THE MONTHLY AFFAIR: A DATE WITH MY PAYROLL IN CHENNAI

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‘The beginning of the month and the first Sunday’ this combination is like cherry on the cake for all the hard workers longing for stepping out of their home and having fun. The text affirming the salary being credited to our account makes us wanting to spend at least a small amount of it. On a Sunday morning I woke up with the same thought. Welcoming joyfully the much awaited time of the month I took my shopping bag and left for some fun time. 

As a Chennai folk, having a cup of filter coffee is the ideal way of starting my day. So I went to a coffee shop near OMR Chennai. While pondering upon where to go next, I was reminded that just a couple of days back I read about a hidden lane of Sowcarpet street market and some of the happening roof top bars in Chennai. So after gorging on some breakfast, I headed there. 

The moment I reached, I realized that the not-so-known lane is not hidden anymore. The article made it pretty much popular. So without wasting any time, I rushed into the shops. The first thing that caught my eye is the colorful lotus shaped jhumkas, each of them priced only 40 rupees. After buying 2-3 of them, I walked ahead. While strolling down the lane, I was stopped by the beautiful dresses displayed in front of a shop. The collection of boho and millennial styled dresses were worth spending my money on. 

Situated near cafes and bars, Sowcarpet housed some of the popular roof top bars in Chennai. After having lunch at one of them and satisfying myself with the materials I shopped, I happily left for home. 

A One Day Affair with Chennai

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With an exciting merge of peaceful coast and busy streets, Chennai, the lively city gave me a reason to explore its vibrancy. The purpose of getting enrolled in an MPhil course offered by IIT Madras got me here. As I reached the railway station, my lost face indicated the locals that I was clueless about how to reach my destination. With a polite smile, I was advised the direction to my luxury hotel in Chennai.

I decided to stay at one of the hotels near Ascendas IT Park Chennai as it was just 4 km away from the campus. The excessive sweat and scorching heat urged me to take a bath the moment I entered my room. With boundless enthusiasm, I straightaway left to explore the new beginning of my life. 

The renowned institution, IIT Madras, left me awe awestruck right at the first glance. The lush green surrounding, young crowd enjoying a cup of tea in the ground and the magnificent building, everything seemed perfect there. While I was wandering around the campus, I was accompanied by a deer, which was surprisingly left unhurt and unnoticed by the crowd. Guess they are used to species paying the campus a visit once in a while. 

As I was here only for a day, I rushed to explore the popular attractions of the city after my admission procedure. The colorful and creative backdrop in the streets, scrumptious street food and the sunset in Marina Beach just stole my heart. With the aim of not missing my train, I rushed to my luxury hotel in Chennai to get my luggage. 

Even if it was only for few hours, I truly enjoyed Chennai’s welcoming vibes. 

An Insider’s Guide to Make the Most of a Visit to Chennai!

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Chennai is known for many things – the germination of Bharatnatyam, Marina Beach, temples with Dravidian architecture, the aroma of filter coffee found in any quintessential house and the scent of jasmine that fills the streets. But there’s much more to this city than what meets the eye! Here’s a list of some fun ways to spend your time in Chennai:

1. Semmozhi Poonga

For starters, we have Semmozhi Poonga, a botanical garden located around the hotels near Tidel Park, Chennai. The impeccable landscaping, coupled with an artificial pond having ducks, makes this park a fun place to hang out at for all those who love natural photography.  

2. Escape Cinemas

Another welcoming ‘escape’ from the city’s humdrum is Escape Cinemas where you can watch the latest blockbusters with your family and friends. Tollywood, Bollywood, Hollywood – there’s something for everyone.

3. Express Avenue Mall

You can also visit Express Avenue Mall and shop to your heart’s content. Books, clothes, souvenir kiosks, accessories, restaurants serving delectable food – you name it and you get it! So, get ready to shop till you drop!

4. Spa Therapy

Another fun thing to do is to forget all your stress and relax at a spa in one of Chennai’s hotels near Tidel Park. From Ayurvedic massages to exotic ones, head to full body massages – you have a plethora of options to choose from.

5. Covelong Beach

For those who are water babies, there’s the beautiful Covelong Beach. From watching mesmerizing sunsets to building sand castles and playing a game of water polo with your friends – there’s a ton of fun things to do at this beach! 

The A to Z of Chennai: 4 Tips for the First Time Travellers

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The cosmopolitan with a heart, Chennai is the confluence of a rich history with quintessentially modern elements. Colonial era forts, ancient temples, booming industries, skyscraping accommodation in Chennai – all symbolize the mélange of the past and the present; making Chennai a popular destination. This blog is a guide for the first time visitors to this metropolitan city:

1. Plan your itinerary

A traveller without any itinerary is like a ship without a captain! So make it a point to go through all the famous tourist destinations before you come to Chennai. Some of the iconic places include Fort Saint George, Marina Beach, Kapaleeshwar Temple, Birla Planetarium and Muttukadu Backwater. Business travellers must plan their day in advance too.

2. Book a room in a hotel accommodation in Chennai

After chalking out your itinerary, make sure to book a hotel room before landing in the city to avoid any inconvenience on your arrival. Most of the hotels have the facility to make online reservations. Hotels near RMZ Millenia Business Park, Chennai, are pretty budget friendly options for travellers. 

3. Try the local cuisine

Make sure to indulge in the local delicacies of Chennai. A hot glass of filter coffee, Jigarthanda (a beverage), Mulligatawny Soup, Nethili Fry (fried fish), Mysore Pak (a dessert) & Sakkarai Pongal (sweet rice) are some of the classics of this cuisine. These dishes can be easily found in the restaurants of Chennai. 

4. Ensure your own safety

While travelling to a new city can be fun, it is important to ensure your safety. Beware of the thieves, scan all your travel documents and store your luggage safely in your hotel room. Also, stay away from strangers.

With these tips in place, you are sure to have a pleasant time in Chennai! So, buckle up for some adventure in this bubbly city!

Everything You Need To Know About the Madras Music Festival

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Chennai is known to have three seasons- hottest, hotter and Madras Music season. Happening every year from November to January, this music festival is something, which adds charm to the only pleasant months of Chennai. Stretching along six weeks, it is the most happening time to visit this cultural hub of South India.

In 1927, the idea of showcasing the rich cultural involvement and talent of South India popped into the mind of the founders of Madras Music Academy. At that period this ‘Margazhi Festival’, just as the locals call it, was held in different cities every year. But at a point, they thought of finding a permanent home to this, which is now the TTK Road, located just 10 km away from the hotels near RMZ Millenia Business Park Chennai. 

Inviting people from all over the country to witness this happening season, hotels provide affordable accommodation in Chennai at this particular point of the year. This nine decade old celebration of Carnatic music and Classical dance invites emerging artists providing them a platform of showcasing what they have, followed by some breathtaking performance of uncountable renowned artists, Sanjay Subrahmanyam, Bombay Jayashri, T.N.Krishnan, Ravikiran, Vijay Siva to name a few. 

More than a thousand number of worth witnessing concerts are held in Chennai during this particular fest. If you are looking for an ideal time to visit this place then these are the months, which represent the perfect blend of pleasant climate, happening vibe and comfortable accommodation in Chennai.

4 Must Have Amenities to Look For While Booking a Hotel in Chennai

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Half the credit of a memorable vacation goes to the comfortable stay offered by the hotels. The hospitality sector has become so advanced that every place and every city is filled with hotels offering the best of their services making sure their guests have an unforgettable stay. Chennai is one such place. Tourists from all over the globe visit Chennai for several reasons. And here are the basic amenities, which they look for in a hotel:

1) Location

Reaching hotels from the airport or railway stations would be one hell of a task because of all the traffic. After all the travelling and jet lag, travellers would not want to travel an extra mile to reach the hotel where they can wind up the day. So people traveling to Chennai from any part of the country would look for hotels near railway station or hotels near airport Chennai. 

2) Free Wi-Fi

Who doesn’t like being provided with the facilities to be online on social media at any point of the day! Hotels with free Wi-Fi in Chennai are the ones to look for while you’re making a booking. Being able to watch a movie or make a video call with your loved ones at any point of the day and night while relaxing comfortably in the luxurious room would be so comfortable.

3) Recreational activities

Hotels with several unique recreational activities like a swimming pool, spa, tennis court and many others are known to be preferred by the travelers. 

4) Currency exchange 

Not only keeping the Indian citizens in mind but also catering to the needs of international travelers, one of the main amenities the hotels should have is the currency exchange service. Even though international airports provide this service and guests staying in hotels near airport Chennai can travel back and forth to the airport to avail this service, it is more convenient if the service is available in the hotel premises. 

4 Interesting Ways to Spend an Evening in Chennai

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The city of Chennai is a prominent destination alluring tourists and business travellers from all over the country. So much so that hotels in Chennai, Tamil Nadu are heavily booked throughout the year. From lively cafes to cultural performances and popular tourist sites; Chennai is always brimming with activity. So, if you are looking for things to do in Chennai once the twilight sets in, there’s a lot in store for you.

1. Marina Beach

Ranked as the longest beach in Asia, this is the ideal site for a soothing romantic walk under a starlit sky. You can also indulge in wind surfing and beach volleyball along the clayey surface of the beach. You can also relish the numerous local snacks sold by the street hawkers along the beach.

2. A cultural night

Chennai is seen as the hub of culture in the country. Kalakshetra (TTK Road) is known for organising cultural activities such as concerts of Carnatic music and Bharatnatyam dance performances.

3. Massage Therapy

Pamper yourself with relaxing massage therapies at one of the hotels in Chennai with spa. From exotic massages to Ayurveda– there’s a lot to choose from. Some of these spas also offer couple packages.

4. Dine at Whites Road

If you are a foodie, then this one is for you. This area has some of the best bistros serving everything from a cup of filter coffee to piccolo cappuccino under one roof. This area also has some of the best hotels in Chennai, Tamil Nadu.

4 Places Serving the Best Brews in Chennai

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The city of Chennai reeks of the strong aroma of coffee. From the more vintage variety – the filter coffee – to the more novel ones such as Turkish coffee, the city of Chennai is a coffee connoisseur’s delight. From hotels in Kottivakkam  to the boulevards of the city, this addictive cup of caffeine keeps the city going. So, the next time you are here, make sure to drop by at these places:

1. North Parade Road

It has a café that is popular among the residents of the city for its coffee as well as the colonial-era charm. A cup of cappuccino and the Alexander espresso are something that the local inhabitants swear by. It also has some options for hotel accommodations in Chennai.

2. Hotels in Kottivakkam

This area houses some of the best hotel accommodations in Chennai. The bistros of these luxurious hotels in Kottivakkam have a vintage décor that serve as the reminder of colonial indulgence. From freshly brewed filter coffee to decaf and espresso – there’s a lot to choose from. 

3. Mylapore

This area has an al fresco bistro, which serves everything (from Italian ristrettos and Spanish cortados to Turkish brews) under one roof. You can also enjoy waffles, cupcakes and pizzas here. If you love coffee the old school way (traditional cup of filter coffee), then you will find those kind of restaurants too.

4. Whites Road

This area has the best of both worlds. It has a restaurant, which has made it to Conde Nast Traveler’s prestigious list of India’s 40 best cafés. Its extensive menu offers brews like affogato, piccolo cappuccino, and even the authentic, filter coffee. Its open-air ambience is like a cherry on the cake!

5 Places For Book Lovers In Chennai

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The comfort of sitting at your home in your pajamas while sipping coffee and reading your favorite book is indescribable. If you are a book lover then you surely will look for good and well known book stores wherever you go. Thinking of going on a trip to Chennai? You would be happy to know that there are a number of business hotels in Chennai ensuring a comfortable stay and remarkable book stores and libraries to keep you entertained. Here are some of them:

1) Higginbotham’s

Higginbotham’s, built in 1844, is one of the oldest existing book stores of the country. Since colonial times, this has been the heart of every book lover of this city. Situated on Mount Road, it is just 3 km away from the hotels near HCL Chennai.  

2) Anna Centenary Library

Anna Centenary Library, situated in Kotturpuram, is one among the largest public libraries of South Asia. Containing 1.7 million books, gazettes and magazines, it definitely is every bookworm’s paradise. It’s not just a library but also is home to an open amphitheater, indoor auditorium and a braille section. 

3) The Theosophical Society/Adyar Library

Surrounded by business hotels in Chennai, Adyar’s Theosophical Society is known for the wealth of knowledge and history. This attractive green campus is home to Adyar Library and research center. It consists an interesting ratio of 20,000 unique palm leaf manuscripts and 2, 00,000 books. 

4) The Moore Market Complex

Built in the 19th century, Moore Market Complex consists of the largest book market of the city. From romance to regional, fiction and academic, this complex is home to hundreds of second hand books. 

5) Connemara Public Library

Known for the collection of a wide range of vintage series, Connemara Public library is located in Pantheon Road, Egmore in Chennai. Besides the collection of books, its colonial décor and ambience tends to attract a number of booklovers from all over the city.

Take Home a Slice of ‘Namma Chennai’

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Chennai witnesses a large number of tourists every year because of its rich culture, well known institutions and blooming business centers. This vibrant city makes every traveler’s trip a memorable one by offering friendly natives and many other exciting factors. You cannot capture the culture of Chennai in a single element and take it with you. But there surely are some of the things, which you can and must purchase from Chennai:

1) Kaapi maker

Filter Coffee, locally called Kaapi, is surely an essential part of Chennai’s lifestyle. Preserving the natural aroma and flavor of coffee, the art of blending, mixing and serving a cup of filter kaapi is perfectly mastered by the local stores and the 5 star deluxe hotels in Chennai. Buy the kaapi maker so that you could have filter kaapi even after being away from Chennai.

2) Artifacts from Mahabalipuram

Mahabalipuram is one of the popular markets in Chennai known for its stone and wooden artifacts. Ideal for carting your home or gifting someone, the artifacts and sculptures of Mahabalipuram are worth exploring. From religious to fancy subjects, from decorative items to jewelries made of sea shells, from Indian handicrafts to ancient arts, this place has it all. 

3) Kanchipuram Saree

Apart from business and leisure travelers, Chennai even witnesses people who visit this city to shop authentic Kanchipuram sarees. The symbol of grace, details and elegance, Kanchipuram sarees are adored by females from all part of the country. T Nagar in Chennai is dotted with stores selling authentic sarees. There even are stores around the hotels near Perungudi Chennai.

4) Tanjore paintings

Flourished from the town of Thanjavur, Tanjore is an authentic art form of Tamil Nadu. You will come across these paintings in most of the 5 star deluxe hotels in Chennai. These paintings depict Indian Gods and Goddess painted on a cloth, glass or wooden panels with vivid colors and glittering gold foil. In order to ensure that these paintings last longer, high quality gold foils of 22-carat are used.

4 Things to do in Chennai during a Weekend

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Chennai, the hub of science and technology, witnesses all kinds of travelers from all nooks and corners of India. If you are on a business trip or a resident of Chennai, and looking for some recreational options, then not to worry because Chennai has a lot to offer. Here are some activities, which will surely cheer up your weekend:

1) Explore the beaches

Due to its coastal location, Chennai is blessed with many sandy beaches. And what could be more refreshing than spending your weekend exploring these beaches! Marina Beach located in Chennai is the 2nd largest beach of the world witnessing a bunch of people every other day. But if you are looking for less crowded beaches, then Covelong, Elliot’s and Thiruvanmiyur Beach are the ones you should choose. Even many of the luxury hotels in Chennai offer a beach view.

2) Shake a leg

One of the most happening and lesser known things about Chennai is its night life. Chennai is dotted with clubs and pubs, and HFO, Geoffrey’s and Dublin are some of the famous ones. Sipping a refreshing drink and dancing your stress out during the weekend is surely going to make your Monday more energetic.  

3) Shop it out

The city has many malls where one can plan an outing and spend an entire day without worrying about a thing. From branded stores to eateries, these malls have everything you need to have a wonderful day. The City Centre, Spencer Plaza and Express Avenue are the well-known malls in Chennai. Shop your stress out, watch a movie and eat your favorite snack while you’re here. 

4) Amuse yourself

Chennai is a mega hub of amusement centers with exciting rides and water parks. Take a long day trip to MGM Dizzie World Beach Resort and Dash, and splash with your family and friends. The luxury hotels in Chennai and hotels in Chennai with spa also provide a memorable weekend with number of exciting activities.