by Urbanaut Madras Inherited is an initiative to celebrate the architectural history of Madras, a city more than 300 years old, made up of several unique and historic precincts whose heritage value deserves to be preserved. With the belief that landmark buildings that represent the architectural history of the city should be a source of pride, rather than that of embarrassment, Madras Inherited organises regular walks to introduce Chennaivasis and visitors to hitherto unknown aspects of this thriving multicultural city. Sign up for one of their heritage walks or photo walks and see Madras in a brand new way. You will be noticing the profusion of Art Deco homes, the proliferation of British Colonial Indo-Saracenic official buildings, the historical building in the bylanes of Parry’s, Georgetown, Mylapore, Triplicane and more.
by Urbanaut This imposing colonial-era fortress, built by the British, was the first ever of its kind. The fortress cemented erstwhile Madras’ position as headquarters of the East India Company’s South India chapter. The white walls of the fortress — and the 17th-century church next to it — have seen history unfolding and Chennai growing into what it is today. History buffs can’t miss this edifice, which is iconic not only for the role it plays in India’s history, but also for the way it’s been lovingly preserved by the people of Chennai.
by Urbanaut Founded by a national medalist in sailing, Sportifying India is a great place for those seeking sport and adventure based excursions. Kayaking, sailing, surfing and stand up paddling are some of the experiences available. Shoot them a DM on Instagram or send over an email and get started on a day of adventure.
by Urbanaut This upscale hangout lounge in Chennai’s The Park is tastefully done up in leather and chrome. It’s a great place to unwind and rehash the day with great company over martinis and finger food. It’s intimate, with only 20 seats, but after a busy day, a sundowner in a cosy atmosphere may be just the pick-up you need. You can also head out to the terrace on clear days for a breath of fresh air.
by Urbanaut The Music Academy is a Chennai landmark without parallel. Established in 1928, the Music Academy was convened to set the standards for Carnatic music and it delivered on its original charter and then some more. The Academy began hosting annual conferences on music in 1929 which kicked off the tradition of the much celebrated December Maargazhi music festival season in Chennai. It is this Maargazhi music and dance season held across Chennai’s many concert halls that got the city a spot in the UNESCO Creative Cities Network as a Creative City of Music. Today the Music Academy hosts musical concerts and events through the year and bestows the most respected and coveted awards for classical music and dance.
by Urbanaut Any Chennai itinerary — niche or not — would be incomplete if it didn’t have the Kapaleeshwarar Temple featured. The glorious multi-coloured edifice is a study in Dravidian architecture and devotion, and is a beloved pilgrimage spot for worshippers of the Lord Shiva. It is said to date back to the 7th century and warrants a visit even if you’re not spiritually or religiously inclined.
by Urbanaut Bengaluru’s much-loved watering hole Watson’s has made inroads in Chennai as well, flaunting great food as its calling card here. You’ll find simple classics and more experimental dishes, many of which have a truly Chennai twist. You won’t go wrong with drinks, either– especially the highlight cocktails. The decor is laidback and unpretentious, preferring to cede the floor to expansive views and light (but choice) music from the ‘70s and ‘80s. If you’re waiting for someone, there’s a lovely corner of books to choose from and read meanwhile.
by Urbanaut The Grid is a co-working space housed in a delightful 1970s building that looks straight of the Madras of yore. The space serves as a crossroads for creative interests to intersect at, fuelled by performance artist, art collector and owner Justine de Penning’s personal penchant for all things creative. In a leap away from traditional boxy working spaces – and quite contrary to its name – The Grid features free-flowing spaces, stunning mid-century and industrial decor and community tables for both work and play. There’s art everywhere, so prepare to dive headfirst into a steady pool of inspiration.
by Urbanaut After crossing the Adyar bridge, you’ll get the sea on the right and the water comes in to create an estuary. The park was built a long time ago by experienced naturalists from Auroville. This is a lovely nature park, and a true hidden gem. Do note, they have specific timings so check before you go.
by Urbanaut Radioroom is Chennai’s go-to for great music, buzzing energy and yum food. Despite being a cosy hole-in-the-wall lounge club tucked away in a nondescript service apartment complex, it’s well loved by folks looking for a New York-esque experience without leaving Chennai. The atmosphere gets better as the night goes on but I’d also recommend heading there for the food. My personal picks– the beef medallions, Kakinada chicken and Parmesan grilled broccoli. It’s also a great venue to catch live gigs– plenty of India’s favourite artists and DJs take the stage here.
by Urbanaut When Scandi design and Wes Anderson come together, it looks something like Fika. It’s an incredible community space in the heart of bustling Adyar, boasting of an amphitheatre, a greenhouse for private events, a bakery and café, and a community space. The café is in the enclosed backyard and designed to ensure privacy even when in the company of others.
by Urbanaut The fabulous St+art India collective - who’ve successfully completed art districts in different cities around the country - bring their magic to Chennai. Kannagi Nagar is one of the biggest resettlement sites in India - home to people rehabilitated from far-reaching places of the city, including three major river beds and slums. The art district in the settlement- featuring extraordinary, massive murals created by Indian and international artists - serve as a beacon of hope and beauty in the often overlooked district.
by Urbanaut Built in 1966, the Cholamandal Artists Village is India’s largest self supporting artists’ village and houses an art gallery, a museum and an amphitheatre for theatre performances. A quiet nook in the suburbs of Chennai the village is home to upcoming and established artists, painters and sculptors from south India and boasts a thriving artist community. The Cholamandal Centre for Contemporary Art has a standing exhibit of the work of the artists of the Madras Movement.
by Urbanaut This open-air living museum doubles up as a cultural tribute to South India’s heritage, architecture, craft and performing arts. It promotes and preserved the cultures of each state down south, and involves the public in delightfully engaging and immersive ways. Its home base consists of 18 authentic historical houses, each displaying contextual exhibitions dedicated to Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh. They also host activities, events and workshops across the arts and crafts.
by Urbanaut Founded by an award-winning lifelong surfer wanting to give back to the community that made him who he is, Ocean Delight is a great place to ride the waves no matter where you are on the proficiency spectrum. Appu is said to be a great instructor, and his certified team breaks down the incredibly cool sport of surfing into fun, digestible sessions. You’ll be able to meet surfers from all over the world and lend a helping hand to cleaning up the seaside environment through their “Beach Ocean Life” sustainability initiative. You can also rent equipment from their shop by the hour or day if you don’t want to sign up for a lesson.
by Urbanaut It was Covelong Point and its Surf Turf surfing school that put Chennai on the surfing map. Head out to Covelong Point along the ECR, enroute to Mahabalipuram, to see what a high end surfing school can do to change a community. Sign up for their classes and if you want to really learn to do it right - sign up for a course and you can stay at the surfing school. As they like to put it - they bring the gear and the instructors and you have to bring the will to ride the waves. Their cafe serves delicious local seafood. Covelong Point also hosts the Covelong Point Festival in August every year. The festival is a celebration of surfing, music, yoga and a more mindful, joyous life connected to nature.
by Urbanaut Large and mostly destroyed ruins of an old Muslim fort. The fort in itself is interesting, but nothing spectacular. However the location is the most interesting part with some backwaters just next to the fort and an amazingly long (and clean) beach bang in front of the fort. Beautiful! This visit can be clubbed with the New Sun Restaurant also listed under Pondicherry. They are 10mins away from each other. Morning fort and beach. Lunch on the way back to Pondicherry at New Sun!
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