• During summers it becomes too hot and humid to venture out during the day. So go out for a stroll during the night (7-9pm) on the Marina beach and Elliots Beach (Besant Nagar). It's a nice idea to pack dinner and have a picnic on the beach as most locals do. If you happen to drive a car you can also consider taking along a few foldable chairs. Beyond 10pm, no one is permitted to be on the beach. There are policemen on the beach to ensure people follow this rule, and on some occasions they tend to shoo people out by 9pm.

• Walk and walk some more [12].
• Stroll along the over crowded Pondy Bazaar and Ranganathan Street and try your skills in bargaining for stuff and knick-knacks. Be warned that it is an intensely crowded place, where you have elbow your way through. However, if you do enjoy local flavour in all its madness, you must visit these two places.

• You can visit VUYIROLI old age home, to cheer up a few people, if that is the kind of thing you enjoy. The old people would be happy for your company.

• The Tamil Baptist Church in Kilpauk is worth a visit. It is a 107 year old monument.

Music and Dance

Chennai is famous for its concerts and peformances that take place in various auditoriums and temples throughout the year, which are announced in the Hindu and other local newspapers. During the Tamil month of Maargazhi (December - January) there is a series of classical Carnatic music concerts and classical dance performances in various parts of the city, but the best are organized in various Sabhas (loosely translates to "concert house"). You will see mostly older celebrities, although occasionally there will be some world-class young virtuosos.

Sir Mutha Venkatasubba Rao Concert Hall , Madras Seva Sadan premises No 7, Harrington Road , Chetpet . Chennai 600031 Call for details Ph:43561198 and 42146632, Email: info@sirmuthamemorial.com

• VDS Arts Academy, MOP Vaishnava College for Women, Nungambakkam, Chennai - 600034. Music and Bharatanatyam dance concerts throughout the year at 6.30 p.m., every Friday, Saturday and Sunday by young artistes. Admission: free.
• Brahma Gana Sabha, Sivagami Pethachi Auditorium, M.Ct.M School, 179, Luz Church Road, Chennai - 600004, Phone - +91 92821 06425, +91 98412 96684
• Indian Institute of Music and Arts, R.K Swamy Auditorium, Sir Sivaswamy Kalalaya, 5, Sundareswarar Street, Mylapore, Chennai - 600004,
• Kartik Fine Arts, Narada Gana Sabha Hall, TTk Road, Chennai - 600018. +91 44 2499 7788, +91 44 2495 2695 (30th Year Art Festival),
• 'Sri Krishna Gana Sabha, "Dr. Nalli Gana Vihar, 20. Maharajapuram Santhanam Road, T.Nagar, Chennai - 600017. Phone - +91 44 2814 0806 (The 49th Art and Dance Festival & Pongal Nagaswara Isai Vizha And the 24th Natya Kala Conference), Rs. 50 to Rs. 500 (daily rates)
• Sri Thyaga Brahma Gana Sabha, Vani Mahal, 103, GN Chetty Road, T.Nagar, Chennai - 600017. +91 44 2815 2166 (The 25th Isai Iyal Nataka Vizha)

GK Parigi in Cine Abinayam star night programme.contact:parige@yahoo.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

When in Chennai, do not miss a chance to watch a movie. 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. Visit http://www.chennaionline.com/film/movielist2.asp to get the details of movies currently running in Chennai. Some of the cinema halls are

• Devi Cineplex , ANNA SALAI
• Sathyam Cine Complex, Gopalapuram (Book online at http://thecinema.in )
• Inox, Chennai City Centre, R.K.Salai (Book online at http://www.inoxmovies.com/inox/wcms/en/home/now-showing/index.html )
• Mayajaal Cine Complex, ECR (Book online at http://www.mayajaal.com/site/defaultmovies.asp )
• Abhirami Cine Complex, Purasawalkam
• Shanti Cine Complex, Anna Salai
• Ega theatres,p.h road,Kilpauk (only Hindi movies always).
• Sangam cine complex in kilpauk.

• Connemara Library, Pantheon Road, Egmore [10]
• Elliots Beach, is in the Besant Nagar suburb of Chennai. Sometimes called Besant Nagar beach, after the area it is located in. It popular a place to cool off from the city heat. It is a very nice beach, safe and good place for picnicking.
• Breezy Beach is located in the quiet neighbourhood of Valmiki Nagar. 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.
• Ennore Port,and Ennore foundaries
• Fort St. George, built in 1653 by the English Company of the Eastern Indies (CAIO), houses the Secretariat and the legislative Parliament of Tamil Nadu . There is a museum presenting of the objects of the time of the domination of the CAIO, and a banquetting suite going back to 1802 where the portraits of the governors of the fort are hung. The fort comprises also the oldest church Anglican of India, the church of St Mary.
• Government Museum, or National Art Gallery on Pantheon Road, comprises an interesting archaeological collection and a room holding a significant and superb collection of Chola bronzes. One building has modern works, while the other has historical works.
• Guindy National Park, The smallest national park in India and one of the few located in a metro. The park is an extension of the grounds surrounding the official residence of the governors of Tamilnadu.
• Guindy Snake Park, next to the Guindy National Park. See the deadly King Cobra, pythons and vipers as well as other reptiles. There is a Children's Park adjacent with collections of animals and birds.
• Marina Beach, one of the worlds longest beaches is 13 km long. The tsunami on December 26, 2004, caused massive death and destruction along the beach. It has been difficult to recover, but the community is working hard to make the area attractive to tourists and vacationers once again.
• Integral Coach Factory- The Railway Coach manufacturing unit of Indian Railways, which has a Rail Museum.
• National Shrine of St.Thomas Basilica Christians believe that one of the twelve apostles of Jesus Christ came to India in A.D.52 and died in A.D.72. His body was buried in Mylapore and the national Shrine of St.Thomas basilica, Santhome, Mylapore is built over the tomb of the Apostle.
• St. Thomas Mount The hill where it is said St. Thomas died. It is a wonderful sight to see the flights take off and land - since the airport is very near to this hill
• Valluvar Kottam, Nungambakkam An auditorium built in memory of the poet Thiruvalluvar. All of the verses of the poet's 'The Thirukkural' are inscribed on the pillars around the auditorium.
• Vandalur zoo, Tambaram A zoo which is largest of its kind in Asia.Just a 17 km drive from the heart of Chennai.See the large number of species found there,some endangered species.For details, visit www.aazoopark.gov.in

Temples, Mosque and churches

• Aarupadaiveedu Temple, Besant Nagar (Kalakshetra Colony)
• Ananthaa Padmanabha Swaamy Temple, Adayar
• Annai Velankani Church, Besant Nagar
• Ashtalakshmi Temple, Besant Nagar (Kalakshetra Colony). The temple is dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi. It looks different then other South Indian temples as it is of modern construction, less then 20 years old.
• Ayya Vaikundar Nizhal Thangal, Manali Pudunagar.
• Big Mosque, Triplicane, Chennai
• CSI Church House Of Prayer, Adayar.
• CSI Church, Near Gemini fly over.
• CSI Wesley Church, Royapettah.
• Guruvayurappan Temple, Nanganallur.
• ISKCON (Hare Rama Hare Krishna) Temple, Injambakkam.
• ISKCON Temple, Perumbur.
• Jain Temple, Kutchery Road, Mylapore.
• Kaalikaambaal Temple, Parrys.
• Kapaleeshwara Temple, Mylapore.
• Kaaraneeswarar Temple, Saidapet.
• Luz Anjaneyaar Temple, Mylapore.
• Madhya Kailash Temple, Adyar.
• Mary's Church, Built in 1680 it is the oldest Anglican Church in India. Robert Clive and Governor Elihu Yale (who later formed Yale University in the USA, were married here.)
• Marundeeshwar temple, Thiruvanmiyur.
• Mundakaneeyaman Temple, Mylapore.
• Nizhal Thangal, Oragadam.
• Parthasarathy Temple, Triplicane.
• Periaapaalayath Amman Temple, Adayar.
• Puttaparthi Sairam Temple Sundaram, Chamiers Road.
• Qurasani Mosque, Adayar (near new bus terminus).
• Ragavendhra Temple, Triplicane.
• Ratnagirishwarar Temple, Besant Nagar (near RBI).
• Santhome Cathedral Basilica, Mylapore, Santhome, where the Apostle St. Thomas is buried according to Christian tradition [11].
• Shirdi Sai Temple, Mylapore Tank.
• Shiva Vishnu Temple, T.Nagar.
• Sringeri Saradha Peetam Temple, Venkatnarayana Road, T.Nagar.
• Sri Santhana Srinivasa Perumal Temple-Mogappair.
• St. Antony's Church, Kamarajapuram, Anakaputhur, Ph. No: 044 - 22481447.
• St. Francis Xavier Church, Pallavaram, Chennai - 43.
• St. Thomas Orthodox Cathedral, Stringer's St, Broadway.
• St. Peters & St. Paul Orthodox Chapel, Koyambedu, Near Anna Nagar.
• Tamil Baptist Church-91, Medawakkam Tank Road, Near Kellys Signal, Kilpauk.
• Thirumalai Thirupathi Devasthanam Temple, Venkatnarayana Road, T.Nagar.
• Thousand Lights Mosque, Anna Salai.
• Vadapalani Murugan Temple, Vadapalani.
• Vadivudai Amman Temple, Tiruvottiyur.
• Varasidi vinayakar Temple, Besant Nagar (near bus terminus).
• Visvaroopa Baktha Anjaneyaar Temple, Ramnagar, Nanganallur (The idol is 32 ft in height.)

By plane

Chennai has an international airport and is the transport hub of South India. All international flights arrive at the Anna Terminal while the domestic flights arrive at the Kamraj terminal. The two terminals are on the same road and are 150 meters away from each other.

Europe and the United States: Lufthansa (Frankfurt), Air France (Paris), Jet Airways(Brussels) and British Airways (London-Heathrow), fly nonstop to Chennai with connecting service from their European hubs to points in the United States. Jet Airways is the only airline flying to the States (New York-JFK) via Brussels.

South-East Asia: Thai Airways offers nonstop service to Bangkok, Singapore Airlines and Malaysian offer nonstop service to Singapore an Kuala Lumpur respectively from where it is easy to get connections to almost anywhere in South-East Asia. Jet Airways flies non-stop to both Kuala Lumpur and Singapore.

Middle East: Nonstop services are available from Chennai to Abu Dhabi, Bahrain, Dubai, Dammam, Doha,Jeddah, Kuwait, Muscat, Riyadh and Sharjah on Air Arabia, Air India, Oman Air, Emirates,Etihad and Gulf Air.

Sri-Lanka: Chennai is a hub for flights to Colombo with SriLankan Airlines, Jet Airways and Indian Airlines serving the route.

Domestic: All the major Indian domestic carriers (Jet Airways, Kingfisher, Spice, Go Air, Indigo, Air Deccan) 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.

Important phone numbers

• Indian Airlines General Enquiry 140
• Indian Airlines Arrivals and Departures (Recorded) 142
• Indian Airlines Reservations 141/+91 44 22561971
• Jet Airways +91 44 2841 4141
• Jet Lite +91 44 5211 0202/ +91 44 3498 0688
• Air Deccan +91 9840377008

Airport to City connection

Use the pre-paid taxi to get to the city, each terminal has several booth 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 both 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). It's better to keep small change in hand as the counter staff very often don't seem to have change! 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). Once out of the terminal you'll have a tough time warding off all the touts and taxi drivers soliciting passengers. Make your way through this crowd and across the drive to the taxi stand. Get the taxi number alloted 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. You can also get to the city center by train. Just get outside of the airport, cruising by the hordes of touts and taxi and autorickshaw drivers, and keep walking to the main road. Cross the road carefully between many vehicles and get to the station. Buy a ticket to the city center and "enjoy" traveling in a real Indian short-distance passenger train. Use this way to the city center only if you want to experience the real India.

By train

Chennai is also reachable by train, run by Indian Railways[3] from other Indian cities. Chennai Central and Egmore stations are the main hubs for all long-distance trains. There are daily trains from/to Bangalore, Bombay, Coimbatore, Delhi and all other Indian cities. For train timings and on-line reservations (within India) visit the Indian Railways Catering and Tourism Corporation's website. For Railway enquiries call 131 or 132

For local travel there is a broadgauge suburban railway - from Beach, and Central. The frequency of these trains is about 10 minutes. The metre gauge section from Tambaram to South has temporarily been closed for Gauge conversion.

There are some train services from Beach railway station to Velacherry to cover south Chennai. The frequency of these trains is about 10 minutes (in peak hours) and 30 mins (non-peak hours). Velacherry and the near by areas are famous for IT companies. Thiruvanmiyur (one station before Velacherry) has the proud to have Tidel Park, which constitutes a major part for IT boom in Chennai.

If you happen to arrive at the Central Station, you'll have to hand over your journey tickets to the Ticket Collector waiting at the exit. You'll have a tough time warding off all the touts and taxi drivers soliciting passengers the moment your are out of the concourse. Make your way through this crowd and reach the 'pre-paid' autorickshaw / Taxi stand.

By bus

Chennai has one of Asia's largest bus stations, CMBT. Seven different state owned corporations fly buses to and from various destinations within South India. There are hourly buses for places like Tirupati, Pondicherry, Coimbatore. You will get the option of A/C or Non-A/C 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 it's better to reserve a ticket in advance. All buses terminate near Koyambedu but there are different stands for state owned(CMBT), and private buses (Omni bus terminus). Both these terminuses are near each other, and it is better to tell your exact destination to the taxi/autorickshaw driver. Buses usually drop passengers at various points in the city before reaching the terminus. So feel free to ask the driver or fellow passengers the closest drop-off point to your destination.

• CMBT Enquiry : +91 44 2479 5547.

By car

Chennai is very well connected and to other parts of India by road. Five major national highways radiate outward towards Kolkata, Bangalore, Tiruchy/Madurai, Tiruvallur, and Pondicherry. With the progress of the Golden Quadrilateral project, driving down from Bangalore is actually an option, but driving in India is still dangerous if you are a foreigner unused to the Indian Laws.

Getting around in Chennai often takes a long time, due to traffic and heavy congestion; plan accordingly. Travel within Chennai is expensive by Indian standards, but still extremely cheap by typical Western standards.

By train

Chennai has a suburban train [4] network. There are four routes - Chennai Central - Arakkonam, Chennai Beach - Tambaram and Chengalpet, Chennai Beach - Velachery, Chennai Central - Gummidipoondi-Sulurpet-Gudur. The suburban trains are generally reliable and fast. However, tourists are strongly advised to take first class (it is not expensive to the average tourist) as second class suburban trains at times are notorious for overcrowding and having passengers hang off the edge of the train while it is moving.

By bus

Metropolitan Transport Corporation [5] buses ply throughout the city. These are government-run and extremely cheap. You can buy bus tickets online at redBus [6] or realIndia [7] or RathiMeena [8]. Extreme caution is advised in using these buses as they are often out of shape, will begin moving before passengers are fully boarded, and are, like second class suburban trains, notorious for passengers having to hang off the edge or outside of the bus while in motion. But now state corporation introduces New Type Deluxe, A/C Buses for Chennai Passengers. Also introduced new 2500 buses for Chennai.

Bus Route information for MTC Chennai

By auto-rickshaw

Auto-rickshaw drivers in Chennai are notorious for overcharging, rigged meters, and general harrassment of foreign passengers, although they are ubiquitous and possibly the easiest form of transportation to locate. Use Auto-rickshaw's only for short distances (If you know exactly how far you are going).

If you do want to travel by the auto, stick to these rules

• Don't go by the meter (if they have one), the meter is rigged to show a higher fare.
• Negotiate a rate with the driver beforehand. Try to stick to the agreed price, though 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 rickshaws in traffic which are heading in the general direction of your destination and avoid those parked in groups as they may try to gang-up on you.
• Make sure you hold on tight and keep all parts of your body inside the vehicle. If you have asthma, allergies to smoke, or generally do not fair well under traffic pollution, it is highly unrecommended to take an auto-rickshaw.

As a general rule, expect to pay about Rs.10 for every kilometre you travel.

Some auto-rickshaws will also try to tell you that you have to pay more, usually after the ride and even sometimes during the ride itself. Typical scams they run are:

• They ask you to pay for the return trip, citing the distance traveled from where you started. You don't have to pay for any return trips.
• 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 cite the extra distance traveled and ask for more money.
• During the ride, they go to a petrol station for more fuel and ask you to pay for the petrol.
• A variation on the previous: they say that if you have no change, to pay for petrol to get change to pay them (and they conveniently do not mention that what you paid for petrol should be subtracted from what you finally pay them)
• Your destination is along a one-way road. They claim that they cannot return the way they came and therefore should be compensated for it.
• Getting to your destination requires making a U-turn, which they claim they were not aware of when quoting to you. Therefore you are asked to pay more.

The call taxis are better regulated and can be ordered air-conditioned, although unlike auto-rickshaws, advance reservations are needed and they cannot usually be flagged on the street.

Visit this link for an idea of pre-paid auto fares from Chennai Central to various parts of the City.

• http://www.hindu.com/nic/centralprepaidauto.pdf

By taxi

Taxis (locally called "call-taxis" since they must be pre-arranged) are available by phone. They are mostly reliable, can be ordered air-conditioned, and have digital fare meters, although time-based hire is also possible with some companies.

• S.R Call Taxi +91 9444833331
• P A Travels +91 9841914140
• Kasi's Call Taxi +91 9841652109
• Bharati Call Taxi, +91 44 2814 2233.
• Chennai Call Taxi, +91 44 2598 4455.
• Fast Track, +91 44 2473 2020.
• Rajesh Call Taxi, +91 98408 15058.
• Sruthi Call Taxi, +91 44 4211 0044.
• Zigzag Call Taxi, +91 44 2474 9966.

There are several other call taxi companies operating in Chennai, which send taxis to your place, on a phone call. They charge by the distance. The minimun fare is Rs. 100/-, which is for 5 km and for every subsequent km they charge Rs. 10/-. It is advisable to book your taxi a few hours in advance and call shortly before your trip to confirm, if your trip is time-sensitive.

You can call these taxis from any location within the Greater Chennai City area. Perhaps they are much reliable than the auto-rickshaws.

Tourist Cabs - Are the best choice in case you want to tour the city all day or visit nearby places like Mahabalipuram, Tirupati, etc. Costs about INR 10/-Rs per KM and 50 Rs per hour as hire charges. Also generally there is special price if you need to go Chennai Central or Chennai Airport.

• S.R Travels - +91 9884239756
• SATHYAM TRAVELS - +91 44 42046289 / 24837686
• Kasi Travels +91 9841652109
• Bala Tourist, +91 44 2822 4444
• Tiruvalluvar Travels, +91 44 2474 5807
• Sharmila Tours and travels, +91 44 2827 4177

By car

Driving in Chennai is even more of a nightmare than the average Indian city because the two-wheelers and autos have no fear of death and no knowledge of rules. It is a common sight to see an auto-rickshaw go in the wrong direction on highways, large trucks making dangerous double-passes on narrow streets at high speeds, motorcycles with four people, and pedestrians across when you least expect them. That said, the roads are better maintained than the average Indian road. The main highway is Anna Salai also known as Mount road. Driving is highly unrecommended for tourists unless you come from a country with similar traffic nightmares!

Car rental

• Hertz, Counter at the Petrol Bunk (Gas Filling station) next to Spencers Plaza
• Savaari Car Rental,Savaari car rental Chennai has a reputation for providing quality luxury car rentals Chennai.For more information on online booking of Rental Car in Chennai, Website:[9]

Acting Driver Service - If you have a vehicle, but are not sure about how to get around the city, you can avail the service of an acting driver. Charges are about Rs.150/- for an 8 hour shift, if you use the services beyond 8 hours, you are charged Rs.25/- per additional hour.

• Chennai Rental Car, +91 44 2822494, Operating from Haddows Road, Nungambakkam first floor of ABEEJAY Business Center

• Car Rental Chennai, +91 44 45563000, 13 K.K.P salai, ramapuram, chennai
• Cheap car rental in chennai- Hire discount car rates, 09884730571, 796 Lakshmana swami salai, K.K.Nagar

• Manpower Services, +91 44 2825 2526

By share auto

This has emerged in the recent years as an alternative mode of transport in Chennai. They are oversized three wheelers running on diesel and charge slightly more than the bus. Travelling in them is quite a risky thing, as they often overload and are unstable on three wheels. They also cause extreme pollution.The only advantage is that it is cost effective.

Private or unshared autos They can literally take you for a ride if you are not aware of the the local rates.The rule states that autos should run on meter.But drivers bargain and insist on rates that are too high.

Shopping Plazas

• Spencer Plaza [17] 769, Anna Salai. Billed as the largest shopping mall in India, Spencer is a Chennai landmark that dates back to colonial times.
• Chennai Citi Centre [18] 10, Radhakrishnan Salai - Chennai's newest retail mecca, opened March 2006
• Shoppers' Stop[19] 2, Harrington Road, Chetpet, Chennai. The K.Raheja groups Shoppers' Stop is a departmental store.
• Abirami mega mall Purasaiwakkam High road,Chennai.It has a snow world,kids world.[www.abirami.in]

Still there are many number of shopping malls in Chennai.

• Prince plaza,pantheon road,Egmore,Chennai.It has been featured in many movies.

Books

Chennai has a wide selection of rare books and maps in the many second-hand book stalls.

• Alwar's Roadside bookshop opp Kamadhenu theatre in Mylapore.
• Bookfield, Opp. LIC building on Anna Salai (Mount Road)
• Vendors near the Central Station
• Vendors on Mount Road outside Devi Theatre and the GPO (General Post Office)
• Higginbothams, Anna Salai - Books
• Kennedys Book House, Anna Salai - Books

For more current publications

• Landmark [20], Spencers Plaza, Anna Salai (Mount Road) - Books, Toys, CD's etc. Three locations:c
  • 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 - Newest location, opened March 2006
• Odyssey, Behind Gandhi Nagar Bus Stand, Adyar
• Giggles, Connemara Hotel Binny Road - General books from a friendly shop keeper

Books on or set in Chennai include:

• 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
• The Spirit of Chepauk (1998) by S. Muthiah
• Kalyani’s Husband by S. Y. Krishnaswamy
• The Story Of Fort St. George (1945) by Col. D.M. Reid
• Chasing Rainbows in Chennai[21] (2003) by Colin Todhunter

Clothes

• Amethyst, Sundar Mahal, Padmavathi Road, Jeypore Colony, Gopalapuram Ph - +91 442820 3582
• Anokhi, “Chamiers”, Old #47 (new #85), Chamiers Road, R A Puram, Chennai 18
• Brass Tacks [22], 77/13, Corporation Shopping Complex, C.P. Ramaswamy Road, Alwarpet, Chennai 600018, Ph - +91 44 4208 1767. Contemporary clothing from natural fibres for women.
• FabIndia. [23]. The Ilford House location at 3 Woods Road is probably the best in terms of choices and selections (at least as of Dec 2007). 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, 044 28273882. If you're in the mood for the Banana Republic/Abercrombie/Old Navy/Gap type stuff. They seem to get all the export rejects or overstocks. You'll find that all the brand tags are cut out due to some agreement with the manufacturer. The quality and prices are good, but unfortunately there's 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 (you'll 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) seems to have a regular handloom exhibition.

Crafts

• Amethyst, Sundar Mahal, Padmavathi Road, Jeypore Colony, Gopalapuram Ph - +91 442820 3582 - Handicrafts
• Ashvita - Arts and Artifacts, 11, 2nd Street, Radhakrishnan Salai, Mylapore, 600004 Ph:+91 44 2847 6063.- Art, Design Jewellery, photo prints.
• Crafts and Weaves, #1, 1st Main Road, CIT Colony, Mylapore Ph - +91 44 2466 0232 - Handicrafts
• Dakshinachitra, Muthukkadu - Handicrafts
• Giri Stores, Adjacent to Kabaleeswarar Temple, Opposite to Radha Silk Emporium, Mylapore Tank - Hindu Spiritual Items like Rudraksha Garlands, Books, CDs & Tapes for chanting, incense sticks, camphor, lamps etc..
• Hidesign, Ispahani Centre, Nungambakkam High Road & Phase 3, Spencers Plaza. [24] - Leather Goods
• Victoria Technical Institute, Anna Salai - Handicrafts
• Vimonisha Art Gallery, 12, Khadar Nawaz Khan Road - Handicrafts
• Vinyasa Art Gallery - Handicrafts
• Jidoka Store, 1st Lane, Nungambakkam High Road Ph - +91 44 2822 3516, +91 44 2822 3317 - Handicrafts
• Kalpadruma, Cathedral Road - Handicrafts
• Poppat Jamals, Opp. Spencers Plaza, Anna Salai (Mount Road) - Crockery
• Pot holes, Music College - Ceramics
• Manasthala, #12, Cenotaph Road Ph - +91 44 2433 2842 - Terracotta Ware
• Music World, Spencers Plaza, Anna Salai (Mount Road) - Music CD's, cassettes

Art Galleries

• Lakshmi Ethiraj Art Gallery, #70, 1st Main Road, CIT Nagar ph - +91 44 4359 223
• Raasi Art Gallery, #1, anna Avenue, Bakthavatsala nagar, Adayar Ph - +91 44 2441 0389
• Apparao Galleries, 7th Street, Wallace Garden Ph - +91 44 2827 226
• Contemporary arts and crafts showroom, #41, CP Ramaswamy Road, Alwarpet. Ph - +91 44 2499 7069, +91 44 2466 0159
• Chennai Studio, 222, Peters Road, Royapettah, Ph - +91 44 98405 43420, [25].

Sarees

• Vardhrams and son's silks (you will get the original kanchi Silks here),Harington Road, Chetpat, Chennai.
• Nalli Silks, Panagal Park - Kanchipuram Silk Sarees
• Kumaran Silks, Panagal Park - Kanchipuram Silk Sarees
• Pothys, Panagal Park - Kanchipuram Silk Sarees
• Chennai Silks, Panagal Park - Kanchipuram Silk Sarees
• Hayagrivas, GN Chetty Road, Near Panagal Park - Sarees
• RMKV Silks, Panagal Park - Kanchipuram Silk Sarees
• Radha Silk Emporium (Rasi), #1, Sannadhi Street, Mylapore Ph - +91 44 2494 1906; #827, Dhun Building, Mount Road, Ph - +91 44 2852 0251; #23, 1st Main Road, Nanganallur, Ph - +91 44 2232 4176 - Silk Sarees, (also in anna Nagar, opp Ayappa temple) Ethnic Wear, Arts & Crafts
• Shilpi, 29, C.P. Ramaswamy Road, Alwarpet. Chennai 600018.

Jewellery

• Joyalukkas *, 39.North Usman Road, T'Nagar, Chennai-17. India's Largest exclusive Jewellery mall, housing the worlds largest jewellery showroom of international retailer joyalukkas amongst other world renowned retailers.
• L.K.S Gold House, Usman Road, T.Nagar Chennai- 17.
• Jaipur Gems,,Exclusie Designer StarFire Diamond jewellery,authentic Jadau jewellery,Bridal Gold jewellery,& Hand crafted Platinum Jewellery. Only at 50,Cathedral Road,Chennai-600 086.
• Vummidi Bangaru Jewellery, , Nungambakkam for Diamonds, Gold. Also in T.Nagar.
• Keerthilal Kaalidas-diamond Merchants Gold and Silver, CP Ramaswamy Road Alwaarpet Chennai-18
• NAC -Nathella Anjaneyalu Jewellery, Mylapore Tank
• Aishwarya Jewellery, Mylapore Tank, Gold and Silverware
• Bapalal Jewellers, Diamond Merchants,Kakani Towers Cathedral Road
• Jugalkishore Jewellers, CP Ramaswaamy Road Alwarpet,for Traditional Antique Jewellery,Silver jewellery and Beads.
• GRT Thangamaligai,, south usman T-NAGAR CHENNAI
• Aarthi Thanga Maligai, 60, East Kalamandapam Road. Royapuram , Chennai- 13. Reliable Gold. Reasonable Prices.
• B.B Jewellery, 6/127, Arcot Road. Porur , Chennai- 116. Reliable Gold. Reasonable Prices.
• KANISHK, Usman road, T.Nagar, Chennai. Great value for money & wide range.
• Saravana Stores Thanga Naga Maaligai, Usman Road, T.Nagar Chennai- 17.

• GSK Thanga Naga Maaligai, Ariyalur, TamilNadu.
• AMBIGA JEWELLERS E.B.COLONY ADAMBAKKAM CHENNAI-88

Florists

• Floral Park - Gopalapuram,(Near Gongotree), Chennai - 86. Ph: 9840707510. http://www.floralpark.in

• Something Special - Casa Major Road, Egmore, Chennai. Ph: 9840038696. http://www.somethingspecial.in

Music

• Sapthaswara musicals, luz , mylapore, all musical instruments western indian classical music books hindustani instruments
• Shruthi Musicals, #10, Harleys Road, Kilpauk Ph - 26603630
• Sruthilayais, #93, Royapettah High Road, Mylapore Ph - 24994045 / 24982625 - Musical Instruments

In addition to these there are several exhibitions that happen at Das Community Hall (Cathedral Road), Shankara Hall (TTK Road) where artisans display there wares. Check the local newspapers for details and timings.

Tamil Nadu is famous for its hospitality and its deep belief that serving food to others is a service to humanity, so eating-out in its capital city Chennai, is a great experience and provides a glimpse of the unique lifestyle of the city [26].

Tiffin or Light meals is served for breakfast or as a snack. The staple diet for most of the population is rice. These Tiffin items are usually one or more rice based dishes like idli, dosai, pongal, vadai along with with coconut chutney, sambar and mulagapodi. Tiffin is usually accompanied by hot filter coffee, the signature beverage of the city.

A typical Tamil meal (Lunch or Dinner) will be served on a banana leaf. It consists of steamed rice served with about two to six vegetable dishes like sambar, dry curry, rasam, kootu along with curd and buttermilk. For a non-vegetarian meal, curries or dishes cooked with mutton, chicken or fish are included. Meals are often accompanied by crisp appalams. After a final round of rice and curds or buttermilk or both, a traditional meal is concluded with a small banana and a few betel leaves and nuts.

An Indian meal in fast food restaurants is called 'Thali'. Its usually served on a round tray made of either stainless steel or Silver, with a selection of different dishes in small bowls. While North Indian Thali starts with Pooris, Chappattis(Rotis), South Indian Thali comes with rice. The rest of the items like different Curries, Sweet and other miscellaneous items (Applams, Papad, Pickles and Beeda) is similar for both North Indian and South Indian Talis. Thalis sometimes go even by the regional characteristic of the items they have. For example one may encounter Rajasthani thali or Gujarati thali. In some restaurants, a thali may include "bottom-less" refills on all components of food; the idea is that one eats until fully satisfied. Such thalis are referred to as 'unlimited' thalis. In some places the term means that everything in the plate excepting a few items like the sweet preparation or dahi wada is open to unlimited helpings.

Restaurants near Music Academy and those on the Beach coast are well maintained and serve 'Indian Cuisine' with an ambience to match, while most others cater South Indian Cuisine at very reasonable prices. . 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.

Organic food

Chennai has a fair share of stores selling organic food.

• Arogyam, Centre for Indian Knowledge Systems, +91 4114 230625, 04114-570855 B45 Alagesan Nagar, Opposite Govt. Hospital, Chengalpet - 603001. Organically grown indigenous rice varieties

• Enfield Agrobase, +91 44 2442 0605. Mangoes, dried bananas, cashew and coconut

• Naturally Auroville, +91 44 3833 0517. Kombucha (a beverage made by fermenting tea and sugar using the yeast kombucha), Spaghetti, ragi, spirulina and bread

• Organomix - from the Farms at Neelamangalam and Alamadhi, +91 44 2446 3178. Call Sankaran for Fresh Organic Vegetables, Organic Raw and Boiled Rice, Peanuts, Oil. Mangoes during season. Every Sunday at the Besant Nagar Elliots Beach, opp. Barista.

• RESTORE * health . livelihoods . nature [27] - Organic Bazaar 4-7 p.m. EVERY SATURDAY at 4, MGR Road, Kalakshetra Colony, Besant Nagar, Chennai 600090. We are a collective / community organisation selling organic VEGETABLES (both local and Ooty varieties) & FRUITS, STAPLES (rices, dals, oils, millets, sweeteners), nuts, spices, natural fibre bags, natural-dyed handlooms, organic garden inputs, etc. Email: restore@restore.org.in Phone: 0-98844-09566 Join our mailing list by signing up the form at [28] We also organise farm visits, talks, discussions and health food melas.

• Simply mmmm, AnnaNagar (near Blue Star). Organic vegetables available every Saturday and Wednesday, after 2 p.m.

• Sunday Shandy, +91 44 2499 1203. Weekly fair of organic vegetables, milk and other farm produce, direct from the farm. New 177, Old 77 Luz Church Road; Every Sunday 9AM to 12PM

• The Eco Nut, +91 44 2491 9592. Sesame butter and homemade jams

PRO ORGANIC -The emerging certified organic Brand ( organic cereals-rice-Atta , organic pulses-dals,organic spices etc) from chennai.for details visit us at http://www.proorganic.in mail us to : proorganic@mail.com

Budget

All these budget eateries serve only vegetarian food and are very cheap.

• The Spice Box, Thiruvanmyur - Lunch deliveries and gourmet outdoor catering. Thier concept of a wholesome, well packed and innovative lunch / dinner in 6 options is great to try out. call on 044 43042365.
• Geetha Café , Pondy Bazaar - South Indian tiffin.
• Hot Chips, T.Nagar and Anna Nagar for budget priced South Indian tiffin, including North Indian chat (snack) items
• Karpagambal Mess, Opposite the Kapaleeswarar temple, Mylapore. Do visit this place if you have a craving for cheap and authentic South Indian Food.
• Komalas, Kodambakkam High Road. Cuisine - South Indian Fast Food.
• Mansuk's, T.Nagar - Best for Bombay Chat, Lassi and an unlimited Gujarati Thali.
• Palimar, Parsn Complex, Anna Salai (Mount Road). Cuisine - South Indian.
• Rathna Cafe, Triplicane for fluffy hot idlis, piping hot vadai, delicious pongal dripping in ghee and accompanied by sambhar. Quality maintained for more than 100 years. Recently opened at Thiruvanmiyur, opposite the RTO. More expensive than Murugan Idli shop.
• Sangeetha, chain of vegetarian restaurants. Sangeeta offers a mix of good-quality and tasty South Indian, North Indian, and "Indo-Chinese" cuisine at very reasonable prices. A chain restaurant, including one shop at the intersection of Valluvar Kottam High Road and Nungambakkam High Road in Nungambakkam. Cuisine - South Indian.
• Sri Krishna Sweets, Spencers Plaza, Adayar, Anna Salai (Mount Road)(also at MG Road, Shastri nagar) Indian Sweets & Salad Bar. Visit "Sri Krishna" for a unique assortment of North Indian "chat" (snack) items as well as well-made Indian sweets
• Vasantha Bhavan chain of vegetarian restaurants, one near Vadapalani Bus stand titled Vasantha Bhavan 'Namma Veedu' is quite famous.
• Woodlands Drive-In, Gemini Circle for good South Indian Tiffin.
• Saravana Bhavan the most popular chennai based international chain of Vegetarian Restaurants where you can get South Indian foods.

165.166.139.84 07:16, 25 September 2008 (EDT)===Mid-range===

• The beach cafee, new no. 2, elliott beach road, besant nagar, chennai. new restaurant serving the finest coastal inspired cuisine from Goa, Mangalore, Tamil Nadu coast, Bengal, South east Asia and Italy. Unique presentations, family style service, large portions, live cooking stations - the works. It is open all day, and a innovative range of mocktails like the 'pomogrnate & ginger margarita' and the 'mango & tamarind splash', great place to chill all day. Call 9952922277 ( opening soon )
• Aiwo, Nungambakkam High Road, Nungambakkam, located next to Barista Cafe. Cuisine - Fusion and health foods. Aiwo features a 14-course meal served on a conveyer belt that moves around the room; various dishes are served, and the food is very good and rather expensive.
• Amaravathy, No.1, Cathedral Road, Gopalpuram. Andhra Special and also Tandoori, Chinese 28116416, 28110305.
• Amethyst, Sundar Mahal, Padmavathi Road, Jeypore Colony, Gopalapuram Ph - +91 442820 3582. Garden and patio cafe and restaurant with a mix of western (pastas, burgers) and Indian fare. The patio is a cool place to while away a hot afternoon.
• Amma, GN Chetty Road, T. Nagar. Cuisine - Chettinadu (Region of South India).
• Anjappar, Nungambakkam High Road, Nungambakkam. +91 44 2628 9344 (Anna Nagar). Chettinadu cuisine.
• Anupama, GN Chetty Road, T. Nagar. Andhra cuisine.
• Coastline, Radhakrishna Salai, Mylapore. +91 44 2825 1128. Seafood.
• Dhaba Express, Cenotaph Road, Tenampet and Nungambakkam High Road (opposite the ICICI Bank and near Little Italy restaurant). +91 44 2432 8213. North Indian.
• Dynasty, Harrisons Hotel, 315, Valluvarkottam High Road, Nungambakkam. +91 44 5222 2777. Good-quality Chinese-Indian cuisine
• ECR Dhaba, On ECR Road, Next to Muttukadu Boat House, Muttukadu. +91 98407 04050. Indian, Tandoor, Chinese
• Gallopin Gooseberries, Burgers, Sandwiches and Entres. Has two outlets:

1. 4/359,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. [29], 100% natural, fully vegetarian restaurant
• Karaikudi, VeeraRaghava Road, T. Nagar, +91 44 2815 1021. (also at Anna Nagar, Besant Nagar, Mylapore, Thiruvanmiyur) Chettinadu cuisine.
• Eden's, Harrisons Hotel, 315, Valluvarkottam High Road, Nungambakkam. Wonderful Continental cuisine, fully vegetarian.
• McDonalds, Ascendas IT Park, Taramani Road,Taramani
• Marry Brown, opposite to Vadapalani Bus Stand
• Dominos Pizza, Near ashok pillar and many other places
• Pizza Corner, Nugambakkam and other places
• 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.
• 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 & 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. Multicusine
• 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.
• Sparky's, 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.[30]

Splurge

• Pergola - High Altitude Dining. At 164 feet above ground level it is Chennai's heighest open-to-sky restaurant , The Accord Metropolitan, Ph - 28161000
• Seasons - All Day Dining restaurant, The Accord Metropolitan, Ph - 28161000
• Akasaka, Suraj Towers, Ground Floor, 128 L.B. Road, Behind Jayanthi Theatre, Thiruvanmiyur. Japanese Chef, Own fishing boat, excellent sushi and sashimi
• Arirang, Nungambakkam High Road, Nungambakkam. Korean.
• Bella Ciao The Italian Restaurant, 4, Sree Krishna Enclave, Kottivakkam, Chennai - 600 041 - Phone:+91 44 24511130 ---- 140, Nungambakkam High Road, Chhotabhai Center Chennai - 600 034 - Phone:+91 44 28330085 ---- Italian: Roman owner, Excellent Food and Real WoodFire oven Pizzas, lovely setting.
• Benjarong, 146 T.T.K. Rd, Alwarpet,044/2432-2640. Thai.
• Cafe Mercara, Chola Sheraton, Cathedral Road. +91 44 2811 0101, Multicuisine.
• Cedars, #29, Gandhi Mandapam Road, Kotturpuram. +91 44 55855 111, +91 44 2447 5073, Mediterranean
• Cilantro, Le Royal Meridien, #1, GST Road, St. Thomas Mount. +91 44 2231 4343, Chinese
• Citrus, Savera Hotel, Radhakrishna Salai, Mediterranean.
• Copper Chimney, Cathedral Road. Mainly North Indian with the odd Iranian inspired dish on the menu. Opposite the Chola Sheraton.
• Dakshin, Park Sheraton Hotel and Towers, Chamiers Road, Alwarpet. +91 44 2499 4101. Rose wood furniture, antique tanjore paintings, bronze idols, fresh water lilies and flower garlands create a festive mood. Live Carnatic Music. Excellent food - Starters include traditional fare like Kuli Paniyaram. Try the Idi Appam or Appam and Mutton Stew. Finish off with a Kulfi.
• Don Pepes, Cathedral Road, Gopalapuram. Mexican. +91 44 2822 1461
• Kayal, Le Royal Meridien, #1, GST Road, St. Thomas Mount. +91 44 2231 4343, Seafood
• Little Italy, 12, Eldorado, Nungambakkam, Chennai 600034, ☎ +91 44 42601234.  edit
• Mainland China, Tulip Inn, Sterling Road, Nungambakkam. Chinese
• Navaratna, Le Royal Meridien, #1, GST Road, St. Thomas Mount. +91 44 2231 4343. Indian hotel coronet, LB road, Adayar, serves Kerala malabar non=veg dishes
• Peshwari, Chola Sheraton, Cathedral Road. +91 44 2811 0101, North Indian, Afghan.
• Shansi Chinese & Tandoori Restaurant, AnnaNagar - Indian and Chinese - 26213109
• Shanghai Club, Chola Sheraton, Cathedral Road. +91 44 2811 0101, Chinese
• Southern Spice, Taj Coromandel, Nungambakkam High Road, Nungambakkam. +91 44 5500 2827. South Indian
• Tandoor, Aruna Hotel, 145 Sterling Road, Nungambakkam. +91 44 2826 2626, +91 44 2828 366, Gourmet dining.
• The Great Kabab Factory, Radisson GRT Hotel, #531, GST Road, St. Thomas Mount. +91 44 2231 0101. Mughlai.
• The Patio, Taj Coromandel, Nungambakkam High Road, Nungambakkam. +91 44 5500 2827. Gourmet dining
• The Residency, Park Sheraton Hotel and Towers, Chamiers Road, Alwarpet. +91 44 2499 4101.
• Vijays, Park Sheraton Hotel and Towers, Chamiers Road, Alwarpet. +91 44 2499 4101. Multicuisine Sports Cafe
• The Westminister. Park Sheraton Hotel and Towers, Chamiers Road, Alwarpet. +91 44 2499 4101.

• Emilio's Gelateria, 362/1 , Injambakkam, ECR , Chennai (On the way to Mahabalipuram , opp to VGP), ☎ 24496090, [31]. 1030 am to 11 pm. Great Italian gelato! Absolute low fat and natural flavours. Wide spread of sandwiches, pasta, etc. Moderate +.  edit

The liquor trade in Chennai and rest of Tamilnadu is now run by the government. Most liquor shops have been taken over by the government. To get branded liquor at these "Wine Shops" one might have to cough up some extra cash. However bars and pubs in the city's major hotels are managed by the hotels.

• curry house, anna nagar, ☎ 42611167. good tandoori fare of the non-veg variety popular among the punjabis and found all over Delhi.  edit

Budget

• The Pub, Liberty Park Hotel, 1st Main Road, Kodambakkam, Ph - 24725950
• Aruna Bar, 20,South Usman Road, T Nagar, Chennai - 600017, Ph - 24346565/0834

Mid-range

• Bike and Barrel, Residency Towers, T.Nagar.
• Champagne & 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 - 52222777

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 pricey.

• 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
• The Cascade, Quality Inn Sabari 29, Thirumalai Pillai Road, T.Nagar, Chennai - 600 017

Splurge

• OPM - Nightclub, The Accord Metropolitan, Chennai, Ph - 28161000
• Zodiac - Soft Coversation Lounge, The Accord Metropolitan, Chennai, Ph - 28161000
• Geoffreys, Radha Park Inn, Arumbakkam.
• 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 & Chandon, Glenfiddich and a variety of other scotch. Loud Music.

• The Rain Bar, Hotel Raintree, St.Mary's Road, Alwarpet
• The Havana, Hotel Raintree, St.Mary's Road, Alwarpet

Local Specialities - Soft Drinks

• Fruitshop on Greams Road, Chain of fresh fruit juice retailers, outlets in Greams Road,

Kilpauk, Besant Nagar, Spencers Plaza, Gatsby Village (ECR), BPCL Bunk, Meenambakkam, BPCL Bunk, Nungambakkam, Shanti Colony (Anna nagar)

• Tender Coconut Definitely try a tender coconut on a hot summer's day. Available on roadside stalls at Rs.15 a coconut.
• NeerMoar Spicy butter milk, with local seasoning. Available at most South Indian restaurants.