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51 Things to do in Chennai

Blog, Things To Do - GoroadTrip - July 6, 2015

51 Things to do in Chennai

1. Make a beeline for the Marina Beach, Chennai’s most popular tourist attraction; it is the second longest beach in the world! You can’t leave without enjoying the vast expanse of sea, sand and sun. And try to catch a sunrise on the beach; it’s a mind-altering experience!

2. Eat hot bajjis on the beach – crisp onion, chilli, potato and raw banana fritters freshly fried. Nothing to beat the feeling of hot bajjis eaten on rickety chairs on the beach as the wind whips your face.

3. Alternatively, try out the local favorite – sundal, boiled chickpeas, seasoned with mustard seeds and coconut.

4. On the subject of beaches, Elliots Beach in Besant Nagar is quite a happening place with beachside restaurants, ice cream joints and fast food.

5. Tie mallipoo (jasmine) in your hair. It beats buying a bottle of Kenzo any day.

6. Head off to Mamallapuram (fondly known as Mahabs) and soak in the beauty of the Shore Temple and all the lovely monuments.

7. Mahabs is dotted with shops selling stone carvings, woodcarvings, soapstone figurines, handicrafts and seashell jewelry. And yes, you can bargain at almost all of these shops.

8. Enjoy a picnic in the shaded environs of Tigers Cave, on the way to Mamallapuram.

9. Gorge on seafood at Mahabs – fresh catch is dished up in many delicious ways.

10. If you come in January, you can catch the dazzling spectacle of the Mamallapuram Dance Festival and get to see various art forms performed in gorgeous surroundings.

11.From Mamallapuram, keep going till you reach Pondicherry. You can shop, sightsee and eat at one of the many lovely restaurants in this charming town. This former French Colony is a one-hour drive from Mahabs. And, don’t forget to visit Auroville.

12. Spend a day at Dakshinachitra on the East Coast Road and learn about South Indian culture. The centre showcases the living traditions of art and culture, folk performing arts, crafts and the architectural traditions of South India.

13. Enjoy soft fluffy idlis and filter coffee at Murugan Idli Shop. You will get four varieties of delicious chutney and sambhar; you can also ask for podi (powder) and oil.

14. Try out fiery Chettinad food at the many Chettinad restaurants that dot the city.

15. Spend a day at Kalakshetra School of Dance, which was founded by Rukmini Arundale. Soak in the lovely ambience – gracious architecture and the verdant campus – and get to see Bharatnatyam and other dance forms performed by lovely, graceful dancers.

16. Schedule a stop at the Madras Crocodile Bank and get entranced by hordes of crocs! A fascinating place to visit, one can see several species of Indian and African crocodiles and alligators bred in captivity and kept here in open pools. There is also a small snake farm that conducts demonstrations of venom extraction. Not for the squeamish!

17. Pay a visit to the Madras Snake Park and learn about these slithering reptiles. The Guindy National Park is adjacent to it and you can enjoy the beauty of natural surroundings bang in the heart of the city.

18. Spend a day at Vandalur Zoo and catch a glimpse of the many exotic animals that are there.

19. Head to St. Thomas Mount; sit atop the serene hill and be enthralled by the sweeping view of the city and the airport. The quaint church too is where St. Thomas was martyred is worth a visit. Its serene ambience will calm and soothe you.

20. for a thrilling catamaran ride with the local fisherman. Be warned…you need nerves of steel!

21. Check out the local sabhas for Carnatic music kutcheris and Bharatanatyam dance performances.

22. Amuse yourself at one of the many amusement parks like VGP, Kishkinta and MGM Dizee World

23. See artists at work at the Cholamandal Artists Village. This peaceful artists’ colony on ECR is a must-visit for art aficionados.

24. Admire the beautiful Kapaleeswarar Temple in Mylapore with its magnificent gopurams and traditional South Indian architecture.

25. Take a walk down the crowded by-lanes of Mylapore next to Kapaaleswar Temple; the aroma of freshly filtered coffee and hot, spicy bajjis, frying in ladles of bubbling oil permeate the air. Little roadside stalls sell an array of products from strung jasmine and marigold to slippers, an amazing range of bindis to bangles and costume jewelry.

26. Take a walk down history lane with visits to the Government Museum in Egmore and Fort St. George, which is where the British originally settled in 1640.

27. The Fort is also home to one of the oldest British churches in India – St. Mary’s, built in 1680. The highlights of the church are the altarpiece and a striking painting of ‘The Last Supper’ done by Raphael.

28. Pig out on South Indian food at Saravana Bhavan. They have outlets all over the city and their dosas, sambhar rice, curd rice, tamarind rice and thalis are just yum.

29. Add some stunning kanjeevaram and chungdi saris to your wardrobe. They come in a dazzling variety of colours and designs at the many shops that dot the city. T. Nagar and Mylapore have many lovely sari shops.

30. Pay a visit to the Theosophical Society in Adyar. Not only can you learn more about the Society you can also enjoy the beauty of nature in its lovely verdant campus. It’s an oasis within the city.

31. The banyan tree at Theosophical Society is supposedly 450 years old and sprawls across approximately 40,000 sq.ft.

32. A visit to Nalli is a must; their selection of saris, for which they are legendary, is awesome.

33. Buy temple jewellery; it’s unique, it’s beautiful. From earrings, studs, chains, pendants to hair ornaments, there’s a stunning variety. Originally, temple jewelry was made in gold, studded with uncut diamonds and rubies, and emeralds, sapphires and pearls but today you will find more affordable pieces.

34. The gypsies have set up roadside stalls in Besant Nagar and they sell lovely, colorful beaded jewelry at virtually throwaway prices. A great bargain.

35. For fabrics of every hue, texture and design, visit the pavement stalls off Pantheon Road. You can pick up material for curtains, upholstery and clothes at great prices. Remember to hone your bargaining skills!

36. For handicrafts pay a visit to Poompuhar or Victoria Technical Institute and pick up traditional artefacts.

37. Need some retail therapy? Head to one of the malls – Express Avenue, Phoenix Mall or Citi Center. Window shop, choose from a mind-boggling variety of foods at their food courts, and just wile away the time.

38. Sathyam Cimemas, the multiplex, is a great place to go if you have nothing to do. Catch a movie or eat sinful desserts at Ecstasy.

39. If you are adventurous, check out one of the Tasmac liquor shops. Be prepared to push and shove your way through drunken hordes to get yourself liquor; chances are you won’t get the brand you want, very rarely will you get a full bottle (you will have to cart back an annoying collection of quarter bottles).

40. Grand Sweets and Snacks is not to be missed. It is a veritable institution here and their sweets and savories are freshly prepared and delicious. Don’t worry about the calories!

41. The legendary Mysore Pak at Shri Krishna Sweets (which has branches all over the city) is to die for – sinfully rich, soft and absolutely melt-in-your mouth.

42. Chennai’s Mass Rapid Transport System (MRTS) is one of a kind. Want an elevated tour of the city? Hop onto one and spend a morning or afternoon travelling through many parts of Chennai.

43. If you’d like to do a spot of boating, drive down to Muthukadu Lake, which is on the way to Mamallapuram. There are speedboats, rowboats and pedal boats. In summer, the heat can be scorching though.

44. If you care about the environment, from November to April, you could take part in the Turtle Walks that kick off on Besant Nagar Beach. If you’re lucky, you might spot an Olive Ridley turtle laying eggs.

45. A walk down T. Nagar’s crowded shopping areas in Pondy Bazaar and Panagal Park are a must. You will have to jostle your way around but it’s fun, and when you get tired of it, just pop into one of the air-conditioned sari or jewellery shops!

46. For haute fashion, a trip down Khader Nawaz Khan Road, Chennai’s very own ‘Fashion Street’ will leave fashionistas happy and sated!

47. Erected over the tomb of the apostle St. Thomas, the San Thome Basilica is a significant pilgrimage centre. Its graceful spire, the majesty of its structure and the exquisite stained glass windows and its Neo-gothic structure make it one of Chennai’s most elegant landmarks.

48. Chennai is famous for its filter kaapi – made with freshly ground coffee beans that exude a tantalizing aroma; this is an experience not to be missed. Nothing like a steaming glass of coffee served up in the traditional stainless steel tumbler.

49. And of course, don’t forget to eat a sumptuous thali meal complete with mounds of fluffy rice, sambhar, rasam, porial (vegetables), applam and pickle followed up by a delicious payasam.

50. In the heat of Tamil Nadu’s scorching summers, a refreshing plate of the ubiquitous thayir saadam (curd rice) with a dash of pickle will leave you feeling cool and satiated.

51. The best time to come to Chennai is between November and February. Not only is the weather wonderfully pleasant, December is when the music season is on and everyday you can catch concerts and performances at the various sabhas and also get to taste authentic local food.

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On the Fruit Trail of India

Blog, Food - GoroadTrip - June 24, 2015

When you take a bite of an apple or peel off an orange, do you wonder where they come from? Which part of India are they grown, how much they have travelled before finding themselves in your fruit basket? Almost every state in our country is home to one or morevarieties of fruit and specializes in its cultivation. Orchards, vineyards and fruit groves of our country produce some of the finest varieties of fruits which are supplied not just to India but many parts of the world.

The Abode of Some Fruits in Some States are:

Apples, Himachal Pradesh:

Kotgarh in Himachal Pradesh is known as the Apple Bowl of India. The apple orchards run for several acres and are about 80 kilometres from Shimla. Walking through the orchards dotted with red apples, breathing in the apple scents that are mixed with pine from the surrounding forests makes you forget the rest of the world.

Oranges, Maharashtra:

Known as the orange city, Nagpur is famous for its mandarin oranges. Recently awarded with the geographical indication (GI) tag for the use of the name ‘Nagpur Orange’, this variety is exclusive and sought after the world over. While you pick a box of these juicy oranges, spend a lovely time in this green city of India which is also our country’s winter capital.

Pomegranates, Maharashtra:

Yet another fruit that the state of Maharashtra is home to, in Solapur, is the red and pearly pomegranate. Solapur not only cultivates the fruit but also conducts research on it in the National Research Centre.

Alphonso Mangoes, Maharashtra:

Widely popular as ‘Ratnagirihapus’ this king of fruits is grown in the port city on the Konkan coast, Ratnagiri. Alphonso mangoes are the most superior variety of mangoes and hence the royal title. No summer should pass by without a taste of this delicious golden yellow fruit!

Pineapples, West Bengal:

The Bidhannagar area in Siliguri, Bengal, is the largest area growing pineapple.Siliguri is located at the foothills of the mighty Himalaya and the banks of River Mahanadi. Enjoy biting into delicious chunks of the native juicy fruit while you take in the beautiful scenery of the Mahanadi River and the Himalayas.

Bananas, Tamil Nadu:

Although the top position keeps hopping between states, the highest number of bananas are produced by Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and several other states. It is no wonder that India is the largest banana producing country in the world.

Papaya, Andhra Pradesh:

Along with sweet orange, Anantapur in AP, is one major fruit production area. Anantapur is earning the distinction of being the fruit bowl of AP and flourishing with the launch of National Horticulture Mission.

Guavas, Uttar Pradesh:

If oranges are Nagpur’s pride, Guavas are Allahabad’s. Owing to the many distinct varieties of guavas grown here, Allahabad is often referred to as ‘The City of Green Gold’.

Custard apples, Telangana:

Also called Sitaphal, this favourite fruit of the people of Karimnagar, Telangana are grown in large quantities on hillocks and small forest areas.

Grapes, Maharashtra:

Nashik, known as the ‘Grape capital of India’, produces more than half of the total grape cultivated in India. The grapevines are spread at the foothills of the Sahayadri. The climate and location results in the freshness and juiciness of the fruits and is therefore in great demand around the world.

Strawberries, Maharashtra:

Popular for berries, Mahabaleshwar is an ideal location to grow them owing to the hilly Western Ghat ranges present in the place. The favourable climate and hilly terrain grows the best strawberries, pink, sweet and juicy.

Litchis, Bihar:

Known as the Litchi kingdom of India, Muzaffarpur is famous for its Shahi litchis. Muzaffarpur is responsible for the export of the fruit to almost all the big cities in India.

Peaches, Kerala:

Kanthalloor is famous for a wide variety of fruits, especially peaches. This place is on the eastern side of the Western Ghats and the cool climate is ideal for the cultivation of some of the best varieties of fruits.

Plums, Himachal Pradesh:

Best grown in cooler climates, the plums are the pet fruits of northern states like Himachal, Uttrakhand and Jammu and Kashmir.

Pears, Jammu and Kashmir:

Primarily grown in Jammu and Kashmir, pears also grow well in Himachal Pradesh. Since the fruit can adapt to subtropical temperatures it is also grown in the states of Punjab and Uttar Pradesh.

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5 Best Picnic Spots near Mysore

Blog, Destinations, Weekend Getaways - GoroadTrip - June 18, 2015

When in Mysore there is no dearth of picnic places whenever you are in the mood for one. There are so many picnic spots all within a 100-kilometre distance that choosing one can more challenging than the trip! Some fun-to-be picnic spots are listed here.

Balmuri Falls:

Around 15 kilometres from Mysore, Balmuri falls is a small but beautiful waterfall. When the water flow is slow, you can wade in the water. But you can always splash about in the many pools and streams that wind their way through the lovely rocks and shrubs. Local boat rides are also enjoyable. You can feast on your picnic basket on the shady and cool banks but be sure to leave no garbage behind.

Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary:

Just about 18 kilometres from Mysore is Ranganathittu Bird sanctuary, which is one among India’s largest bird sanctuaries. Home to a colossal variety of birds, the sanctuary is a bird lover’s and photographer’s delight. The River Cauvery and a group of islets, some lush with greenery, are a visual treat. You can even watch the flocks of birds from a boat.

Kokkrebellur:

Another delightful place for ornithologists, Kokkrebellur is a birding destination for many species of birds like spot-billed pelicans and painted storks. They are all perfectly at home with the locals who treat the birds as important visitors and care for the nests and young ones of the birds as well. The sight of these birds quietly resting on all the tree tops is an incredible scene.

Channapatna:

Turn your picnic into a shopping spree at Channapatna located around 85 kilometres from Mysore. Famous for uniquely crafted wooden toys and silk filatures, tourists find it really interesting to see products of both the industries with a walk in the village.

Ramanagara:

Made famous by the movie, Sholay, Ramanagara is as dramatic in real as shown on the reel. Located around 100 kilometres from Mysore, there are many attractions here like rock climbing, caves and the popular Ram temple that make it an ideal picnic spot.

Just pack that picnic hamper, throw in a few sheets, collect your friends and set out on your picnic. Destination is the least of your problems when you are heading from Mysore.

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6 Best Coffee Destinations in India

Blog, Destinations, Weekend Getaways - GoroadTrip - June 7, 2015

In India coffee plantations are mainly found in the southern states and partially in the north eastern region. Typically grown on higher altitudes, coffee plantations need shade more than direct sunlight. In total, 13 different types of coffee are grown in India. Considered to produce one of the finest coffee in the world, Indian coffee plantations are popular for their strong coffee with deep aroma and colour. Some of these coffee plantations are:

6 Best Coffee Destinations in India

Chikmagalur:

Coffee in India was introduced first in Chikmagalur. Known as the coffee land of Karnataka, the geography and climate of Chikmagalur favours coffee growth. Consequently Chikmagalur coffee is in great demand.

Coorg:

Coorg is India’s largest coffee producing district. The region boasts rich varieties of coffee like Robustas and Arabicas. Coorg is famous for intercropping as well as the coffee plantations also have spices like black pepper and ginger growing along.

Wayanad:

Wayanad is situated between the mountains of the magnificent Western Ghats. It is the green paradise of the Malabar region and known as the coffee county of Kerala. With its cool climate and hilly regions, Wayanad is best suited for the Robusta and Arabica varieties of coffee.

Yercaud:

Located in the Salem district of Tamil Nadu, Yercaud is relatively a small hill but has the best coffee forests of India. The other places with coffee plantations in Tamil Nadu areKodaikanal and Coonoor.

Araku:

From the Eastern Ghats in Vishakapatnam district of Andhra Pradesh, we have the coffee plantations of Araku valley. Distinct for organic coffee brands, coffee here is grown by the tribal people of these hills. Surrounded by a number of mountains and reserved forests, Araku valley is amazingly scenic. The entire area from Vishakapatnam to East Godavari districts is known for coffee plantations. Other areas growing coffee in Andhra Pradesh are Maredumilli, Paderu and Chintapalli.

Daringbadi:

One of the untouched hill stations, Daringbadi of Orissa is infamously called the Kashmir of Orissa.Blessed with pine jungles, lovely valleys and impressive mountains, Daringbadi has long coffee gardens. The cool climate and forest areas of this place make it compatible for coffee growth.

Espresso, latte, cappuccino or filter coffee; have it any way you like. Coffee lovers are hooked from their very first sip.

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7 Best Places to visit in Kodaikanal

Blog, Destinations - GoroadTrip - May 26, 2015

As we all know Kodaikanal, or Kodai, as it is fondly called, is a popular hill station frequented in summer. But do we know most of the attractions close to it? Have we visited many of the beautiful places surrounding it? Let’s check out some such best places.

7 Best Places to visit in Kodaikanal

Silent Valley:

Best visited in the early mornings and late afternoons, the Silent Valley fascinates with its deep and dangerous dips and stunning panoramic views.

Pillar Rocks:

Getting the name from the natural formation of three granite rocks standing side by side, Pillar Rocks is not to be missed when in Kodai. The rocks stand 400 feet high and the chambers between two pillars are referred to as Devil’s kitchen.

Coakers Walk:

Situated around one kilometre from Kodai Lake, Coakers Walk is a walker’s delight. Grab an early morning walk and let the robust fresh air and dew filled spectacular views of the plains and valleys set you up for an energetic day.

Bryant Park:

On the eastern side of the Kodai Lake is the Bryant Park. Re-designed by the British Army Officer, Bryant, the park is named after him. The park is a riot of colours with an amazing collection of hybrid flowers. A glasshouse with a large display of flowers, ferns and decorative plants is a huge attraction too.

Bear Shola Falls:

With rugged hilly paths leading to it, Bear Shola Falls is around two kilometres from Kodai Lake. This water falls was frequented by bears in olden times, hence the name. It makes a fabulous picnic spot and tourists can enjoy hours of peace and quiet in the natural surroundings.

Berijam Lake:

Situated around 23 kilometres from Kodai centre, Berjim Lake offers an engrossing day of activities along with scenic views. Boating on the lake is an awesome experience with the encircling greenery and views of the innumerable varieties of fishes in the pristine waters. Hikers will love the hike to the lake as the route is through thick forests. But beware of wild animals.

Dolphin’s Nose:

Eleven kilometres from the city centre is the Dolphin’s Nose. The last stretch of three kilometres has to be covered on foot. On the way up gear yourself to be smothered by wisps of clouds that open out to miles and miles of lush green lands and dense forests. Standing on the edge of the rock shaped like a dolphin’s nose, you will be a spectator to some of the most magnificent views of Kodai.

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