Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Chennai Guide PDF
Chennai Guide PDF
Chennai
VoYInitiative
VoY
Chennai Voice of Youth
We take immense pleasure in presenting this guide. We hope
it will be useful to understand and explore the city of Chennai
much better than before.
Contents
Eat Outs
American
Chinese
Japanese
Italian
Bengali
Andhra
Gujarati
Miscellaneous Buffet
Hotels
10
Coffee Shops
11
Movie Theatres
13
Entertainment
17
Gaming Zone
18
18
19
Adventure Sports
20
Golf
20
Dance Schools
20
Guitar Schools
21
22
Hospitals
23
24
Beauty Clinics
24
Gym
24
Clubs
27
Art Galleries
28
Amusement Parks
31
Watering Holes
33
35
Theatre Groups
38
Special Attractions
40
Beaches
40
40
Shopping
41
Religious Places
41
Other Attractions
Birla Planetarium
42
Theosophical Society
42
Brodie's Castle
42
Government Museum
43
Kalakshetra
43
Vedanthangal
43
Muttukadu
43
Vellore
43
Pulicat
43
Fisherman's Cove
43
Madras Club
43
Fort St George
44
Valluvar Kottam
44
44
Portrait St Thomas
44
High Court
44
45
Ambulance Service
45
Blood Banks
45
Eye Banks
46
Gas Services
46
Voluntary Organisation
46
47
47
American
Any Time
Continental, Indian
Barbeque Nation
#1 Hanumantha Road
T Nagar
Chennai 600017
Phone: 044 42694481, 044 42694482
Don Pepe
Mexican
Eatalica Restaurant
Continental, American
Gallopin Gooseberry
Continental, American
Chinese
Beijing Blues
An authentic Chinese restaurant serving
Schezwan and Cantonese delicacies.
Lunch 12:30 to 1500 hrs
Dinner 19:30 to 23:00 hrs.
(Lavish buffet lunch from 1200 to 1500 hrs)
Golden Dragon
Located at the lobby level of Taj
Coromandel, Golden Dragon serves
authentic Chinese cuisine from the Sichuan
region. With Chef Hardy Cheung at its
realm, it is very popular with both residents
and non-resident guests.
Lunch: 12:30 to 15:00 hrs
Dinner: 19:00 to 24:00 hrs
Taj Coromandel
# 17, Nungambakkam High Road
Nungambakkam
Chennai
Phone: 044 28272827 (Extn: 53)
Shanghai Club
Chinese cuisine in an imperial ambience.
Effortlessly blends the contrasting facets of
the Chinese enigma. The Shanghai Club
serves authentic Chinese cuisine amidst
an elegant ambience.
Lunch 12:30 to 15:00 hrs
Dinner 19:30 to 23:45 hrs
Shogun
Shogun gives you a great value for your
money.
The restaurant serves a delicious variety of
Hunan, Szechwan and Cantonese
specialties for lunch and dinner.
Lunch 12:00 to 15:00 hrs
Dinner 19:00 to 24:00 hrs
Chola Sheraton
Cathedral Road
Phone: 044 28110101 (Extn: 1802)
Email : [email protected]
Website : www.welcomgroup.com
Dr Radhakrishna Salai
Opp AVM Rajeshwari Kalyana Mandapam
Mylapore
Chennai
Phone: 044 28111128
Mainland China
SterlingRoad
Nungambakkam
Chennai
Phone: 044 28238305
Wangs Kitchen
Hotel Parthan
GN Chetty Road
T Nagar
Chennai
Phone: 044 28273003
Japanese
Akasaka
#128, LB Road
Behind Jayanthi theatre
Thiruvanmiyur West
Chennai
Phone: 044 24453424
Dahlia Restaurant
Taj Connemara
#2, Binny Road
Mount Road
Chennai 600002.
Phone: 044 66000000
Italian
Bella Ciao
Casa Piccola
Cream Centre
Kenzoos
Picasso Restaurant
The Pavilion
Trident House
Near Taj Coramandel
Nungambakkam High Road
Nungambakkam
Chennai 600034
Phone: 044 28272827
www.tajhotels.com
Bengali
Sree Annapurna of Calcutta
Andhra
Abi Ruchi Restaurant
Amaravathi
Andhra Restaurant
3rd Avenue
Anna Nagar
Chennai 600040.
Kenzoos
Maathus Restaurant
#7A, Vishwanathapuram
Main Road
Near Ragavendara Kalyana
Mandapam
Kodambakkam
Chennai 600024
Guajarati Mandal
Rangoli Restaurant
Guajarati
Miscellaneous Buffet
Barbe-Q-Nation
Sigree
Sterling Road
Nungambakkam
Chennai
Phone: 044 28238305
Hotels
Taj Connemara
Cream Centre
No 2, Binny Road
Anna Salai, Chennai 600002
044 66000000
Accord Metropolitan
Radisson Hotel
Breeze Hotel
# 1,GST Road,
St.thomas Mount, Chennai
044 2231 4343
Trident
1/24, G.S.T. Road,
Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600027
044 2234 4747
10
11
Coffee Shops
Mocha
Mocha Mojo
Cafe Vanilla
Amethyst
Casa Picola
Ashvita
Coffee World
Kipling Caf
Kafeoke
Chamiers
12
CP Ramasamy Road
Alwarpet
Phone: 044 43009499
T
TICKTEICKET
13
Inox
Anu Ega
Mayajaal Multiplex
Sathyam Cinemas
Padmam
Thiru Vi Ka Road
Royapettah
Chennai - 600014
Phone: 044 42244224
www.sathyamcinemas.com
www.thecinema.in
Woodlands
Devi
Movie Theatres
Ganapathi Ram
Anna
Jayaprada Theatre
# 9, Anna Salai
Chennai - 600002
Phone: 044 28511219
www.Annatheatre.com
Agasthya
Aradhana
Railway Road
Kanchipuram
Phone: 044 27223842
Melody
Suriyan
Udhayam
Raj Theatre
Casino A-C
14
Rohini Multiplex
Velan Multiplex
Shanthi
Mgr Road
Nanganallur
Chennai 600061
Phone: 044 22244544, 044 22246129
Kasi
Albert
Kamala
Prarthana Drive-in
IDream
Rakki Cinemas
Injambakkam
East Coast Road
Thiruvanmiyur
Chennai 600041
Phone: 044 24491402, 044 24491692
www.ticketnew.com
www.prarthanadriveintheatre.com
Thyagraja
Venus
Vasanthi
Vetri
Vidhya
Vigneshwara
Yamuna
Natraj
Pilot
Maharani
Alagesan Nagar
Ambattur
Chennai - 600053
Phone: 044 26241475
#762/538, T H Road
Old Washermenpet
Chennai 600021
Phone: 044 25951466
Ganga
Kaveri
Liberty
i-Scape
Broadway Talkies
Srinivasa
#1, Broadway
Chennai 600108
Phone: 044 25267761
15
Devi Paradise
Rakesh
Serene
Mini Motcham
Sai Shanthi
M.M. Rukmini
Star Talkies
Rajalakshmi
Subasri Pictures
Chennai Cinemas
#1-A, 1st Floor
Ashok Nagar Main Road
Samiyar Madam
Kodambakkam
Chennai -600024
Phone: 044 64530638
16
17
Gaming Zone
Blur
With Blur, Sathyam Cinemas has ventured into a sector which has largely been ignored in India: World Class
Gaming Zones. Spread over 15,000 square feet within the Sathyam Complex, Blur features gaming on every
conceivable platform from PS3, XBox 360, Nintendo Wii, PS2, PCs, Sony PSP, Nintendo DS to Arcades and fully
loaded PCs. You can also choose to have a bite at Blur cafe or exhibit your skills at the two lane bowling alley or
at a game of Football.
Sathyam Cinemas, 4th - 6th Floor, Mount Road, Chennai, Phone: 044 43920341
Billiards Point
Billiards Point has 4 pool tables, 4 standard (big) tables and 10 medium-sized tables. With a reasonably priced
tariff, Billiards Point has brought these indoor games within the reach of just about everybody. Billiards Point
boasts some excellent equipment with well-designed interiors and friendly markers. In addition to this, there is a
state-of-the-art Onkyo Sound System that plays the latest music. There is What Not Caf offering snacks
(vegetarian and non-vegetarian), fruit juices and cool drinks.
Raj Complex, Lloyds Road, Phone: 044 8269889
Wild West
Wild West is a Snooker/Pool parlour at Spencer Plaza. This Western Saloon look-alike has two standard, two
medium-sized, and four pool tables. There is also a small (baby) table for children. The whips, guns, saddles,
pistols, hats, guitars, horseshoes and water cans on the walls of the parlour, reminds you the world of Clint
Eastwood westerns. Lanterns innovatively light the parlour and the interiors are impressively decorated with cacti
and western murals. The Wild Caf serves snacks and beverages.
Snow Bowling
Snow Bowling is open from 11.00 a.m. to Mid Night. It offers four lanes, one pool table and video Karaoke to sing
along. Check out lot of English and Tamil songs with snacks, cool drinks and vegetarian and non-vegetarian
sandwiches. It also has a Music theatre with a projector.
M Centre, III Floor, 15 A, Nungambakkam High Road, Chennai-600034, Phone: 044 28264045, 044 28213306
Cybercue
Along with playing Snookers and Billiards, you can also enjoy browsing the net at the Internet Cafe. Other
activities include Mini-Golf. It is open from 6.30 a.m. to mid night.
45, Giri Road, T Nagar, Chennai, Phone: 044 28281390
18
Down Under
Down Under has four lane, ten pin bowling arena and computerized coaching. There is also a three-hole mini-golf
course with a thrilling landscape. You can also play Billiards & Snooker in a lovely ambience. You can also play
Animator fun Video games like target firing. For foodies, Delicious Bite, a vibrant and colourful vegetarian
restaurant, should be able to satisfy your needs. Additional entertainment includes Big Screen TV, Karaoke roomMusical fun, singing, Dance etc. Open from 11 a.m. to midnight.
123, Marshalls Road, Egmore, Chennai, Phone: 044 28413911
Karting
Go Karting
Kart Attack - Chennai's oldest go-carting centre located on the East Coast Road close to VGP. The track is
300m long and the surface is concrete.
East Coast Road, Near VGP, Chennai, Phone: 044 8257744, 044 4492386
Kart Beat
Go-karting centre at the AVM Studio Complex.
19
Adventure Sports
The following are some of the adventure and sports clubs in Chennai:
Adventure Zone
Adventure Zone runs a series of rock-climbing and rappelling camps. Designed for the novice, age is no bar for
these camps. Other activities offered are parasailing, snorkelling and scuba diving.
# 8, 2nd Link Street, Indira Nagar, Chennai, Phone: 094443 84608
Equestrian Academy
Training for dressage, show jumping and tent pegging are provided in the equestrian disciplines.
# 130, Old Mahabalipuram Road, Sholinganallur, Chennai
Art of Fishing
Art of Fishing arranges for deep sea fishing trips (Mackrel, Tuna and Barracuda) and fresh water trips.
New No. 6, Saraswathi Street, Mahalingapuram, Chennai
Golf
Cosmopolitan Club: 044 26440665
TamilNadu Golf Federation: 044 2829020
Madras Gymkhana Club: 044 26425625
Sunpalm Golf Academy:044 26441777
AKDR Golf Village:044 2343863
Dance Schools
John Brittos Dance & Co
The Swingers
20
Hips N Toez
Choreo Culture
No 64, After Odysey Next More Super Market, 2nd Main Road
3rd Cross Street Gandhi Nagar,, Adyar, Chennai 600020
+(91)-(44)-66320300
Lets Do Something
Guitar Schools
Roys Violin and Guitar Class
21
22
Hospitals
Apollo Hospital Enterprises
E B Hospital
Government Hospital
Indian Council of
Medical Research Foundation
Royapettah Hospital
23
RSRM Hospital
T B Hospital
Thiruvotteswarara Hospital of
Thoracic Medicine
E B Hospital
044 26440665
Malar
044 24911728
Apollo
044 28290200
044 25389190
Ayusha
044 26425625
National Hospitals
044 25211405
Bilroth
044 26441777
RM Hospital
044 24412377
044 28541101
Raju Hospital
044 24341901
Chennai Kaliappa
044 24936098
Santha Medicals
044 26442517
Child Trust
044 28277487
Devaki
044 24992607
Swaram Hospital
044 24417905
Kumaran
044 26411860
Tamilnadu Hospitals
044 24414003
KJ
044 26411513
Trinity
044 24991488
MV Hospitals
044 25954913
Vijaya Hospitals
044 24801598
Beauty Clinics
Kaya Skin Clinic
VLCC
Gym
O2 Health Studio
Talwalkers
24
Fitness One
Golds Gym
25
26
Clubs
The League Club
The League Club is located on the 100 feet ring road between Ashok Nagar and Anna Nagar. The club started in
1997 and is promoted as an exclusive club for the complete entrepreneur by the Great Citi Club Time Ltd. It offers
international facilities and professional services to its members and their families. Facilities such as Billiards, Chess,
Table Tennis, Cards, Shuttle Badminton, Carom, Tennis, Swimming Pool, Gymnasium, Steam Bath, Sauna, Jacuzzi,
Restaurant, and Lawn-Restaurant, Bar, Open-air theatre, Beauty Parlour and mini Conference hall are available.
Phone: 044 42914914
www.theleagueclub.in
Gymkhana Club
Founded during the British rule in India, about 115 years ago, Gymkhana Club is one of the most prestigious
entertainment clubs in the city today. One of the highlights is the club's nine-acre premise located in the heart of
the city. The Club offers recreational sports and games such as pool, snooker, tennis, table tennis and boasts of a
talented cricket team .It also has a golf annexe at Guindy. The floodlit tennis courts at the Club are probably the
best in the city. The gym offering the latest equipment is very popular with the health-conscious members. A
swimming pool is well maintained for the amateurs as well as the expert swimmers. The Club also houses The
Rendezvous, a restaurant, The Buttery Bar, used mostly for parties, and The Mixed Bar. The Club Library has an
extensive collection of books and periodicals. The Club organizes movie screenings twice a week. Corporate
membership is available at Rs. 5 lakhs per organization.
Phone: 044 25368160
Cosmopolitan Club: 63, Anna Salai, Mount Road, Chennai 600002, Phone: 044 28525004
Federation of Motor sports Club: S.P Road, Adyar, Chennai 600020
Chennai Cricket Club: 1, Bells Road, Chepauk, Chennai 600005
Chennai Press Club: Government Guest Estate, Chennai 600002
Chennai Flying Club: Meenambakkam, Chennai 600027
27
28
Art Galleries
Abinaya Creative Arts
Artistic
Artplus
C. P. Art Centre
Chettinad Hadicrafts
Firdusi
Golden Castle
Habitat
Kalakruti
29
S M C S Limited
Santa Claus
10, First Floor, Alsa Mall, Montieth Rd, Egmore, Chennai 600008
Contact: Mr. Santosh Sivaram, Phone: 044 28554247
Tanjore Collections
The Accessorn
The Heritage
V K Baraskar
31/32, Ground Floor, 90, Wellington Plaza, Anna Salai, Chennai 600002
Contact: Mrs. Viji Nagashwaran, Phone: 044 28569026
30
31
Amusement Parks
Kishkinta
This theme park is situated at Tambaram. It offers rides like Space Shuttle, Wave Pool, etc.
Phone: 044 22367244
Dash-n-Splash
This water park is situated just 30 kilometres from Central Station. Check out the free fall slides and flumes from a
height of 12-35 feet.
Phone: 044 25224618
Dolphin City
Dolphin City amusement park is situated on the East Coast Road and is 46 kms from Chennai city center. Dolphin
City hosts a number of events incorporating various water related activities. The most sought after event in the
park is American Sea Lions' performances. Some other features of Dolphin City include Under Water View, Leisure
Boating, Slide Swimming Pool, Open Air Theatre, Chuck Wagon, Disco Scooter, Tea Cup, Animal Simulator,
Dragon Ride and many more. The park houses a multi cuisine restaurant and a number of eating outlets. The
Notty Nutty Curios in the park complex sells various gift articles, swim suits and electronic accessories. Dolphin
City is open on weekdays and Holidays. The visiting hours are from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Phone: 04114-46370
Prime Time
An indoor amusement park for children, it is situated in Anna Nagar outskirts. The park activities incorporate
various joy rides and crazy games. The popular events hosted by Prime Time include the Bumper Car Rides and
the Play Pen.
32
33
Watering Holes
10 Downing Street
Grand Orient
Distil
Zara Tapas
Geoffrey's
Hotel Radha Park Inn, 171, Jawaharlal Nehru Salai, Inner Ring Rd,
Arumbakkam, Chennai, Phone: 044 24757788
Marriott Courtyard
Flame Le Club
The Dome
Zodiac
Durrant's Bar
The Westminster
Lexus
Hotel Savera
34
35
Music Academy
Devi Arihant, Flat #16, 1st Floor, 15 Dr Nair Rd, T Nagar, Chennai
Phone: 044 28154360, 044 24861356
Bharath Kalachar
Hamsadhwani
Kalarasana
36
Nadopasana
Nada Inbam
Kalakshetra Foundation
Thiruvanmiyur, Chennai
Phone: 044 24524057, 044 24520836 , Fax: +91-44-24524359
37
38
Theatre Groups
The Madras Players
Some of the most prestigious names like P C Ramakrishna and P M Krishna are associated with The Madras
Players. This group is about 55 years old. They do not provide any corporate training, and profess to be in theatre
for the love of it.
www.themadrasplayers.org
EVAM
Founded in 2003 by Karthik Kumar and Sunil Vishnu, Evam was one of the first theatre groups to turn themselves
into an entertainment company, and present theatre as a more professional activity. They accept corporate
workshops for companies, and also perform corporate shows staging the specific story of a company or its
founder for employees of the company, alone. They are well known for plays like 'The Importance of Being
Earnest' and frequently take their plays out of the city as well.
[email protected].
ASAP
Founded by Amit Singh, ASAP (As Stupendous As Promised) is another theatre group, that works as a company
and brings comedies to stage. They are best known for their play 'Run For Your Wife'. They also undertake
corporate theatre sessions, tailored to the requirements of their clients.
[email protected]
Masquerade
Masquerade, founded by Krishna Kumar, hosts workshops for young adults, and takes in interested actors from
their workshops. A seasoned actor, Krishna Kumar, allows students their space while imparting nuances of the art.
They have been around since 1994 and have staged 'Laughter Without Frills'. They usually have a summer
workshop for children in May.
www.masqueradechennai.wordpress.com
Stagefright Productions
They are known for staging musicals like 'Grease'. Started by Freddy Koikaran in 2004, who is a professional
corporate theatre trainer, he offers his expert services on request. Stagefright Productions is open to newcomers,
and usually shows variety in the genres they perform.
[email protected]
The Boardwalkers
They have tried serious plays like 'Amadeus' and also lighter comedies like 'An Idiot For Dinner'. The group was
started by Michael Muthu (famed set designer and actor).The group is about 19-years-old.
Theatre Y
Started by Yog Japee, they have often run poetry readings for audiences, and claim to use innovative new
methods in theatre. Yog frequently runs workshops for those interested in theatre at his studio in Mandaveli. Yog
also takes corporate theatre sessions for companies on request.
[email protected]
Paul Mathew
Paul Mathew is a full-time corporate trainer. He undertakes corporate theatre training for companies on request,
and tailors his sessions according to the demands of the company. He can be contacted at [email protected].
39
Beaches
Marina
Chennai's seashore hosts the second longest
urban beach in the world, stretching for
13 kms (8 miles) along the eastern flank. The
Marina, connecting Fort St. George with San
Thome Basilica almost 5 kilometres away,
was built by Mounstuart Elphinstone GrantDuff, the governor between 1881 and 1886.
Described by architectural historian Phillip
Davies as "One of the most beautiful marine
Promenades in the World". It is a favourite
place for Chennai's citizens to escape the
humidity and enjoy the sea breeze. The walk
along Kamarajar Salai takes in parks, treelined cobbled streets, spectacular colonial
and Indo-Saracenic Buildings.
Parks
& Sanctuaries
Vandalur Zoo
The Arignar Anna Zoological Park,
popularly known as the Vandalur Zoo is
located in Vandalur, which is about 30
kilometers from Chennai city. Chennai has
the distinction of having the first public zoo
in India as early as 1855. It was originally
situated near Park Town in the Chennai
city. The zoo is located on an area of
1300 acres. This zoo is one of the
largest in South Asia.
Snake Park
Snake Park is on Sardar
Vallabhai Patel Road. You can find
more than 40 species of common
snakes here. The crocodiles,
chameleons, monitor lizards and tortoises
can also be seen in their natural setting.
You can visit this park from 0830 to
1730 hrs from Wednesday to
Monday. Tuesday is
declared holiday.
40
Anna Park
The walk starts from the victory War Memorial which
marks the north end of Kamarajar Salai. This memorial
originally commemorated the victory of the Allied
armies during World War I and was later dedicated to
the memory of those soldiers from the Madras
Presidency who lost their lives in World War II. To its
south, in Anna Park, is the Anna Samathi, a memorial
erected in honour of CN Annadurai, the former chief
minister of Tamil Nadu. Further south is the MGR
Samathi, a commemorative garden with gateways and
pathways, built in honour of the popular Tamil film icon
and chief minister, MG Ramachandran. An array of
souvenir shops and eateries can be found along this
stretch of the beach attracting tourists from the rest of
the state. Particularly interesting is the Sunday market,
with its curious jumble of goods.
Crocodile Bank
Crocodile Bank is situated 42 km from Chennai. This
crocodile breeding and research centre is run by
Romulus Whittaker. It was set up in 1976. This bank
was started to protect India's dwindling crocodile
population and to preserve the Irula (Snake catching)
tribe's way of life. This bank has already produced
more than 6,000 crocodiles. There is also a snake
farm where anti-venom is produced. Several species
of Indian and African Crocodiles and Alligators bred in
captivity are kept here in open pools. The snake
venom extractions are a great attraction to the visitors.
GO PPING
SHO
Spencer Plaza
Spencer Plaza, one of the biggest shopping malls in
South Asia, is located on Mount Road, and is one of the
landmarks of modern Chennai.
Religious Places
St. Mary's Church
The church is at Fort St. George. This masonry church was consecrated in 1680. It has a building with its three
arched aisles and bomb-proof roof. The marriage of Governor Elihu Yale (of Yale University fame) was the first
function to be performed at this church.
Basilica of Santhome
This Cathedral is at the end of Kutchery Road, Mylapore. It is believed that the Apostle Saint Thomas lived his
last years in South India. This Cathedral was originally built in 1504. It was rebuilt in 1890 with a 180 ft basilica.
It is believed that St. Thoma's body was entombed inside this neo-Gothic structure.
41
Parthasarathi Temple
It is at Peter's Road, Triplicane. It is one of the oldest temples in Chennai, built by Pallavas in the 8th century and
rebuilt by the Vijayanagar Kings in the 11th century. The literal meaning of 'Parthasarathy' is the charioteer.
According to the great Indian epic 'Mahabharata', 'Partha' meant Arjuna while sarathy is meant as charioteer. In the
epic it is said during the great battle of Mahabharata, Lord Krishna was the charioteer of Arjuna. Arjuna or partha
was a brave warrior and Lord Krishna was a good friend, philosopher and guide to the Partha or Arjuna.
Vadapalani Temple
The Vadapalani temple is dedicated to Lord Muruga situated in Kodambakkam. This temple
attracts a large number of devotees. The Shiva temple at Tiruvotriyur - 12 kilometers north of
Chennai is associated with Pattinathar, a great devotee of Lord Shiva. Innumerable legends are
woven around Sundarar. Valluvar Kottam, located at the meeting of the Kodambakkam High road
and the Village road, is one of the modern landmarks of modern Chennai.
Other Attractions
Birla Planetarium
"Lights off!" orders the Assistant Director of Birla Planetarium. You hold your breath as the cosmic world revolves
around you twinkling stars, shooting meteoroids, the rotating solar system and the undulating contours of the red
planet, Mars. The spectacular show goes on, with the city of Chennai radiantly resplendent against the night sky.
An ethereal experience that almost makes you feel one with the sparkling universe. The Periyar Science and
Technology Centre encompasses a Science Centre and a Planetarium. Eight galleries on themes of Physical
Science, Transport, Electronics & Communication, Energy, Materials Science, Life Science, Innovation,
International Dolls and Children, with over 500 exhibits, make the visit to the Centre, a thoroughly enjoyable and
enlightening experience.
Theosophical Society
Few Places in Chennai offer greater serenity than the sprawling gardens of the Theosophical Society, situated in the
city's Adyar neighbourhood, on the banks of the Adyar River. Founded in New York in 1875, the Society moved here
seven years later when it acquired Huddlestone Gardens. Built in 1776 by John Huddlestone, a wealthy civilian, this
large mansion is today the world headquarters of the Society. Its magnificent estate comprises several 19th Century
buildings, one of which is the former home of its founder Colonel Henry S Olcott. The main building houses the
great hall, where prayer meetings are held. Bas reliefs, representing the different faiths and engravings of verses
taken from the holy books of all world religions can be seen here. There are also marble statues of the founders
Colonel Olcott and Helena Petrovana Blavatsky, as well as Annie Besant, who became President in 1907.
Brodies Castle
Brodies Castle north of the Theosophical society, is an imposing white structure on the banks of Adyar. Now
known as Thennral, it houses the prestigious College of Carnatic Music. This house was built in 1976 by James
Brodie, an employee of the East India Company. These spacious, airy houses with broad pillared verandas, set in
sprawling wooded gardens, were characteristic of colonial Chennai. This house later became the home of the first
Chief Justice of the Madras Supreme Court.
42
Government Museum
It is situated in the Pantheon Road, Egmore. It holds an exquisite collection of more than 2000 Indian bronzes and
Amaravathi marbles. Three great buildings of architectural value - the Museum Theatre, the Extension Hall and the
Connemara Public Library are in this complex. The present Museum has several sections, four galleries- Hindu
sculpture gallery, the Amaravathi gallery, the Bronze gallery and the National art gallery constitute the main
attractions.
You can visit the museum from Tuesday to Saturday between 09.30 and 17.00 hrs.
Kalakshetra
This pioneering institution for classical dance, music and the fine arts was established in 1936, and was the
brainchild of Rukmini Devi. A Protgs of Annie Besant was deeply influenced by the progressive views of the
Theosophical Society. The International Centre for the Arts, which she set up for the revival of this dance form,
now called Bharat Natyam, is today Kalakshetra, the "Temple of Arts".
Vellore
Surrounded by a deep artificial moat, this 16th century Vellore Fort dominates the heart of this town. The British
occupied the fort in 1760 following the fall of Srirangapatnam and death of Tipu Sultan. As an impressive example of
military architecture, the fort has a turbulent history. This formidable structure has withstood many battles, including
an ill-fated mutiny led by the son of Tipu Sultan in 1806 against the British East India Company. Today, part of the
fort houses some government offices, including the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), district courts within has a
small but good collection of historical objects found in the area. The only major structure to survive in the fort is the
magnificent Jalakanteshvara Temple, constructed by the Nayakas.
Pulicat
Pulicat is a small town situated at a distance of 60 km from Chennai. It houses a Dutch cemetery dating back to
the 17th century. The Dutch had built a fort here in the year 1609, to ensure a comfortable stay at the Coromandel
Coast for a long time. It was finally occupied by the British in 1825.
Fisherman's Cove
The hotel has many luxury cottages and elegantly appointed rooms with spectacular views of the sea which also
includes one private open garden shower, private sit-outs, and more.
Madras Club
North of Brodie castle is the Madras Club built by George Moubray, who came to India as an accountant in 1771.
He acquired of the Land on the banks of Adyar and built a house with a central cupola surrounded by a beautiful
garden. Known as Moubray's Cupola, this was once exclusively preserved by the city's European Population.
Indians were only allowed to have membership in 1964, after it merged with the Adyar Club.
43
Fort St George
Britain's first bastion in India, the nucleus from which an empire grew, was established in a banana grove. The first
factory within the fortified enclosure was completed on St George's Day, 23 April, 1640, and named Fort St George.
This was the East India Company's Principal settlement until 1774, when Kolkata, was declared the seat of the
government.
Valluvar Kottam
Valluvar Kottam, located at the meeting of the Kodambakkam High road and the Village road, is one of the
modern landmarks of modern Chennai. Valluvar Kottam was inaugurated in 1976, it is a grand auditorium devoted
to the poet-saint Thiruvalluvar. The poet had written a celebrated epic known as the Thirukurral.
The memorial to the poet-saint Tiruvalluvar is shaped like a temple chariot and is, in fact, the replica of the temple
chariot in Thiruvarur. A life-size statue of the saint has been installed in the chariot which is 33m tall. The 133
chapters of his famous work, Thirukkural, have been depicted in bas relief in the front hall corridors of the chariot.
All the 1330 verses of the poet's epic are depicted on the granite pillars which surround the auditorium. The
auditorium at Valluvar Kottam can accommodate about 4000 people.
Portrait St Thomas
About 3km southwest of Little Mount is the 95-m high Mount of St Thomas or Great Mount. A flight of 132 steps
leads to the summit and the Church of Our Lady of Expectations built by the Portuguese in the 16th Century. The
most important relic here is the ancient stone cross embedded into the wall of the altar is said to have been
engraved by the saint himself. This is the legendry "bleeding cross" that miraculously bled between 1558 and 1704.
High Court
High Court was established on June 26, 1892 under the guidance of the famed architect Henry Irwin. This red
Indo-Saracenic structure at Parry's corner is Chennai's main landmark. This complex houses the High Court, the
small Cause's Court and the City Civil Court. It is considered to be one of the three High Courts of India. It is timehonoured at Presidency Towns by Letters Patent granted by Queen Victoria.
44
NT
IMPORTAS
NUMBER
Ambulance Services
A.C. Ambulance Service
044 24355942
MV Hospital
044 25954913
044 42077777
044 26561801
Apollo Hospital
1066
044 24914023
Aysha Hospital
044 26426930
044 22301890
Balaji Hospital
044 22345282
Miot Hospital
044 22492288
9444280414
National Hospital
044 25240131
Chennai Kaliappa
044 24936184
044 25978777
044 42001800
Rakshith Hospital
044 42029999
044 28260816
044 26223344
Devaki Hospital
044 24993391
044 24980572
044 28483051
Sankara Nethralaya
044 28271036
044 25282350
044 23743348
044 22262244
044 24768027
Helping Point
044 28280257
044 24991081
044 26412317
9381001272
K J Hospital
044 26411513
044 22541972
Blood Banks
Apollo Hospitals
Cancer Institute
Devaki Hospital
K J Hospital
45
Nagmani Hospital
Eye Banks
Govt. Opthalmic Hospital
Gas
Bharat Gas Complaints
044 24756111
1600445115
HP Gas complaints
044 28415153
Indane complaints
Voluntary Organizations
Accident Victims Assn
1097
044 24343672
Bala Vidyala
(School for Young Deaf Children)
044 24917199
Child Line
(The 24 Hours Free Phone
Outreach Service)
1098
044 24340620
044 28261279
044 22541652
Saadhan Clinic
(Counseling & HV testing)
044 55856746
46
044 28115050
T T Ranganathan Clinical
Research Foundation
044 24416458
1091
139
Road Transport
APSRTC ( Tirupati Depot)
044 25342122
KSRTC
044 25340449
044 25366063
044 25341835
Tamilnadu Tourism
Development Corporation
India Tourism
Development Corporation
TTD Counter
47
VoY
From Voice of Youth, we have tried to give some key
information about the city. We hope this booklet will
be helpful to you in getting to know the city better.