screened here. Sridhar Cinemas (1 Screen), Marine Drive, 91 484 2352529. A modern, well maintained 900 Seater theater equipped with 3D facilities. It has a good cafe called Sridhar Cafe. This theater regularly screens Hollywood English movies. Malayalam and Hindi movies are screened sometimes, though rare. Canoos Ravipuram Performing arts edit There are many performing arts complexes across the city, offering a good experience of various artforms and culture. Kochi has the largest number of regular evening Kathakali theaters, offering the best insight into this traditional dance-drama artform of Kerala. Apart from Kathakali, many other events are regularly performed in Kochi. Kerala Fine Arts Complex . Foreshore Rd. This is one of the oldest centres, with regular cultural performances. Many require prior booking, as they are organized by prestigious societies and groups. There are some performances that have free entry, and the monthly cultural programs of Bank Employees Union is one such. Kalikotta . Palace Rd, Thripunithura. This is the official concert palace hall of the Kochi royal family, who are patrons of more than a dozen cultural institutions and societies. Most performances are free. The mega Kathakali festival organized prior to Temple festival of Thripunithura Poornathresya Royal temple, is one of the largest Kathakali events here. JT Pac Cultural Theater . Choice House, Choice lane, Kumbalam. One of the most modern and upscale performing arts complexes, which has regular concerts, drama festivals, dance programs and other arts and cultural activities. A 1000 seater theater, it also has a good gallery and latest visual-audio systems. Booking may be necessary to secure seats and the theater has strict dress code regulations. See India Foundation . Kalathil Parambil Crossroad, nr Valanjambalam Temple, Chitoor Rd, 91 484 2376471. An evening Kathakali theater, where daily performances take place from 6PM-8PM. This is the oldest and first evening Kathakali theater in India. The show is preceded by a detailed discourse of Kathakali history and philosophy, elaborate make-up performances and a demonstration of Kathakali techniques. Greenix Tourist Theater . Greenix Village, Kalvatty, Fort Kochi. A good cultural theater with a gallery, food court and mini museum. Kerala Folklore Theater . nr Thevara-Island bridge, Folklore Junction, Thevara. A good cultural theater with regular evening performances, a state-of-the-art museum and cultural gallery. Ayurveda edit Ayurvedic pleasure treatments are widely available. Some of the better spas and massage centres are: Kerala Ayurvedics in South (Near Aruns Studio, Warriam Road - between MG Rd and Chitoor Rd) Punarva Spa and Ayuvedic Hospital (Edappally North, NH 17) Ayurjyothi Ayurvedic Centre (West Kunnumpuram, Near Upstairs Italian Restaurent, Fort Cochin) 919037478050,919847164199 (Ayurvedic Massage, Ayurvedic Treaments and consultation.) Birla Kerala Spa (Hotels Woodlands, Jewel Junction) Ela World Spa, (4rd floor, Oberon Mall) Yavana Spa, (Indriya Beach Resorts, Cherai) The Ayurveda Centre ( Ramada Resort, Kumabalam 0484-3011100) Brahma Prakash Ayurveda Centre (Fort Nagar, Fort Cochin 0091-9567940174, Ayurvedamassage, Ayurvedatreatments, Yogaclasses) Buy editadd listing Day-shopping is more popular than night shopping. All shopping outlets close by 8PM. During festive seasons, late night shopping (11PM-3:30AM) are organized to reduce day-time shopping congestion. The Onam Festival (mid of Aug-Sept) is one of the best shopping seasons, when you get heavy discounts ranging between 10-50 for almost all items as well as regular consumer fairs. Xmas is the next best season. The Kerala Government has started the Grand Kerala Shopping Festival (15 Dec-30 Jan), to promote Kerala as a shopping destination. Kochi is the main focal center of this festival and you get heavy discounts at participating stores and regular lucky draws. The narrow strip sandwiched between Marine Drive and MG Road houses the celebrated Broadway Market which is one of the Kochis oldest shopping corners where you can buy anything from from safety pins to motor scooters. A spice market operates inside, offering the best of Keralas spices, saffron and various oils. There is also a cloth market, a jewellery market, a fancy items market, a vegetablefruit market and an electronicwatch market. Also try at Mattencherry Old Spice market, which is one of the oldest spice markets in the country. There are nearly half dozen small markets, mostly run by Gujarathi and Konakanis where you can slice of Indian market flavours. Antiquesart works edit Jew town in Fort Cochin has numerous antique and craft stores. Most of the antique shops sell colonial era and heritage pieces, as well as Jewish items from the traditional Jewish homes of the area. You can also find many kinds of Indian sculptures, decor, interior artifacts and souvenirs. Bargains are available but be warned that many antiques were probably made in the owners backyard. Shop with care and bargain hard. Never trust touts, who get hefty commissions from unscrupulous antique dealers. Jew town, famous for its antique shopping Isidore Art Palace. Jewtown ( next to the Synagogue ), (isidorevsnl ). Will reliably ship stuff outside India. Bargain hard. 160edit Galleria Syngagogue Art Gallery Yousuf Art Gallery. Jewtown ( 776 Jew town street ), 91 484 222 1330. 20. Showcases art work from many different local artists. Prices are reasonable, and they very often have exhibitions showing some amazing art work from the region. Phone: 91-9847478882 or 91 484 222 1330 ( 9.57. 76.26 ) 160edit Cochin Crafts Antique Shop. Jewtown ( walk down from the synagogue ), 91 484 2221927. Good collection of crafts and antique shops. 160edit Crafters Exports. Jewtown ( walk down from the synagogue ), 91 484 2227652. This shop has certified large collection of artifacts and heritage pieces. Its a very popular option. 160edit Cauvery. M G Rd ( at Jos Junction ), 91 484 2351968. A government emporium well known for quality handicrafts at reasonable price. 160edit Try at state run emporiums that offer high quality certified antiquesartworks, however there is no bargain or discount. Check at Keralas state emporium showrooms, Kairali amp Surabhi and Karnatakas Cavery, all located in MG Road. Shopping malls edit Large western style shopping malls are now common in Kochi. The largest mall in India Lulu International Mall is located in Kochi. Apart from shopping malls, there are numerous of shopping complexes in Cochin (a shopping complex in local terms is a large complex having many shops close to each other, selling mostly only one type of product). Lulu Cochin mall . Edappally Byepass, Kochi. The largest shopping mall in India with all major National and international brands present. This is also one of the largest shopping malls in Asia. This has completely changed the shopping culture of Keralites. Many brands have entered newly to Kerala through this mall including Marks amp spencer, Westside, Tommy hilfinger, Thai body spa, Shoppers stop, Wills lifestyle etc. Some of the brands entered newly in India through this mall like Rolex, CAT, Disney walt, Barbie etc. indianyatrablog. wordpress20160819a-day-out-at-lulu-international-shopping-mall Centre Square Mall . Kochis most strategically located shopping amp entertainment destination on M. G Road. Spread across 5 Lakh sq. ft, Centre Square showcases the finest in Indian amp International fashion, Hypermarket for everyday needs, 11 Screen state of art multiplex, gaming zone for entertainment, a food court with varied options, Cafs amp Restaurants amp so much more, making it a one stop destination for all age groups. Coupled with Parking space for 500 cars amp 500 two wheelers, its truly redefining your shopping experience on M. G Road. Oberon Mall . nr Padivattom Signal Junction-NH Bypass Road). The first large scale multi-format shopping mall in a western style. A typical mall, having a wide range of branded stores, a large hypermarket, an anchor store of Reliance Trends (multi brand apparel store), a bookstationery store, spa, beauty saloon, a large food court, a four screen multiplex and lots of entertainment options like Horror House, Mirror Maze and a cricket bowling center. Bay Pride Mall . Marine Drive. A small sized family mall located in heart of city with a few brand stores, a small food court, a fitness center, a gift shop and a music store. Grande Gold Souk . Vyittila Junction. One of the largest malls in South India, this is the only mall having wedding as theme, with more than 150 stores selling various jewellery brands and brandedunbranded apparel. The Mall has a large boweling alley, sports bar, gaming zone, a luxurious multiplex and good food court. Nucleus Mall . Maradu, is the latest entrant to the Kochis Mall culture. A spacious sub-urban mall, ideal for shoppers to shop in hassle free area without worries of traffic and large crowds. Apparel and fabric edit Kochi also has many famous designer boutiques, mostly located in Convent Junction (between MG Road and Marine Drive). Panampally Nagar also houses many premium exclusive designer boutiques. MG Road (the arterial road) is lined with many premium brand stores, leading apparel shops and boutiques. The cloth bazaar in Broadway Market is one of the largest apparel market selling unbranded fabrics and apparels at lower rates. For dress and fabrics the best options are: Jayalakshmi Silks . Shenoys Junction, MG Rd. The oldest and most popular destination for bridal collections and popular throughout Kerala. It also houses a very large mens collection with many traditional and modern outfits. It is suitable for a wide range of budgets. Kalyan Silks . General Hospital Rd. One of the largest silk saree showrooms and a good place to get many kinds of Indian and western clothing, including popular western brands, at very reasonable rates. Silk Sarees are its trademark and most of them are well priced. Kasavukada . South End of Foreshore Rd near Church Landing. A good place to buy a wide range of ethnic Kerala dress like Mundu, Kasavu Mundu Neyriyattu and ethnic mens Jubas. My Kingdom . Shenoys Junction, MG Rd. An upscale apparel and accessories store. Spread over four stories, each of which is designed for different age groups and gender. Has an extensive collection of latest clothing. Also a spa, beauty saloon and baby center. Seematti . North End, MG Road. One of the posher silk and dress fashion centres and a trend setter in creating unique designs and special materials for its Sarees. Its owner - Beena Kannan - is a leading fashion designer and new designs come every six months. Most of its sarees are out-of-traditional kind, making its unique. It is comparatively more costly than other brands. The mens area is not so elaborate and has only few collections. Village Shop . Behind Sony Center, Ravipuram, MG Road, 91 484 3078472, 91 484 2361717 ( e-mail: kochivillageshop. in ). Village Shop is a Home Furnishing store in Kochi. They sell innovative and designer Handloomed soft furnishings for all rooms of a home. Travel Agents Tour Operators edit Kochi also a hub of travel agents. Many of agencies are working here with years of services. Some of agencies are accredited with IATA, TAFI, Kerala Tourism, KTM etc. Some of the recommended are Nehan Tourism (24 Hours) LFC Road, Kaloor, Kochi-17 Safiya Travels MG Road, Ravipuram Alhind Tours and Travels MG Road Lawson Travels MG Road, Ravipuram Riya Travels MG Road Somans Travels Kaloor Akbar Travels MG Road ITL Travel World MG Road Bookshops edit There are numerous of bookstores in Convent Junction as well as in the Fort Kochi area. Pressclub Rd in Convent Junction is a hot-spot for book lovers. Kuriens Tower. Banerjee Rd ( opposite Saritha Cinemas ). Has many good book stores within it. Some of the popular are Book-Port 91 484 2397129, 91 97 4640 1310 21 ), Hamlet, 91 484 2395389) and very large multi-lingual store of DC Books. 160edit DeeCee. Island Castle Complex, Chittoor Rd ( Opposite YMCA ), 91 484 2362796. A very large multi-lingual bookstore, famous for wide range of English fiction books. 160edit Reliance Time Out. 3rd Floor, Oberon Mall, Edappally. A popular store with books, music, entertainment, gifts and cafe option, it has a small library within it. 160edit PaiampCo. Broadway and MG Rd. The first bookstore of the city, its very popular for all kinds of reading materials. 160edit Treasure Island. MG Rd ( near Padma Junction ). An upscale bookstore with a music store and gift shop operating inside. 160edit Footwear and luggage edit There are many shops selling footwear and luggage in all price ranges. For budget options, try the shops near both railway stations. Be aware that many of these shops offer cheap varieties which may not last a long. Sylcon Footwear . Oberon Mall. A leading Kerala footwear chain, that offers many national and international brands as well as luggage. Reliance Footprints . Oberon Mall. A national footwear chain, most famous for its inhouse brands. Footwear Bazaar . small dedicated bazaar in at the northwestern side of Broadway Market. Jewellery edit Kochi is famous for its gold, silver, diamond and platinum jewelry. Most of the jewellers are concentrated at Jewel Junction ( Woodland Junction ), on MG Road near Hotel Woodlands. Normal gold purity in India is 22 carat. 24 carat gold ornaments ( thankam ) are not so popular, but are available. Lightweight collections in 18 carat gold have become popular among youngsters and teenagers. H. Venkatesha Naik Jewellery . Rajaji Road, Near Kavitha Junction, 91 484 4041890. Offers modern designs and lightweight collections. It also has an extensive diamond gallery and trendy collection of watches. Alapatt Gold . Jewel Junction, MG Road, 91 484 2381862.- One of the oldest jewellers with an extensive gold collection, ranging from traditional to modern. Malabar Gold . Jewel Junction, opposite Grand Hotel, MG Road. 91 484 2352916. An extensive gold, platinum and diamond collection. It has one of the largest watch gallery selling latest international premium brands like Rado, Tissot and others. Kirtilals . opposite Maharajas College Ground, MG Rd. 91 484 2372911. A grand exclusive diamond gallery, featuring more than 2,000 diamond collections and platinum jewel designs. Bhima Silver Palace . Jewel Junction, MG Rd. Large collection of silver ornaments, souvenirs and cutlery. Cosmetics edit For cosmetics and womens accessories, Convent Junction is the haven for fair sex. Many international cosmetics and personal care brands can be bought at prices lower than in western countries. Goodwill Collections . TKM Park, Convent Junction. 91 484 2380142. One of the largest cosmetic store with collections of jewellery and bags. Le Mars . Civil Lanes, Palarivattom. 91 484 2339142, 91 484 2339152, 91 484 2339162. A very popular multi-brand womens store. Alphonsa Cosmetics Collections . Convent Junction. 91 484 2366676. A good collection of all international and national cosmetics brands. Electronics edit You can buy electronic gadgets at comparatively low rates, than most of other regions in India. For the latest technology, Kochi hosts many large consumer electronics fairs and every new technology gadget gets into store very fast. The Electronics Street (opposite Medical Trust Hospital in Pallimukku) and Kadavanthara are the prefect place to buy most of electronics gadegets. Penta Menaka and GCDA Mall are famous for mobile phones. Atlantis Junction and Ravipuram are well known for various computerlaptop hardware shopping. Supermarkets edit Food shopping is mainly done at supermarkets and bakeries. Bakeries normally sell bread and branded food products, while most supermarkets sell household provisions and packaged food items. Varkeys is the most popular supermarket chain in Kochi. It is a locally-owned chain with many branches elsewhere. Has a good in-house bakery. Reliance has many branches in Kochi, in 2 formats, Fresh (offers a wide range of fresh vegetables and fruits with limited other grocery items), Super (large supermarket, offering groceries and vegetablesfruits). Reliance is a pure vegetarian supermarket chain but outside the supermarket, they operate a small store called DeLite that offers non-vegetarian items, including fresh meat. Spencers daily, Mitra, Food Bazaar, Big Bazaar Express, Nine-Ten and Triveni are other popular supermarkets Govt run Supplyco . operates an extensive chain of small stores branded Maveli and regular supermarkets branded as Supplyco throughout the city. They also have a medical pharmacy attached to the supermarkets, offering English medicines at a 30 discount. KR Bakes . Anns bakery . Bake My Days . Breadworld and Best Bakery are the most popular local bakery chains, with many locations. Banks, ATMs and changing money edit Almost all national banks operate in Kochi and most have branches in MG Road, as do a few international banks such as HSBC, Citibank, Standard Chartered and Oman Bank. ATMs are uniformly spread across the city and most major shopping places have an adjacent ATM. Most of the nationalized banks are authorised to carry out Forex activities. Western Union and Moneygram have many franchises in the city. American Express Foreign Exchange Services Pvt Ltd 391728, Tharakan House, MG Rd. 91 484 2375839 Muthoot Exchange Co (P) Ltd G. F.13, Muthoot Chambers, Kurian Towers, Opp. Saritha Theatre, Banerji Rd. 91 484 2395345 Pheroze Framroze amp Co (P) Ltd Behind Woodland Hotel, Layam Rd. 91 484 2367943 Thomas Cook (India) Ltd Palai Towers, 1st Floor, Right Wing, M G Rd. 91 484 2369729 UAE Exchange Opp Maharajas College Ground, M G Rd. 91 484 2360037 Wall Street Finance Ltd G 42, Pioneer Tower, Marine Drive. 91 485 2372149 Eat editadd listing Cuisine edit For the past 600 years, Kochi has catered to many vistors from around the world including Arabs, Chinese, Portuguese, French, English, Dutch, Russians and Japanese. This has made the city a melting pot of various cultures, and this diversity is evident in the cuisine. Being a coastal city, plenty of fresh seafood is the local speciality. With the backwaters, freshwater fish is also popular here. Prawns, squids and shrimps are easily available and cooked in many styles. The most famous of Kochis specialty dishes is Meen Molagitta Curry (smoked freshwater fish with chilly and coconut milk). The English popularized smoked fish with steamed bread and mashed potatoes. One of Kochis traditional vegetarian specialties is Kurukku Kalan (a thick yogurt curry with toasted banana and hot rice). Packed Kurukku Kalan as well as Palada (a sweet dessert with rice flakes and milk) are sold in many supermarkets and food stalls, especially during festive times. At Fort Kochi beach you can buy fresh fish and have it cooked at the nearby food stalls. Fishmongers will sell you a kilo of tiger prawns for around Rs 300 and a kilo of squid for around Rs 250. Food stalls will charge you Rs 40-50 per person to cook your fish (grilled, curry, whatever) and provide you with a serve of chips and salad. Conditions are reasonably hygienic. Fried fish . Fish molly (a coconut milk sauce based curry almost like stew), Alleppey fish curry (traditional curry with tomato sauce and fish tamarind) and Fish Peera (chunks of fish toasted with grated coconuts with fish tamarind sauce), Varatharacha Kozhi curry (semi-fried chicken toasted with coconut and chilly) are the favorites, usually taken with rice or steamed tapioca (cassava). Also worth trying are the traditional rice based breakfast snacks, puttu and kadala, appam and stew. This guide uses the following price ranges for a typical meal for one . including soft drink: Restaurants edit Budget edit Kochi has a variety of cheap restaurants all over the city. A full meal should cost less than Rs 50. Thattukadas are streetside food hawkers, where you can get hot, fresh-cooked delicious food, costing a maximum of Rs 50 for a good filling meal. Most offer set meal combinations served from portable cooking trolleys with a few benches or chairs nearby. The most famous delicacies are stuffed or plain thattu dosas (thick dosas almost like pizza bread), hot Kerala porottas (flat bread of milled wheat), Kerala roast beef with chappatti and kanzhi (rice porridge). The main concern is the lack of hygiene and constant reuse of oil for frying. Kochi has some home-grown fast food chains: KR Hot Chicken, 61 Pai Dosas, Luciyas Food Court, Potpurri, The Oven, Krispy Chicken, Arabian Treat, Papa Milanos and Breadworld Broasted Chicken have a presence in most parts of town. Foreign franchises such as KFC, Chicking, Noodle Kings, US Pizzas, Marrybrown, Pizza Hut and Dominos also have a presence here. Indian edit Aruvi Restaurant . for non-toxic beverages, Nature lunch etc. Tea, coffee etc. are not available. Instead Jappi an ayurvedic herbal drink is ordered by the visitors. Aruvi is located at I. S. Press Road (9496044519), Kacherippady (9496044519), and Chambakkara at Vyttiila (9496044517). Aruvi Restaurant has a board that indicates the philosophy of natural food. Arya Nivas. Chitoor Rd ( opposite South Bus Stand ). A chain of vegetarian restaurants run by Tamilians, famous for typical south Indian foods. 160edit Bimbis Foodcourt. Jos Junction, MG Rd. Famous among backpackers and budget tourists, it has a wide range of veg options from North Indian, South Indian, Continental and Chinese food courts. 160edit Hotel Thali. ( opposite Little Flower Church, near Kadavanthra ). Very good Kerala style cusine. 160edit Hotel Unnikrishnan. Pallimukku ( opposite Medical Trust Hospital ). Famous for Kerala style fish fries and set meals. 160edit Indraprastha Gujarati Food Court. MG Rd ( Ground floor, DD Food Court, near Shenoys Theatre ). Famous for its unlimited North Indian thalis and various sweets. A full plate thali with five dishes, Roti and rice costs Rs 50. 160edit Krishna Kripa Seafood Restaurant. Fort Kochi ( opposite SantaCruz Basilica Church ). Good Kerala-style food, low prices and a great location. 160edit Mughal Restaurant. South Railway Station Rd. Has a good range of north Indian foods and a good juice bar. 160edit Sree Krishna Cafe. Gujarathi St, Mattencherry. Gujarati restaurant famous for its stuffed parathas and vegetarian curries. 160edit Kayees or Kaikkas Biriyani. there are two restaurant, one at Mattencherry amp opps. darbar ground south ekm. open from early morning briyani avail from noon only and most of the time finish by 2pm. kayees is very famous for the briyani dont leave kochi, without tasting the kayees mutton biriyani, very trusted name in this field for many decades, hygienic at reasonable pricing too. 140 rs. 160edit Other edit There are many street side Arabic restaurants offering shawarma and grilled chicken. Popular options are Real Arabia . Arabia Dreams and Grill Arabia . which are dotted all over the city. Most supermarkets and bakeries have a Shawarma Corner outside, which is a cheap, yet filling sandwich. most budget Arabic restaurants are open from 5PM-midnight. Royal Food Court. ( Near North Railway Station ). Good food with Arabic-Lebanese delicacies around the clock. 160edit Street Menu. ( Opposite SBT Bank, Padma Junction, MG Rd ). Offers a lot of grilled options at low prices. 160edit Street Menu. ( Opposite SBT Bank, Padma Junction, MG Rd ). Offers a lot of grilled options at low prices. 160edit Mid-range edit Most of the restaurants in Kochi are mid-range and there are lots of them. Indian edit Banana Leaf. Jos Junction, MG Rd ( near Jos Collections ), 91 484 4022334. noon-3PM. Good traditional Kerala food with non veg and veg options. Rs 60. 160edit Dal Roti. Lily St, Fort Cochin. Authentic North Indian tastes. 160edit Delhi Durbar. Pallimukku, MG Rd. A good, small North Indian restaurant. 160edit Fort House Restaurant and Hotel. 26A Calvathy Rd ( next to Coast Guard ), 91 484 2217103. 22. At the water front offering good Kerala food and great views. 160edit The Grand Pavilion. Grand Hotel, Jewel Junction, MG Rd. Popular especially during evenings for its seafood, particularly karimeen pollichathu (smoked pearlspot fish) and alleppey fish curry. 160edit Kadaloram. Abad Plaza. Good typical Kerala buffet at about Rs 300 per head. 160edit Khyber Pass. First floor, Bimbis Restaurants, Jos Junction, MG Rd. A North IndianAfghan food outlet with a wide range of tikkas and kebabs. 160edit Mirch Masalas. TD Rd ( near to Temple ). Vegetarian Punjabi restaurant with good ambiance. 160edit Sharmas Restaurant. Broadway, Marine Drive ( Just behind Penta Menaka ). Good North Indian food at low prices. 160edit Raju dhaba. Falcon truck terminal, Kalamassery. 11AM-11PM. Authentic north Indian dhaba food. Rs 100. 160edit Thakkaaram. thakkaaram. Very special, authentic Malabar cuisine. Two locations, both off the beaten tourist track, clean and modern. 160edit Other edit Ceylon Bake House. Opp. Avenue Regent, South area, MG Rd. Ceylon parathas and Sri-Lankan styled chicken dishes. 160edit Chinese Garden. Dwaraka Junction, MG Rd and Kadavanthara, SA Rd. A good restaurant, serving lots of Indianised Chinese dishes. 160edit The Chyang Shek. Providence Church Rd, Banerjee Rd ( adjacent to PNVM hospital, opposite erstwhile Oman International Bank ). One of the oldest Chinese restaurants. 160edit 14Avenue Restaurant. 14 Cross Rd, Main Avenue, Panampilly Nagar. Italian and continental cuisines, including lasagna, pies, pastas and steaks. 160edit Upstairs Italian. K. B. Jacob Rd, Fort Kochi ( opposite Santa Cruz Basilica ). Run by an Italian family, classic traditional Italian cuisines. 160edit South Star. Bimbis Menaka ( near Penta Menaka, Marine Drive ). Well maintained, nice interiors. Food styles from North Indian, South Indian, Chinese and Arabic and a wide range of Biriyanis. 160edit Thai BBQ House. Kunnumpuram Road, Njaliparambu Junction, Fort Kochi. Thai cuisine, with grilled squid tempuras and coconut prawns. 160edit Splurge edit Most of the upscale restaurants are located inside hotels with 3 stars or more. Indian edit BTH Kempu. BTH Hotel, BTH Junction, Durbar Hall Rd. A classic hotel which dates back at least 100 years. Its restaurant, Kempa, is popular among high end vegetarian travellers. Serves North Indian, South Indian and Kannadiga-Udupi dishes. 160edit Chillis Andhra. Layam Rd. Very tasty, as well as fiery food, particularly the chicken options. Few vegetarian options. 160edit Hotel Dwaraka. Dwaraka Junction, MG Rd. Was the first star hotel in Kochi and it remains a popular option for Indian vegetarian food. 160edit Ila. Marine Drive ( near Hakkoba Lodge ). 11AM-11PM. Tasty Travancore food, with both Southern Travancore veg options and Central Travancore Syrian Christian non veg specialities. 160edit S36. Mills St, Foreshore Rd ( within BatampBall Inn ), 91 484 645 9495. 11AM-11PM. Traditional North Indian cuisine, particularly Mughal specialty foods. 160edit Sreekrishna Inn. Warriam Rd, Durbar Hall Rd. This restaurant is famous for its classic look and theme, and offers a large range of Indian vegetarian dishes. The dosas are most famous, along with its elaborate thalis. 160edit Tandoor. Layam Rd ( near Hotel Woodlands, Woodland Junction, MG Rd ). 11AM-11PM. Tasty North Indian, particularly Punjabi, food. The Kadai chicken and ginger chicken is truly world class, and no other place in Kochi can offer their unique taste. The peas masala is also really superb. Their trademarks are romali roti and stuffed bread options. A full Kadai chicken serves at least 4-5 people. Caution, it is very spicy. 160edit Restaurant Lily Grace. Post box 22. River Rd. Fort Kochi ( near Hotel Killians - Fort Kochi Vypeen Ferry Terminal ), 91 484 2217245 (relaxhotelkillians ), 23. 11AM-11PM. 160edit Other edit Arctic Circle. ( next to Hokkoba Lodge, Marine Drive, near to Coffee Beanz ). 11AM-11PM. Steak, more than 14 sizzlers, such as an American styled sizzler with Texas mashed potatoes with mushroom sauce. 20 European dishes, along with a few continental salads. 160edit Ayela amp Keshai ( Part of Dreams Hotel ), near Elamkulam Lake, SA Rd. A very good seafood restaurant with four theme courts, Kochi, Thai, Vietnamese and Japanese. It has a fresh seafood selection court, with the fish cooked in front of the guests. A multi-cuisine restaurant also operates at the site. 160edit 24 Carat. 3rd floor, Gold Souk Mall, Vytilla. 11AM-11PM. A popular upscale multi-cuisine restaurant, themed around weddings, it is ideal for candle-light romantic dinners and high power lunches. 160edit Cornucopia. Mills St, Foreshore Rd. 91 484 6459495. 11AM-11PM. A cricket theme restaurant, operating inside BatampBall Inn, this restaurant is famous for its wide selection of Continental, Greek, Mediterranean cuisines. 160edit Golden Dragon. Mercy Estate, Atlantis Junction, Ravipuram side of MG Rd. 11AM-11PM. A pure Chinese restaurant without any Indianisation. Serves alcohol. 160edit Hon. East India Company. Hotel Travancore Palace, Warriam Rd, Durbar Hall Rd. 11AM-11PM. A historical themed restaurant operating within the four star Travancore Palace Hotel. Famous for its classic paintings and heritage photo galleries as well as its food. The evening buffet is one of the largest in town, offering the best of English, Kerala and North Indian cuisine. 160edit Lokah World Cuisines. NH Byepass Rd, Vytilla ( near Mithra Supermarket ), 91 484 4033220, 91 484 4033221. 11AM-11PM. Offers nine international cuisines from an American Wild West theme to Vietnamese sea-food, Italian pastas and Arabic grills. This restaurant has a family hall, a smoking lounge, a street food area and French cafe along with bakery. Free wifi for guests. 160edit Ittys Place. G31, Panampally Nagar ( near Hotel Center ), 91 94 4657 5551. 11AM-11PM. Ittys place is an eco-friendly restaurant made completely with bamboo, coir and wood having 3 sit-down options. 3rd Place is one of the citys premium cafe and gelateria, whereas Favourite Italy offers traditional Italian pizzas, pastas and subs. 160edit Spice Route. Level 4, Oberon Mall, NH Byepass Rd, Palarivattom. 91 484 4000040. 11AM-11PM. Themed around historical spice route with focus on traditional Persian foods. 160edit Somewhere Else. ( near Muscat Tower (Sony and Vileno Showroom), near Kadavanthara Junction ), 91 484 2313339. 11AM-11PM. It has a cafe and restaurant. The cafe serves a wide range of coffees and mocktails, whereas the restaurant has sizzlers, steaks, grilled wraps, burgers and desserts. Also offers some good biriyanis and Indianised European options. Free wifi for guests. 160edit Mexicana - A quaint Mexican restaurant at the Ramada Resort. Nicely done ambience. Food is hot as they use authentic Mexican chillies. Better to reserve and go as it is only a 30 seater. Opens only for Dinner. Closes at 11 pm. Serves all types of Indiana and Imported liquor, wines and liqueurs. Drink editadd listing Keralites are well known for their drinking habit. Finding bars or pubs is not difficult in Kochi. For those who do not drink alcohol there are lots of excellent local options. Karikku ilaneer (tender coconut), could be found at many hawker stalls, especially in Marine Drive. Sambhaaram (buttermilk) . is especially popular on hot summer days when it is even distributed freely by some clubs in popular areas. Shakes . such has Sharjah Shake are good cool down options and there are numerous cool-bars and juice stalls across the city. Fresh toddy ( kallu ) is a brew from the coconut tree. Be careful as adulteration is very common. Your best bet is to get it from a local who has given over his coconut trees for extraction. Mullapanthal Kallushap near Thripunithura is a certified Kallu brew shop. Bars edit Only 5 stars bars are allowed to operate, and they are few. Bars upto 4 star category provide only beer and wine. But liquor can be bought for personal consumption in home from state-run Beverages Co stores, which have an extensive network of in Kochi, selling at competitive rates. Expect long queues, especially on the eve of dry days. Women standing in the queue to buy liquor is usually frowned upon. XL Fishnet Bar. Rose St, Fort Cochin. until abour 10.30 PM. The bar fills up each day with tourists looking for a beer in Fort Cochin. There is nothing cosy about the place and the staff are quite lazy. It can be a nice spot to meet other travellers, since everyone has one thing in common: drinking beer. There is a busy restaurant downstairs that also serves beer (more pricey) and may be preferred by solo women. Rs 125 for a Kingfisher. 160edit Velocity. Bnerjee Rd. A seedy bar with a wide range of liquors and beer. 160edit Oberoi Bar. MG Rd. A good small bar dominated by men. 160edit Polakkulattu Sliverspoon Bar. Jewek MG Rd. A good, well maintained bar with branches in Palarivattom near Metlife, and in SA Rd at Janatha Junction. 160edit Central Park Bar. Kaloor-Kadavanthara Road. A posh well maintained bar having a designer lounge. 160edit Nasha. at the Metropolitan Hotel bar, South Railway station. A well maintained good lounge bar, ideal for families and visitor. Offers a wide range of drinks offering at moderate prices. Very famous for its signature Kerala dishes as short eats. 160edit Silca Bar. Hotel Mercy, Ravipuram area, MG Rd. 91 484 2367372. A lovely, upscale bar lounge popular with businessmen and upscale visitors. Famous for its signature dishes and cocktails. 160edit Nightlife DJ parties amp pubs edit Pub rules amp etiquette All discotheques, pubs have some strict rules and etiquettes. A restricted admission policy - allows only guests above 21 with proof of age required. No pets are permitted and some days may be reserved for ladies, couples and families. A strict dress code - only formal attire for both genders. Western styled fashion is allowed for women. Male patrons must be fully clothed in formal western style or in denims with shoes. No kind of ethnic Indian clothing is allowed for men, however sarees are allowed for women. Smoking is strictly not allowed inside any pubs or dance floors Nightlife comprising of pubs, DJ parties, discos are recent phenomenon with new venues opening. Pubs and discotheques may not close down on dry days as is applicable to bars. However they do close on all notified state holidays such as Onam, Vishu, Easter and Good Friday. An exception to this rule is during Christmas time. Also note that clubs also close at 12:30. Club1100 . Ramada Resort, Kumbalam 91 484 3011100. The disco is open only on Friday to Sunday. Saturday evenings are the happening nights. Disco opens from 9 pm. The bar is in three levels. Contemporary in design and pleasing. A nice place to have drink. Discotheque entries are restricted. Stags are not allowed unless known to the management. GlowampCorktales . Atlantis Junction-MG Rd, 91 484 409 0000. Dance floor and large lounge bar. It has night parties from Thursday to Sunday with various themes and age groups. Opium the Club . Palarivattom Jn, Palarivattom Jn. 91 93 8825 6882, A new posh upscale dance floor and large discotheque, it has various events from Tuesday to Sunday, each in various themes. (Closed on dry days) Loungevity . Hotel Avenue Regent, MG Rd . House an inhouse DJ and the latest in electronic dance music. One of the coolest places for families. Couchyn . The Grand Hotel, Woodlands Junction, MG Rd . A traditional English styled lounge bar with great music and a wide variety of cocktails. VA lounge . Dreams Hotel, SA Rd . A lounge cum disco bar, ideal for families. Good music, a large dance floor and wide range of cocktails. Champs Sports Lounge . Gokulam Park, Kaloor . Has a good sports gallery, cricket-themed interiors, 2 gigantic screens for regular broadcast of cricket or football matches, signature cocktails and snacks. Coffee shops edit There are many coffee shops around the city. Kashi Art Caf. Fort Cochin, Burgher St ( parallel to Princess St ), 91 48 4 2215769 (mailkashiartgallery ), 24. 8:30AM-7:30PM. Serve great iced coffee, fresh lunches, and a variety of sandwiches and tasty cakes. 160edit Amaara Maradu. Petta-Maradu Rd, Tripunithara ( near Gandhi Square ), 91 484 2706922 (amaarain ). 10AM-9PM. An unique heritage hangout set in 200 year old Mangayil house. Serves authentic Kerala coffee and popular varieties of dosas. Regular cultural performances, cooking class, ethnic handicrafts class are some of the popular activities there. The cafe also houses a large library for reading as well as venue of regular book exhibitions. 160edit Cafe Coffee Day. ( Shenoys Jn, MG R Oberon Mall Pallimukku, MG Rd ), 25. 10AM-9:30PM. A popular national chain, which is a standard coffee hangout with western style eateries and a wide range of coffee. 160edit Barista. ( Bay Pride Mall, Marine Drive ). 10AM-10:30PM. The place to cool down with coffee after a walk at Marine Drive. Not cheap though. 160edit Teapot. ( Peter Celli St, Fort Cochin ). 10AM-10:30PM. A unique cafe which serves a variety of teas, particularly 6 unique Indian flavours. It also has good traditional English snacks. 160edit Cafe Cochin Lavazza. ( G-360, Panampally Nagar ), 91 484 3114816. 9AM-10:30PM. The only direct Lavazza coffee outlet in South India. 160edit BTH Coffee Shop. ( Nr North Railway Station International Stadium-Kaloor ). 9AM-10:30PM. A moderate priced coffee shop, famous for its traditional Kerala snacks and savouries along with dosas and idilies. 160edit Cafe Persia. ( TD Rd, near Banerjee Rd ). 9AM-10:30PM. A unique Arabic themed cafe, famous for SheeshasHookah smoking and an excellent range of Arabic coffee and tea, along with snacks. 160edit Ice cream parlours edit There are numerous cool-bars and juice stalls that sell branded and custom made ice-cream dotted all over the city. There are also a few specialist ice cream parlours. Horter Place de Glance . Jawahar Nagar Colony and Opp. Durbar Hall grounds. A premium ice-cream outlet selling the Uncle John brand. It has 29 ice-cream flavours and 18 ice-cream varieties with many toppings including sauces, creams, fruits and nuts. Caravan Softies . Caravan Complex, Marine Drive and Opposite Shenoys Cineplex. One of the most traditional ice-cream parlours famous for many in-house varieties. Kwality Walls . Foodcourt-Abad Bay Pride Mall Marive Drive. A local favourite. Merriboys Ice-cream Cafe . Food Circle, Oberon Mall. Famous for its original milk ice-creams and innovative fruit sundaes. Milano Ice Cream . M G Road, Near Medical Trust Junction. Real Italian gelato at its bestwith amazing flavours. Sleep editadd listing Kochi is full of hotels from one star to five. Closest to the airport are Flora Airport Hotel, Courtyard Kochi Airport and Abad Airport Hotel. Being a tourist and business city, Kochi has a lot of accommodation across a broad price range. Hotel accommodation can be divided into 2 distinctive areas. Fort Cochin has numerous hotels which are more European and American in style. Ernakulam City caters for all travellers, especially domestic and those from Middle East and elsewhere in Asia. Also Willingdon Island hosts some of the citys most premium hotels. When booking. Keep in mind that the area around Fort Cochin is quieter and more scenic than the rest of the city and there are large number of boutique hotels. Prices are comparatively high for India but moderate by western standards. Home stays are common in Fort Cochin, catering to backpackers and budget travellers. This guide uses the following price ranges for a standard double room: Fort Cochin Budget Hotels edit For budget tourists, non star rated hotels near the railway stations as well as many in Fort Kochi, particularly on the road from Fort Kochi main ferry. are ideal. If you stay more than a week, consider the option of taking rooms in small lodges providing budget accommodation on weekly and monthly basis for Rs 1,000-2,500. Another popular option is single hostel accommodation which provides monthly stay for less than Rs 3,000. NamastheHotelHoselB amp B Njalparambu, Rids Dale Road,682001.Contact160:91 9656201128 ,91 9656201128,namasthefortkochigmail. namasthefortkochi. AC amp Non AC Rooms 600 Fort Square Homestay Hotel. 11123-A, Opposite Canara Bank, Kunnumpuram, Fort Kochi - 682 001 ( On TM Muhammad Road, near the intersection with Fosse Road and Pullupalam Road, opposite the Canara Bank ), (mailfortsquarehomestay ), 26. checkin: 24 hrs. A well priced budget option close to the centre of Fort Cochin, with 6 bedrooms and a huge roof garden area. All bedrooms have en-suite bathrooms and the place is spotlessly clean and tidy. Run by the extremely warm hearted owner George, a rare breed in Indian guesthouses Prices officially start at 800 however its possible to get the price down to 600 per night out of season, although youll probably feel guilty as George is so nice Free WIFI provided, Highly recommended 600. ( googlemapsplaceTMMuhammadRd, Kunnumupuram, FortKochi9.963905,76.2455521,21zdata4m23m11s0x3b086d37ad1e4547:0xe7b2e184f21b538a ,) 160edit Aroma Home Stay ( aromahomestaygmail ), 11469 (1), OPP. ST. Anthonys Chapel, Pattalam, Fort Cochin, Kerala India. ( Very close to Mahatma Gandhi Beach ), 00919387856294. 27. checkin: 12 NOON checkout: 11 AM. Located in the main Fort Kochin area, provides free 24 hour Wi-Fi, living and dining area. The rooms are fully furnished twin bed en suite with balconies. The rooms are clean, spacious, airy. The hosts are very welcoming, friendly and helpful. Traditional Kerala breakfast is available. 1500. ( 9.960040087838278. 76.24073950191655 ) 160edit YMCA Youth centre. NH 47 Byepass ( Opp. Medical Centre Hospital ), 0484-2342585,2534909 (ymcapvtgmail ), 28. checkin: 24 hrs. indoor sports, parking facility with a reasonable restaurant. Ac starts from Rs.800 and non Ac strats from Rs.375. 160edit Casa Linda Ballard. St. Pauls Street ( Near St. Pauls School ), 91 484 2216888. A well maintained hotel in typical European style. Budget. 160edit Hotel Fort Avenue. Bazaar Street ( Near old Bazaar ), 91 484 2226103. A well maintained hotel. Budget. 160edit Hotel White Rose. Fort Nagar. 91 484 3236004. ggtA newer hotel, which is clean and good looking. Ideal for families 160edit Vintage Inn. Rids Dale Branch Road, Njaliparambu Jn. ( near K. B. Jacob Rd, traffic circle ), 91 484 2215064. 29. Clean, comfortable ensuite rooms, fan or AC, free WiFi in the lobby, 5 min walk from historic centre. from Rs 300 (off season). 160edit Banana Hut Hotel. Main Ferry Rd ( On the left 150m to the Chinese Fishing nets from the main Ferry Station ). Basic rooms, but cheap and kind hosts. Leaving your bag there during the day is possible and was safe. from Rs 300 (off season). 160edit Fort Cochin Homestays edit Homestays allow you to stay with a family in their regular home as a paying guest, enjoying the hospitality and warmth of traditional Kerala family life. This started in Fort Kochi especially for backpackers and hippies. Today homestays have emerged as one of the most successful hospitality ventures outside hotels and resorts and there are more than 200 across Fort Kochi. Recently many home-stays have begun to charge higher rates during tourist season. Adams Wood House. Andy Achari Road ( Behind Saga at Paravana junction ), 91 98 9535 3782 (adamswoodhouseyahoo ), 30. Clean with comfortable beds. The owner, and his family are very friendly and helpful. Free WiFi, help with arranging trips inside and outside of town. Breakfast available. Rs 1,000-3,000. 160edit Daniels Homestay. Rids Dale Branch Road ( 2 min walk from Santa Cruz Church ), 91 98 9557 5181 (danielshomestayyahoo ), 31. Located in one of the silent by-lanes of Fort Kochi very close to the Santa Cruz Basilica. Friendly, clean and comfortable. Free wifi internet and TV in all rooms. 24 hrs hotcold water with seperate bath rooms. Rs 800 for Non-AC and Rs.1200 Ac room. 160edit Dream Catcher Home Stay. Vasavan Lane Road ( Near Thamaraparambu School ), 91 484 2217550, 91 97 4601 7881 (dreamcatcheronitavsnl ). Home-cooked food, clean rooms, but host quite unpleasant. Free pick-ups from bus and railway station. Rs 600-1,200. 160edit Edelwiess. 11375 A KB Jacob Rd, Njaliparambu Junction. 91 96 5643 0583 (sanoobsanuyahoo. in ). checkin: 1PM checkout: 11AM. Clean with comfortable beds. The owner and his family are very friendly and helpful. Free internet, help with arranging trips inside and outside of town. Rs 400-800. 160edit Green House Home Stay. Kunnumpuram Road, Njaliparambu. 91 98 9526 2296 (greenhousehomestayyahoo ). Friendly home stay in a good location close to Princess St. TV and a fridge are provided in the communal living room as well Internet. High season doubles are around Rs 1,000 non AC or Rs 1,500 AC, Rs 300-600 during the low season, extra charge for AC rooms. 160edit Maison Casero Home Stay. Near Santa Cruz Basilica Church, Fosse Road, Kottavalappu, Fort Cochin ( 45 KM from the Cochin International Airport, 18 km from the Ernakulam Junction railway station, 150 meters from the fort cochin bus stand ), 91 484 2215955 Mob: 9847125955. 32. checkin: 11.30 am checkout: 11.00 am. The owner Jaison amp his family are very friendly and helpful. 600-1500. 160edit Leelu Home. Cheerans Ebenezer, Behind Fort Kochi Post Office, Quirose Street ( 2 min walk from the famous Santa Cruz Basilica ), 91 48 4221 5377. 33. A recently renovated Victorian building in the heart of Fort Kochi. Cooking classes are conducted in the kitchen daily from 11AM-1PM and from 6PM-8PM. 160edit Padikkal Residency. Njaliparambu Junction ( 50 meters from Santa Cruz Basilicum ), 91 98 95423033 (padikkalresidencygmail ), 34. checkin: 1PM. Free WiFi, private rooms with ensuite bathroom. Common balcony. Traditional style homestay with helpful staff. Approved by the Department of Tourism Development. Close to the main Fort Kochi area, but in a quiet enough location to be away from the hustle and bustle of the main tourist traps. Rs 700 (off season) - 1,500 (high season). 160edit Prems Homestay. Njaliparambu Junction ( Close to the Santa Cruz Basilica ), 91 484 2215269, 91 98 4715 8166. (premshomestaygmail ), 35. Clean, homey atmosphere, welcoming hosts. Home-cooked food on order. Close to major tourist attractions. Will organise trips inside and out of town if you wish. Rs 600-1,000. 160edit Riverside Heritage Homestay. 91 93 8879 4279. 36. 160edit San Mike Tours Homestay. No. 1957, Directly opposite Santa Cruz Basilica. 9446014385. Friendly homestay run by two brothers Victor and Martin. They can organise anything from a Rs 500 backwater cruise in Allepey to a day riding an old Enfield motorcycle down the Malabar coast. E-mail address is sanmiketourshotmail Rs 500 per person or less if there is more than one of you. 160edit Kalancherry Retreat. Kalancherry, Kumbalangi, Kerala. 91 484 2240564, 91 9847446683. 37. Lawrence amp Lilly have been involved in hospitality for over 10 years. Kallancherry Retreat, is for people who look for a few days of quiet and green, great home-cooked food, at a friendly and personal place, in the middle of a coconut grove, on the shores of the backwaters and a cooling breeze. Rs 1500. 160edit Tag und Nacht ( Homestay ), Beach Rd, Mackenzie Garden ( opposite the Naval Maritime Museum ), 91 999 599 4550. 98 467 51505 (tagundnacht1gmail ), 38. Very clean and beautifully decorated rooms with comfortable beds. The owners, Antonio amp Kristina, are friendly and helpful. Free WiFi, assistance with arranging trips inside and outside of town. Fabulous breakfasts. Rs 500-1,200. 160edit Jojies Homestay. K. B Jacob Road, Chirattapalam, Fort Kochi ( Near Santa Cruz Church ), 91 9995396543 (doyaltjyahoo. co. in ), 39. Apart from this cozy accommodation, Sophia and Doyal who are running this homestay offered us an excellent stay. Enjoy the fabulous puttu for breakfast. low budget, depends on season. 160edit Heavenly Homestay. 11639 A, PATTALAM ST. ANTONYS CHAPEL. MECKANZEY GARDEN ROAD FORT KOCHI ( Near ST. ANTONYS CHAPEL. Church ), 91 9846943518, 91 9847033818 (heavenlyhomestayyahoo ), 40. Excellent and friendly host Mr. Patrick. Rooms are well maintained and newly constructed. Free WiFi, can arrange City tour on Auto Rickshaw Cab as per your choice. Breakfast is really good. Also serves Welcome Drink i. e. Fresh Fruit Juice. low budget, depends on room selected. 160edit Ernakulam City edit AJ Residency. Kaloor Rd ( near Kaloor Jn, behind Lenin Centre ), 91 484 2371711 (mapleregencyairtelmail. in ), 41. checkin: 12noon. Near Kaloor bus stand at Kaloor Road and nearby Palarivattom Shopping district. It has the Rahamaniya tender Chicken Restaurant at ground floor. Rs 350-800. 160edit Hotel Aiswarya. Warriam Rd ( Near Durbar Hall Ground ), 91 484 2364454. 42. A good well maintained hotel with nice interiors and good hospitality. Located in heart of the city. 160edit Hotel Bijus. Cannon Shed Rd, Near Boat Jetty ( Near General Hospital ), 91 484 2361661, 91 484 2381881. 43. Ideal hotel for budget tourist. A well maintained, clean and nice hotel. 160edit Hotel Excellency. Nettipadom Road, Ernakulam South ( Near Avenue Regent ), 91 484 2378251. 44. Located very near to South Railway station, this is a moderate business hotel. Very good interiors, a restaurant and nice staff. Rs 750-1,500 night. 160edit Hotel Kavitha International. Chitoor Road ( btw Mulasserry Canal and Iyyattil Jn ), 91 484 2350618, 91 48 4236 2622. 45. checkin: 12 noon. Clean hotel, located very near to MG Rd at the heart of city. 24 hr reception. Rs 600-900. 160edit Mid-range edit Fort Cochin edit Ballard Bungalow. ( Near Fort Kochi Junker Jetty ), 91 484 2215854. A heritage colonial bungalow, which still maintains the colonial charms and recreates an atmosphere of the British Raj. Moderate. 160edit Fort Bridge View Homestay ( fortbridgeview ), Door 1381 Burger Street, Fort Kochi (opposite Kashi Cafe) ( On Burger Street, 20 meters up from intersection of Tower Rd, near Police Station ), 0484-2216545 or 91 9544229922 (bridgeview916gmail ). New, modern, beautiful, clean, and elegant rooms with Portuguese marble floors, antique wooden beds with spring coil mattresses, lovely tile restrooms with rain showers and modern fixtures. Some rooms with balcony sitting areas. Located between Princess and Burger Streets. Flat screen TVs and mini fridges, AC and Non AC rooms, 24 hour hot water and free high speed internet. Standard, superior, and deluxe rooms, with one huge suite room available, price ranges from 1,300 to 3,000 rupees. Walking distance to all major tourist attractions a perfect place to stay with a homely atmosphere and a friendly, helpful staff. 160edit Gama Heritage Residency. Napier St. 91 484 2217475. A typical Portuguese bungalow, which housed the Portuguese army until its defeat by Dutch forces. Today it is a stylish heritage hotel, famous for its hospitality. 160edit Old Courtyard. Princess Street ( Near Vasco Da Gama Square ), 91 484 2215035. An old Dutch bungalow, remodelled with modern interiors. Famous for lovely dinner parties. Moderate. 160edit Ernakulam City edit HOTEL IMPERIAL REGENCY. Near Padma Theatre, MG Rd. 91 484 4046868, 4456868 (infoimperialregency. in. fax. 91-484-4036868 ), 46. Luxury Business Hotel in the heart of cochin city on M. G Road with extremely spacious rooms with a stylish and contemporary decor. Hotel has excellent service with extremely courteous staff. A Gem of a property. 160edit Mermaid Hotel. Kaniyampuzha Road, Vyttila. 91 484 3988444, 91 484 2307999 (reservationmermaidcochin. fax. 91 484 2307804 ), 47. Spacious rooms with river views. 160edit Abad Plaza. Kavitha Junction, MG Rd. 91 484 2384380. 48. One of the oldest hotels in town. There is also another hotel just behind which belongs to this chain. It has good restaurants, pools, gyms, spa, supermarket, bookshop and business facilities. Located right in centre of the city. 160edit Avenue Center Hotel. Panampally Nagar ( Opposite Rotary Club and near to Passport office ), 91 484 2315301. 49. A posh hotel located in an upscale residential area. This is a good hotel with a multi-cuisine restaurant and swimming pools. 160edit BTH. BTH Round, Durbar Hall Rd ( Near to Shiva Temple ), 91 484 2353501. 50. The oldest business hotel of the town, BTH is a popular option, especially among Indian families. It has good lawns, a large swimming pool and vegetarian restaurants. 160edit Sealord. Marine Dve. 91 484 2382472, 91 484 2382473. 51. One of the first star rated hotels in Kochi and offers rooms at moderate rates. Has good restaurants and a pub. 160edit Times Square. Layam Rd, Near Durbar Hall Ground ( Opposite Chief Justices House ), 91 484 2374488. 52. Business hotel, near the shopping quarters of MG Rd with a very good multi-cuisine restaurant. 160edit Splurge edit Fort Cochin edit Killians Boutique Hotel. River Rd ( Near Harbour ), 91 484 2217245 (relaxhotelkillians ), 53. A very well maintained and modern hotel in the heart of Fort Cochin (water treatment plants, attuned to the German Standards). Budget. 160edit Brunton Boatyard. Fort Kochi Jetty, Beach Rd ( Near Bus stand ), 91 484 2215461. 54. checkin: 12 noon. A heritage bungalow, once built as Dutch Governors Palace, later owned by the Brunton brothers boatbuilders. Today is a premium property of CGH group. It has huge Dutch styled gardens, Kerala-dutch style interiors, large cannons and good restaurants. Rs 3,000-14,000. 160edit Koder House. Opposite Beach Park, Tower Rd ( Near Fort Kochi Beach ), 91 484 2218485. 55. checkin: 12 noon. Once home to an affluent Jewish couple, today this has is a large Jewish theme hotel. It has a good restaurant which serves authentic Kosher certified food and a very large indoor pool. Rs 2,000-10,000. 160edit Old Lighthouse Bristow Hotel. Opposite Fort Kochi, Beach Rd ( Next to INS Dronarchary of Indian Navy ), 91 484 3050102. This heritage property was once the residence of Sir Robert Bristow - the architect and father of modern Kochi Port. It has opulent interiors in a traditional English style and a good antique collection, along with large pools, a garden and host of other facilities. 160edit Willingdon Island edit Vivanta Malabar by Taj ( (former Taj Malabar) ), ( Near Kochi Port Trust Complex ), 91 484 6643000, 91 484 2666811. 56. checkin: 24 hr. On the tip of Willingdon Island. Its heritage wing was built in 1935 to accommodate the visiting Princess of Wales (Queen Elizabeth II), and later to accommodate senior officials of the Royal Navy. It is full of Victorian design amp decor and was a Crown Property until its handover to the Taj Group in 1954. The tower wing is more modern. The Infinity Pool is one of the oldest swimming pools famous for its beauty. Rs 9,000-31,000. 160edit Trident Cochin ( (former Hilton Kochi) ), ( Near Kochi Port Trust Complex ), 91 484 3081000, 91 484 3081002. 57. checkin: 2PM checkout: 12 noon. Located near to Ernakulam Port Wharf, this premium property has 69 luxury rooms and 10 premium suites along with several world cuisines restaurants and a world class spa. Rs 9,000-20,000. 160edit CGH Casino Hotel. Willingdon Island ( Near Kochi Port Trust Complex ), 91 484 2668421, 91 484 2668001 (casinohotelcghearth ), 58. checkin: 14:00 Hrs checkout: 12 noon. The first property of CGH established in 1957, its an iconic hotel famous for its seafood restaurants and themed room, all overlooking Cochin Harbour Rs 9,000-20,000. 160edit Ernakulam City edit Dreams. S. A Rd, Kadavanthara ( Opp. Naval Enclave ), 91 484 4129999. A premium property which is a sister concern of Times Hotel-New York, with all 5 star facilities. Rs 6,000-20,000. 160edit The Gateway Hotel ( Formerly Taj Residency ), Marine Drive, City. 59. Near the harbour with good sea views. Popular amongst business vistors and upscale tourists. It has very large pools, cafe, gardens and own ferry services. This is a 4 star property of the Taj Group. 160edit Harbour View. Opp. Shipyard, Atlantis Junction, MG Road. 91 484 2358444. Ideal business class hotel, with lot of premium features, located in the main area of city. Rs 4,000-12,000. 160edit Gokulam Park Inn International. Kaloor ( opposite Techno-towers ), 91 484 2400707. A 4 star property located in the business corner of Kochi. It has a a good convention center and a host of facilities. Rs 4,000-12,000. 160edit Holiday Inn. NH Bypass, Vennala 331739 A, Chakkaraparambu Junction. 91 484 4199000 ( fax. 91 484 4199111 ), 60. 132 king bedrooms, 47 twin rooms 18 deluxe rooms 12 executive suites, 1 presidential suite and 2 specially able rooms. Teacoffee makers, iron and iron board, separate work area LCD, TVs, mini bar and safe. Restaurant, cafe, sports pub, pool bar, outdoor swimming pool, fitness centre, multilingual staff and Business centre. 160edit Le Meridian. Maradu Junction ( Near Maradu Bridge ), 91 484 2705777. 61. One of the most exclusive addresses in town famous for its large convention center. It has a host of facilities. Near to riverside, it offers good boating facilities and has an indoor shopping complex selling famous luxury items Rs 6,000-20,000. 160edit Renaissance. Palarivattom Junction. 91 484 3919000. 160edit PGS Vedanta. Lissie Junction ( Near North railway station ), 91 95449 38883. 62. PGS Vedanta is nestled in the charming city of Kochi. Restaurant, cafe, outdoor swimming pool, fitness centre, multilingual staff and Business centre Rs 2,900-6,000. 160edit Resorts edit Ideal if you prefer to stay away from hustles and bustles of city and enjoy holidays in an idyllic mood. Bolgatty Palace. Bolgatty Island South ( take ferry from High Court Jetty or reach through Goshree Bridges ), 91 484 2750500, 91 484 2750600 (bolgattypalacekochiktdc ), 63. checkin: 12 noon. A premium heritage property of KTDC, where English Royals celebrated their life during British Raj days. The Palace complex was built in 1630s by Dutch owners and soon became the residence of the British Resident Commissioners for Kochi and Travancore. The resort is famous for its honeymoon cottages, large Dutch style gardens, horse tracks and golf course. A Marina and accompanying marina suites are nearby near to the ex-Residence. Rs 5,000-15,000 per night. 160edit Ramada Resort Kochi. Kumbalam South End, Kochi. 91 484 3011100 (reservationsramadacochin ), 64. checkin: 2 pm checkout: 12 pm. The resort is famous for the beautiful 100 mtrs of meandering pool that merges into backwaters overlooked by the balconies of well appointed cottage suites. The resort is equally famous for its saturday night discotheque, lounge bar and sprawling gardens. The resort has 24 lake facing cottages on stilts and 18 Superior rooms. It has an excellent Ayurveda center with an inhouse doctor. It also has a Spa with all the facilities. Dining options - Fennel is the multuicuisine restaurant and Mexcicana, as the name implies a 30 seater Mexican restaurant. Rs 5,000-16,000 per night. 160edit Indriya Beach Resorts, Cherai ( Kerala Beach Resorts ), MLA Road, Cherai, Kochi, Kerala. 91 484 2861500 (reservationsindriyabeachresorts ), 65. checkin: 24 hr. Secluded luxury cottages, sumptuously appointed executive suites and banquet areas set on an elegant landscape dotted with palms and tropical plants around a large pond in the middle. Nestled between the Cherai beach and lagoon, serenity is the order of the day. Lulled by the hush of the lagoon, the calls of tropical birds, canoes sending soft ripples through the water, the muttered voices of fishermen and in the background the muted growl of the sea, the hiss of waves descending on the beach - you are in the realm of forces primal and sensual. Rs 3,000-10,000 per night. 160edit Waterfront Resort. ( 23 kms from the Cochin International Airport ), 66. checkin: 12:00 midnight checkout: 12:00 midnight. This is a backwater-front resort, a Traditional Nalukettu(kerala house), with a center court yard. They have a herb garden and stunning backwater views. Located away from the hustle and bustle of the city, it is an ideal getaway for those wanting to experience Keralas natural beauty. You can watch many species of birds here. 50 USD. 160edit Learn edit Art forms edit There are many popular institutes for learning local art-forms such as Bharatnatyam, Mohiniyattom, Kathakali and music, which can offer regular and crash courses. Kerala Kathakali Center . 91 484 2215827. Offers short term courses in Kathakali, Kalaripayattu and percussion instruments for visitors. Ideal for learning a bit about the essence of Keralas, although it is not so authentic being aimed mostly at tourists. RLV College of Dance and Music . 91 484 2779757. Established in 1920s by Maharaja of Kochi in Tripunithara as a remembrance to his late wife and daughter, this is one of most popular music and dance colleges in the state. There are many short-term courses, making it ideal for interested visitors. Sree Sankara School of Dance and Music . 91 484 2462501, 91 484 2464189. A a popular center for learning classical Indian artforms, offering certificates and diplomas. Cooking edit Gigi Ansal takes South Indian cooking classes from 6pm. 91 989 5086398. These are around 600Rp per person for four dishes and ricenaan. An authentic experience, shell take to her home in Fort Kochi and show you how to cook like a local Hotel Mother Tree can also help to book. Kalaripayattu edit Learn this gravity defying martial art of Kerala. Some of the centers authorized by the government are: Arjuna Kalari and Marma Chikitsalayam Centre . 91 484 2365440 91 484 3692304, 67. Has regular classes in Kalari techniques but it is more famous for its specialized ayurvedic treatments. ENS Kalari . 91 484 2809810, 68. One of the most popular Kalari centers in the state. Part of Kerala Kalaripattyattu Association, this institute is guided by leading trainers who are well versed in ayurveda, mathematics and physical education. Yoga and Meditation edit Art of Living-Ernakulam Chapter . 91 484 2383738, 69. Part of the international yoga and spiritual center of Sri Sri Ravishankarji. Stay safe edit Kochi is one of the safest cities in India with excellent police coverage. Common sense is of course required when being alone at night. Late night life is not common in Kochi. If you are planning on clubbing, make your own transport arrangements before hand, very few buses ply after 9.45PM, and none after 10.30PM. You can find autos and taxis, but only near railway stations or major bus stands. Be wary of eve-teasers, especially drunkards. Kochi is infamous for mosquitoes, due to presence of large water bodies across the city. Make sure any room you book, has mosquito repellents or at least a mosquito net. Its always better to have any anti-mosquito creams or spice oil extracts like lemongrass oil to ward off mosquito bites. Malaria is eradicated, but beware of dengue fever. Crossing roads - unlike in the other cities in India, vehicles do not tend to stop when you initiate crossing so wait till there is a comparative lull in the traffic - the oncoming vehicles will slow down for you. Be wary of Private Line bus and KSRTC bus drivers on the roads. Pedestrians live a hard life especially during peak hours in Kochi. There are many cases of road accidents and hit-run cases involving private buses and pedestrians, thus earning them the nickname, Red Killers . Take extra care, while crossing the roads. If difficult to cross then do so only at major signal junctions or seek assistance of local traffic policeman. Kochi lacks good pedestrian walkways, though many are being rebuilt now, along with the roads. Beware of walking on these walkways, especially during night. Jaywalking may be safe in the nights in sub-urban roads, but with the coming of better roads and with an increasing traffic, avoid walking on the roads in the city, especially in the daytime. Kochi is located a few metres below the sea level, so a few roads in the arterial city tend to flood during rainfall. Its better to avoid such roads while raining. When the these roads are flooded it may be difficult to distinguish whether you are walking on road or walkway, which sometimes can land you inside drainage holes. However, these floods do tend to drain off quickly after the rain. Flood prone roads are - Edapally Junction, roads leading to Ernakulam Junction (South) Railway Station, South junction (in front of Hotel Woodlands) Public smoking bans are strictly enforced in the city more so than in other regions. The High Court of Kerala has decreed a public smoking ban across the state. Smoking on the roadside, in shopping complexes, restaurants, and parks is illegal and police can charge Rs 500-1,000 for breaches. No shop that sells loose cigars or tobacco is allowed to provide lighters. Provision of lighters to customers may lead to a Rs 150 fine being imposed upon both the supplier and the purchaser. Prostitution is illegal in Kochi, as elsewhere in Kerala and India. However there is a very good chance, you will likely encounter street prostitutes and their agents, who may try to lure you. Beware of such offers, as many of such prostitutes are affected by HIV. Being illegal, they have no access to medical controls or treatments. As it is a criminal offence to commit adultery, regular police raids occur in local cheap hotels to catch prostitutes and their clients. Emergency support amp assistance edit For any emergency support of Police, 100 for Flying Squad or 1090 for Crime Stopper. The city has around 16 Police Station zones. Kochi Central Police Station ( Central Circle ), Old Railway Station Rd ( Behind High Court of Kerala ), 91 484 2394500. 24 hours. This is the main police station and it houses the offices of the Asst. City Commissioner as well as Ernakulam City Circle officer. 160edit Kochi Women Police Station ( Vanitha Station ), ( General Police Quarters, Near to High Court ), 91 484 2394250. 24 hrs. For any assistance to women travellers. This all-women police station. 160edit Kochi Tourist Police Station ( Fort Kochi Station ), ( Parade grounds ), 91 484 2224055. 24 hrs. This is the countrys first and only tourist police station. Assistance for tourists including visa and immigration information can be provided. There is a small police museum here. Check for the difference of police uniform here. The Tourist Police wear a blue shirt and khaki pants. 160edit Foreigners Registration Office-FRO ( City Police Commissioners Office ), ( Commissariat, City Police HQ, Marine Drive ), 91 484 2394651. 10AM-5:30PM. The city commissioner is the FRO, who has powers and authorization for any immigration issues. For any visa conversion, losstheft of foreign passports, extension of visa, overstay of visa, immigration clearance, reporting a missing foreigners then report at this office. 160edit Sailors amp Seaport Users Registration Office ( DySP Office - Island ), ( SSRO Office, Near Port Trust Office, Willington Island ), 91 484 2666027. 24 hr. For sailors or ship crew, their registration and embarkationdisembarkation order has to be issued for this office. The DySP has authorization to issue landing permits for yachts, private boats as well as foreign ships and allow its passengers to board down for 72 hours without visa. Travellers arriving on cruisers and yachts should report at this office for any transit visa or short term visa required. 160edit Stay healthy edit Hospitals edit Along with Trivandrum. Kochi stands out as one of south Asias best medical hubs and its not at all difficult to get medical attention. Many hospitals operate in the city, with 12 specialist hospitals and Centers of Medical Excellence. For accident cases, only hospitals marked with accident care are authorized to admit such cases. The toll free emergency number (from all telephones) is 102 and 1298 Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences (AIMS) ( Amrita Hospital ), Edapally North ( Take left in NH 17 after Edapally Toll Gate ), 91 48 4280 1234, 91 48 4280 4321 hotline 91 48 4400 1234. 70. 24 hr. One of the top 10 leading specialist hospitals in South Asia. AIMS is reputed for its cost effective complex treatments and latest medical care facilities. Reputed for its cost-effective surgeries, the hospital offers several specialized over-all general check-ups 160edit Lakeshore Hospital. Near Maradu Bridge, NH Byepass, Maradu. 91 484 2701032, 91 484 2701033. 71. 24 Hrs. One of the most high tech hospital in South India famous for its innovative, modern medical treatment. Has various specialized departments including cancer care treatment and boneneuro treatment. The cardiac division is an awarding winning center with the latest facilities and highly qualified dcotors. There are 8 other specialist clinics. The hospital is well-equipped with all emergency services. Also offers comprehensive medical check-up services. 160edit Medical Trust Hospital. Pallimukku, MG Rd. 91 484 2358001, 91 484 2358032, 91 484 2358033, 91 484 2358034. 72. 24 hr. One of the oldest Super Specialty hospital located in heart of the city, this hospital is one of the most important referral hospital in Kerala. Famous for its organ transplant operations. Has the largest number of intensive care facilities in the state. Its a very crowded hospital but is well organised. This hospital is part of Rapid Medical Action Force and they have an accident care. 160edit Other important hospitals are City Hospital. Padma Junction, MG Rd. 91 484 2361809. 24 hr. A good hospital, with accident care facilities. It is famous for its orthopedics and paediatrics department. 160edit Cochin Port Hospital. Willingdon Island. 91 484 2666403. 24 hr. General medicine and has a large in-patient ward. Located near to Kochi Port area, its regularly used by sailors. All certifications required for mariners and sailors are available from this hospital. 160edit Gautham hospital. at Panayapilly, near Fort Kochi and Mattanchery. 91 484 2210510, 91 484 2210510, 91 484 4043457. 24 hr. A major multi-speciality hospital in West Kochi. 24 hr casualty, accident and trauma unit, ambulance services and an ICU and other state of the art medical care. 160edit Ayurvedic Hospitals edit Kottakal Arya Vaidya Sala Hospital. Thrikkara, Kakkanad ( Next to Bharat Mata College ), 91 484 2554000, 91 484 3296922. 73. 24 hr. One of the states most celebrated Ayurvedic hospitals, the branch unit in Kochi is famous for its complex ayurvedic surgeries and treatments. The hospital has Out-Patient clinics at MG Rd (Dwaraka Junction) as well as in Aluva along with second in-patient treatment facility at Aluva 160edit Dr Hassan Ayurveda Brain amp Spine Super Specialty Hospital. Ernakulam, Kerala ( Rajaji Road, Near KSRTC Bus Stand. ), 91 9496277561. 74. 24 hr. With a heritage of 125 years Dr Hassan provides his patients the best treatment in authentic way. The expert panel of doctors effiecient knowlegde in Multi-systems make a big difference in diagnosing and providing the best for people around the world. 160edit Kerala Ayurveda Samajam Hospital ( KA Samajam ), Carrier Station Rd, Karikkamuri ( First right from South Railway Station ), 91 484 2375603. Open 24 hr. Branch unit of worlds first Ayurvedic Hospital Chain - Shornoors famous KA Samajam Hospital Kochi branch is equally good for various treatments, including cancer and serious aliments with regular medical panel visits from its main hospital. 160edit Blood Banks edit There are many 24 hr emergency Blood banks. Most of the accident care hospitals have a blood bank counter within the hospital. In event of emergency, the services of following blood banks can be utilized. IMA Emergency Blood Bank, 91 484 2361549, 91 484 2383549, behind Maharajas College, TD Rd. Its a 24 hr blood bank IMA General Blood Bank, 91 484 2354886, 91 484 2361809, Warriam Road, Durbar Hall Area. Branches:- a) Behind General Hospital, Convent road b) IMA House, Stadium Road, Kaloor Amrita Emergency Blood Bank, 91 484 2801234, 91 484 28014321, Amrita AIMS, Edappally North. Ambulances edit Rapid Medical Action Force . 102 Emergency Medical Assistance . 1298 On-Road Accident Emergency Care Force . 91 98 4609 9900, 91 98 4600 7740 Kochi Police Medical Assistance . 91 484 2366100 or 100 Amrita Jeevanraksha . 91 484 2801234, 91 484 2802100 Lions Club Free Ambulance . 91 484 2354139 NSS Community Free Ambulance . 91 484 2369920 Rotary Emergency Medical Force . 91 98 4706 0077 Air Ambulance . 91 98 4544 6634, 91 99 8609 0451 (Need to have prior booking) 24 hour pharmacies edit Gautham Pharmacy, Panayapally, 91 484 2210514, 91 484 3096020 Amritha Pharmacy, AIMS, Edappally, 91 484 4001055 There are many pharmacies located near Medical Trust Hospital in Pallimukku, all 24 hr pharmcies. Contact edit Telecom edit The Area code for Cochin is 0484. If calling from outside India the format is 91 484 xxxxxxx. Almost all national telecommunication operators, operate in Kochi. Mobile Services . If you require an Indian phone number it is strongly recommended that you get a pre-paid mobile connection. To do this you need a photocopy of your passport (including the visa and the ID pages), a color photo, and (officially) proof of local address (in Kochi). Most star hotels allow you to use their address for this. In the event of not having address you can still get a pre-paid connection using your visa number, finger prints and in some cases providing passport size photographs. All mobile operators in India operate in Kochi and 3G4G LTE is avaialable. GSM as well as CDMA. Popular GSM service providers are BSNL Mobile, Vodafone, Idea Mobile, Aircel, MTS, Airtel, Tata DOCOMO, Uninor, Virgin Mobile GSM and Reliance GSM. Popular CDMA service providers are Tata Indicom, Reliance India Mobile and Virgin Mobile. Public Telephony 160:- PCOs (Public Call Offices) are not a good option. There is no roadside telephone booths now and the best option is to go for a pre paid sim card which you can get at the Airport Any shops and is the best way to keep in touch. Even internet cafes are far and between and its best to use the Hotel Internet connection. BSNL Calling cards are available in all stores, which is a prepaid calling card, that could be used in any phone, without charging the phone user. Vodafone World Cards and Airtel Globe cards are also another good option. General amp business telephone directory can be accessed by calling 91 484 4444444 . Toll Free directory enquiry from BSNL landphones amp BSNL Mobile is 197 . Internet edit Kochi was one of the first places in India to be connected to the Internet. Being the landing site of 3 major international submarine network cables (FLAG, SEA-ME, SAFE) as well as focal point for most of the fiber-optic networks in South India. The city has good bandwidth at low rates. There are plenty of internet centres which charge around Rs 10 per hour. Some cafes in Convent Road as well as near Cochin University offer high speed net connectivity at Rs 5 per hour. If you have laptop with wifi connection, you can roam anywhere with BSNL WiMax USB connection (speed around 40 Mbps to 512 Mbps), as Kochi has 4th generation Wimax. In addition to this, Kochi is also a network city with services provided by the 3rd Gen-EVDO BSNL network as well as 3G services of BSNL, Docomo and Reliance Mobile. Most of the 3 Star hotels provide wifi connectivity. You require pre-paid connection cards of Tata Indicom or Reliance. The majority of hotels have Tata. Some hotels provide complementary wifi for the use of their guests. Mail edit India Post has offices throughout the city, generally open 8:30AM-5PM weekdays, 8:30AM-1PM Saturdays, closed Sundays. The Kochi Airport post office (located in Departure side of International Area) is open 6 AM-8:30 PM on all weekdays and Saturdays. The General Post Office (GPO) is located in MG Road (Opp. Avenue Regent) and in Edappally near High School. The Head Post Office (HPO) is located at Postal Complex, Hospital Road. The express (EMS Service) is available at the HPO and Edappally GPO, which is open 24 hrs on all days except the 5 state holidays. Service through EMS Postal service is very fast and reliable. Post boxes are available all over the city and daily clearance is at 10AM and 4:30 PM. A postcard to anywhere in the world costs Rs 5. There are numerous of private courier companies operating in Kerala. Fedex, DHL, First Flight, UPS, DTDC and Aramex are some of leading private services. Newspapers edit Almost all the national newspapers have editions for Kochi. The major English language dailies are The Hindu (has a detailed city tabloid called Metroplus), The New Indian Express (The local City express along with this paper provides good insights of city happenings), The Times of India . The Pioneer . Hindustan Times and many popular Malayalam and Tamil newspapers. Being seat of Cochin Stock Exchange and the principal financial hub of Kerala, lots of financial dailies in English are available in Kochi, like The Economic Times, The Business Standard, Businessline, The Financial Express. Lots of popular English Magazines are available. Many American and British magazines like Forbes, Mirror etc is available in many supermarkets and bookstalls. Popular Indian English Magazines are India Today, The Week and The Frontline. Cope edit Electricity edit Kochi uses the British (UK) three-pin and two-pin circular socket that follows British standard 546 (230V50Hz). Plug adapters are available at any hardware store. Use care if you need a transformer to convert 230v to a lower voltage for equipment from countries where the normal power supply is 110v. Holidays edit Kochi has 15-20 public listed state holidays as else where in Kerala, when almost all government and a few private offices are closed. However, few holidays involve total closure of all commercial establishments. Please be aware that on these days most of the public transport options like bus, cabs and autos take a break. For the few holidays listed below, restaurants and food corners other than those operating inside hotels also close. Its always better to avoid these days, while planning holidays. The major holidays that Kochinites love to spend indoors are Good Friday and Easter (April) Vishu - the Malayalam New Year (April 14th or 15th) Thiruonam - the main day for Onam celebrations (between August-Sept) Christmas (Dec 25th) A few religious holidays listed below marks closure of all commercial establishments owned by members of that communities. However public transport works as usual. Cheriya Perunal ( Eid al-Fitr ), Valiya Perunal ( Eid al-Adha ) and Muharram marks full closure of all Muslim owned establishments. All these firms take break for 3 hours from noon for Friday Juma Prayers. Saturdays, Hanukkah and Rosh Hashanah marks total closure of all Jewish establishments, particularly in Fort Kochi Diwali, Holi and Navarathri marks private holiday season for almost all North Indian establishments, particularly in Mattancherry. Apart from these holidays, the Sunday laziness can make most of the establishments do not to function in the morning time, though many open by afternoon. The city bus services on Sundays are also limited, though other public transport like autos and taxis function normally. Public libraries edit EMS Co-operative Library. Mavelipuram, Kakkanad ( Near Ernakulam District Co-Operative Bank ), 91 484 2421988. Mon-Sat 1PM-7PM, Sun 10AM-5PM. A well maintained library where subscribers can register by presenting proof of identity(non-residents of Ernakulam will have to pay 50 extra on admission and annual fees). There are many subscription plans (Rs 50 as admission fees, plus annual membership fees starting from Rs 100). This library also has a park near it, though it is not very well maintained. 160edit Ernakulam Public Library. Convent Road ( Opp. Shenoys Theater ), 91 484 2351894. Mon-Sat 10AM-7PM, Sun 10AM-5PM. The Ernakulam Public Library is one of the oldest public library in India started in 1839. Books could be rented for 2 weeks for various rental options ranging from Rs 60 for four books to Rs 15 for single book. A refundable caution deposit is required ranging between Rs 1,000-250 depending upon membership class. There is a free reading room with good collection of all national and international newspapers and magazines. Try here if you like read some of the treasured archives or original historical manuscripts. 160edit Eloor Lending Library. Convent Junction ( Near St. Theresas College ), 91 484 2363539. Daily 10AM-8PM. Eloor Lending Library has mainly two membership options. Unlike other libraries, this library has a different way of lending books. Here when you take membership by paying Rs. 1, 200 you can access books worth Rs. 1,800. When you pay Rs. 600 you can access books worth Rs. 900. Here you have to pay (an additional) 10 of the price of the books you take, as the reading charge. 160edit Opticians edit Sunshades and prescription glasses in stylish frames are much cheaper in India as compared to the western world. Across the city, one can find numerous optician stores. Most of them have computerized testing services and many have optical clinics within with the store. Lens amp Frames. ( Opp. Abad Plaza, Kavitha Junction, MG Road Near KTDC Information Center-Marine Drive and South Area-MG Road ), 91 484 2351557, 91 484 2363915, 91 484 2377182. A well stocked leading optical store, it has branches all over the state. It has wonderful collection of all leading national and international brands. 160edit Kurians Opticals. ( Broadway Kurian Towers-Banerjee Road KTDC Complex-Marine Drive MG Road Kadavanthara and Civil Lanes-Palarivattom ), 91 484 2351846, 91 484 2383489, 91 484 2394993, 91 484 2356428. A good chain of opticals, it has all major brands. 160edit Indian Opticals. ( M G Road, North End ), 91 484 2361261. 160edit Vithayathil Opticians. ( M G Road, Jos Junction, ), 91 484 2376941. 160edit Hairdressers edit Kochinites are particular about their hair styles and adopt almost all latest fashion. Thus there is no shortage of various hair salons charging from Rs 50 up for the latest trends. Most of the budget saloons are found almost every part of the city, normally calling as Barber shops or Saloons. The middle range hair salons located mainly in MG Road, Palarivattom, Marine Drive and Edappally areas, offer haircuts with hair wash as well as other frills. For splurge, most of the premium beauty palours and skin clinics are located Panampally Nagar, GCDA Nagar, Girinagar, SA Road and MG Road that offers various skin and hair treatment, all costing above Rs 1,000. Men edit Polonica. Kanchanja Apartment, Palarivattom. 91 484 2535174. 9AM-8PM. A popular mens only saloon, which has all leading styling techniques and brands. Rs 100-1500. 160edit Styl-X Men Salon. House-14, Panampilly Nagar. 91 484 2322009. 11AM-9PM. Rs 100-2,000. 160edit Women edit Pretty Face Ladies Beauty Clinic and Spa. ( House-14, Panampilly Nagar ), 91 484 2323055. 160edit Shahnaz Herbal Beauty Care. ( Civil Lanes-Palarivattom ), 91 484 2348819. 160edit Lakme Beauty Salon. ( G-130 Panampilly Nagar ), 91 484 2322108. 160edit Unisex edit Ole International. ( Grand Hotel - MG Road International Hotel - MG Road ), 91 484 2353455. An extremely popular Uni-sex palour, its favourite among Malayalam movie celebrities and businessmen. 160edit Kaya Skin Care Clinic. ( Ground Floor, Shop No. 14, Swapnil Enclave, Marine Drive ), 91 484 3092789. Popular national chain, its very famous for its innovative skinhair treatments and dressing styles. 160edit VLCC International. ( 1st Floor, ABM Tower, Kadavanthra ), 91 484 2207301. Popular national chain, famous for its special products and treatments. 160edit Get out edit Alappuzha (70 km) 8212 (also called Alleppy) is famous for house boats, the heart of backwaters of Kerala with amazing maze of lagoons, backwaters, rivers, canals created by nature. Rs 81 bus from the interstate bus stop. Athirapilly waterfalls (en. wikipedia. orgwikiAthirappilly ) 8212 milky waterfall in Chalakuddy 18 km from Cochin International Airport, is known as Indian Niagara with numerous giant waterfalls and small rapids nearby. This is a popular picnic spot. The waterfall is inside the thick forest and western ghats. Bhoothathankettu (35 km) 8212 scenic dam site with boating facilities is situated in a vast virgin forest. It is a popular picnic sport with Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary near by. Idukki (90 km) 8212 a hilly region with lots of hill resorts, in Northern Travancore . Kumarakom (40 km) 8212 popular internationally known bird sanctuary located on wedge of a backwater island. Kottayam (55 km) 8212 The biggest spice trading hub famous for large churches, wild trekking and cultural monuments. Muvattupuzha (30 km) 8212 a small town famous for pineapple cultivation, historical orthodox churches, spice trading and rubber plantations. Thattekkad (45 km) 8212 bird sanctuary near Kothamangalam. famous for a good boating and a wild picnic. Thrissur (60 km) 8212 cultural heart of Kerala famous for various cultural monuments, temples and grandest festival - Thrissur Pooram. Wagamon (50 km) 8212 famous for pristine forests, small rapids, vast green meadows, its also known as Scotland of Asia. Thenmala (225 km) 8212 famous for ecotourism, waterfalls, boating, adventure activities and a deer park Thiruvananthapuram 8212 the capital city of Kerala, 5 hours away by train with many attractions such as Kovalam beach, Neyyar dam, Ananthapadmanabhan temple, East fort. Cherthala (35 km) This is a guide article. It has a variety of good, quality information including hotels, restaurants, attractions, arrival and departure info. Plunge forward and help us make it a star This article or section does not match our manual of style or needs other editing. Please plunge forward. give it your attention and help it improve. Suggested fixes . None specified. Please use the articles talk page to ask questions if you are not sure why this tag was added and whether it is safe to remove it. Chennai (Tamil:) 1. formerly known as Madras . this 369-year-old city is the capital of the southern state of Tamilnadu and is India s sixth-largest city in terms of population with an estimated population of 7.45 million (2005). It serves as one of the main gateways to South India and has a thriving local culture and art scene and is one of the major destinations for medical tourism. It is considered as one of the worlds fastest growing cities although ranks 13th in terms of cleanliness. It is on the Coromandel coast of the Bay of Bengal and has the second longest beachfront of any municipality in the world. The Horse and rider, Anna Salai. Understand edit History edit Long the site of earlier coastal settlements, Madras was founded in 1639 when the British East India Company (represented by Francis Day and Andrew Cogan and aided by a local translator Beri Thimappa) was granted land to build a trading settlement by the local Telugu ruler (Nayak) of the suburb of Vandavasi, Damerla Venkatapathy Naidu on his fathers name Damerla Chennappa Naidu. The document of the land grant is dated 22 August 1639, and hence Madras celebrates its birthday on 22 August each year as Madras day. Madras was one of the first outposts of British East India Company. Colonel William Lambton, superintendent of the great Trigonometrical Survey of India, started his journey of triangulating India from St. Thomas Mount. The British built Fort St. George (today the legislative and administrative seat of the state). Fort St George was completed on St Georges day in 1640 (23 April) and hence was named after the patron saint. George Town then developed becoming the modern city of Madras, absorbing several nearby boroughs. Thomas, one of the twelve apostles of Jesus Christ, is associated with Chennai. He is said to have come to India as an evangelist and died in what is now Chennai. Two suburbs, Santhome and St. Thomas Mount, are named in his memory. In 1996, the Tamilnadu government renamed Madras to Chennai providing the reason that Chennai was the citys traditional name while Madras was one derived during colonial rule. Madras is derived from Madraspatnam . a name given to the area when the British negotiated settling there with Damerla Venkatapathy Nayakudu. The origin of the name is from Muthuraja Chennappa Nayakudu as Chennapatnam. Chennappa served under Sriranga Deva Raya assisting him against the Golkonda forces of Ibrahim Qutb Shah in several battles, notably in 1576 when Penukonda was captured by Ali Adil Shah and in 1579 when he captured the Golkonda Commander Murari Rao. In 1580, Ibrahim Qutb Shah of Golkonda invaded Kondavidu. Later he took the Udayagiri Fort and began to massacre the locals. However he was defeated after a brief fight with the Rayas army. Qutb Shah later took the fort of Vinukonda. Sriranga defeated the Sultans forces with the assistance of his generals muthuraja Chennappadamarla was his surname and Kasturiranga. During this fight, Chennappa lost his life. He was succeeded by Kasturiranga. When East India Company was established the St. George fort in the present day Chennai, for which the permission was granted by Damarla Venkatadri Nayakudu, the local palegar of that area, under the condition that area is to be named in the honour of his father Muthuraja chennapa nayakudu as muthuraja chennapatanam. The East India Company in brief named the area as madrasmadras is a corrupt form of muthuraj. In earlier days this area was called as madraspattanam and also chennapatnam. Later Govt. of Tamil Nadu renamed it as Chennai. Some elder population still refer to the city as Madras but the name Chennai has caught up with much of the population. Under the British, the then city of Madras grew to be a major city, It was the capital of the Madras presidency, a province that covered the parts of Southern India that were not governed by any of the other princely states. After independence, it became the capital of the Madras state, and when the states were reorganized on a linguistic basis, it became the capital of Tamil Nadu. Chennai boasts of many well known people including Elihu Yale, whose liberal gift funded the construction of Yale University in 1718 Indira Nooyi CEO of Pepsi International A. R. Rahman, the musical genius of Slumdog Millionaire, Manirathnam the ace film Director, Vijay Armirthraj, Ramesh Krishnan and his father Ramanathan Krishnanm tennis stars and World chess champion Vishwanathan Anand among many others. Culture edit Chennai is gateway to the South, and its culture is distinctly different from that of any other city in India. Tamil tradition and culture are indigenous to this region and is essentially the celebration of the beauty, which is exemplified through dance, clothing, and sculptures. Chennai is both an orthodox and a modern cosmopolitan city the culture of the city reflects its diverse population. The traditional arts, music, dance and all other art forms of Tamilnadu grow and flourish here. The food is a unique blend of traditional, to fast foods and filter kaapi. Its a land of temples and priests. The architecture ranges from ancient temples to modern high-rises. Music is classical and western, to the growing nightlife in the city. You can find a school for traditional Bharatanatyam or Salsa dance and for music a veena violin or for Guitardrums school in almost every neighborhood of the city. Chennai checks reflects its traditionalism every December when the music season is in full swing. Clothes are generally conservative but young people are contemporary. Traditional Tamil Clothing - Tamil women traditionally wear the Saree or Sari while the men wear veshti . which could be either a white pancha or a colourful lungi with typical South Indian patterns. The saree, being an un-stitched wrap, enhances the shape of the wearer while only partially covering the midriff. In Indian philosophy, the navel of the Supreme Being is considered as the source of life and creativity. Therefore by tradition, the stomach and the navel is to be left unconcealed, though the philosophy behind the costume has largely been forgotten. This makes the realization of sharira-mandala (the body), where in Angikam bhuvanam yasya (the body is your world) unites with the shaarira-mandala (the whole universe), as expressed in the Natyashastra. These principles of the saree, also hold for other forms of wraps, like the lungi or worn by men. The lungi can be wrapped over clockwise or anti-clockwise and can be tied at the back or fixed just along the waist line. Its sometimes lifted till knee and tied at the waist leisurely or just held in hand to speed up walking. In tradition Brahmin homes men wear panchey kachche where it is tied at back by taking it between legs. Similar pattern is seen in women. Tamil Nadu Cuisine - Rice is the staple diet in Chennai, Dosa, Idli and Uttapam are popular in Chennai. The state of Tamil Nadu has a distinct place in culinary map of the country. Chennai has a wide range of vegetarian and non-vegetarian delicacies to offer. The food here gets its flavor from a host of spices and condiments used in Tamil Nadu. Coconut, tamarind and asafetida are a must for almost all vegetarian recipes. Garam masala is avoided in Tamil cuisine. Gingelly oil(made from Sesame seeds) is normally used giving it a distinct flavor. Olive oil is usually not popular. Chutneys and mixed spice are served in the lunch and enhance the taste of the meal. The South India lunch (also called meals) in Chennai consists of cooked rice served with different kinds of vegetable dishes, Sambar, chutneys, Rasam (a hot broth made with tamarind juice and pepper) and curd (yogurt). The non-vegetarian lunch includes curries or dishes cooked with mutton, chicken or fish. Tamil meals are incomplete without crisp Papads or Appalam. In Chennai, Chettinad cuisine of Tamil Nadu is particularly famous. This cuisine is hot and spicy and provides delectable variety in mutton, chicken and fish dishes. Chettinad Pepper Chicken is one of the most famous dishes in Tamil Nadu. The Chennai style of Mughalai food can be tasted in the Biryani and Paya. Paya is a type of spiced trotters broth and is eaten with either Parathas or Appam. Breakfast or tiffin in Chennai includes idly (steamed rice cakes), dosai (a pancake made from a batter of rice) and lentils crisp fried on a pan, vadai (deep fried doughnuts made from a batter of lentils), pongal (a mash of rice and lentils boiled together and seasoned with ghee, cashew nuts, pepper and cumin seed), uppuma (cooked semolina seasoned in oil with mustard, pepper, cumin seed and dry lentils). Most of the breakfast dishes in Chennai are eaten with coconut chutney, sambar (seasoned lentil broth) and milagai podi (a powdered mix of several dried lentils eaten with oil). Tamil Nadu, especially Chennai, is famous for its filter coffee . Most Tamils have a subtle disliking for instant coffee therefore filter coffee is more popular. The preparation of filter coffee is almost like a daily chore, the coffee beans have to be first roasted and then ground. The coffee powder is then put into a filter set and hot boiled water is added to prepare the boiling and allowed to set for about 15 minutes. The decoction is then added to milk with sugar to taste. The drink thus prepared is then poured from one container to another in rapid succession to make the perfect frothy cup of filter coffee. An exotic drink that refreshes you and the taste that lingers, served best in Dabarah set which includes a steel tumbler and saucer with a rim. Music - There are many composers in Carnatic music. Purandara Dasa (1480-1564) is known as the father (Pitamaha) of Carnatic music due to his pioneering contributions to Carnatic music. Purandara Dasa is renowned for formulating the basic lessons of Carnatic music. The contemporaries Tyagaraja (1759-1847), Muthuswami Dikshitar, (1776-1827) and Syama Sastri (1762-1827), are regarded as the Trinity of Carnatic music due to the quality of Syama Sastris compositions, the varieties of compositions of Muthuswami Dikshitar and Tyagarajas prolific output in composing kritis. The compositions of these composers are rendered frequently by artists of today during the music festival season. Chennai Music Festival or December Season is a celebration of classical music and dance of South India held during mid December to mid January in the capital city of Chennai, Tamil Nadu. The festival is held at a number of venues around the city by various sabhas or organizations. Besides the auditoriums, well-known temple premises and heritage bungalows are being used as venues. The month long dance and music extravaganza will have performances of eminent artistes from various parts of India. The Margazhi festival of Dance and Music started early back in 1927, to commemorate the anniversary of Madras Music Academy every December, was later adopted by various organizations which held art festivals in different parts of the city. The Tamil month of Margazhi (December) is a sacred month of the Hindus. South Indian classical music (Carnatic Music) which has its roots in devotion to the gods, has been a traditional form of worship from time immemorial. The city comes alive with the festival which has now developed into a cultural extravaganza with more than 2,000 artists participating in over 300 concerts. The festival also known as December Season attracts expatriate Indians and scholars from around the world as well. Performances include Vocal and Instrumental music, Dance - solo and group, both by junior and senior artistes. Even upcoming artists get a chance to perform along with well-established artists. The music include classical vocal renditions in various South Indian languages like Tamil, Telugu and Kannada and instruments like Flute, Veena (a large string instrument), Goottuvadyam (similar to Veena but without frets), Nagaswaram (pipe), Thavil (percussion instrument), Mridangam (drum), and even Ghatam (a mud pot). The season goes on till mid January when the scene shifts to Tiruvaiyaru, near Tanjore, where Thyagaraja Aradhana a week long music festival is held to celebrate the birth of one of the greatest Carnatic composers and one among the trinity of music - Thyagaraja. Information about the tickets and the venues can be had from the tourist office, Chennai. The weather is cool and pleasant at this time of the year. November - December is the best season to visit the city. Now the music in the motion picture industry has emerged as an important entertainment platform in Chennai, over the years portraying the cultural changes, trends, aspirations and developments experienced by its people. Dance - Chennai is home to the distinct dance form - the Bharat Natyam. Bharatanatyam is the celebration of the eternal universe through the celebration of the beauty of the body. This is done through its tenets of having a perfectly erect posture, a straight and pout curving stomach, a well rounded and proportionate body mass - to the body structure, very long hair and curvaceous hips. These tenets bring to life the philosophy of Natyashastra, Angikam bhuvanam yasya (The body is your world). This is elaborated in the araimandi posture, wherein the performer assumes a half sitting position with the knees turned sideways, with a very erect posture. In this fundamental posture of the Bharatanatyam dance, the distance between the head and the navel becomes equal to that between the earth and the navel. In a similar way the distance between the outstretched right arm to the outstretched left arm becomes equal to the distance between the head and the feet, thus representing the Natyapurusha, the embodiment of life and creation. Climate edit Climate of Chennai is Tropical. Chennai is situated in the Thermal Equator zone which prevents extreme changes in temperature. Chennai has mainly two seasons - summer (35-42176C 95-108176F) Apr-Jun (Highest temperature ever recorded is 45176C 113176F on 30 May 2003) and monsoon (Oct-Dec). It receives scanty rainfall from the south-west monsoon (Jun-Sep) while rest of India is lashed by heavy rains, but gets its bountiful rains from the north-east monsoon from October through December, thus amounting to about 125-150 cm (49-59 in) of rainfall annually. Rainfalls occur usually from October to December and dried up scrub lands bloom with greenery during this period. December to February are the mildest months temperature - (19-28176C 66-82176F). December to March is probably the best time to visit Chennai: the temperatures rarely exceed 30176C during midday and evenings are pleasant. Climate is humid pretty much throughout the year because the city is on the coast. Summers are very hot and humid. Be sure take along light (not flimsy) clothing. Winter fashion has never been of any use in Chennai, wearing a sweater will leave you drenched in sweat in less than five minutes. Read edit Books about Chennai . Madras Discovered, Tales of Old and New Madras, Madras (1992) by S. Muthiah Madras its Past and its Present (1995) by S. Muthiah Madras its Yesterdays and Todays and Tomorrows by S. Muthiah At Home in Madras (1989) by S. Muthiah Madras Then Chennai Now (2013) by Nanditha Krishna and Tishani Doshi Politics of Heritage from Madras to Chennai (2008) by Mary E. Hancock Chennai (2000) by Rina Kamath Chennai Not Madras: Perspectives on the City (2006) by Ira Venkatachalapathi The Story Of Madras by Glyn Barlow Books with plots set in Chennai Kalyanis Husband by S. Y. Krishnaswamy Chasing Rainbows in Chennai . 2 (2003) by Colin Todhunter Tamarind City . 3 (2012) by Bishwanath Ghosh In Old Madras (1913) by Mary Bithia Croker Talk edit Tamil is the official language in Chennai, and also the first language of most locals. Almost all people speak Tamil, a classical language. Picking up some knowledge of the local language is useful to get by in Chennai as in every city in the world. However, knowledge of English is sufficient for the average visitor to the city. English education is widespread in Chennai. All educated people in Chennai can speak English while few understand simple English and can speak a few words. All important signboards are in English. All transactions with commercial establishments are in English. The English accent is different, there is a tendency to end sentences and words with - uh (Eg: Im going there-uh.) and interrogative sentences with - ah (Eg: You are going there-ah). Unlike other major cities in Northern India, Hindi is not widely understood. While there has been a significant increase in Hindi speakers in recent years, most locals will find it difficult to understand when you try to speak to them in Hindi. You are better off speaking English than Hindi in most southern cities except Bangalore and Hyderabad. Those native to Chennai and its suburbs speak the language of Tamil with a characteristic accent. Due to the proximity of the city to the State of Andhra Pradesh (where the official language is Telugu) and the presence of a sizable quasi Telugu speaking population in the city, there is heavy borrowing of Telugu words into the vocabulary of Chennai Tamil. Chennai Tamil is popularly known as Madras Bashai . Another characteristic of Chennai Tamil is that the words are spoken fast, possibly in line with the fast-paced life in Chennai when compared with the rest of the state. Nevertheless, all educated people are taught standard Tamil in school, and standard Tamil is still used in more formal settings as well as in the news. Get in edit By plane edit Chennai International Airport (IATA. MAA ) is the fourth busiest in India (after Delhi, Mumbai and Bangalore ). All international flights arrive at Anna Terminal, while the domestic flights arrive at Kamraj Terminal. The two terminals are on the same road and are 150 m (492 ft) away from each other. Chennai is well connected to London, Frankfurt, Singapore, Malaysia, Middle east, New York, Hong Kong, etc. It is in the process of being upgraded to a world class airport with direct Metro rail connection to the city. Europe and North America . Lufthansa (Frankfurt) and British Airways (London-Heathrow), fly nonstop to Chennai with connecting service from their European hubs to points in the United States and Canada. South-East Asia . Thai Airways offers nonstop service to Bangkok. Silk Air, Singapore Airlines and Tiger Airways connects you to Singapore along with many Indian carriers like Indian Airlines and Air India Express. AirAsia 4 connects passengers to Kuala Lumpur, Penang with affordable fares while Malaysia Airlines offers nonstop service to Malaysia. Indias very own Jet Airways flies non-stop to both Kuala Lumpur and Singapore. Cathay Pacific flies non-stop to Hongkong. Africa . Air Mauritius flies non-stop to Mauritius. Air Austral flies non-stop twice a week to Reunion. Air Seychelles flies nonstop to Seychelles. Middle East . Nonstop services are available from Chennai to Abu Dhabi. Bahrain. Dubai. Dammam. Doha. Jeddah. Kuwait. Muscat. Riyadh and Sharjah on Air Arabia, Indian Airlines, Air India Express, Oman Air, Emirates, Ethihad Airways, Kuwait Airways, Qatar Airways, Saudi Arabian and Gulf Air. Sri-Lanka . Chennai is a hub for flights to Colombo with Srilankan Airlines, Mihin Lanka (low-cost carrier operated by Srilankan Airlines), Jet Airways, Air India Express, SpiceJet. Chennai is the traveling hub for Colombo. Domestic . All the major Indian domestic carriers (Jet Airways, Spice, Go Air, Indigo) connect Chennai with multiple flights to points all over India and most use Chennai as a hub for flights to smaller cities in South India. Paramount Airways is a low cost all business class airline that offers flights from Chennai to points in South India. Chennai is also a staging point for flights to Port Blair in the Andaman Islands. Airport to City connection edit The cheapest way to the city is by taking the suburban train into the city which only costs 5 (0.08, 0.07). The suburban train connects you to Chennai Park and Egmore, the two main passenger train stations. Note this train does not go through Chennai Central station but Chennai Park station is within the walking distance. This is best if you dont have large amounts of baggage. You have to exit the airport and walk a considerable distance ( 500m) to reach the station Tirusulam. Tickets bought dont have to be validated but save the ticket in case there is an inspection. It is advisable to take a first class ticket in the train if you happen to reach the airport during peak hours. The general compartments are often over-crowded as they transport regular commuters to work. In peak hours even the first class compartments may also be crowded. Tickets are priced around 70 (1.27,0.96). The Chennai metro is also now connected to the airport and the airport metro station is just outside the exit, after crossing the taxi parking. Currently this (blue) line is operational only till Little Mount, halfway to the city center. However, you can interchange at Alandur (for the Green line, to go to either St. Thomas mount railway station or CMBT, the state-run bus terminus of Chennai. Otherwise, use the pre-paid taxi booth. Aviation Express is massively overpriced. Using the pre-paid taxi to get to the city, each terminal has several booths for several taxi companies when you exit the airport, outside before you meet the crowd. The fares are different for the domestic and international terminals though the terminals are next to each other. You can either choose the standard Taxis (Black with Yellow tops) which are usually the ancient Ambassador cars or the private call-taxi (which can come in any model and in any color). As in any Indian airport, you will be immediately haggled for transportation with promised offerings of the best price. A firm No should make them lose interest, ignore them if they continue harassing you. Its better to keep small change in hand while paying at the counters. Note the taxi number written on your charge slip (one copy is for the passenger and the other is for the driver to collect the fare from the counter). Make your way to the taxi stand and get the taxi number allotted at the designated desk. The helpful drivers offer to take your luggage and guide you to the taxi that drives up quickly near the allotment desk. Prepaid and yellow top taxis are not air-conditioned, are of vintages right from 70s and 80s, rickety, prone to stop midway, drivers exhibit rough behaviour, sometimes could be dangerous, demand exorbitant fares, pre-paid may mean nothing and they may demand more when you get down. Keep away from these types. Or know that you can always negotiate. Typical ride into the central part of Chennai cost around Rs.300, to the farthest part of the city shouldnt cost more than Rs.1000. Online aggregator like Uber and Ola are pretty comfortable and safe. The cars are new and air conditioned. By train edit Chennai has two main long-distance train stations, Chennai Central (code MAS) and Chennai Egmore (code MS). Both are connected to the Airport by the Suburban rail and to the Bus Terminus by City buses. Central has daily trains fromto Bangalore. Mumbai. Coimbatore. Delhi. Hyderabad. Kolkata Ahmedabad and virtually all other major Indian cities. Egmore has trains which cover all the places in Tamil Nadu and also a few important places outside it. You can arrive at the prepaid taxiauto stand and book a cab to transport you to your place of stay. Many long distance trains to Egmore stop at Tambaram (code TBM) and some trains to Central stop at Perambur (code PER).These are two railway stations which serve the suburban areas of Chennai. Trains that connect Chennai to major hubs like Bangalore, Mumbai and Delhi are usually booked out days in advance. If you plan to travel by train, consider making an advance reservation, the reservation opens 60 days before the day of travel. The AC compartments in the trains are preferable for new travelers as the sleeper class and sitting class compartments are generally very crowded. A 3-tier AC berth from Chennai to Bangalore or Coimbatore costs around 700 and that to Delhi around 2500 including meals. By bus edit Chennai has one of Asias largest bus stations, Chennai Mofussil Bus Terminus (CMBT). Seven different state owned corporations drive buses to and from various destinations within South India. Connected to the Airport and the passenger train stations (Chennai Central and Egmore) by direct buses, it offers a cheap and spontaneous mode of travel. There are hourly buses for places like Tirupati. Pondicherry. Coimbatore, Tirunelveli. You will get the option of AC or Non-AC coaches for cities like Bangalore. Trivandrum. Hyderabad. Several private players also operate buses between most southern destinations. During the weekends most buses are fully occupied and its better to reserve a ticket in advance. All buses terminate near Koyambedu but there are different stands for state owned (CMBT - Chennai Mofussil Bus Terminus), and private buses (Omni bus terminus). Both these terminus are near each other, and it is better to tell your exact destination to the taxiauto-rickshaw driver. Buses usually drop passengers at various points in the city before reaching the Terminus. Feel free to ask the driver or fellow passengers the closest drop-off point to your destination. Always ask for the ticket and carry it until the end of your journey. Conning is very rare. Once in the city, its easy to get overcharged if you try to hire auto-rickshaws to get to your destination. While the law requires drivers to use meters, enforcement isnt very effective. It would be more comfortable and hassle free to hire a cab for the duration of your stay, or figure out the city bus routes and the suburban trains schedule. By car edit Chennai is very well connected and to other parts of India by road. Five major national highways radiate outward towards Kolkata, Bengaluru, Tiruchy Madurai. Tiruvallur. and Pondicherry. With the progress of the Golden Quadrilateral project, driving down from Bangalore is an option too. Indian drivers will have no problem fitting into the traffic but international drivers are strongly advised against driving in India. Rules are not really rules and lane switchings happen without any notice. Get around edit Getting around the heart of Chennai city often takes time, due to traffic and heavy congestion, more so because of construction work in progress for Chennai Metro. So it is advisable to plan your journey accordingly. Travelling within Chennai is not so cheap by Indian metropolitan standards, and are quite cheap by European and USA standards. As for foreigners, it is safe to wear a mask during traveling by motorcycles as pollution is bit of a concern. By train edit Chennai has a suburban train 5 network. There are four routes: Western Line: Chennai Central - Arakkonam. North Line: Chennai Central - Gummidipoondi-Sulurpet-Nellore South Line: Chennai Beach - Tambaram and Chengalpet MRTS Line: Chennai Beach - Velachery (MRTS) Few trains on Western and North Line originate from Chennai Beach instead of Chennai Central. The Chennai Beach - Tambaram Chengalpet is the most used line, it takes you from the city to Vandalur Zoo for a getaway. The suburban trains are generally reliable and fast but they were built more for practical purposes of commuting than connecting tourist attractions. Unless you know your destination for sure, check with locals or information desks for the quickest way to reach your destination. The frequency of suburban trains is generally good and it is advisable to take a first class ticket during peak hours. Trains offer a reliable alternative to quickly reach your destination when compared to buses which might get trapped in traffic jams. The fare in Chennai suburban trains is the lowest in the country and you dont have to compromise comfort for the meagre amount that you pay as in other Indian metros. The lowest second class train fare is Rs.5-. Always keep your baggage safe when you are travelling in the suburban railway system . Chennai Central (hub for north and west suburban lines) is opposite to Park Town (MRTS line) and Park (South Suburban line) - These 3 stations make an interchange trio - the highest interchange between suburban lines happens in this zone. By bus edit Metropolitan Transport Corporation(MTC) buses ply throughout the city accessing areas which are not accessed by the suburban trains. These are government-run and extremely cheap. Chennai has few major termini from where the majority of the buses ply towards the rest of the city. Normally Bus Fare in MTC range from 3 - 50. Deluxe and AC Buses are also operated on major routes. Fare for deluxe bus is almost two times as compared to normal bus. For same route, deluxe and normal bus have same number but deluxe buses are being run targeting long distance journey since it will stop at major bus stops only. So if you find normal buses too crowded, take a deluxe one. Non AC deluxe also have power gates and better suspension which you wont find in normal bus. If you have luggage with you, you might have to pay the cost of an extra person depending upon its size. A simple way of identifying the category of the bus is this: White Display Board - Standard Service, green display board-Express, Blue or LED - Deluxe Service, AC Service - 2 door, low floor volvo bus. AC bus run by MTC chennai which run between important routes like Parrys - Tambaram, Parrys - CMBT, Chennai Central - CMBT, Chennai central - Tambaram, CMBT - KelambakkamSirusery, T. Nagar - Kanchipuram, etc. Most frequent AC bus runs between CMBT towards Pondicherry and are known as East coast road (ECR) buses and Old Mahabalipuram Road (OMR) and is very comfortable for intracity travel too. If you are getting into a bus from Chennai central railway station you can either catch a bus just in front of railway station or you can take the subway to cross the road and get it from the bus stop in front of government hospital. Bus Route information for MTC Chennai is available online at official site6. While official site only provides stage wise info, others have more interactive interface which can ease your life specially if you are new to the city. Daily and weekly bus passes are available for tourists costing 50 or 300. They can be used on normal and deluxe bus services on all routes within the city. It is worthwhile to purchase the daily pass if you plan to visit more than a couple of sights in a day and it will save you from the trouble to maintain loose change. The daily pass can be purchased on the first bus you board from the conductor, while the weekly and monthly passes are sold at all major terminus. Recently a hop-on hop-off tour bus has also been organized by the Government. The service covers many of the famous sights along the scenic East Coast Road up to Mahabalipuram. By auto-rickshaw edit Police demand auto-rickshawTuk-tuk drivers in Chennai to use meter. In fact many of them try to avoid using meter some try to overcharge and often drive rashly, but thats part of the fun of being in Chennai. They are happy to exploit foreigners and locals alike. The advantage of being a local is that you know when youre being fleeced, and so youll know when to walk away and find another auto. The advise is to use auto-rickshaws with meters only. Roughly 50-60 of drivers do use meters. So, If a particular driver doesnt agree - just go away and find another one. Move 100 m away from malls where touts concentrate. You will definitely succeed to catch a metered auto within 5-10 during day time. Maybe the driver will ask Rs.10 or Rs.20 extra. Usually Rs.10 is enough. The rates for auto-rickshaws in Chennai are the following (July 2014): Rs. 25- for 1.8KM For next every 1 km - Rs. 12- Waiting charges for every 5 minutes - Rs. 3.5 and Rs. 42Hour Night time ( 11 PM hrs to 5 AM) - 50160 extra of the day time charge Otherwise you can discuss the price with the driver. Often they tell 2-3 times bigger charge. Even so, by Western standards, they are dirt cheap. Youll have no problem once the fare has been agreed and for short trips the Auto is a must. The upside is that autos are ubiquitous and possibly the easiest form of transportation to locate. Use Auto-rickshaws only for short distances because they are uncomfortable. Try to find a rickshaw with a working meter. Dont take the first auto or take the first price, take a least quote and go to the second or third. Never leave anything behind when you leave. Negotiate a rate with the driver beforehand if he doesnt agree, just go to the next auto on the road there will always be others unless its very late or very early or you are in a remote area: then be prepared to pay up. Stick to the agreed price, though on many occasions the driver may attempt to ask for more. Consult local friends beforehand to find out reasonable market prices for the distance you intend to go. Try to hail individual auto rickshaws in traffic which are heading in the general direction of your destination rather than hiring one parked in their stand as they may gang up to you. As a general rule, expect to pay about 10 to 15 for every kilometer (0.6 mi) you travel. You dont have to pay for any empty return trips that the auto-rickshaw driver has to make once you have agreed upon a fare. You tell them to go to a landmark near where you want to go, and upon reaching the landmark, ask them to go a little further along a particular road to your destination. They might cite the extra distance travelled and ask for more money. So it is better to negotiate the fare upfront. If you pay them for petrol, make sure you pay them the remaining fare amount after subtracting petrol charges. Sometimes Airports and Railway Stations have a tariff chart. Share autos have emerged in the recent years as an alternative mode of transport in Chennai. They are over-sized threefour wheelers charge slightly more than the bus but way lesser than a regular auto. Likewise they are faster than the buses but slower than the autos. There are four wheelers known as meter taxis . which dont have a meter and are not taxis. They supplement the existing bus services and sometimes operate on routes based on popular demand. On a side note - if you are fascinated by the idea of going around in an auto, think about all those foreigners, who are riding an auto from Chennai to Mumbai. A Chennai based event management company, Chennai Event Management Services, has been having these auto-rickshaw rallies from Chennai to Mumbai, or Kanyakumari, etc. and has developed a great fan following for the same. By taxi edit Taxis (locally called call-taxis since they must be pre-arranged) can be booked using phone or internet. Since there are so many listed in the phone book already and they are mostly reliable we dont list any. They can be ordered air-conditioned and have digital fare meters, although time-based hire is also possible with some companies. Most companies charge a minimum fare of 100-(Non-AC)150-(AC), which is for 4km (2.4 mile) and for every subsequent kilometer they might charge 12- or 13- depending upon the car model that you choose. Like in other major Indian cities, Uber and its local competitor Ola have pretty much run to the ground the traditional call taxis. These cabs are a boon to a city known for its avaricious and rude autorickshaw drivers, and are probably the best way to get around as a tourist Alternatively, you can hire a cab for limited time or full-day for your travel reasons within the city for charges ranging between 1200 to 3000 depending upon the car model you choose and the time-duration for which you use the cab. If your trip is time-sensitive, it is recommended that you make the booking about 4 hours in advance and call shortly before your journey to confirm. However, there is every possibility of you not getting one in spite of advance booking as they book without any planning and ditch the customers at the last minute. A proper system of confirmed allotment at least 45 min prior to the scheduled time (like in Delhiother cities) is what is required in Chennai. Other car rental companies available in chennai include GetMeCab7. BookCab, Clear Car Rental, Cabs24x7, Avis, Chennai Cabs and Hertz etc. By car edit It is generally not advisable for foreign travelers to drive on their own as they might be unaware of the traffic rules and congestion in the city. Negotiating the Indian traffic is not a part of standard driving lessons and can only be mastered by experience. The roads in Chennai are better maintained than the average Indian road. Rush hour traffic may result in nasty jams. Chennai has three arterial roads: Anna Salai Mount Road, EVR Periyar Salai Poonamallee High Road, Jawaharlal Nehru Salai 100 feet Road. Foreign travelers should keep in mind that both diesel and petrol are used as fuel in India and it varies with the model of the car. Some cars have identical models with only a D badge to indicate diesel. Make sure you find out what type of fuel the car uses from the rental company. See editadd listing Restaurants, watering holes and discotheques have been opening with increasing frequency and while the absolute numbers arent much, theyre more experimental than most Indian metros. While in Chennai one can drop into one of the following places. Areas edit Georgetown in the north of the city is considered the oldest neighbourhood and is associated with the nearby port. The whole area is an intense experience and a hive of commercial activity. Not too many tourists visit this part of the city, which is unfortunate because if Chennais heart is to be found anywhere, it is here. This is where the Sowcarpet area is located, in addition to one of the citys most famous thoroughfares, Mint Street. Beaches edit Chennai Marina Beach Beach Watch Note Although Chennai beaches are both beautiful and inviting, they are not swimming beaches . due to strong under currents present along the shoreline. Swimming should not be attempted there. There are no lifeguards and rescue equipment is not provided at any of these beaches. However there are beach police who ride on horses and keep an eye on the people and look out for any trouble. People should avoid wearing swimwear or similar attire in the city beaches as such clothing is not appropriate there and will attract stares. Chennai has several well known beaches: Marina Beach . is 12160km long and offers excellent opportunities for walks and has a very wide sandy foreshore. Its width is up to 300160m (985160ft). The Marina of Madras is the second longest urban beach in the world. Along the shore, there are many buildings built during the British colonial rule. The South Beach Road runs past the Madras University, the Senate House, the Chepauk Palace (Nawabs of Carnatica once held their court here). It is the most popular gathering place for locals, especially in the evenings and on weekends. It can also get very crowded at those times. The beach is relatively less crowded in the early mornings and more pleasant. Walk along the Marina in the evening to cool off and eat crispy sundal (boilt, spiced lentils), freshly caught fish and Murukku(a type of dry noodles). Watching the sunrise from the beach is an experience by itself. Its not a swimming beach, though you will see people fully clothed taking partial dips. Breezy Beach - Valmiki Nagar (Thiruvanmiyur) Edward Elliots beach . is spread along the coast down south from Marina. It is also the night beach for Chennai youth. This beach is comparatively quieter and it is located near Besant Nagar. At the end of this beach are the Velankanni church and the Ashtalakshmi temple. Good roads, pavements, walking track illuminated sands, makes a visit to this beach a real pleasure. It can get really crowded during the weekends as well. Breezy Beach is located in the quiet neighborhood of Valmiki Nagar (Thiruvanmiyur) in Chennai. It is smaller and less popular than the Elliots beach. This beach is not as commercialized as the Elliots beach, and is hence more quiet and peaceful. Evenings are very pleasant 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 ITITES industries, this beach has turned into a hot-spot for them. It is less polluted and environment friendly. Those who look for a calm, cool and breezy place to relax, this beach is the best place in Chennai. Historical Places edit Temples edit Entry into the sanctum-sanctorum (the innermost part of the temple) of old temples maybe sometimes be restricted to foreigners because of the traditional beliefs that only a Hindu can enter the temples. In rare instances, it is forcefully enforced. The best thing to do in such situations is to explore the surrounding structures which are equally fascinating. Kapaleeswarar Temple ( Kapaleeshwara ), Mylapore, 9. One of Chennais oldest and best-known temples, said to date to the 8th century, although the present structure dates to the 1600s. Notable above all for its soaring, incredibly detailed 37m gopuram (entrance gate). There is a large water tank behind the temple, used for the Thaipusam festival (Jan-Feb), and plenty of flower shops all around. Within easy striking distance of the city centre. The temple also has an Arubathu Moovar festival in Mar and is known for the crowds and color. Karaneeswarar Temple is a Hindu temple located in the neighborhood of Saidapet in Chennai, India. It is dedicated to the god Shiva. This temple is located next to the Saidapet Railway station. This temple has a 7-storied Gopuram with two prakarams(closed precincts of a temple). The main deity is Lord Karaneeswara (Shiva) and Goddess Swarnaambikai (Sakthi). It is believed that Lord Indra had come here to worship Lord Shiva to cure his curse. Special worships are done to Shiva on Pradosham days. This temple has a beautiful tank. The temple is heavily crowded on Pradhosham days. Annual ten day Brahmotsavam takes place in the Tamil month of Chithirai. During Chitirai thirvizha, people visit the temple in huge numbers and there will be a daily spiritual talk on Thiruvasagam about Lord shiva. The Parthasarathy Temple 10 at Tiruvallikkeni (Triplicane) as the Britishers called it, is considered be the oldest temple in the Chennai and origins date back to the 8th century AD, the reference of which has been made in the Vaishnavite works of the Alwar saints. The existence of the Tiruvallikkeni village in referred in the Pallava records and before. The temple derived its name from the pond in front of the temple. It was originally built by the Pallavas. The temple was renovated by later dynasties, the Chola and the Vijayanagar kingdom. The Temple is dedicated to Lord Krishna. The name Parthasarathy has been derived from two Sanskrit words Partha and Sarathy. The former word refers to Arjuna and the later means Charioteer. Its architecture is a combination of several temple building styles. There are inscriptions of the Pallavas, Cholas and the Vijayanagar kingdom on the temple structure. The temple besides being dedicated to Parthasarathy is also revered for Venkatakrishnaswami and to Ranganathar. The temple, when it was built, housed five avataras of the deity Vishnu. The structure, as it stands today, houses the shrines of popular deities like Venkatakrishnan with Rukmani, Balaraman, Satyaki, Anirudha, Pradyumna, Rama, Lakshmana, Barata, Sita, Shatrugna, Varadaraja and Hanuman. Sri Ramakrishna Math - Universal Temple Sri RamakrishnaMath - Universal Temple 11. 31 Ramakrishna Math Rd, Mylapore. Swami Vivekananda on his return from the west was requested by the devotees in Madras (now Chennai) to start a Math here. To fulfill their desire Swamiji sent his brother-disciple Swami Ramakrishnananda to Madras in March 1897. After reaching Madras, the first thing Swami Ramakrishnananda did was to set up a small shrine for Sri Ramakrishna at a rented house. He lived there and led a life of renunciation, service and austerities. Slowly he built up the institution as the present Sri Ramakrishna Math and thus Sri Ramakrishna Math, Madras, came into existence. This is the oldest centre of the Ramakrishna Order in the South. Srimat Swami Bhuteshanandaji Maharaj, the 12th President of Ramakrishna Math and Ramakrishna Mission, laid the foundation-stone for this Universal Temple on 1 December 1994 in a grand function. It took five years for the project to take shape as the present grand Universal Temple. On 7 Feb 2000 the temple was dedicated by Srimat Swami Ranganathanandaji Maharaj, the 13th President of the Ramakrishna Order. Sri Ramakrishna Math completed hundred years of its service in 1997. The Math is regarded for its spiritual traditions, modern outlook, acceptance of all religions, service as the way of life. With its lushy green surroundings, the Universal Temple is the ideal spot for contemplation and meditation. 5AM-11:45AM and 3PM-9PM Tele: 91 044 2462110 Email: mailchennaimath. org Web presence: chennaimath. org Kundrathur sivan temple ( vada thirunageshvaram ), Kundrathur ( Kundrathur bus depot ). Sekkizhar built this 1000 year old temple 160edit Kumaran Kundram ( The Deity of Lord Murugan in Kumaran Kundram is considered to be equivalent to the one in Swamimalai ), ( Very near MIT Fly over ). small hillock at Kumaran Kundram near by Madras Institute of Technology 160edit Churches edit Basilica of the National Shrine of St. Thomas Basilica of the National Shrine of St. Thomas. Santhome High Rd. 91 44 24985455, 91 44 24980758 (parishpriestsanthomechurch ), 12. 5:AM-9PM daily. In the whole world, there are only three churches built over the tomb of an Apostle of Jesus Christ - the Basilica of Saint Peter built over the tomb of St. Peter in Rome, Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela built over the tomb of St. James in Spain and Basilica of the National Shrine of St. Thomas built over the tomb of St. Thomas. Basilica of the National Shrine of St. Thomas is in Chennai, India. The present National Shrine of St. Thomas is built over the tomb of Saint Thomas the Apostle, who came to India in the year 52 AD. After preaching on the West coast, he came to Chennai (formerly Madras), and attained martyrdom on a hill at the outskirts of the city, today known as St. Thomas Mount. His body was buried on the spot over which the present Basilica stands. The shrine was restored in 2004. A valuable work of art kept in the Basilica is an ancient painting of Our Blessed Mother, in front of which the other great apostle of India, St. Francis Xavier, used to pray. There are two new structures today: The Tomb Chapel below the Basilica and Museum cum theatre . The new underground chapel with a separate access outside the church structure, allows pilgrims to pray at the tomb and tourists to visit it, without disturbing the sacred functions in the church. The museum exhibits artifacts connected with St. Thomas and the Basilica, and the theatre is used for screening a short video on the life of the Apostle. 160edit St. Marys Church St. Marys Church, situated in the fort, is one of the oldest surviving churches built by the British in India. This is the first English church in India and the oldest Anglican church in the East. Designed by William Dixon, the then Master Gunner of the Fort, it was constructed under the supervision of the Governor Streynsham Master. Given the precarious nature of the English presence in India at the time (not to mention later attacks by the French and the locals), the church has a defensive stance - thick walls, castellated parapets and a well within the grounds - to withstand any bombardment or siege). The church was consecrated on 28 October 1680. The tower was completed in 1701 the steeple added in 1710 and the tower was connected to the main body of the church in 1759. Robert Clive - more famous as Clive of India - married Margaret Maskelyne here in 1753. The first but equally famous wedding was that of Governor Elihu Yale (who was to become the benefactor of Yale College) to Catherine Himmers in November 1680. The interior of the church contains many fascinating plaques and monuments to early British India evoking past glories and lives full of achievement. It also contains the old colours of the Madras Fusiliers, the first European regiment of the East India Company. The glass windows, wall frescos, teak plaques from the colonial times are still preserved. 10AM-5PM daily except closed on F. St. Thomas Mount St. Thomas Mount . Chennai South. 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 language 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 AD 72, 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 at the summit of the 300 feet 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. The Tamil Baptist Church in Kilpauk is worth a visit. It is a 107 year old monument. Lutheran Adaikalnathar Church(TELC). Tana Street. Protestant Church which is more than 100 years old 160edit St. Matthias Church. Vepery. One of the oldest churches in Chennai which was built by the British. Its also has a Anglo-Indian higher secondary school in the campus which has both boys and girls studying in the school and its famous for Producing High Standard Students with Capability of Speaking English as native speakers of the Language. 160edit Mosques edit Big Mosque also known as Wallajah Mosque Big Mosque also known as Wallajah Mosque, is situated at Walajah Road in Triplicane, Chennai is a historical landmark constructed by Wallajah family in memory of Nawab Muhammad Ali Walajah, in 1795 . It is an imposing structure of symmetry and form of architectural magnificence with an imposing facade. The Mosque stands in extensive grounds, which are being used as a forum for religious and cultural activities. The magnificent grey granite structure is built without steel and wood. This architectural marvel is one of the important mosques in Chennai. The Nawabs descendants are still living in a mansion known as Amir Mahal . One distinctive feature of this mosque is that the chronogram engraved in stone and fixed on the inside of the western wall of the mosque is by a non-Muslim, Rajah Makkan Lal Khirad, a Persian and Arabic scholar of repute, who was the private secretary to the Nawab. It may be mentioned in this regard that, as far as is known, no other mosque in the world has a chronogram composed by a non-Muslim. The Mosque has two minarets at the front. The Eid Prayer timing remains the same, 10AM, since 1749 A. D. Adjoining the Wallajah Mosque is the tomb of the great Islamic saint Maulana Abdul Ali Bahrul Uloom, a divine scholar of the days of the Nawab Wallajah. In this enclosure also are the tombs of the late Nawabs of the Carnatic, the Princess of Arcot and other eminent Muslim scholars and theologians. Wallajah Mosque can be reached either from Ellis Rd (backside) or the Triplicane High Rd. Memorials edit Valluvar Kottam . Valluvar Kottam High Rd, Nungambakkam, Chennai. Valluvar Kottam marks the memorial of one of the renowned poet and saint of the region, Tiruvalluvar. The memorial is shaped like a temple chariot and is, in fact, the replica of the temple chariot in Thiruvarur. There is a 101-feet high temple chariot structure with a life-size image of the poet in it. This chariot is a replica of the temple car of Thiruvarur in Tamil Nadu. The monument stands as a massive auditorium and was open to public in the year 1976. Over 3,000 blocks of stone were used to create this memorial to Tamil culture. Valluvar Kottam has quite an extensive space. The auditorium at Valluvar Kottam is said to be the largest in Asia and can accommodate about 4000 people. The auditorium is surrounded by granite pillars that have the inscriptions taken from the famous work of the poet. The epic Tiruvalluvar, written by the poet consists of 1330 verses, all of which are inscribed on the granite pillar. The 133 chapters of his famous work Thirukkural have been depicted in bas-relief in the front hall corridors of the chariot. It stands as a modern memorial to the great poet who represents the glorious culture of the Tamils. Monuments edit Fort St. George (formerly known as White Town), is located on the banks of the Bay of Bengal. It was established as the East India Companys fortified foothold in Madras and it was from this small trading post (or factory as it was then known) that British influence spread throughout India. The establishment of Fort St. George marked the birth of the new city that is Madras, in the year 1640. The fort was named after St George who is believed to have preached in the region. The British East India Company, after buying the land from the Nayak of Vandavasi in 1639 . led the establishment of what was called the Madrasemen . the permanent settlement of the company. One year later they built the fort as a commanding post in the region. With the increased trade activities of the East India Company the region soon developed into a popular trade and commerce centre. The British enjoyed supremacy in the region until 1746, when the French attacked the fort and captured it. After three years, in 1749 the British regained power by signing a treaty with the French. In the meantime they fortified the base in order to repel the invasion of Hyder Ali and the French. The fort is believed to be the first establishment of the British in India. The military architecture is interesting and holds great historical importance. Inside the Fort is the Fort Museum 13 decorated with cannons of Tipu Sultan. There are a lot of interesting artifacts showcased in the museum. Apart from the museum, the southern division of the Archaeological Survey of India is located here. Today, Fort St George is famous for its exotic collection of books in the library and housing the legislative assembly in the secretariat building. The fort in its present form looks more like a mansion, rather any fort. Various Government offices function inside this building, including the structure which used to be the residence of Robert Clive called the Clive House. St. Marys Church, situated in the fort, is one of the oldest surviving churches built by the British in India. The tallest flag pole in the country can be seen here, its height is 150 feet. The pole is now made of metal but was originally made entirely of teak wood. Sa-Th 10:00-17:00. Fort Museum: Children lt15 yr free, Indian Adults 5, Foreign Adults: 100 The Regional Grand Lodge of Southern India Freemasons Hall is located at 87, Ethiraj Salai, Egmore. It was constructed in 1923 for the troops. The architecture is classical Greek style and houses a lodge room on the first floor where Masonic meetings are held M-F 10:00-17:00 and Sa 10:00-14:00. Museums and Art Galleries edit Government Museum 14. Pantheon Rd, Egmore. Established in 1857, the Government Museum of Chennai is one of the popular tourist destinations in the city. It is a multi-purpose State Government Museum located in Egmore, which is in the heart of the city, spreading over an area of 16.25 acres of land. Six independent buildings in this Museum campus has 46 galleries. There is an Archaeology Section, Zoology Section, Botany Section, Geology Section, Numismatics Section, Bronze Gallery. Childrens museum, Art gallery and various other interesting sections and galleries. It is considered to be one of the oldest museums of India, since its inception dates back to the Colonial rule. There is history behind the origin of this Museum. In 1846 AD, the Madras Literary Society debated the proposal of establishing a museum in the then Madras. The proposal was approved by the Court of Directors of the East India Company in London. Chennai Government Museum was handed down with a sprawling complex and the presently maintained by the State Government. The Museum was formally inaugurated on December 5, 1896 by the Sir Arthur Eli bank Havelock, the then Governor. He named it after the former Governor, Lord Connenmara. The museum was designed by H. Irvin, the consulting architect of the Government of Madras. The Government Museum has a splendid hall, marvelous reading room and striking Teak wood shelf and stands divided into a number of sections. Note that parts of the museum are often closed. Phone: 91 44 2819-3238, 09:30-17:00 except holidays. A free guide service is available at 11:00 and 15:00. National Art Gallery The building of National Arts Gallery was built in the year 1907. This magnificent red sandstone building was designed by Henry Irwin and built by T. Namberumal Chetty. The building represents a typical Indo-Saracenic structure and was initially famous as the Victoria Memorial Hall. Built with sandstone and adorned with motifs, the building bears impressions of Mughal architecture. It is this architecture, not just the gallery collections that make it worth a visit. The gallery exhibits medieval handicrafts, sculptures, metal ware and paintings belonging to various schools of art and eras. The gallerys collections are displayed in four different sections: Tanjore Painting Gallery, Decorative Art Gallery, Indian Traditional Art Gallery and Ravi Varma Painting Gallery. The Tanjore paintings on glass are wonderful. The miniature paintings from Rajput and Mughal eras are fascinating too. The handicrafts that are displayed belong to the 11th and 12th century Indian handicraft period. The top floor, closed in May 2011, offered additional galleries. Sa-Th 09:30-17:00 except national holidays. 91 44 2819-3238. The Birla Planetarium The Birla Planetarium . at Kotturpuram, between Adyar and Guindy, is the most modern planetarium in the country. Adjoining the planetarium is a Periyar Science and Technology Museum which will be of interest to students and other science scholars. Built in memory of B. M. Birla, the well known industrialist and visionary, the Planetarium is considered to be the most modern in the country. Location: Tamil Nadu Science amp Technology Centre, Gandhi Mandapam Rd (Behind CLRI). Tele: 91 44 2441-0025 67515250. The Science and Technology Centre is open daily except national holidays. Programmes at 10:45-13:45 and 15:45. In English at Noon, Tamil 14:30. Miscellaneous edit Integral Coach Factory .15. Check the website for directions as the the auto-rickshaw drivers have never heard of it. Zoological gardens and eco parks edit Arinjar Anna Zoological Park Arinjar Anna Zoological Park ( The Vandalur Zoo ), 91 044 22751089 (aazpyahoo. fax. 91 044 22750741 ), 16. 9AM-6PM daily except Tu. Started in Peoples Park in 1855, the Madras zoological gardens (later renamed as Arignar Anna Zoological Park after C. N. Annadurai, Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu state from 1967 to 1969) was moved to Vandalur (a former game reserve frequented by governors of colonial Madras) on the outskirts of Chennai city in 1985 owing to lack of space in the congested heart of the city. Today, the zoo is one of the biggest in South Asia housing more than 170 species of mammals, birds and reptiles. Lion safari vehicles, elephant rides, battery operated vehicles are some of the facilities available. The peak time is during Pongal and weekend holidays. The animals are usually housed in their natural settings. 160edit Guindy National Park Guindy National Park. Sardar Vallabhai Patel Rd, Adyar, Guindy. M-F 9AM-5:30PM except Tu. The current park area stands close to 280 hectares. Guindy Park happens to be almost certainly 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. Guindy National Park 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 Kite, Honey Buzzard, and Pariah Kite. The park is also home to many reptile and amphibian species. JULY 2016 only childrens park and snake park open. Visits to the National park proper are only allowed with park ranger and the gate is locked. Rs 15, Free below 10 years, 11 to above Rs 5, School Children age 5-12 from government and aided schools Rs 2, children from private schools age 5-12 Rs 10, still camera Rs 10, video camera Rs 75. 160edit Guindy Snake Park. ( next to Guindy National Park ). M-F 8:30AM-5:30PM except Tu. Founded by one of the prominent wildlife conservationist 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. 160edit Tholkappiar Poonga ( Adyar Eco Park ), 6 103, Dr. D. G. S. Dinakaran Salai, Raja Annamalaipuram, Chennai - 600 028. 91 44 2461 4523 (membersecretary. crrtgmail. fax. 91 44 2461 4524 ), 17. 2.30PM-4:30PM on Tuesdays and Thursdays. This park maintained by the Chennai Rivers Restoration Trust is the only prominent eco park located within Chennai city limits. Measuring a total of 358 acres, the park covers the estuary of the Adyar river known for its fragile ecosystem. The estuary was restored in various phases starting from 2003 and recently opened for guided public tours. However, prior online booking is necessary in order to visit the park through the Chennai Rivers Restoration Trust website. A maximum of 20 visitors are allowed each day. The eco park is popular among bird-watchers as various species of pelicans, herons, storks and butterflies are found here. The park areas houses about 172 endemic species of flowering plants. Sculptures of dinosaurs and various animals carved out of naturally available stone are found within the park. Rs. 20, Children below 12 years: Rs. 5. 160edit Protected areas edit Pallikaranai wetland is a freshwater swamp in the south of the city 18. Being able to retain water throughout the year, it forms an aquatic ecosystem. The marsh acts as a home for many endangered and as a breeding ground for thousands of migratory birds which makes it an ideal place for bird watching. A conservation project is afoot to spruce up the area and build an observation center for visitors convenience. There have been walks conducted in the marsh by the societies like Madras Naturalists Society 19. Contact them to find out about their events. Nanmangalam Reserve Forest is a protected area between Velachery and Tambaram. According to reports, it is home to 85 different species of birds and some rare territorial orchids. Similar to the above marsh, there are no regularly conducted walks, but some photography societies and nature societies organise walks once in a while. Do editadd listing Visit the international headquarters of the Theosophical Society situated at Adyar in the southern part of Chennai. The Adyar Library 20 situated in the societys campus has one the largest collection of Tibetan manuscripts with over 20,000 palm leaf folios. For nature-lovers, a stroll through the vast and biologically rich Theosophical Society Gardens is a must. One of the curiosities is a 450-year old banyan tree. Go for a ride along Kamarajar Salai . a promenade on the sea front. The road is dotted with some of the finest specimens of Indo-Saracenic and art deco architecture such as the University of Madras buildings, Chepauk Palace, Vivekanandar Illam, Queen Marys College, Presidency College and the Chennai police headquarters. Among other buildings are the MGR memorial and Anna Samadhi, Gandhi statue and statues of poet Subrahmanya Bharathi, G. U. Pope and Bishop Robert Caldwell. Food Tours edit Chennai Food Tours ( Blaffer Food Tours ), IIT Madras, Adyar ( Directions depend on the tour location, and are mailed prior to the tour ), 91-8056202141 (contactblaffer. in ), 21. Every weekend. Can be contacted for custom trips if visiting on a non-tour day. South India has contributed numerous dishes to the world Therefore it is imperative to explore Chennai - the hub of South India - through the gastronomic lens. Chennai Food Tours offer a number of tours - street food, food history tour (very unique), kebab tour - all with the mindset of exploring. Do not leave Chennai without going to this tour 160edit Eco Tours edit Nizhal Tree Walks. Ashok Nagar, Chennai. 98841-14721 (nizhal. shadegmail ), 22. Nizhal has 3 series of walks - the Margazhi walks in December January, the Chithirai walks in April and the Madras day walks in August. Nizhal has conducted tree walks to acquaint citizens with the trees around them. Through its tree walks Nizhal has hoped to sensitize citizens to the role played by trees in the environment, the challenges they face and how they can be protected. Walks have also served as forums where tree lovers can network with each other. 160edit The Chennai Trekking Club (CTC) 23 organizes weekend treks and getaways. A lot of cleaning operations, blood donation and photography camps are also organized by CTC. Membership is free and costs are shared equally. Events edit Madras Music Season 24 Organized in December-January every year in an unbroken sequence since 1928, the Madras Music Season is the most important cultural event in the Chennai calendar. The season features Carnatic music concerts, dance programmes, operas, plays and magic shows. Chennai Book Fair 25 Held usually for two weeks in December-January every year since 1977, the Chennai Book Fair is the second largest book fair in the country after the Delhi Book Fair. The 2013, 2014 and 2015 editions had more than 700 stalls and over one million visitors. Organized by the Booksellers and Publishers Association of South India (BAPASI), many important publishers in India participate in the fair. Debates, prize distributions, lectures and film screenings are also held at the venue. Madras Day or Madras Week 26 The Madras Day or Madras Week celebrations are held in August every year to commemorate the purchase of the village of Madrasapatnam by East India Company factors Andre Cogan and Francis Day on August 22, 1639. The celebrations usually comprise of heritage walks, exhibitions, lectures, nature and tree walks, book and postage cover releases and film screenings. Though the celebrations typically last a week, the 2014 and 2015 editions extended through August and into September as well. The Hindu Lit for Life 27 Held during the Pongal festival (2nd week of January) every year since 2010, The Hindu Lit for Life is an international literary festival organized by The Hindu group of newspapers. The festival typically comprises of group discussions and lectures and The Hindu Lit for Life award is given at the end of each festival. Music and Dance edit Chennai has a lot of Carnatic music Sabhas (loosely translates to concert house) where concerts are held during the Madras Music season. You will see mostly older celebrities, although occasionally there will be some world-class young virtuosos. The Music Academy 28. No. 168, T. T.K. Road, Chennai - 600 014. Phone: 91-44-2811 2231 91-44-2811 5162, Email: musicmusicacademymadras Sir Mutha Venkatasubba Rao Concert Hall 29. Madras Seva Sadan, No 7, Harrington Road. Chetpet. Call for details: 91 44 43561198 and 91 42146632, Email: infosirmuthamemorial VDS Arts Academy 30. MOP Vaishnava College for Women, Nungambakkam. Music and Bharatanatyam dance concerts throughout the year at 6:30 PM. every Friday, Saturday and Sunday by young artists. Admission: free. Brahma Gana Sabha 31. Sivagami Pethachi Auditorium, M. Ct. M School, 179, Luz Church Road, 91 92821 06425, 91 98412 96684 Indian Institute of Music and Arts . R. K Swamy Auditorium, Sir Sivaswamy Kalalaya, 5, Sundareswarar Street, Mylapore. Kartik Fine Arts 32. Narada Gana Sabha Hall, TTk Road. 91 44 2499 7788, 91 44 2495 2695 ( 30th Year Art Festival ), Sri Krishna Gana Sabha 33. Dr. Nalli Gana Vihar, 20. Maharajapuram Santhanam Road, T. Nagar, 91 44 2814 0806 ( The 49th Art and Dance Festival amp Pongal Nagaswara Isai Vizha And the 24th Natya Kala Conference ), Sri Thyaga Brahma Gana Sabha 34. Vani Mahal, 103, GN Chetty Road, 91 44 2815 2166 ( The 25th Isai Iyal Nataka Vizha ) Kalalayaa Art Academy . Kalalayaa Art Academy. 2nd Floor, 100ft Bye Pass Road, Velachery.(Landmark: Opp to Bharat Petroleum Petrol Bunk, Above Nuts amp Spices) 91 98408 77546, 91 44 4303 6546 35 GK Parigi in Cine Abinayam star night programme. contact:parigeyahoo. co. in Nungambakkam Cultural Academy Trust Chennai is a major centre of Bharata Natyam with over 1000 dance performances a year. More dance forms are now encouraged and taught like Kuchipudi (Traditional dance form from Andhra Pradesh ), Mohini Attam . etc. Some other dances like Odissi Manipuri can be found, but are rarer. Cinema edit When in Chennai, do not miss a chance to watch a movie. Make sure to book your tickets in advance especially in the weekend, because most of the cinemas will be sold out. Chennai also provides best cinematic experience at lowest cost Rs. 120- and lesser, which is very less compared to other metro cities like Mumbai, Delhi, Hyderabad and Kolkata. There are several cinemas in the city. Check out any local newspaper or websites to get to know the movies running in and around Chennai. Some of the cinema halls are Udhayam Theatre . Ashok Pillar, Chennai Devi Cineplex . 36. In the heart of Chennai on Anna Salai. The Cineplex is a huge complex and a great architectural beauty. Jazz Cinemas . 37. In Phoenix Mall, Jazz Cinemas has a lot of screens and 2 IMAX screens. Sathyam Cine Complex 38. Thiru-vi-ka Rd, phone 044-42244224. One of the best theaters. Provides quality food and the main screen is one of the biggest in INDIA. Escape Cinemas 39. Express Avenue, Royapettah, phone 044-4224 4224 Inox 40. Chennai Citi Centre, R. K.Salai Mayajaal Cine Complex 41 . Abhirami Cine Complex . Purasawalkam. Shanti Cine Complex . Anna Salai Ega theatres 42. p. h road, Kilpauk (Features Hindi movies). Sangam Cine Complex in Kilpauk. Rohini Cinema Complex . Koyambedu. Ganga Theatre complex in Kolathur. Rakki Theatre in Ambattur. AGS Royal, Villivakkam, AGS Navalur, OMR Luxe cinemas . 11-screen multiplex in Phoenix Market City, Velachery AGS Cinemas OMR, Navalur. Vetri Theatre . Chromepet. Sports edit Chennai has been one of the prominent sporting location in India, with wide variety of sports played almost everywhere right from every street corners to big stadium matches. M. A. Chidambaram Stadium (Famously known as Chepauk Stadium) Cricket by itself is a festival in India, every TV in the Mall is tuned to cricket during the match season and the whole city would be tuned in to the sport some way or another. Chennai is an international venue for cricket and is also a home ground for the Chennai super Kings (a famous cricket team).While in Chennai it might be interesting to catch a game and enjoy the electric spirit of Indian cricket. Close to Chepauk there are several sporting good store where you can buy good quality cricket equipments at low cost Chennai open is a prominent tennis tournament that happens around January every year, the event has attracted lot of high ranked players such as Rafael Nadal, Carlos Moy, Leader Paes. The event is well organized with details published online including ticket sales. Learn edit Chennai has dozens of different institutes of higher learning from arts to engineering. The city also offers plenty of opportunities to learn Yoga, Bhartanatyam, Carnatic music and The Bhagavad Gita. Alliance franaise de Madras ( (AFM) ), No.24, College Road, Nungampaakam, Chennai 600 006 ( Nearest to bus stop name: Nungampaakam Sterling Road ), 91 44-28279803. 43. Monday to Saturday: 8.30 am - 6:30 pm. Indo-French cultural center and a place to learn French. AFM is one of the best places to learn French next only to Alliance Franaise de Delhi. 160edit Chinmaya Mission. 2 13th Ave Harrington Rd, Chetpet. 91 44 2826 5641 ( 91 44 2827 4046 ). 160edit The World Community Service Centre. ( Vedathri mahirishi Vision for wisdom ), 044-24571153. 44. free yoga. 160edit ISKCON ( International Society For Krishna Consciousness ), Hare Krishna Land Injambakkam. 91 44 2501 9303 ( 91 44 2501 9147 ). 160edit Isha Yoga. 81 Manoharan St, SW Boag Rd ( near Pazhamudhir Nilayam ), 91 44-24333185 ( mobile 91 9442515557. chennaiishafoundation. org ), 45. 160edit Kalakshethra. Kalakshetra Foundation, Tiruvanmiyur. 91 44 2491 1836 ( 91 44 2491 4359. fax. 91 44 2491 4359 ), 46. 160edit Kishnamacharya Yoga Mandiram. 31, 4th Cross St, R. K. Nagar. 91 44 2493 7998 ( 91 44 2493 3092. fax. 91 44 2461 334 ), 47. 160edit Krishnamurthi Foundation. 124, 126 (Old 6465) Greenways Rd. 91 44 2493 7803 infokfionline. org ( 91 44 2493 7596 ), 48. 160edit Raja Yoga ( Ishwariya Vishwa Vidhyalayam ), 49. Learn Yoga free of cost. 160edit Theosophical Society. Adyar, Chennai. 91 44 2491 2815 (intl. hqts-adyar. org. fax. 91 44 2490 2706 ), 50. 160edit Buy editadd listing Stores on Doors ( Best Online Shop in Chennai for Grocery, Vegetables and Fruits ), 1714, Pallavan Street, Alwarthirunagar, Chennai. 044 65158534. 51. 160edit Shopping Malls edit Express Avenue 52. Royapettah High Road. It is the second largest shopping mall in South India and features unique stores like Hamleys, Global Desi and Peekaboo, designer wear like Guess and Diesel and high-street chains like Body Shop, Tie Rack, Esprit and Lush. It has a few fine-dining restaurants and also one of the largest food courts in India. Spencer Plaza 53. 769, Anna Salai. Spencer Plaza is the oldest shopping mall in India dating to the 1980s. The present building stands in place of an Gothic-style one which housed the Spencers, Asias first departmental store. The original was destroyed in a fire, and the current building dates back to 1983. The new Phase III section even has a mock Indo-Saracenic atrium in the style of the original. One of the earliest shopping malls in India, it has slightly lost its charm with the arrival of swanky new malls, but it is still an excellent place to buy handicrafts, ethnic wear, Indian jewellery and books (it houses the largest Landmark bookstore in Chennai). There is a reasonably good food court on the 2nd level of Phase I and Phase III. Chennai Citi Center 54 10, Radhakrishnan Salai. Opened in March of 2006, it houses mostly mens western-wear brands like Adidas, Louis Philippe, Parx and Zodiac. Has a good food court, an Indian restaurant, INOX cinema and a supermarket. Shoppers Stop 55 2, Harrington Road, Chetpet. This is one of the largest department stores in Chennai, and you can buy everything from clothes to shoes to books here. Ispahani Center Nungambakkam road. An early shopping centre - has a cafe, bar amp shops. Prince Plaza . Pantheon road, Egmore. It has been featured in many movies. Ampa Mall . 56. A new shopping mall in Chennai with both western and Indian brands featuring in the shops. Most popular for its PVR Cinemas multiplex, Star Bazaar grocery store and one of the few McDonalds in the city. It also has a food court and a boutique hotel. Pheonix Market City . 57. A new shopping mall in Chennai Located in velachery. Biggest mall in chennai, It houses Satyam Cinemas in the name of luxe cinemas will open 11 screens here which will also house Chennais first IMAX theatre. Chennais first Hardrock Cafe is soon to come up here. Forum Vijaya Mall . 58. A big shopping mall in vadapalani. one of the Biggest mall in chennai, Houses Satyams 9 screens, chennais second IMAX will come up here. Spectrum Mall (formerly known as Grand Venus Mall) is a shopping mall located in Perambur, Chennai, India. It is the first mall in North Chennai. The mall was developed at the site of erstwhile Venus theater on Paper Mills Road in Perambur. The mall is spread over an area of 1,60,000 sq. ft with two levels of retail shopping and a five screen multiplex Chandra Metro Mall is a shopping mall located at Virugambakkam, Chennai. The Mall with a built up area of 1.43 lakh sq. ft. The mall has a five screen multiplex with a capacity of 1300 seats called as Fame National Books edit Chennai has a wide selection of rare books and maps in the many second-hand book stalls. With luck you may end up getting one of the best deals ever. English, Tamil and Hindi books are widely available and sold, other language books are sold by specialised stalls. Alwars Roadside bookshop opposite Kamadhenu theatre in Mylapore. Bookfield . Opposite the LIC building on Anna Salai (Mount Road) Moore Market near Chennai Central Vendors on Mount Road outside Devi Theatre and the GPO (General Post Office) Higginbothams . Anna Salai. Kennedys Book House . Anna Salai. For more current publications Landmark 59. Spencers Plaza, Anna Salai (Mount Road) - Books, Toys, CDs etc. four locations: Spencer Plaza, Anna Salai (Mount Road) - 37,000 sq. ft. Apex Plaza, Nungambakkam High Road - 12,000 sq. ft. - The original store. Chennai Citi Centre, Radhakrishnan Salai Ampa Mall, Injambakkam - newest location Odyssey . Behind Gandhi Nagar Bus Stand, Adyar and Express Avenue, Royapettah Giggles . Connemara Hotel Binny Road - General books from a friendly shop keeper Chennai Book Fair (annual) If you happen to be in Chennai in January, the ChennaiBookFair is an event not to miss. Plan to visit on a weekday as they attract lesser crowds and you can browse through the collections peacefully. If you pick a weekend or holiday, try to visit in the morning instead of the evening. Look through all the shops but it is usually better to skip the marquee stalls and visit the smaller ones which have books stacked all around. You will be rewarded with some great finds as these shops have lesser known but excellent titles from all around the world. Carry cash as many of the smaller shops do not accept creditdebit cards and cash also helps to bargain down the price of the books to some extent. On average, paperback novels in bargain shops cost 100 to 200. A budget of 3000 (around 50) should be enough to purchase a good collection of books. Clothes edit AMAARA 60 2714, C. V. Raman Road, Alwarpet, Chennai - 6000018. 91 9842212173 91 44 45000020. Located in the heart of the city is a quaint little designer boutique - Amaara. Amaara specializes in high quality Indian ready to wear clothing for Women. Their cuts are simple, fashionable amp sophisticated. Amaara clothes use handloom fabrics such as maheswari cottons, tussar silks, jute, hand block printed kalamkari etc. The store is co-owned by sisters Soorya amp Vijayalakshmi, who are usually around at the store to help you out, which adds to the personal touch. Brass Tacks 61. 7713, Corporation Shopping Complex, C. P. Ramaswamy Road, Alwarpet, 91 44 4208 1767. Contemporary clothing from natural fibres for women. FabIndia . 62. The Ilford House location at 3 Woods Road is probably the best in terms of choices and selections. This is the place to go for all your natural-dyed, hand loomed and hand made textiles. The prices have been going up the last few years, but FabIndia is the only source for this sort of textile in Chennai at any retail outlet. Just Casuals . Nungambakkam, 1, Sterling Road, 91 044 28273882. A good place to head if youre in the mood for the Banana RepublicAbercrombieOld NavyGap type stuff. They seem to get all the export rejects or overstocks. Youll find that all the brand tags are cut out due to some agreement with the manufacturer. The quality and prices are good, but unfortunately theres no bargaining possible. Handloom Exhibitions . Year-round there is always a handloom exhibition profiling the work of one state or the other. These temporary installations (youll have to check the local papers to find out where they set up) generally have a good selection of interesting fabrics and textile products. And there is always the option to bargain, which makes it a better bet than oft-overpriced retail stores. The Royapettah YMCA (across from Royapettah Hospital) has a regular handloom exhibition. Crafts edit Poombukar . 108 Anna Salai, Plandmark. ( opposite the LIC building in Annasalai and next to Higgingbothams book store ). They sell handicrafts. Amethyst . Sundar Mahal, Padmavathi Rd, Jeypore Colony, Gopalapuram, 91 44 2820 3582. They sell handicrafts. Victoria Technical institute 63. located very close to Spencer Plaza and a few minutes by walk from Express Avenue. They have a huge display of handicraft items, paintings, wood carvings and metal work statues. Ashvita - Arts and Artifacts . 11 2nd St, Radhakrishnan Salai, Mylapore, 91 44 2847 6063. Art, jewellery, photo prints. Crafts and Weaves . 1, 1st Main Road, CIT Colony, Mylapore. 91 44 2466 0232. Handicrafts. Giri Stores . Adjacent to Kabaleeswarar Temple, ( opposite the Radha Silk Emporium, Mylapore Tank ). Hindu spiritual items like Rudraksha garlands, books, CDs amp tapes for chanting, incense sticks, camphor and lamps. Hidesign . Ispahani Centre, Nungambakkam High Rd amp Phase 3, Spencers Plaza. 64. Leather goods. Vimonisha Art Gallery . 12 Khadar Nawaz Khan Rd. Handicrafts. Jidoka Store . 1st Lane, Nungambakkam High Rd, 91 44 2822 3516, 91 44 2822 3317. Handicrafts. Poppat Jamals . Mount Rd Anna Salai, ( opp. Spencers Plaza ). Crockery. Manasthala . 12 Cenotaph Rd, 91 44 2433 2842. Terracotta ceramics. Art galleries edit Prakrit Art Gallery . Dhandayuthapani Nagar, 2nd St, Kotturpuram, 91 44 42188989, 65 . Lakshmi Ethiraj Art Gallery . 70 1st Main Rd, CIT Nagar, 91 44 4359 223. Raasi Art Gallery . 1 Anna Ave, Bakthavatsala Nagar, Adayar, 91 44 2441 0389. Apparao Galleries . 7th St, Wallace Garden, 91 44 2827 226. Contemporary arts and crafts showroom . 41 CP Ramaswamy Rd, Alwarpet, 91 44 2499 7069, 91 44 2466 0159. Chennai Studio . 222 Peters Rd, Royapettah, 91 44 98405 43420, 66 . Sarees edit Revathy Stores, No. 78, RK Mutt Rd, ( Luz Bazaar Building ), 91 44 24934328. Small store with a wide variety of Kalyani and Indian hand-loomed sarees. Aavaranaa . 15, Ashoka Street, Alwarpet, 91 44 24988292. Vardhrams and Sons Silks . Harington Rd, Chetpat. Radha Silk Emporium (Rasi) . Silk sarees, ethnic wear, arts amp crafts in multiple locations. 1 Sannadhi St, Mylapore, 91 44 2494 1906 827, Dhun Building, Mount Rd, 91 44 2852 0251 23 1st Main Rd, Nanganallur, 91 44 2232 4176 Shilpi . 29 C. P. Ramaswamy Rd, Alwarpet. Jewelry edit Joyalukkas . TNagar. Vummidi Bangaru Jewellery . Nungambakkam, also a location TNagar. Bapalal Jewellers . Kakani Towers, Cathedral Road. KANISHK . TNagar. Music edit Sapthaswara Musicals . Features Western and Indian musical instruments. Shruthi Musicals . 10 Harleys Rd, Kilpauk, 91 44 2660 3630. Sruthilayais . 93 Royapettah High Rd, Mylapore, 91 44 2499 4045,91 44 2498 2625. Musical instruments. Lakshman shruthi . Vadapalani Signal, Vadapalani. Musical instruments, CDs. In addition to these there are several exhibitions at Das Community Hall (Cathedral Rd), Shankara Hall (TTK Rd) where artisans display their work. Check the local newspapers for details and timings. Eat editadd listing Chennai has numerous restaurants, offering an assortment of cuisine. The beach restaurants are well maintained and serve great food during the evenings. The eat outs in Chennai range from budget, midrange and to up-market. There are swanky star quality restaurants, plain open traditional vegetarian or non vegetarian restaurants - where you share a table with strangers, street stalls, tea kadais, fast food centers, western fast food centers, food courts, coffee shops, bakeries. Vegetarian restaurants serve tiffin and vegetarian meals. There are also a number of restaurants that serve a variety of Tamil, Andhra and Kerala vegetarian and non-vegetarian fare. Many of these restaurants have nowadays diversified and offer other Indian and Indianized Chinese dishes as well. Usually the check includes a service charge, written next to S. C. If no service charge is added, it is customary to leave a moderate tip. Budget edit Hot soup stand outside Santhome, Chennai All these budget eateries serve only vegetarian food and are very cheap. DOJO KULFIS . A must visit for Traditional Indian desert - Kulfis, Ice creams, Faloodas, Smoothies amp Coolers. Situated in Kutchery Road, Mylapore and Ennore. They supply their products to most of the hotels, restaurants, food courts. Contact 91 99620 22850, maildojokulfis, dojokulfis. Eat N Drink. 570-N, Anna Salai, Teynampet ( next to Courtyard Marriott ). South Indian fast food, from masala dosas to uttapam and pongal. Fast, cheap, tasty and hygienic. Rs 20-40. 160edit Geetha Caf . Pondy Bazaar. South Indian tiffin. Hot Chips . T. Nagar and Anna Nagar for budget priced South Indian tiffin, including North Indian chaat (snack) items. Kebab Junction . Royapettah, NV, opp. Express Ave, ( near Melody theatre ), Karpagambal Mess . Mylapore, ( opposite the Kapaleeswarar temple ). Cheap and authentic South Indian Food. Komalas . Kodambakkam High Rd. South Indian fast food. Mansuks . T. Nagar. Best for Bombay Chaat, Lassi and an unlimited Gujarati Thali. Palimar . Parsn Complex, Mount Rd, Anna Salai. South Indian cuisine. Rathna Cafe . Triplicane. also Thiruvanmiyur, ( opposite the RTO ). For fluffy hot idlis, hot vadai, delicious pongal dripping in ghee and accompanied by sambhar. Quality maintained for more than 100 years. More expensive than Murugan Idli shop. Sangeetha . at intersection of Valluvar Kottam High Rd and Nungambakkam High Rd in Nungambakkam Chain of vegetarian restaurants. A mix of good-quality and tasty South Indian, North Indian, and Indo-Chinese cuisine at very reasonable prices. A chain restaurant. Saravana Bhavan . 67. Probably Chennais best known restaurant chain, with 25 branches in Chennai itself (incl. one next to Kapaleeswarar Temple). Pure vegetarian Indian food with high standards of hygiene. Sanjeevanam . New No. 97, Old No.45, Nungambakkam High Road in Nungambakkam, Chennai 91 44 4549 0324. Adyar location: Old No.24, New No.76, B. Venkatarathinam Nagar, Adyar, 68. A popular vegetarian health restaurant that cooks its foods using ayurvedic principles. The food is truly delicious, and the concept is that they are cooked with low amounts of oil, using healthy ingredients. The chain also features Ayurvedic and yogic classes. Sri Krishna Sweets . Mount Rd, Spencers Plaza, Adayar, Anna Salai, also at MG Rd, Shastri Nagar. Indian sweets amp salad bar. North Indian chat (snack) items. The Spice Box . Thiruvanmyur, 91 44 4304 2365. Lunch deliveries and gourmet outdoor catering. Wholesome, innovative lunch-dinner in 6 options is great to try out. Vasantha Bhavan . ( near Vadapalani Bus stand ). Chain of vegetarian restaurants. Mid-range edit Dynasty . Harrisons Hotel, (Non-Vegetarian) 315, Valluvarkottam High Road, Nungambakkam, Chennai. Good quality Chinese-Indian cuisine Table Reservations Tele: 91 44 52222777 The Cascade . Quality Inn Sabari, 1. floor, 29 Thirumalai Pillai Road, T. Nagar, Chennai 600 017, Tel: 91 44 2834 3030 Texas Fiesta . (Non-Vegetarian) 172, Shaffee Mohammed Road, off Khader Nawaz Khan Road, Chennai 600006. It is owned and operated by a Tex Mex aficionado who fell in love with this great cuisine while in the USA. Favorite dishes include chicken wings, cream of leeks and potato soup, chicken fajita and grilled tenderloin steak apart from burritos, quesadillas and tortillas. Meal for two would cost about 500. Table Reservations Tele: 91 44 43087882 Amethyst . (Vegetarian),Sundar Mahal, Padmavathi Road, Jeypore Colony, Gopalapuram, Chennai. 91 44 2820 3582. Garden and patio cafe and restaurant with a mix of western (pastas, burgers) and Indian fare. Cuisines served by Amethyst are Coffee and International. It is a nice, cozy, romantic place to chill out on weekends. Their cuisine is nice and so is their interiors. Its a colonial house turned into a restaurant. Highly recommendable. Table Reservations Tele: 91 44 28353581 Curry House: (Non-Vegetarian), 2, Block AB, 11th Avenue, Anna Nagar, Chennai. Hyderabadi, Chettinad, and Kerala delicacies. Good tandoori fare of the Non-Veg variety popular among the punjabis and found all over Delhi is also offered. Open: 12PM to 3PM and 7PM to 11PM. Price range: Meals for two around 350. Table Reservations Tele: 91 44 42611167, 42611168 Dhaba Express . (Non-Vegetarian) 9, Cenotaph Road, Teynampet, Chennai and Nungambakkam High Road, Chennai. Cuisines served by Dhaba Express are North Indian. They serve Chicken Tikka Masala, Mutton Rogan Josh, Tandoori Aloo (starter), Naans and Roomali Rotis. Valet Parking. Open: 11:30 AM to 3:30 PM, 6:30 PM to 1:30 AM. Price range: Meals for two 500. Table Reservations Tele: 91 44 2432 8213. ECR Dhaba . (Non-Vegetarian) 976, Kunnukadu, East Coast Road, Near Muttukadu Boat House, Chennai. Cuisines served by ECR Dhaba are Punjabi Table Reservations Tele: 91 44 27472943, 91 098407 04050. Open: 11:00 AM to 11:45 PM Coastline . (Non-Vegetarian) 118, Dr. Radhakrishnan Salai, Mylapore, Chennai. South Indian Seafood. Freshly done Interiors, slow service but delicious food. Crab Rasam, Prawn or Fish Biryani. Vide variety of sea food offerings. Must try place. Price range: Meals for two 600. Table Reservations Tele: 91 44 28251128 Aiwo . (Vegetarian) . 7 Rosy Towers, Nungambakkam High Road, Nungambakkam, Chennai. Fusion and health foods. Aiwo features a 14-course meal served on a conveyer belt that moves around the room. Various dishes served are supposed to be cooked in olive oil. Healthy tasty food for the health conscious. Resonably priced at 199 per meal inclusive of taxes. Table Reservations Tele:91 044 66514241 Amaravathi . (Non-Vegetarian) . 1 Cathedral Road, Gopalpuram, Chennai. It serves South Indian sea food cuisines and is known for its spicy Andhra food . Their famous Andhra meals, chicken and mutton biryani, Vazahapoo and Keerai Vadi are a must try. Wide range of delicacies includes chilly chicken, chili paneer, momos, soups, burgers, rolls, etc. Punjabi dishes like kadhai chicken, butter chicken, daal makhni, roti, butter naan, paneer butter masala, allu matar etc. Special fish prawns and Amaravathi chicken are the main dishes of the restaurant. Price: Avrg. for 2 persons 500. Seating: 135 covers. Valet Parking and Take away. Open: Seven days a week. 11AM to 11PM. Table Reservations Tele: 91 044 28116416, 28110305 350. Open: 11.30AM to 3.30PM and 7PM to 10.30PM. Table Reservations Tele: Mr. Chinniah 91 044 28340242, 42122176 Anjappar . (Non-Vegetarian) J. P. Tower, 72, Nungambakkam High Road, Chennai 600034. Speciality: Anjappar Popular Meals: White Rice, Chettinad Chicken, Mutton Gravy, Fish Gravy, Sambar, Rasam, Kootu, Porial, Keerai, Curd, Buttermilk, Appalam. Also famous for Spl. Mutton Dum Biriyani, Nattu Koli Biriyani and Chettinaad Fish Masala. Price range: Meals for two 500. Table Reservations Tele: 91 44 28217200, 2825666, 42144573. They have other outlets in Chennai: Anna Nagar: . (91 44 26264111) Chennai Airport-Food Court - Anna International Airport, . (91 44 22561793, 2256194) Near Central Station: (91 44 25382666, 25383334) Egmore . (91 44 42134111, 42179222) Purasaiwalkam . (91 44 42089188, 26400200) TNagar . (91 44 24328444, 24328555) Mylapore . (91 44 24982883,24981226) R. K.Salai . (91 44 28114555, 28114666) Annalakshmi: (Vegetarian) 183, Rukmani Lakshmipathy Road (Marshall road), Sigapi Achi Building I Floor, Adjacent to Raja Muthaiah amp Rani Meyyammai Hall, Egmore, Chennai 600008. This is a must try expensive South Indian food restaurant. Elegant ambience, friendly service and good food. Filling portions served. Best selling dishes - Elumichai Sevai, Badam-saffron milkshake. Elite crowd. Pricy at 1000 for 2 meals. Open: Tuesday to Sunday (Monday weekly holiday) Lunch: 12 Noon to 2.30 PM. Dinner: 7.30 PM. to 9.45 PM. Table Reservations Tele: 91 044 28525109 044 42141210 Anupama Southern Spice . (Non-Vegetarian) 25, 1st Floor, G. N. Chetty Road, Thyagaraya Nagar, Chennai 600017. Specialty Andhra Cuisine. Table Reservations Tele: 91 44 31000733 Hotel Coronet . (Non-Vegetarian) 128, Lattice Bdge Road, Adyar, Chennai 600020. This is one of the oldest restaurants in the area. Very reasonably priced, Coronet is known for its great Mughalai food. Their specialties are the mutton korma with parotha, Ceylon egg parotha, and kheema masala. They also serve Kerala Malabar dishes. Modest ambience. Open: 9 AM to Past midnight. Tele: 91 44 24413446, 91 44 24411915 Madurai Appu . (Non-Vegetarian) 40, Sarojini Street, TNagar, Chennai 600017. Speciality: Authentic Chettinad Cuisine: Known for its Chettinad Chicken Masala, Chicken and Mutton Biryani. Price range: Meals for two 500. Table Reservations Tele: 91 044 2432 8484. They have other outlets in Chennai: Valasaravakkam: . (91 044 2486116624860022) Mugappair: (91 044 2656767626567393) Triplicane . (91 44 28580786, 28591515, 28592929) East Coast Road (ECR - Vettuvankani) . (91 44 24490077, 24491515) Barbeque Nation (BBQ Nation) . T. Nagar. Gallopin Gooseberries . Burgers, Sandwiches and Entres. Has two outlets: 1. 4359,Gatsby Village, Mgr Road, 91 44 24493924 2. 11, Shop 2, 2nd Floor, Greams Road, Landmark: Near Thousand Lights Police Station Phone: 91 44 28291077, 28292190 Gyan Vaishnav . Mount Road, Near Anand Theatre. North Indian Kadalivanam . Mogappair. 69. 100 natural, fully vegetarian restaurant Karaikudi . VeeraRaghava Road, T. Nagar, 91 44 2815 1021. (also at Anna Nagar, Besant Nagar, Mylapore, Thiruvanmiyur) Chettinadu cuisine. Edens . Harrisons Hotel, 315, Valluvarkottam High Road, Nungambakkam. Wonderful Continental cuisine, fully vegetarian. Once Upon A Pirate. . A Pirate Theme Restaurant, Besant Nagar Beach Road, Opp Velankanni Church. 91 44 45511980. Indian Tandoor Chinese Cuisines. Murugans Idli Shop . 2 locations: GN Chetty Road T. Nagar and Besant Nagar. Murugan Idli Shop is a chain restaurant, and the GN Chetty Road shop in particular is a well-kept secret among locals as a purveyor of high-quality food on weekends, there is a long line for entry. The price for one meal is around 20-40 rupees, or around 1. South Indian. Mughals Zaika . Rajaratnam St, Chetpet, Behind Ega Theatre. This is the best place in Chennai for any Kebabs esp. their Juicy Irani Kebabs They also serve the best amp authentic Mughlai Biryani. Great value for money. One drawback (or advantage) is its non-ac, its an open-air restaurant. The price for one meal is around 80 rupees, or around 2. MughlaiPersianAfghaniIrani. Noodle House . A chain restaurant, whoese locations include: 1. Spencers Plaza, Anna Salai (Mount Road) and 2.the Intersection of Sterling Road and Nungambakkam High Road in Nungambakkam. Chinese. Pizzaurant . Velachery Road, Little Mount, Saidapet. Cuisine - Pizza amp Pasta.(Without MSG) Home delivery for nearby areas, Very Indian. Poonamallee . Breeze Hotel, 850, Poonamallee High Road. 91 44 2641 3334, 91 44 2643 0596. Multicuisine Ponnusamy . Commander-in-Chief Road (opp Ethiraj College), Egmore. Chettinadu cuisine Rangis . Nungambakkam High Road, Nungambakkam. Chinese. Swati and Swayam . at Saravana Bhavan, Peters Road. South Indian. Sparkys . located in Egmore, is an American diner operated by an American expatriate settled in Chennai. Mexican, Italian and American food. Prices range from 70-150 rps for a meal.70 Splurge edit Peshwari . Sheraton Chola Hotel, Cathedral Road, Chennai 600 086. The award winning Peshawari is the Indian specialty 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. (5 Star Hotel) Rated Expensive. Table Reservations Tele: 91 44 28110101 Mainland China . Hotel Tulip Aruna, 144145, Sterling Road, Nungambakkam, Chennai.( 4 Star Hotel) The restaurant chain serves authentic cuisine from the major provinces of China. Table Reservations Tele: 91 044 28238345, 044 39155261, 044 39155256 Shanghai Club . Hotel Chola Sheraton, 13,Cathedral Road, Chennai 600086. Well known for its most authentic Chinese Cuisine. Live three piece band. (5 Star Hotel) Rated Expensive. Table Reservations Tele: 91 44 28110101 Shansi Chinese amp Tandoori Restaurant . AnnaNagar - Indian and Chinese - 26213109 Cafe Mercara In Chola Sheraton Hotel, 13,Cathedral Road, Gopalapuram, Chennai - 600086. Coffee Boutique which serves an amazing array of coffees and tea from around the world - Burgers, pizzas, salads and snacks. (5 Star Hotel) Rated Expensive. Table Reservations Tele: 91 44 24322640 91 44 28110101 Cilantro . Coffee Shop Restaurant of Le Royal Mridien,1 GST Road, St. Thomas Mount, Chennai-600016. The restaurant serves continental, Indian, South Indian, Italian, Arabic Shawarmas, Chinese, Thai and a teppanyaki grill of Japanese Cuisine. Open: 24 hrs. Table Reservations Tele: 91 44 22314343, 91 44 43534545 The Residency . Park Sheraton Hotel and Towers, Chamiers Road, Alwarpet, Chennai. Lavish buffet and an international a la carte menu. In a gracious setting reminiscent of the Edwardian era. Live music. Open: 12.30 PM to 2.45 PM, 7.30 PM to 11.45 PM. Table Reservations Tele: 91 44 2499 4101 Grill and Indian Cuisine Pergola . The Accord Metropolitan Hotel, 35, G N Chetty Road, T Nagar - The highest open to sky restaurant in the city - Featuring GrillsIndian cuisines - Hours of operation 19:00 Hrs - Midnight - Seating capacity 120 covers - Table Reservations Tele: 91 44 28161000, 43911000. Bella Ciao - Lounge Beach Garden, 4, Shri Krishna Enclave, Kottivakkam, Chennai - 600041, Italian-owned and run, authentic Italian food. The famous wood fired oven pizza, home made pastas, steaks and salads. Table Reservations Tele: 91 44 24511130 Little Italy . Italian Restaurant, Eldorado No 112, Nungambakam High Road, Chennai-600034. Italian classic cuisine with a perfect wine. Chefs favourites: Pizza Mellino, Pasta del Fattore and In Wines - Brunello di Montalcino. Table Reservations Tele: 91 44 42601234, 42601230 Prego . Taj Coromandel, Nungambakkam High Road, Nungambakkam. 91 44 5500 2827. Gourmet Italian dining, replaced Patio Rhapsody . Courtyard Marriott, 564 Anna Salai, Teynampet. 91 44 66764499. Authentic Italian restaurant with an attached lounge. Akasaka . Suraj Towers, Ground Floor, 128 L. B. Road, Behind Jayanthi Theatre, Thiruvanmiyur. Japanese Chef, The ambeince is Japanese - low seating and all that. Own fishing boat, excellent sushi and sashimi. Very Expensive-- figure on over 1000 for a meal here. Table Reservations Tele: 91 44 24453424, 24456493 Arirang Korean Restaurant - Dr Thirumurthy Nagar 91 Main Road Nungambakkam, Nungambakkam, Chennai-600034. Table Reservations Tele: 91 44 28233739 Lebanese and Middle Eastern Delicacies Cedars . Wallace Garden Road, Nungambakkam, Chennai - 600085. Dim lit ambience is beautiful with exquisite furnishing in Mediterranean style. They serve the most authentic Lebanese, Middle Eastern delicacies and some interesting Mediterranean cuisines. Table Reservations Tele: 91 44 42182397 Don Pepes . 73, Cathedral Road, Gopalapuram, Chennai. Mexican. Located above Hot Breads as an extension, They are best known for their fajitas (sizzlers) and enchiladas (a tortilla wrap with some Mexican rice). Rated Expensive. Open: 12:00 to 2:45 PM, 7:00 to 11:45 PM. Table Reservations Tele: 91 44 28221461 Entree Restaurant 71. Located in Emall hotel, Express Avenue Mall, Gate No 1, Pattullous Road, Anna Salai, Chennai 600 002.Tele: 91 044 28463333, 91 044 28463358. 100160 Vegetarian multi-cuisine restaurant in Chennai. Serves a delectable fare from all around the world - Thai soup, Mexican main course, Indian spice tadka, French pastry for deserts. Citrus . Savera Hotels Ltd. 146, Dr. Radhakrishnan Road, Mylapore, Chennai - 600004. Multi-cuisine - featuring Mediterranean barbeque and Norwegian smoked salmon. Table Reservations Tele: 91 44 28114700 Cream Centre . 55, 2nd Main Road, Raja Annamalaipuram, Chennai - 600028.(Near Kaliappa Hospital)Cream Centre offers a wide range of vegetarian food choices - North Indian and Mexican, to American, Italian and even Lebanese. Nachos, Channa Bhatura, American Corn Cheese Ball, Sizzlers amp Sizzling Brownie. A specialty here is the Mera Thali, where you have a choice of dishes from which you can make your own thali. Open: 11:00 AM to 3:30 PM, 7:00 PM to 11:00 PM (11:00 AM to 11:00PM on Weekends). Table Reservations Tele: 91 044 42815777, 91 044 42815776. Seasons . The Accord Metropolitan Hotel, 35, G. N. Chetty Road, T Nagar, Chennai - Extensive Buffets featuring cuisines from all over the world - Oriental to Italian, Continental to Indian, and Global A la Carte - Open: 24 Hrs. Seating capacity 65 covers - Breakfast buffet 07:00 - 10:30 Hrs - Lunch buffet 12:30 - 15:00 Hrs - Dinner buffet 19:30 - 23:00 Hrs - Table Reservations Tele: 91 44 28161000, 43911000 Copper Chimney . 74, Cathedral Road, Gopalapuram, Chennai. (Opposite the Chola Sheraton). Mainly North Indian and Iranian inspired dish. Specialities: Bagani Bahar, Paneer Musselum. Rated expensive. Open: 12:00 to 3:00 PM, 7:00 to 12:00 PM. Table Reservations Tele: 91 44 28115770, 28114941 The Great Kabab Factory . Radisson G R T Hotel, G. S.T. Road, St Thomas Mount, Chennai, 600016. Specialities: Galoutti Kabab, Tangri and Murgh Malai Kababs, Fish and Mutton Kababs. They serve alcohol and have valet parking. Pricing: Rated expensive. Open: 12:00PM to 2:45PM, 7:00PM to 11:45PM, Table Reservations Tele: 91 44 22310101 Navaratna . Le Royal Meridien, Le Royal Mridien,1 GST Road, St. Thomas Mount, Chennai-600016. Indian 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. Rated very expensive. Open: For Lunch from 12.00 Noon to 3.00 PM amp For Dinner from 7.00 to 11.45PM. Table Reservations Tele: 91 44 22314343, 91 44 43534545 Tandoor . Quality Inn Aruna Hotel, 4th Floor, 144 amp 145, Sterling Road, Nungambakkam. Chennai - 600034. Specialties: North Indian, Punjabi, Tandoori and Mongolian amenities: outdoor seating and valet parking. Serves alcohol. Table reservations Tele: 91 44 28262626, 91 44 28283636. Kayal . Seafood Restaurant of Le Royal Meridien, 1, G. S.T. Road, St. Thomas Mount. Chennai 600016. Specialities: Coriander Prawn, Seafood Platter, Kadia Lobster, Prawn Biryani. Nice complimentary garlic bread with butter. Rated very expensive. Open: 7:00 to 11:30 PM. Table reservations Tele: 91 44 22314343, 91 44 43534545 Dakshin . Park Sheraton Hotel and Towers, 132, T. T.K. Road, Alwarpet, Chennai. South Indian Cuisines - Dakshin offers the rare pleasures of ethnic coastal and regional cuisines. The choicest cuisine of the four southern states served in a regal setting. Live Carnatic music. Expensive but excellent food - Starters include traditional, kuli paniyaram. Try the Idi Appam or Appam with mutton stew. Desert: Kulfi. Open: 12.30 to 2.45 PM, 7.30 to 11.45 PM. Table reservations Tele: 91 44 24994101. Southern Spice . Taj Coromandel, Nungambakkam High Road, Nungambakkam. 91 44 55002827. Benjarong . 146, TTK Road, Alwarpet, Chennai 600018, The authentic flavor of Thailand. Seating capacity 68 covers. Open: 12.15 PM to 2.45 PM and 7.15 PM to 11.45 PM. Table reservations Tele: 91 44 24322640 Drink editadd listing Chennai is a difficult place in which to drink. Government rules state that only establishments with a minimum of 21 bedrooms can obtain a barliquor license. Hence there are no standalone bars or pubs here. All the bars that are around are part of a hotel and are far apart. This makes traditional drinking activities like pub crawling an impossibility. Drinking is a habit of two social classes in India: the lower sections of the society and the highest. As a result, you will either find dingy places or exceptionally classy ones. Government run liquor stores called TASMAC are all over the place but, in general, not at all a pleasant experience. They usually have rude staff, are filthy and do not have the brand of your choice. Also, they tend to mark up each bottle by 5 to 10 over the listed price. Go for it if you want a one time war-like experience in order to obtain some booze. Clubs and discotheques may be thought to be a rarity in conservative Chennai, but there are plenty and the list is growing. Compared to other cities, Chennai has no curfews over closing hours, so theoretically they can be open 24hours, but most clubs and bars close by 3am. Most bars double as night clubs. Budget edit The Pub . Liberty Park Hotel, 1st Main Road, Kodambakkam, Ph - 24725950 Paradise Bar . Aruna Hotel, 20 South Usman Road, T Nagar, Chennai - 600017, Ph - 243465650834 Nandini Palace . 14, Giri Rd, Lakshimi Colony, T. Nagar, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600017, India, Ph - 91 44 4212 Mid-range edit Bike and Barrel . Residency Towers, T. Nagar. Nice ambience there are 2 levels-lower level for couples and upper level for stags. Nice sitting arrangement, but can get crowded. Expect to spend around 1000 for 2 people for drinks and food. Champagne amp Cider . Grand Orient, Anna Salai (Mount Road). Crystal . Hotel Ranjit, Nungambakkam High road, Nungambakkam. Grammy . Hotel Sabhari, Thirumala Pillai Road, T. Nagar, Ph - Platinum . (Formerly HFO), Hotel Quality inn Aruna, Sterling Road, Nungambakkam Hudson . Harrisons Hotel, 315, Valluvarkottam High Road, Nungambakkam, Ph - 42222777 Has two levels. Hudson Upper and H2O. Cramped seating providing very little privacy. The liquor stable is limited to the local brands and a bottle or two of Scotch. Society . Hotel Ambassador Pallava, Montieth road, Egmore, Ph - 28554476 Pretty small. Crowd is predominantly hotel guests. Attire is business casual and drinks are a little pricy. Diesel . G. N Chetty Road, T. Nagar Cambridge . Hotel Dee Cee Manor, GN Chetty Road, T. Nagar Million Dollars . Hotel Ambica Empire, 100 Feet road, Vadapalani Star Rock . Kodambakkam High Road (Next to Palmgrove hotel), Nungambakkam Zero bar . Quality Inn Sabari, ground floor, 29 Thirumalai Pillai Road, T. Nagar, Chennai - 600 017 Splurge edit OPM - Nightclub . The Accord Metropolitan, 35,G. N.Chetty Road, TNagar, Chennai - Open: 18:00 Hrs Onwards. Closed on Mondays and Tuesdays but available for private events. Information and Reservations: Tele: 91 44 28161000 43911000 Zodiac - Lounge Bar . The Accord Metropolitan, 35,G. N.Chetty Road, TNagar, Chennai - Popular labels, ingenious cocktails, rare blends of liquor amp a wide selection of hot and cold canaps. Open: Monday to Friday:16:00-23:00 Hrs, Saturday amp Sunday:11.00-23.00 Hrs - Seating capacity 76- Information and Reservations: Tele: 91 44 28161000 43911000 Geoffreys - The Pub, Radha Regent (formerly - Radha Park Inn), 171, Jawaharlal Nehru Salai, Inner Ring Road, Arumbakkam, Chennai 600106. Decor is a mix of British and American - very contemporary and trendy looking - pool tables, swinging DJs and live shows. An area of 2700 sq ft with 97 covers which makes it the largest of its kind in the city. Open: 4 pm to 11 pm on all days. Information and reservations: Tele: 91 44 66778899 The Westminister . Park Sheraton Hotel and Towers, Chamiers Road, Alwarpet. 91 44 2499 4101. Zara . Cathedral Road. Dublin . Park Sheraton Hotel and Towers, Chamiers Road, Alwarpet, Ph - 24994101 Durrants Bar . Chola Sheraton, Cathedral Road, Ph - 28110101 Distil Bar . Taj Connemara, Binny Road Leather Bar . The Park, Nungambakkam High Road The largest liquor stable in Chennai - includes hard to source Moet amp Chandon, Glenfiddich and a variety of other scotch. Loud Music. The Rain Bar . Hotel Raintree, St. Marys Road, Alwarpet The Havana . Hotel Raintree, St. Marys Road, Alwarpet 10 Downing Street Kences Inn Hotel, North Boag Road, T Nagar Elixir Lounge Bar 72 Located in Emall hotel, Express Avenue Mall, Gate No 1, Pattullous Road, Anna Salai, Chennai 600 002.Tele: 91 044 2846 3333, 91 044 2846 3392. Indulge yourself with some of our fine liquor, exotic cocktails and amazing concoctions, along with an eclectic choice of delicious finger food and savory cuisine from all over the world. Local Specialities - Soft Drinks edit Tender Coconut Definitely try a tender coconut on a hot summers day. Available on roadside stalls at 20 a coconut. NeerMoar Spicy butter milk, with local seasoning. Available at most South Indian restaurants. Fruit Bizz ( Adyar signal ), left corner building from ananda bhavan road to guindy. This is one of the best juice shops very famous in adyar region. Shop open from morning 10 am till 1am. 30-50. 160edit DOJO KULFIS Definite visit for Kulfis, Ice creams, Faloodas, Smoothies amp coolers. Situated in Kutchery Road, Mylapore and Ennore. They also supply to leading restaurants, hotels and food courts. Contact 91 99620 22850, maildojokulfis, dojokulfis Sleep editadd listing Alcove Service Apartments Chennai. Anandapuram, Off Dr. Ranga Road, Mylapore. Chennai 600004. 91-9900578231 (stayalcove. co. in ), 73. Single room. Independent 3 or 4 BHK Apartments, Air-conditioned rooms, Lounge and dining area and independent bathrooms, TV, fully furnished kitchen with refrigerator, microwave, toaster, mixer, grinder and gas stove complimentary breakfast, free wi-fi internet 160edit Broadlands lodging house No 18, Vallabha Agraharam Street, (opp. Star Theatre) Triplicane - a travellers institution which is very popular with the backpacker crowd, leafy courtyard, a rustic feel to the whole hotel, good rooms are situated to the back of the hotel and one of the most recommended rooms are room 43 and 44 which are roof cottages. Rooms start at 400 for single without ensuite and 450 for single ensuite. Great place to get over your jet-lag and get acclimatized to india. Walking distance from the beach and 10 minute rickshaw ride to most places you would like to see in Chennai-email: broadlandshotelyahoo. Kanchi . C-in-C Road, Egmore Old Woodlands ,(a. k.a Royapettah WoodlandsWoodlands Hotel that is next to Woodlands Theatre) in Royapettah. Phone: 91 44 2848 2150, 91 44 2848 2152. Little known, but an excellent place to stay. The hotel building is at least one hundred years old and stands in the middle of sprawling grounds and surrounded by massive trees. The main building was once the palace of Raja of Ramnad. The auto-rickshawstaxis will not tell you about the place as the hotel does not pay a commission to middlemen. Pay no more than 40 rupees to get there from the railway station. New Woodlands Hotel . 74 It is sometimes crowded and a tad busy. There is a nice quiet art gallery and cafe nearby, the ashvitha cafe. Recommended for those wanting to slow down and soak in the pace of life in Chennai. Theaters and shopping arcades are close by. Sri Krishna Residency . Ph: 044 24643617 South mada street. Mylapore. Hotel Karpagam International, Ph: 24613701, South mada street, Mylapore. Hotel Regent . 11 Kennet Lane. Phone: 91 44 2825 3347. Zam Zam Guest House. 91 4442664508. checkin: 24 hrs checkout: 24 hrs. Newly built with clean spotless rooms and nice staff. It is located about 100m behind Thaj Regency Hotel on the small street. Look for the black marble entrance and sign. All rooms have bath, fan, sat TV, intercom and wifi, although from the third floor up you may have difficult time getting the signal. Squat toilets only. No mosquito nets on the windows. Official prices start from Mid-range edit 2925) means two single beds. Comfort Inn Marina Towers . 2A Ponniamman Koiil Street Egmore, Phone: 91 44 2858 5454, Fax: 91 44 2858 5454, 75 Dakshin . Venkatnarayana Road, Near Nandanam Signal, T. Nagar Dee-Cee Manor . GN Chetty Road, T. Nagar GRT Grand Days Grand Orient . Anna Salai (Near Anand Theatre) Harrisons . 315, Valluvarkottam High Road, Nungambakkam, Ph - 91 44 5222 2777 Imperial Serviced Apartment . 11 Harrington Road, Chetpet, Chennai - 600031. Highly recommended and suitable for both long term as well as short term stays 91 98417 42520 76 . Lemon Tree Hotel, Chennai . Sardal Patel Rd, Guindy, 77 . Somerset Greenways Chennai. No 94 Sathyadev Avenue, MRC Nagar. Located just 10 minutes from the central business district in Chennai, you can travel conveniently throughout the city while enjoying the comforts of home with designer layouts, furnishings and facilities presented at these contemporary serviced apartments. 160edit The Raintree Hotel. 636, Anna Salai, Teynampet, Chennai, India 600035. 4443939999. 78. Located in the city centre of Chennai, India, the modern Raintree Hotel features 105 contemporary guest rooms, Jacuzzi, bamboo wood flooring, flat screen TV and high speed internet. ( 13.0339982. -80.2440313 ) 160edit Opposite the Raj Bhavan. 1500-2800 plus taxes. Peninsula . GN Chetty Road, T. Nagar President . Radhakrishna Salai, Mylapore Raj Residency. 22 Kennet Lane, Egmore ( 2 min walk from the Egmore railway station ), 81. USD 17-147. 160edit Ranjit . Nungambakkam High Road, Residency . GN Chetty Road, T. Nagar Residency Towers . Boag Road, T. Nagar Westin Park . Montieth Road, Egmore Aspni Inn. 77 Jawaharlal Nehru Road, 100 Feet Road, Vadapalani, Chennai - 600 026, Tamilnadu, India. 91 44 2362 2284. 82. Aspni Inn the Luxury amp Business class hotel is situated nearby Chennai Metropolitan Bus Terminus and Vadapalani Lord Murugan Temple. Aspni Inn has 51 Luxurious Rooms. Rates start at 1000. 160edit Aloft by Starwood Hotels - 83 - 102 Rajiv Gandhi Salai, Sholinganallur, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600 119 - Opened 1 July 2010 - from Best Guest House. 29 amp 31 South Usman Road, Corner of Damodaran Street, Opp, T. Nagar Bus Terminus, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600017 ( opposite T Nagar Bus Terminus ), 91-44-24360717 24360718. checkin: 24 hours checkout: 24 hours. Double and triple ac and non-ac rooms with bathrooms and cable TV. 300-1,000. ( 13 2 0.48. 80 13 50.45 ) 160edit Splurge edit The closest hotels to the airport are The Trident . Le Royal Meridian . Hilton and Radisson GRT Hotel all five star properties. The Accord Metropolitan . 35, G N Chetty Road, T Nagar, Tel: 91 44 2816 10004391 1000, Fax: 91 44 2816 1001, 84 ,85. Chennais Premier Five Star Hotel. Ambassador Pallava . 30, Montieth Road, Egmore, tel: 91 44 2855 4476, Fax: 91 44 2855 4492, pallavaambassadorindia. 86. Reasonable value and friendly staff. My Fortune . Cathedral Road, tel: 91 44 2811 0101, Fax: 91 44 2811 0202, 87 . Courtyard Chennai. 564, Anna Salai. 91-44-66764000. 88. Known by locals simply as the Marriott . this is a gorgeous, recently renovated business hotel located on the western edge of the city core, near the airport. Two restaurants, gym, no pool. 7100 and up. 160edit Hyatt Regency . 365 Anna Salai, Teynampet, tel: 91 44 6100 1235, 89 . ITC Hotel Park Sheraton amp Towers . T. T.K. Road, Alwarpet, tel: 91 44 2499 4101, Fax: 91 44 2499 7101, 90 . Le Royal Meridian . Business District, 1 GST Road, St. Thomas Mount (Near Kathipara Junction), tel: 91 44 2231 4343, Fax: 91 44 2231 4344, 91 . The Park . 601 Anna Salai (next to the Anna Flyover), tel: 91 44 5214 4000, Fax: 91 44 5214 4100, 92. Modern style with a film theme. Radisson GRT Hotel . Radisson GRT Hotel, 531, GST Road, St. Thomas Mount (Near Kathipara Junction), tel: 91 44 2231 0101. Taj Connamera . Binny Road, tel: 91 44 5500 0000, 93 . Taj Coromandel . 37, Mahatma Gandhi Road, Nungambakkam, tel: 91 44 5500 2827, 94 . Trident Chennai . 124, G. S.T. Road, tel: 91 44 2234 4747, Fax: 91 44 2234 4555, chennaitrident-hilton. 95 . Emall Hotel (E hotel, Chennai) 96. Express Avenue Mall, Gate 1, Patullos Road, Tel: 91 44 2846 3333, e-mail: bookingsemallhotel. A chic and trendy boutique hotel at the business hub of Chennai located in Express Avenue Mall. Specious rooms, 24 hours Wi-Fi connectivity, the 40 LED TV, global vegetarian restaurant, mini bar and an electronic safe. Stay safe edit Chennai is generally a safer area of India in terms of crime, although pickpocketing, muggings, and robberies sporadically occur. Keep your doors and windows shut and locked at night and do not carry or display large amounts of cash if possible. It is advisable for women, especially unaccompanied ones, to dress modestly and limit their interaction with unfamiliar local men. Foreigners were generally overcharged by auto-rickshaws simply because they were ignorant of the prevailing fares and are still now. However with recent regulations coming in from 2013, it is compulsory for autos to run on meters. The minimum standard rate is Rs 251.8 km, over which Rs. 12.50km. In the night (10.00 PM o 6.00 AM) the fares are charged 50 extra. It is necessary to confirm whether the driver knows the exact destination. Autos, as auto-rickshaws are known in Chennai, are notorious for fleecing customers, tourists and locals alike so before getting into an auto ask if the driver will set the meter on. Be alert to your surroundings and watch where you step, especially if you get caught in a large crowd where it is difficult to look at what is in front of you. Cross streets extremely carefully as traffic is generally heavy. On major roads, use the underground crossings (locally called subways). Avoid using underground road-crossing subways in the night or if you notice them to be empty. Traffic signals are frequently ignored by drivers and pedestrians alike, and it is not at all advisable for tourists to try driving in Chennai. Stay healthy edit While in Chennai it is advisable to drink only bottled water . Do not trust water from small local restaurants as it may be from the tap, and avoid cold or iced drinks that are not commercially sold (Bigger chains of eateries and juice shops can be trusted to an extent). Eating fresh vegetables and fruits that have sat outside in the presence of insects can also be unhealthy, although bananas and coconuts are usually safe because they are opened only immediately before eating. Hot drinks in restaurants such as tea, coffee, and other local specialties are safe, as are packagedbottled drinks such as Aquafina water, Frooti (a popular local mango drink) and others. If you have access to a stove, boiling tap water before drinking is also an option. Never eat from roadside shops as the food is prepared in the most unhygienic conditions. Chennai summers are humid and sultry its better to step out with an umbrella . bottled water and some oral rehydration salts (available from pharmacies, the brand name is Electral). These come in handy if you happen to get dehydrated. Chennai is the medical capital of South East Asia. Hospitals edit Apollo Hospitals . Greams Lane, Off Greams Road, Nungambakkam Tel - 28293333 Aysha Hospital . 91A Millers Rd. Tel: 26426930. Balaji Hospital G. S.T Road, Guindy, Tel - 22345282 New Hope Medical Centre . Kilpauk, Tel - 25321532, 97 CSI Rainy Hospital . Royapuram, Tel - 25951329 Hindu Mission Hospital . 103, G. S.T. Road, Tambaram West, Tel: 22262244, 98 . Madras Medical Mission . Moggapair 37 -26565961 91, 99 . Ramachandra Hospital . Porur Tel:91 44 2476 8403 Dr. Kamakshi memorial Hospital . No1, Radial Road, pallikaranai, Chennai 600 100 100 Dr. Mehtas Hospital, No2,McNichols Road,3rd Lane, Chetpet, Chennai 31-Tel:4227100042271004 Devaki Hospitals . Opposite to Rangachari cloth store mylapore Pharmacies edit Kanthi Pharmacy . No 12,L. B.Road, Adyar, Chennai-20 ph: 24915410 Apollo Pharmacy . All Over the City Health amp Glow . Spencers Plaza (Phase 3), Mount Road Nungambakkam High Road Madras Medical Mission . 24 Hr. Pharmacy, Mogappiar, Chennai-37 101 The Psychotherapy Clinic ,261, Arcot Street, T.nagar, Chennai 600 017 102 MY MOTHER PHARMACY, E.B. COLONY, CHENNAI-88 Contact edit Landlines edit BSNL 103 and Airtel 104 Reliance, Tata, are main providers of terrestrial telephone lines in Chennai. You can make long distance calls from one of the many booths that display NSDISD i. e. National Subscriber Dialing (National Long Distance) and International Subscriber Dialing (International Long Distance). Calling cards are also available with these providers which are considerably cheap. Mobile Phones edit Cell phone rates are one of the cheapest in the world. GSM service providers: BSNL 105 GSM Triband with 3G services AirTel 106 GSM Triband with 3G and 4G services Vodafone 107 GSM Triband with 3G services AirCel 108 GSM Triband with 3G services Reliance GSM launced in 2009 Tata DOCOMO GSM launched in 2009 Idea GSM launched in 2009 and providing 3G services MTS CDMA launched in 2009 mtsindia. in You can buy a sim card with a photo and a copy of your passport. For making long distance calls Aircel is cheaper with 49 card calls to US and Canada will be 1.50Min. this will work only in home network. For other destinations Please check with operator. CDMA service providers are Reliance 109 , TATA Indicom 110. Virgin Mobile and MTS . Starter packs and top-up cards can be picked up from numerous outlets. Seemles roming across the country is provided by all providers. Internet edit There are several internet cafes from where you can access the internet for sending email or uploading your digital photos. Reliance WebWorld . incorporating JavaGreen coffee shops, Spencers Plaza, Anna Salai (Mount Road) TTK Road, Alwarpet, Besant Nagar, L. B.Road, Adyar. The TTK Road branch has free wifi if you use the coffee shop. Sify iway . 111 Several of them in the city Apart from that you can access Internet provided in your hotel or if you are staying long you can buy Internet packs from all mobile providers. Cope edit ATMs edit ATMs are commonplace, you will not be more than 200m from an ATM. Most international creditdebit cards are charged a transaction fee of 150 on top of whatever your bank charges except if they have an agreement of some kind with local banks. Major exception to this rule is State Bank of India, which does not add any transaction fee. Deutsche Bank . 114, Kothari Building, Nungambakkam High Road, Nungambakkam - Part of Global ATM Alliance. BNP Paribas . Prince Towers, 3rd Fl, 2526, College Road, Chennai 12 American Express . Near Anand Theatre, Anna Salai (Mount Road) Citibank . Opp Spencers Plaza, Anna Salai, GN Chetty Road, Opposite Citi Centre, Velachery Highway, Nanganallur ABN Amro . Harrington Road, Opp Residency Hotel on GN Chetty Road, Adyar - Sardar Patel Road, TTK Road HSBC . Adyar, Mylapore, Pondy Bazzar, Tidel Park, Kadar Nawaz Khan Road, Annanagar, Rajaji Salai, Kathipara Junction Andhra BANK . All over Chennai HDFC Bank . ITC Centre, Anna Salai (Mount Road),Anna Nagar(West) All over Chennai ICICI Bank . All over Chennai Axis Bank . All over Chennai Standard Chartered Bank . Haddows Road State Bank of India . All over Chennai. They have an ATM locator online Indian Overseas Bank . All over Chennai Indian bank, All over chennai Oriental Bank of Commerce, Adyar LB Road, Mylapore, G N Chetty Road, T Nagar Money changers edit Many hotels will change money for you at the front desk. However, they may not have the best rates. It is best to change money at the city based money changers than the ones located at the airports. The ones at the airport offer much less for exchanging forex into Indian Rupees and sell forex for a much higher rate than the market rate. American Express . Spencers Plaza, Anna salai Thomas Cook . Spencers Plaza, Anna salai Beauty parlors amp hair salons edit Celeste Beauty Salon . Spencer Plaza,(Mobile -9941130508) F-26. Phase 1, First floor. Chennai 600002 Ayush . Anna Nagar (Ph - 262231022622344626203862), Kilpauk (Ph - 5217963526472298), Mylapore (Ph - 5206707130907691) - Therapy includes Abhyangam . Abhyangam with Pichu . Abhyangam with local Pizhichil . Abhyangam with Thalam . Udvartanam . Abhyangam with Nasyam . Abhyangam with local Navarakizhi . Muka Lepam Anushka ,6,Thyagaraya Road, Pondy Bazaar, T. Nagar, Ph - 52179197 Green Trends . 1576, 13th Main Road, Anna Nagar (ph - 26161534) Ashok Nagar (Ph - 52193636) Adyar (Ph - 24451759) Purusawakkam (Ph - 52174414) Taylors Road, Kilpauk (Ph - 26453331) T. Nagar (Ph - 28143886) Velachery (Ph - 22445590) Virugambakkam (Ph - 55511973) - Exotic natural treatments like Strawberry facial, Avocado Butter Massage Facial, Red Banana Facial, Baby-Corn under eye treatment etc etc Jazzy . North Boag Road, T. Nagar Lakme . Adayar (Ph - 24469730), Alwarpet (Ph - 24662481), Anna Nagar (Ph - 26268841), Ashok Nagar (Ph - 23750207), Kilpauk (Ph - 52179634), Nungambakkam (Ph - 28333050), T. Nagar (Ph - 28155577) Salon Nayana . GN Chetty Road, T. Nagar, Ph - 28256064 Style Mantra - Makeover Concepts . Nungambakkam (Ph - 28280066), R. K. Salai (Ph - 28110707) Dollys beauty parlour . Elcanso Plaza, Egmore, ph: 9840118882 Gyms edit Mind N Body 360degree Fitness Studio - Ramapuram amp Mugalivakkam. 9600030058, 8754409900, 044-42014949 Body Sports Gym - Govindan Road, Saidapet. 9841151091 Blue Boutique Gym -329, TTK Road, Alwarpet.24996045,24996064. Talwalkars . Near Khader Nawaz Road, Nungambakkam Talwalkars . 23rd Cross Street, Indira Nagar, Adyar O2 Gym 112 . Kader Nawaz Road, Nungambakkam, Velachery Soldiers Gym . Triplicane High Road, Triplicane (and on Anna Salai) Golds Gym No 111, Lattice Bridge Road, NPL Devi, 7th and 8th Floor, Adyar, Chennai - 600041 Post edit Post Offices are a common sight, although they may be discreet without big advertisings. Snail Mail in India is by a Post Card (25Ps), Inland Letter Rs 5, or envelope Rs 5. The Speed Post facility allows you to send mail more conveniently than a courier service. Public Telephones in India are available on almost every street usually painted with the letters PCO (Public Call office, local calls), STD (Subscriber Trunk Dialing) and ISD (International Subscriber Dialing). All booths have electronic metering and you pay whats displayed on the meter. (Included in the metering is a nominal Rs 2 as service charges). Youll also get a receipt if you insist on one. Libraries amp Cultural Centres edit British Council - Anna Salai, Phone - 52050600 Ext 350351. 113 Connemara Library - Pantheon Road, Egmore, Phone 28193751. 114 Max Mueller Bhavan (German) - Khadar Nawaz Khan Rd. Nungambakkam. 115 American Information Resource Center Library (located within the American Consulate - see list of consulates) High Commissions edit Canada. 18 (Old 24), 3F, YAFA Tower, Khader Nawaz Khan Rd, Nungambakkam. 91 44 2833-0888. 116. 160edit Chile. Oakland House, 7 Adayar Club Gate Rd. 91 44 2434-0610. 117. 160edit Finland Honorary Consul. 202 Anna Salai. 91 44 2852-4141 (finconschennaigmail. fax. 91 44 2852-1253 ), 118. 160edit Germany. 9 Boat Club Rd. 91 44 2430-1600. 119. M-F 08:00-11:30. 160edit Greece. 37 Sterling Road, Nungambakkam. 91 44-8203663 (nkumarindchem. fax. 91 44-8200038 ). 160edit Japan. No.121 Cenetoph Rd Ist St, Teynampet. 91 44-24323860. 120. 160edit Argentina. San Luis Commercial Office ,6163 Dr. Radhakrishnan Salai, Mylapore. 160edit Armenia ( Honorary Consulate ). Shivsu Towers, 149 Poonamallee High Road, Kilpauk 160edit Australia ( Consulate General ), 9th Floor, Express Chambers, Express Avenue Estate, Whites Road, Royapettah. 160edit Austria, Honorary Consulate, Kothari Buildings, 115 Nungambakkam High Road, Nungambakkam. Belgium, Honorary Consulate, Spic House, 97 Anna Salai, Guindy. Czech Republic, Honorary Consulate,64 Thirumalai Pillai Road, T.Nagar. Denmark, Consulate,9 Cathedral Road, Gopalapuram. Ethiopia, Honorary Consulate,83 First Main Road, R.A. Puram. France, Honorary Consulate, Shri Vishwavandita, 19 Poes Garden, Gopalapuram. Hungary, Honorary Consulate, Tiam House, 28 Rajaji Road, Georgetown. Iceland, Honorary Consulate, Bhavani Mansion, 2nd Floor, 4th Lane, 3 Nungambakkam High Road, Nungambakkam. Indonesia, Honorary Consulate,2-D, Eldorado Building, 2nd Floor, 112 Nungambakkam High Road. Nungambakkam. Ireland, Honorary Consulate, Mecheri Centre, 49 Eldams Road, Teynampet. Kyrgyzstan, Honorary Consulate, 2nd Floor, 35-36 Greams Road, Thousand Lights. Latvia, Honorary Consulate, Khivraj Complex II, 2nd Floor, 480 Anna Salai, Nandanam. Liberia, Honorary Consulate,18 Cenatoph Road, Alwarpet. Luxembourg, Honorary Consulate,2D South Gate, 17 Kasturi Rangan Road, Alwarpet. Malawi, Honorary Consulate,8341 Armenian Street, Golf Links, Gopalapuram. Maldives, Honorary Consulate, Royal Textiles Mills Ltd, 22 (Old 855) Anna Salai, Mount Road. Malta, Honorary Consulate,10 II Street, Seethamal Colony, Alwarpet. Mauritius, Honorary Consulate, RR Tower, 9495 Block 6, 8th Floor, Guindy Industrial Estate, Guindy. Mongolia, Honorary Consulate, Agastyar Manor, 20 Raja Street, T. Nagar. Netherlands, Honorary Consulate,8081, 7th Floor, MBC Towers, Alwarpet. New Zealand, Honorary Consulate, Rane Engine Valves Ltd, Maithri, 132 Cathedral Road, Gopalapuram. Norway Consulate, Harbour Gate House, P. O. Box 1396, 4445 Rajaji Salai Georgetown. Paraguay, Honorary Consulate, AVM Studios, NSK Salai, Vadapalani. Philippines, Honorary Consulate, Spic House, Annex Building, 8th Floor, 88 Anna Salai, Guindy. Serbia, Honorary Consulate,3D, 5 Murrays Gate Road, Alwarpet. Seychelles, Honorary Consulate, Hello Telecom (P) Ltd, 62 Veerabadran Street, Nungambakkam. Singapore, CONSULATE GENERAL,17-A North Boag Road, T. Nagar. Slovenia, Honorary Consulate, Shanthi Apartments, Flat No. 4, 1st Floor, No. 22 Judge Jambulingam Road, Mylapore. South Africa, Honorary Consulate,19 Rajaji Salai, Georgetown. South Korea, Honorary Consulate, Chaitanya, 19, 3rd Floor, 12 Khader Nawaz Khan Road, Nungambakkam. Spain, Honorary Consulate, 6 Nimmo Road, Santhome. Sri Lanka, DEPUTY HIGH COMMISSION,196 T. T.K. Road, Alwarpet. Sweden, Honorary Consulate,6 Cathedral Road, Gopalapuram. Switzerland, Honorary Consulate, I-6 Dr. V. S.I. Estate, Rajiv Gandhi Salai, Thiruvanmiyur. Thailand, CONSULATE GENERAL, 2122 Arunchalam Road, Kotturpuram. Turkey, Honorary Consulate, The KCP Ltd. Ramakrishna Building, 2 Dr. P. V. Cherian Crescent, Egmore. Turkmenistan, Honorary Consulate,3 Mangesh Street, T. Nagar. Zambia, Honorary Consulate, Rosy Tower, II Floor, 7 Nungambakkam High Road, Nungambakkam. Malaisie. New no.7,Old no.3,Cenotaph Road,1st street, teynampet, Chennai-600018 ( Near SIET College ), 9144-28226895. 09:00am to 05:00pm. 160edit Russia. Santhome High Rd, Santhome ( Next to St. Bedes School ). 160edit United Kingdom. 20 Anderson Rd, Nungambakkam. 91 44 4219-2151 (bdhcchenvsnl. fax. 91 44 42192322 ). M-F 08:30-13:00 and 13:30-16:00. 160edit United States. 220 Anna Salai ( Near Gemini Flyover ), 121. secret. 160edit Get out edit East Coast Road (ECR) edit The East Coast Road (ECR), named for the stretch of coastline which the road abutts, is a two-lane state highway which connects Chennai with Pondicherry. The stretch of road, especially between Chennai and Mahabalipuram. is a popular weekend getout with a number of beaches, resorts, amusement and theme parks and multiplexes. Some of the important tourist spots on this stretch include: Marundeswarar Temple 122 (14 kms from Chennai) is a 11th century Hindu temple located barely a few hundred metres into the East Coast Road. that one comes across on the route. The presiding deity is Shiva. Cholamandalam Artists Village: 123 (21 kms from Chennai) 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. VGP Universal Kingdom 124 (23 kms from Chennai) Started in Injambakkam village in 1975 as the VGP Golden Beach, the Universal Kingdom is the oldest amusement park along the ECR and also the first of its kind in Tamil Nadu. Ploughing a lonely furrow for decades, the Universal Kingdom has been facing stiff competition from other amusement and theme parks in the last two decades. Though this has a caused a significant fall in revenues, the VGP Universal Kingdom still maintains a significant though much-reduced presence along the beach. The Prarthana Drive In Theatre and Restaurant: 125 nearby was started in 1991 and advertises itself as the worlds first beach drive-in theatre and Indias only beachside drive-in theatre. Kart Attack: 126 (23 kms from Chennai) Situated in Akkarai village next to Injambakkam, Kart Attack is the first karting centre in Chennai and the most popular one. It has also been instrumental in creating a few go karting champions also. There is also an RC car race track next to Hot Kitchen Restaurant nearby. Mayajaal: 127 (29 kms from Chennai) Started in Kanathur village in 1997, Mayajaal, which extends for over 100,000 sq. ft is Asias largest multiplex theatre. The complex includes movie theatres, bowling alleys, video games parlours and multicuisine food courts. The multiplex is open from 11 AM to 11 PM every day. The MGM Dizzee World . situated nearby is a theme park that offers joy rides, food stalls and other games. It is spread over an area of 27 acres. Dakshinachitra: (128 ) (30 kms from Chennai) Dakshinachitra is a museum of art, architecture, lifestyles, crafts and performing arts of South India. It was started by Deborah Thiagarajan, an art and crafts lover in 1996. Muttukadu Boat House: (35 kms from Chennai) Started in 1984, the Muttukadu Boat House offers rowing, wind surfing, water skiing, and speedboat riding facilities. There are a total of 15 row boats, 27 speedboats and 9 pedal boats besides two high-speed aqua scooters. The boat house is maintained by the Tamil Nadu Tourism Development Corporation (TTDC) and is visited by more than 4,000 people every weekend. Covelong (36 kms from Chennai) . locally known as Kovalam, is a small fishing village that was fortified by the Nawab of Carnatic, Saadat Ali in the 18th century. A former Dutch colony, the fort was taken by the French under General Labourdonnais in 1746. Covelong was conquered by Robert Clive in 1752 and the fort was destroyed. The Beach is separated from the mainland by the canal running from Chennai to Mahabalipuram. The Taj Group of Hotels runs the Fishermans Cove Resort on a building of Dutch colonial vintage. There is a Catholic church, Hindu temple and Muslim darga on the beach. Sunbathing here attracts much less attention than in the city beaches. Wind surfing is a popular sport on the beach. Crocodile Bank Trust 129 (40 kms from Chennai) The brainchild of Romulus Whittaker, the acknowledged specialist on reptiles, this center has gained fame as an endeavor for the preservation and propagation of endangered species of crocodiles. The center also houses a large variety of snakes. To get to Crocodile Bank from Chennai (Triplicane), you need to get on the PP19BX bus (runs along the beach) to Kovalum, which is the last stop for 14 (75mins30km). Then at this same intersection, get on 588CX bus to Mamallapurum (7Km7mins) for 1418AC. The entry fee is 35locals60foreigners w a 20 still camera 40 video camera fee. Some people know it as a farmpark rather than a bank if you are asking for directions. Saluvankuppam (47 kms from Chennai) A fishing village, 5 kms from Mahabalipuram, which is known for a Pallava-era monument known as the Tiger Cave . Maintained by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) and dating to the 8th century AD, the Tiger Cave is a popular family picnic spot enroute to Mahabalipuram. Krishnas Butter Ball - Mamallapuram Mamallapuram or Mahabalipuram: (52 kms from Chennai) The world-famous tourist destination includes two UNESCO World Heritage monuments - the Pancha Rathas and the Shore Temple . The Pancha Rathas are believed to have been the work of the Pallava king Narasimhavarman I (also known as Mamalla) (630-668) while the Shore Temple was constructed by the Pallava king Narasimhavarman II (also known as Rajasimha) (695-722). The Shore Temple is one of the oldest structural temples constructed in Tamil Nadu. The temples are listed as monuments of national importance and maintained by the ASI. ECR beyond Mahabalipuram edit Kalpakkam (67 kms from Chennai) The Madras Atomic Power Station (MAPS), Indias first fully indigenously constructed nuclear power station is situated in Kalpakkam. Sadras (70 kms from Chennai) . or Sadurangapattinam is a former Dutch colony which has a fort maintained by the ASI. Pondicherry (167 kms from Chennai) . a former French colony and administrative headquarters of French India. Restaurants along ECR edit The ECR road abounds with restaurants and eating spots, which offer a wide range of cuisines and tasteful ambience. And you can plan your dinner or lunch in one of these hotels. A few of the food outlets are listed below: Basera Blue Lagoon - Thanjavur Restaurant Food Village - Coastal Kitchen Hot Kitchen Grand Southern Trunk (GST) Road edit Meenambakkam (18 kms from Chennai) The Chennai International Airport is located in Meenambakkam. Tirusulam (19 kms from Chennai) Tirusulam is a municipality in the Kanchipuram district of Tamil Nadu. The Tirusulanathar Temple constructed by the 11th century Chola king Kulothunga I is located in Tirusulam. The temple is dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva and possesses inscriptions from the Chola period. Pallavaram (22 kms from Chennai) A municipality in the Kanchipuram district of Tamil Nadu, Pallavaram gets its name Pallavapuram, as it was an important settlement during the Pallava period. Within the precincts of the Islamic dargah located atop a hill within the town, are a set of 7th century rock-cut shrines or mandapa s believed to have been hewn from rock by the Pallava king Mahendravarman I (600-635). There is also a Sanskrit inscription in grantha characters. Pallavaram is also the place where the oldest man made artifact in India, a hand-held stone axe, was found by Robert Bruce Foote in 1861. This proved that the region was inhabited as early as the Early Palaeolithic, that is 500,000 years before Christ. The hand axe was only the first of many discoveries of the what came to be known as the Madras industry. Vandalur (31 kms from Chennai) The Arignar Anna Zoological Park or Vandalur Zoo is situated in Vandalur. For more details, refer the section on Zoological parks. Singaperumal Koil (47 kms from Chennai) It is a township in Kanchipuram district. It is famous for the Patalathri Sri Ugra Narasimhar Temple, a mountain shrine of the Pallava period (6th to 9th century AD) deicated to Narasimha, an avatar or incarnation of the Hindu god Vishnu. Chengalpattu (55 kms from Chennai) It is a municipality in Kanchipuram district. Chengalpattu is a famous for its mud fort, a few hill shrines and the Kolava Lake. Situated at an elevation of 118 feet, Chengalpattu was a health resort during colonial times. GST beyond Chengalpattu edit Madurantakam (78 kms from Chennai) . A municipality in Kanchipuram district, Madurantakam is known for the Eri Katha Ramar Koil or the Temple of Rama who protected the Tank. It is believed that in 1798, the British District Collector of Chingleput (as Chengalpattu was called back then) named Sir Lionel Blaze had a vision of the Hindu gods Rama and Lakshmana gurading the temple tank each with a bow and a quiver of arrows and hence the name. Melmaruvathur (88 kms from Chennai) Melmaruvathur is known for the Adhi Parasakthi Siddhar Peetham . a famous shrine of Hindu pilgrimage. Tiruchirappalli (320 kms from Chennai) The fourth largest city in Tamil Nadu, Tiruchirappalli, popularly known as Tiruchi or Trichy and in colonial times as Trichinopoly is a popular Hindu pilgrimage centre and manufacturing hub. The Rockfort temples, the Jambukewarar Temple at Thiruvanaikkoil and the Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple at Srirangam are the most important Hindu temples in the city. Archaeological excavations at Uraiyur, a suburb of Tiruchirappalli have revealed the remains of an Early Chola settlement which is almost two thousand years old. Tiruchi is also famous for the Trichinopoly cigars. Temples edit South India is famous for its temples. Even if you arent on a pilgrimage, these are worth a visit if you are interested in grand buildings and architecture. There are 33, 000 temples in and around Chennai. Some of them are Chidambaram 8212 Approximately 250 Kms from Chennai. The famous Lord Nataraja temple which has the golden roof for the moolavar which was offered by Parantaka Chola I . Tiruvallur 8212 Approximately 45 Kms from Chennai. It is famous for its Vaidhya Veera raghava Swami Temple and Sri Viswaroopa Panchamukha Anjaneya Swami Ashram which has a 40 ft tall Murti of Hanuman. Tirupati 8212 Approximately 150 Kms from Chennai, in the state of Andhra Pradesh. Madurai 8212 Home to the famous Meenakshi temple. Tirunelveli 8212 Home to the TamilNadus largest Shiva temple. Nellaiappar Temple . Swamithoppe 8212 Ayya Vaikundar Pathi, religious head quarters of Ayyavazhi. Kanchipuram 8212 Kamakshi temple, seat of one of the Shankaracharyas - the closest Hinduism comes to a spiritual head. Thanjavur 8212 Brihadeswara temple (Big Temple). Tiruvannamalai 8212 Arunachala Temple famous for full moon day girivalam and Deepam Tiruchirapalli 8212 Its situated 350 kms south of chennai. By NH45 Trichy can be reached in 5-6 hrs and it has lot of attractions including the Srirangam temple (Sri Renganathar),Ucchi Pillayar (Rock Fort temple) and the river Cauvery. This is a usable article. It has information for getting in as well as some complete entries for restaurants and hotels. An adventurous person could use this article, but please plunge forward and help it grow
No comments:
Post a Comment