Chennai - My Picky Moment

Being in Chennai for 4 years is something I haven't dreamt of doing my B.Tech. I have gained and lost many but few remains treasured. But by traveling to a new place, we learn to adapt to changes and accept things around us the way it is. We learn their beauty and flaws and explore wild paths. 

And I have always been that crazy person wanting to try everything. I have listed few of my best picks for knowing Chennai as one of my memorable moments and yes, there are places I haven't been but got the best knowledge from people who have been there. 

Guess this is how I go about with my last two months in Chennai. 

Adios !

HOW TO GET AROUND

• Local Trains
• Bus
• Cabs (Ola, Uber, Fast Track, Friends, NTL)
• Share Auto

We have four means of transport listed above.The common train everyone would be familiar will be the beach to Chegalpattu train. Simply cause one of the station is the stop for Chennai Airport. One way ride costs Rs10 and it would be by luck you don't find them during the peak busy hours.

The local buses have always been the fun part. People always thought only a local could know the exact bus route and it's hard. Today, we all possess a smartphone and a common app 'Google Maps'. Select your destination and you have an option for bus and they help you with the bus number and how much you have to walk in order to reach your destination. You might have to get on and get off few stations but again, it's cheaper than spending a fortune on petrol or cabs. And if that still doesn't help you or confuses, you can definitely find people around for the best direction. I have always found them so helpful.

Ola and Uber cabs require an app to book a ride. I find ola quite easy and helpful.
Fast track +91 44 2888 9999
NTL +91 93805 06690
FRIENDS +91 44 2625 2525

Share auto is easy to find. They are those white open van that helps you travel a short distance and again it's the cheapest ride that costs you Rs.10. But it doesn't drop you off at the exact location you wish to travel.

BEACHES

• Marina Beach
• Thiruvanmivur Beach
• Elliots Beach
• Olive Beach
• Mahabalipuram 

MALLS

• Pheonix Marketcity 
• Express Avenue (EA), Royapettah
• Citi Centre, Mylapore
• Forum Vijaya Mall, Vadapalani
• Ampa Skywalk, Poonamalee High Road
• Spencer Plaza, Annai Salai

My Best Picks: Pheonix and Forum Mall. The happiest part is knowing that H&M has started their first brand in EA Chennai.

STAYS 

• Hilton, Guindy
• Taj Coromandel, Nungambakkam
• The Leela Palace, MCR Nagar
• The Westin, Velachery
• Le Royal Meridien, St Thomas Mount
• Crowne Plaza, Alwarpet
• Park Hyatt, Velachery
• ITC Grand Chola, Guindy
• Radisson Blu, Egmore
• Hablis, Guindy

YOU KNOW WHO? LIPIDS

• KFC
• Subway
• Domino's Pizza
• Burger King
• Pizza Hut

EATS OUTS

• Nando's 
• Kobe Sizzlers
• Chili's
• Plan B
• Pantry D'or 
• Tovo 
• Little Italy
• Double Roti
• Kipling Cafe
• That Madras Place
• L'amandier
• Waffles Thru The Day
• Mash
• Pupil
• Spoonbill
• Mainland China
• Hard Rock Cafe

THEMED EAT OUTS

• Animal Kingdom
• 747
• Haunted
• Kaidi Kitchen
• Chauki Dhani

BARBECUE

• Barbecue Nation
• Absolute Barbecue
• Grill Box
• Kebab Corner
• The Kebab Factory
• Coal Barbecue

SWEET TOOTH

• Amadora Gourmet Ice Cream & Sorbet
• Cream Stone
• Sandy's Chocolate Factory
• Haagen Dazs
• Cream & Fudge
• Coco Jaunt 1728

My absolute favorite was Amadora. I, my brother and my roommate have been here and you got to try the under baked cake with choice of your ice cream. 

HAKUNA MATATA

• Love Peace Karma
• Baristo Brew
• Angaara City
• Gusto Cafe

GAMES

• Laser Tag
• Down Under Fun (Bowling and Snooker) 
• Fun City

GO KARTING 

• Kart Attack
• ECR Speedway

EXOTICAMP

This is a must if you're a true lover of nature and adventurous. I still haven't got to be here but have heard a lot about this camping. Insha'allah, some day I get to have this moment. 

2.5 HRS (FROM CHENNAI) – ON ECR – KITE FLYING – BEACH VOLLEYBALL - LIGHTHOUSE VISIT

Itinerary: 1 Day / 1 Night

Day 01: Leave Chennai around 1.00 PM and arrive at the base location around 3.30 PM. On arrival, the camp briefing is done and after that, you are free to check into your tents. High tea will be served post which you can indulge in a light game of volleyball or roll up your trousers & take a gentle stroll along the white sandy beach or better just sit back and soak up all the sun, sand and the rolling waves. Evening campfire will be set up after sundown followed by dinner(Veg). Snuggle up into the comfort of your tent after dinner or just lie down on the sand and gaze at the vastness called sky

Day 02: Wakeup to the sound of gentle surf and watch rising sun turn the Bay of Bengal into a sea of gold & silver. Enjoy a sumptuous breakfast of fresh fruits, cereals, Coffee/tea. Visit nearby Light House, get a bird’s eye view of surrounding hamlets & the turquoise blue sea. Return to Chennai by noon.

TARIFF:
Rs. 2000 / Person (Excluding transport)
Book Here - http://imojo.in/hk7kc

Cost Includes:

Accommodation on twin sharing basis in tents with High Tea, Dinner (Veg / Egg) & Breakfast. You can also order fresh seafood at an additional cost (You have to inform us in advance)
Sterilized sleeping bags & an eco dental kit.

Contact: +91 97900 - 00401
Email: exoticampadventures@gmail.com

HAPPY HOURS

• 10 Drowning Street
• Big Bang Theory 
• US 101
• The Vault
• Bike and Barrel

ONAM - KUMARAKOM

Last but not the least, being a Keralite by birth, I would recommend the best place to have the true taste of Kerala meals. It would cost you approx Rs.400 and the smell would just drive you to places you have never been. It's a must time of the season to be here.