What I like about Chennai - a Woman's Perspective
Chennai could be defined as a city where the old world charm meets the new world. This being the city that I was born and brought up in, will always remain close to my heart.
Chennai is a metropolitan city located on the South East coast of India, and it was an important port city while India was being ruled by the British Raaj. Hence there is a bit of British influence in the architecture in some parts. That coupled with the glass framed modern buildings of the IT companies is what I mentioned as the place where the old meets new. While these modern structures are the signs of growth of the city, the old buildings are the remnants of history and a bygone era.
Chennai boasts of a large number of good educational institutes which were started long ago by different Christian missionary groups. Most notable among these institutes include Loyola College, MCC and the Presidency College among others. Apart from these it boasts of a number of Engineering Colleges situated in and around the city catering to the ever demanding IT industry.
Chennai is amongst the safest cities in India especially for women. But for a few untoward eve-teasing cases, it is by and large a place where crimes committed against the women are less as compared to other places in India. But of course with changing culture this aspect of safety is also changing. But nevertheless I do feel safe even if I am traveling alone in this city in the evenings.
Political pressures are there, but this doesn’t affect the masses as much as it would in other metropolitans. Crime rates are maintained a moderate levels. And (touch wood) terrorist attacks are yet to strike this city and that itself is a big boon.
Another charming feature of this place is the temples. The most notable among them is perhaps the Kapaleeswarar Temple in Mylapore. Apart from this famous temple there is the Marundeeswarar Temple at Thiruvanmiyur, Hanuman temple at Nanganallur, Sai Baba temple among a host of others (there is at least a small temple on practically every street in Chennai). On a festival day the crowds thronging to these temples are indeed a sight to behold.
Chennai is also home to the second largest beach in the world, the Marina Beach. Apart from this there is the Elliot’s Beach at Besant Nagar (School goers and college goers hang-outs), Thiruvanmiyur Beach and so on which basically dots the eastern coastal areas.
An essay on Chennai is not complete without mentioning the rich cultural heritage that exists here. You want to witness the culture in its entire element? Come to Chennai in December during the Music and Dance Festival. It is a must - see experience and the climate is also at its best during this period. Oh yes most people joke that Chennai has only three climes namely hot, hotter and hottest. While I don’t disagree with that drawback, I still canvas that one should come to this place in the month of December.
On an ending note, I wish this city would continue its growth and development in the same manner it has been doing all these years. And hope that it would be one of the best and most livable cities in India over time.
Chennai is a metropolitan city located on the South East coast of India, and it was an important port city while India was being ruled by the British Raaj. Hence there is a bit of British influence in the architecture in some parts. That coupled with the glass framed modern buildings of the IT companies is what I mentioned as the place where the old meets new. While these modern structures are the signs of growth of the city, the old buildings are the remnants of history and a bygone era.
Chennai boasts of a large number of good educational institutes which were started long ago by different Christian missionary groups. Most notable among these institutes include Loyola College, MCC and the Presidency College among others. Apart from these it boasts of a number of Engineering Colleges situated in and around the city catering to the ever demanding IT industry.
Chennai is amongst the safest cities in India especially for women. But for a few untoward eve-teasing cases, it is by and large a place where crimes committed against the women are less as compared to other places in India. But of course with changing culture this aspect of safety is also changing. But nevertheless I do feel safe even if I am traveling alone in this city in the evenings.
Political pressures are there, but this doesn’t affect the masses as much as it would in other metropolitans. Crime rates are maintained a moderate levels. And (touch wood) terrorist attacks are yet to strike this city and that itself is a big boon.
Another charming feature of this place is the temples. The most notable among them is perhaps the Kapaleeswarar Temple in Mylapore. Apart from this famous temple there is the Marundeeswarar Temple at Thiruvanmiyur, Hanuman temple at Nanganallur, Sai Baba temple among a host of others (there is at least a small temple on practically every street in Chennai). On a festival day the crowds thronging to these temples are indeed a sight to behold.
Chennai is also home to the second largest beach in the world, the Marina Beach. Apart from this there is the Elliot’s Beach at Besant Nagar (School goers and college goers hang-outs), Thiruvanmiyur Beach and so on which basically dots the eastern coastal areas.
An essay on Chennai is not complete without mentioning the rich cultural heritage that exists here. You want to witness the culture in its entire element? Come to Chennai in December during the Music and Dance Festival. It is a must - see experience and the climate is also at its best during this period. Oh yes most people joke that Chennai has only three climes namely hot, hotter and hottest. While I don’t disagree with that drawback, I still canvas that one should come to this place in the month of December.
On an ending note, I wish this city would continue its growth and development in the same manner it has been doing all these years. And hope that it would be one of the best and most livable cities in India over time.
Comments