All Things Chennai #3 | Triplicane – Part 2

One cannot miss seeing the landmark structure named ‘Vivekananda Illam’ from the shores of the Marina Beach in Chennai. Originally called “Ice House”, this 178-year-old building was renamed Vivekananda Illam in 1963 in remembrance of Swami Vivekananda’s brief sojourn here. Mr. Frederic Tudor, the ‘Ice King’, built three houses in Kolkata, Mumbai and Chennai to…

All Things Chennai #2 | Triplicane – Part 1

Modern apartments sandwiched between time-worn structures, row houses, small shops, an amalgamation of cultures; Triplicane gives a flavour of time. Before motor cycles and cars begin to squeeze their way through the narrow lanes, the early morning Triplicane looks like a sepia image of charming and cultural Madras. As suprabhatam echoes from inside homes, women…

All Things Chennai #1 | West Mambalam

There isn’t any majestic structure or ornate façade to announce its presence. This place claims its identity in its own unique way. Streets brimming with activity; bustling markets; Mamis hopping from one shop to another as they wave at familiar faces; Mamas on a casual walk with their friends as they stop by snack stalls…