Useful Information

for Volunteers

Chennai, India

1. Overview

Chennai, the capital city of Tamil Nadu is the fourth largest metropolis in India. Located on a 17 km stretch of the Coramandel coast, the city is trisected by the waterways of Cooum and Adyar and the Buckingham Canal. With a population of 6 million people, Chennai is a vibrant city ever growing, expanding and changing every year.

Popularly regarded as the "Gateway to the South", Chennai presents a culture that is distinctly different from that of northern India. Music, dance and all other art forms of the South are cherished and nurtured in this city, which, though industrialized, continues to be traditional and conventional in many ways.

Chennai is a gracious city that has a clear skyline, long sandy beaches, parks, historic landmarks and tourist infrastructure facilities which make it a convenient entry point or base to start your tour of Tamil Nadu and South India. As far as religion is concerned, history has certainly left its mark on this city, which is believed to have been the place of St. Thomas, in the outskirt of the city. There are a number of churches in Chennai that are connected with the life and times of this apostle. There are also several ancient temples around Chennai, and, within the city itself are two magnificent temples - a temple in Triplicane and another in Mylapore.

2. Map of Chennai

3. Communication

3.1 Emergency services India does not have one standard number for emergency services. Police, fire and ambulance service have three different toll-free numbers. In case of any form of emergency, the following numbers will be useful. Fire: 101 Police: 100 Local Host Agency *tbc: Singapore Embassy E-6 Chandragupta Marg Chanakyapuri New Delhi 110021 Phone: 91 (11) 46000800 Fax: 91 (11) 4601 6413 (General) E-Mail : singhc_del@sgmfa.gov.sg E-Mail : singhc_del@sgmfa.gov.sg Operational Hours: Mon-Fri 9.00 am to 1.00 pm/1.30 pm to 5.00 pm Saturday and Sunday - closed Singapore International Foundation (SIF) 9 Bishan Place Level 9, Junction 8 Singapore 579837 Phone: +(65) 6837 8700 Fax: (65) 6837 8710 Email: sifnet@sif.org.sg

3.2 Calling Instructions To call any telephone number in Chennai, dial (+), followed by (91) – country code for India, then (44) – Area code for Chennai, followed by the telephone number.

Indian Country Code 91 Chennai Area Code 44 Chennai landline numbers xxxx xxxx Lookup phone number Chennai mobile numbers 9x xx xxxxxx Look up phone number

Landline and mobile phone numbers are slightly different in Chennai, as elsewhere in India. Landline numbers are 8-digits and require a separate area code. Mobile numbers are 10-digits and do not require the area code. Commercial organizations with a national presence use non-geographic toll-free phone numbers that begin with 1800.

The standard number for directory enquiries in India is 197 for local enquiries and 1583 for national enquiries. Directory enquiries are also available online at www.bsnl.co.in/onlinedirectory.htm.

To call Singapore, dial (+), followed by (65) – country code for Singapore, followed by the telephone number.

3.3 Public Telephones In India, manned and unmanned (payphone) public telephone facilities exist. However, manned public telephones are popular and are referred to as Public Call Offices (PCOs). They offer local, STD (inter-city) and international call facilities. Some of them offer fax and internet facilities as well. The minimum call charge for a local call is Rs2. Call charges within India and abroad is cheaper between 10 pm and 8 am, during weekends and public holidays. 3.4 Mobile Phones and Network Coverage India has one of the fastest-growing mobile phones in the world. In Chennai, people usually say ‘cell’ or ‘cellphone’. Mobile phone rates are low and are definitely worth having one.

BSNL chennai.bsnl.co.in and Airtel www.airtel.in are the two main providers of terrestrial telephone lines in Chennai. You can make long distance calls from one of the many booths that display NSD/ISD i.e. National Subscriber Dialling (National Long Distance) and International Subscriber Dialling (International Long Distance). Rates are cheaper during the nights: sometimes one-half of what its costs during the day. Getting a mobile phone connection is a slightly tiresome process in India. You’ll have the option of going post-paid (contract) or prepaid (pay-as-you-go). Either way, you’ll need to buy the phone outright in India. Phone prices vary depending on the handset one wish to purchase. Post-paid offers slightly better call rates and there is an option of choosing the tariff plan. SIM cards are quite cheap and prices vary from about Rs 200 to 250 depending on the network. Local SIM cards are not easily purchased by foreigners as it can only be done with the registration details of local citizens. Nevertheless, calling cards are a great way to save on your Chennai calls. They are also convenient and are good to have in emergencies for calling home.

Cell phone rates are one of the cheapest in the world. There are four GSM service providers:

• BSNL www.bsnl.in GSM Triband • AirTel www.airtelworld.com GSM Triband • Vodafone www.vodafone.in GSM Triband • AirCel www.aircel.com/chennai/index.htmlGSM Triband • Reliance GSM launced in 2009 • DoCoMo TATA GSM launched in 2009 • MTS GSM launched in 2009 CDMA service providers are: 1. Reliance www.reliancecommunications.co.in/webapp/Communications/home.jsp, 2. TATA Indicom www.tataindicom.com 3. Virgin Mobile.

Starter packs and top-up cards can be picked up from numerous outlets. Note that top-up cards generally only work within the home network: you can't use a Bangalore Airtel

top-up card in Chennai, for example. Some providers offer roaming capabilities for that purpose which must be activated first. With prepaid, you’ll need to be aware that if you are travelling around Chennai, you may find it difficult to top-up the phone even with the same network provider. The value of recharge cards varies according to the amount paid and not all the amount is carried towards the phone calls. For example, validity of a recharge card purchased at Rs355 will be 30 days and the actual call credit will be about Rs150. The validity of a recharge card purchased at Rs650 will be 45 days and the actual call credit will be around Rs350 and so on. One needs to be aware of the network coverage in India. Most providers have good network coverage in all of the big cities and town. The network coverage in Chennai should not be a problem but one may experience difficulty in making international calls in some parts of town. In rural areas of Chennai and other smaller towns, limited coverage should be expected. 3.5 Internet Access Internet cafes are plentiful all over Chennai with charges from Rs 15 to 30 per hour. A particularly good chain to look out for is i-way. Useful Internet locations for travellers include the following:

1. Dishnet The Hub – 2nd floor, Apex Plaza, MG Road, Nungambakkam. Quick and efficient and may also be found in Central Station.

2. Emerald Internet – Triplicane High Road. This is Triplicane’s best Internet cafe and it has fast connections and provides chap international net-phone calls.

3.6 India’s Internet Service Providers The Internet Service Providers Association of India (ISPAI) was set up in 1998 with a mission to 'Promote Internet for the benefit of all'. ISPAI is the collective voice of the ISP fraternity and by extension the entire Internet community. Over the years ISPAI has helped influence, shape and mould the telecom policies, so that ISPs and entrepreneurs in the business of Internet can setup and grow their services in an environment that is supportive and enabling.

YOU Telecom India Pvt. Ltd. is one of the leading providers of Broadband Internet in the country with blazing fast speeds up to 50 times faster than dial-up! Today, the YOU service offers high quality internet solutions for data and Voice services across 11 cities in India namely, Mumbai, Chennai, Hyderabad, Bangalore, Pune, Surat, Ahmedabad, Baroda, Gurgaon, Navi Mumbai & Vizag, with plans to roll out services to other cities across the country in the future. Tata Communications Ltd. unites the industry and market expertise of VSNL, VSNL International, Teleglobe, Tata Indicom Enterprise Business Unit, VGSL and CIPRIS to become the leading integrated provider of telecommunications solutions. Spectranet is a Category A 'Internet Service Provider', a 'Licensed Cable Service Provider' as well as an 'Infrastructure Provider Level-1 (IP-I) '. The Multiple Regulatory license makes Spectranet India's first Network Convergence Services Provider offering Information, Communication, Entertainment and Application Services.

3.7 Postal Services India has one of the largest post office networks and it operates under the brand name ‘India Post’ that is owned by the government. Post offices in Chennai are open from 9 am to 5 pm, Monday to Friday and 9 am to 12 noon on Saturday. The Post Office also offers a parcel service for sending parcels around the world. Standard postage for domestic letters in India is Rs5 for every 20 grams. Mail usually takes a couple of days to be delivered. Important letters within India can be sent by registered post where a signature is obtained on delivery and an acknowledgement will be sent. There is a registration fee of Rs17 on top of the postage. The Chennai City Region of Tamilnadu Postal Circle is situated in the northern tip of Tamilnadu and has its headquarters at Chennai. EMS Speed Post is the premium service for all time sensitive mail up to 35 kgs. End to end track and trace is provided to all major destinations. Avail round the clock booking at three majors centers at Anna Road HPO, Speed Post Concentration Centre [SPCC], St. Thomas Mount HPO and Chennai Sorting Office near Chennai Central Railway Station.

For more information, please refer to the website: http://www.indiapost.gov.in

http://www.tamilnadupost.nic.in/msvc/intl_types.htm

4 DOCUMENTATION It is very important to keep copies of your passport, airline tickets, insurance policy, Visa, letter of appointment by SIF and any other documents which you would carry as a precaution against lost and stolen items. Make a copy of these documents and leave them with your family members and Country Manager in Singapore as well as a separate copy from the originals. It is also recommended to leave your contact details and important contact person to your family and Country managers before you leave for Chennai, India.

5 FLIGHT INFORMATION Below is some useful information regarding your international flight to Chennai, India. AIRPORT Chennai International Airport is situated at a distance of 7 km towards the south of the city. It is the third largest international and busiest airport in the country, after Delhi and Mumbai. The airport claims the distinction of being one of the first airports in India. Madras International Airport has flights running to all the major cities of the country. Also, it connects Chennai with the major cities and countries of the world via a strong air network. The airport is looked after by the Airports Authority of India. There are a number of facilities offered by the airports authority for the convenience of the passengers. Almost all these facilities have been mention in the information provided below.

• Free Telephone in security hold area

• Special Assistance for physically handicapped passengers.

• Reserved parking, rest places, PCOs, Toilets, etc

• Reserved lounge / Executive lounge

• AAI (IAD) assistance counter

• Pre-paid taxi & car rental counter at Kamaraj Domestic Terminal and Anna International Terminal

• Infant lobby

• Free medical facility

• Baggage is cleared at the first airport of entry in India.

• No airport tax is levied on passengers upon embarkation at the airport.

• Importing foreign currencies is unlimited. However if the total value in cash exceeds USD 5,000.-, or exceeds USD 10,000.- (or equivalent) in traveller's cheques, it must be declared.

• Passengers are advised to check-in all liquids, aerosols and gels(LAGs) that do not meet the new guidelines. Liquids, aerosols and gels in hand-carried luggage should be packed in accordance with the new guidelines, before passengers arrive at the airport.

The guidelines on hand-carried luggage are:

• Liquids, aerosols and gels must be in containers with a maximum capacity of not more than 100ml each. Liquids, aerosols and gels in containers larger than 100ml will not be accepted, even if the container is partially-filled;

• Containers must be placed in a transparent re-sealable plastic bag with a maximum capacity not exceeding 1-litre. These containers must fit comfortably within the transparent re-sealable plastic bag, which must be completely closed;

• Each passenger is allowed to carry only one transparent re-sealable plastic bag, which must be presented separately for examination at the security screening point;

• Exemptions will be made for medications, baby food and special dietary items. These items will be subjected to additional checks at the security screening point.

5 MONEY

5.1 Currency and Exchanging Money The currency of India is known as 'Rupee' and it is widely accepted in the Chennai city of Tamil Nadu. One rupee is equal to 100 paise. Exchange rates (correct as 4 August 2009) 1 US Dollar = 47.59 INR 1 Singapore Dollar = 33.20 INR Please note that exchange rates are subject to change and fluctuate daily. For real time rates check on the web at www.reuters.co.uk/currencies. The currency is available in the form of notes as well as coins. The notes are available in the denominations of 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 500 and 1000. It is difficult to find one and two rupee notes in the market, now days. However, the coins are available in the denominations of 1, 2 and 5. It is advisable to use notes for big transactions and keep the change for giving tips, local transport fare and other small expenses. Besides liquid cash, you can also use other mediums for carrying out your

transactions, like credit cards, traveler cheques etc. Though these mediums are convenient, they have their own limitations. They can only be used at established places only. For travellingconvenience, there are many banks and other organizations which provide currency exchange facilities. These money exchangers are found in all the parts of the city. Some of the banks and other currency exchangers of Madras, providing the exchange facility, are listed below.

• Albaraka Finance Ltd (Wellington Estate)• Dass India Money Changer (P) Ltd (St. George Town)• International Money Exchange Operators (Cathedral Road)• IKP Foreign Exchange (Spencer Plaza)• Sims Limited (Dr Radhakrishnan Salai)

Do keep all your exchange receipts (encashment certificates) as they may be required for visa extensons and other formalities, as well as when you want to convert Indian rupees back at the end of your stay.

5.2 Cash Machines and ATM

ATMs are not common, but are becoming popular in cities. In Chennai, banks are opening up more ATMs in the region. At present there are about 20 000 ATMs in India. Almost all the cards issued around the world can be used in the cash machines in the cash machines in India. Howto small regional banks may not accept cards belonging to customers of other banks. ATMs in India charge a withdrawal fee. You’ll be advised on screen before the withdrawal about the charges and you can cancel the transaction. Rememberown bank may make charges for withdrawal overseas. Cash machines in Inout Rs100 and 500 notes.

5.3 Credit and Debit CardsCredit and debit cards are becoming increasingly popular in India. In Chennai, the majority of shops accept Visa and MasterCard accepts one and does not accept the other. American Express, Diners Club, Maestro and Visa Electron are also widely accepted. Discover Cards are not accepted in India. Some shops insist on a minimum transaction amount of Rs250 if you are paying by credit or debit cards. You might be levied a foreign exchange transaction charge by your bank when using your card in Chennai; check with your own bank before using them.

6 SECURITY Chennai is generally one of the safer areas of India in terms of crime, although pickpocketing, muggings, and robberies sporadically occur. Keep your doorsshut and locked at night and do not carry or display large amounts of cash if possible.It is

like credit cards, traveler cheques etc. Though these mediums are convenient, they have their own limitations. They can only be used at established

travelling to small places, cash should be carried. Moreover, for your are many banks and other organizations which provide currency

exchange facilities. These money exchangers are found in all the parts of the city. banks and other currency exchangers of Madras, providing the

exchange facility, are listed below.

Albaraka Finance Ltd (Wellington Estate) Dass India Money Changer (P) Ltd (St. George Town) International Money Exchange Operators (Cathedral Road) IKP Foreign Exchange (Spencer Plaza) Sims Limited (Dr Radhakrishnan Salai)

Do keep all your exchange receipts (encashment certificates) as they may be required for visa extensons and other formalities, as well as when you want to convert Indian rupees back at the end of your

Cash Machines and ATM

but are becoming popular in banks are opening up more ATMs in the region. At present there

are about 20 000 ATMs in India. Almost all the cards issued around the world can be used in the cash machines in the cash machines in India. However, ATMs belonging to small regional banks may not accept cards belonging to customers of other banks. ATMs in India charge a withdrawal fee. You’ll be advised on screen before the withdrawal about the charges and you can cancel the transaction. Rememberown bank may make charges for withdrawal overseas. Cash machines in Inout Rs100 and 500 notes.

5.3 Credit and Debit Cards Credit and debit cards are becoming increasingly popular in India. In Chennai, the majority of shops accept Visa and MasterCard – it is very rare to find a merchant that accepts one and does not accept the other. American Express, Diners Club, Maestro

Visa Electron are also widely accepted. Discover Cards are not accepted in India. Some shops insist on a minimum transaction amount of Rs250 if you are paying by credit or debit cards. You might be levied a foreign exchange transaction

when using your card in Chennai; check with your own bank

Chennai is generally one of the safer areas of India in terms of crime, although pickpocketing, muggings, and robberies sporadically occur. Keep your doors shut and locked at night and do not carry or display large amounts of cash if possible.It is

like credit cards, traveler cheques etc. Though these mediums are convenient, they have their own limitations. They can only be used at established

to small places, cash should be carried. Moreover, for your are many banks and other organizations which provide currency

exchange facilities. These money exchangers are found in all the parts of the city. banks and other currency exchangers of Madras, providing the

banks are opening up more ATMs in the region. At present there are about 20 000 ATMs in India. Almost all the cards issued around the world can be

ever, ATMs belonging to small regional banks may not accept cards belonging to customers of other banks. ATMs in India charge a withdrawal fee. You’ll be advised on screen before the withdrawal about the charges and you can cancel the transaction. Remember, your own bank may make charges for withdrawal overseas. Cash machines in India give

Credit and debit cards are becoming increasingly popular in India. In Chennai, the it is very rare to find a merchant that

accepts one and does not accept the other. American Express, Diners Club, Maestro Visa Electron are also widely accepted. Discover Cards are not accepted in

India. Some shops insist on a minimum transaction amount of Rs250 if you are paying by credit or debit cards. You might be levied a foreign exchange transaction

when using your card in Chennai; check with your own bank

Chennai is generally one of the safer areas of India in terms of crime, although and windows

shut and locked at night and do not carry or display large amounts of cash if possible.It is

advisable for women, especially unaccompanied ones, to dress modestly and limit their interaction with unfamiliar local men. Foreigners are generally charged in excess by autorickshaws simply because they are ignorant of the prevailing fares. It is necessary to confirm whether the driver knows the exact destination and also fix the fare before boarding. 'Autos', as autorickshaws are known in Chennai, are notorious for fleecing customers, tourists & locals alike. Be alert to your surroundings and watch where you step, especially if you get caught in a large crowd where it is difficult to look at what is in front of you. Cross streets with extreme care as the traffic is generally heavy. On major roads, use the underground crossings (locally called "subways").Traffic signals are frequently ignored by drivers and pedestrians alike and it is not at all advisable for tourists to try driving in Chennai.

7 HEALTH While in Chennai it is advisable to drink only bottled water. Do not trust water from restaurants as it may be from the tap, and avoid cold or iced drinks that are not commercially sold. Eating fresh vegetables and fruits that have sat outside in the presence of insects can also be unhealthy, although bananas and coconuts are usually safe because they are opened only immediately before eating. Hot drinks in restaurants such as tea, coffee, and other local specialties are safe, as are packaged/bottled drinks such as Aquafina water, Pepsi, Frooti (a popular local mango drink) and others. If you have access to a stove, boiling tap water before drinking is also an option. Never eat from roadside shops as the food is prepared in the most unhygienic conditions. Chennai summers are humid and sultry; it's better to step out with an umbrella, bottled water and some oral rehydration salts (available from pharmacies, the brand name is Electral). These come in handy if you happen to get dehydrated.

8 COUNTRY INFORMATION

8.1 Culture Chennai, being the capital of Tamil Nadu, is home to a host of Tamil culture art forms including dance, literature, sculpture, music and cinema. The season for Bharatnatyam and Carnatic Music draws visitors and aficionados from the world over. Being the capital of Tamil Nadu, the preferred language of communication amongst the local population is Tamil. However, English is widely spoken as the language of commerce and English speaking visitors should have no problem getting around. The city also has a fair number of people that speak Telugu, Malayalam and Hindi. Mamallapuram, an extension of the city is known for its sandy beaches, stone carvings, food and resorts. It also hosts the Cholamandalam artists village which is fairly well known in art circles both in India and abroad. The city has a thriving Tamil film industry. It is also known as Kollywood. It is the second largest film industry in India. Some of the most prominent figures of Tamil Nadu like M.G. Ramachandran, Sivaji Ganesan, M. Karunanidhi, J Jayalalithaa, Rajnikanth, Kamal Hassan, Shankar, Mani Ratnam, Ilayaraja, AR Rahman are currently, or have at some stage of their career, been associated with Kollywood. Amongst sports, Chennai is also a major centre for cricket, motorsports and tennis. Chennai, like all the other metropolises in India, experienced significant economic growth in the last 15 years. It has several options for mainstream entertainment with malls, multiplexes, restaurants and hotels at nearly every major commercial district. Pubs and lounges, however, are restricted to only hotels in Chennai due to legal restrictions on the sale of liquor.

8.2 Getting Around Chennai Getting around the heart of Chennai city often takes time, due to traffic and heavy congestion. So it is advisable to plan your journey accordingly. Travelling within Chennai is not expensive by Indian metropolitan standards, and are extremely cheap by typical Western standards. Chennai is one of the largest cities in India and therefore requires an effective local transport system to enable people to commute within the city. Although there are various means of public transport available in Madras, motorcycles, mopeds and motor scooters are still very popular. This is because they are affordable, fuel efficient, manoeuvrable and require lesser parking space. The transportation network of Chennai is user friendly and provides coverage and connectivity. To make things more convenient for the travellers, the city has been undergoing construction of flyovers at important roads and junctions. Read on to know more about modes of local transport in Madras. By Train Chennai has a suburban train www.srailway.com/arr_dept/suburb/up1.htm network. There are four routes:

1. Chennai Central - Arakkonam 2. Chennai Central - Gummidipoondi-Sulurpet-Gudur 3. Chennai Beach - Tambaram and Chengalpet 4. Chennai Beach - Velachery (MRTS)

The suburban trains are generally reliable and fast. The frequency of suburban trains is generally good and it is advisable to take a first class ticket during peak hours. Trains offer a reliable alternative to quickly reach your destination when compared to buses which might get trapped in traffic jams. The fare in Chennai suburban trains is the lowest in the country and you don't have to compromise comfort for the meagre amount that you pay as in other Indian metros. By Bus Buses are the primary source of transport in Chennai. The bus service in the city is run by the government-owned Metropolitan Transport Corporation. These buses cover almost the entire city as well as the nearby suburbs. The bus service is usually comfortable, with an exception of being crowded sometimes. Metropolitan Transport Corporation www.tn.gov.in/transport/MTCchennai.htm buses ply throughout the city. These are government-run and extremely cheap. State corporation has also introduced New Type Deluxe, A/C Buses for Chennai Passengers. Bus Route information for MTC Chennai is available online jaanlo.com/howto/how-to-get-bus-route-information-mtc-chennai. State Express Transport Corporation buses go to different parts of the state. Private carriers also run to other towns/cities in state. You can buy these bus tickets online at redBus www.redbus.in or real India www.realindia.in or RathiMeena www.rathimeena.co.in. By Auto Rickshaws Auto rickshaws are a comfortable way of travelling within the city. Usually the autos are metered, but it is good to fix the fare before they take you for a ride. Autos are expensive as compared to buses and suitable for covering short distances within the city.

Auto-rickshaw drivers in Chennai have a history of overcharging and behave like rash and hard, using rigged meters, and exploting foreign passengers, although they are ubiquitous and possibly the easiest form of transportation to locate. Use Auto-rickshaws only for short distances (if you know exactly how far you are going). Before talking to auto person ask any local person what the actual fare should be, because if you don't know, they might ask for up to 3 times more. If you want to travel by the auto, stick to these rules:

• Don't go by the meter (if they have one) - the meter is rigged to show a higher fare • Negotiate a rate with the driver beforehand. Try to stick to the agreed price, though

the driver may attempt to ask for more. • Consult local friends beforehand to find out reasonable market prices for the distance

you intend to go. • Try to hail individual auto rickshaws in traffic which are heading in the general

direction of your destination and avoid those parked in groups as they may try to gang-up on you.

As a general rule, expect to pay about Rs.10 for every kilometre you travel. Be careful about the following when you plan to undertake an autorickshaw trip:

• You don't have to pay for any empty return trips that the autorickshaw driver has to make once you have agreed upon a fare.

• You tell them to go to a landmark near where you want to go, and upon reaching the landmark, ask them to go a little further along a particular road to your destination. They might cite the extra distance traveled and ask for more money. So it is better to negotiate the fare upfront.

• You don't have to pay for petrol during the ride. • If you pay them for petrol, make sure you pay them the remaining fare amount after

substracting petrol charges. By Taxis Taxis (locally called "call-taxis" since they must be pre-arranged) are available by phone. They are mostly reliable, can be ordered air-conditioned, and have digital fare meters, although time-based hire is also possible with some companies. Most companies charge a minimum fare of Rs. 150/-, which is for 5 km and for every subsequent km they charge Rs. 10/-. Alternatively, you can hire a car for a half/full day for around Rs. 800/1200. These figures are for basic non-AC Ambassadors, add about 50% if you want a comfier aircon Tata Indica. If your trip is time-sensitive, it's best to book your taxi a few hours in advance and call shortly before your trip to confirm. Chennai Call Taxi +91 44 2598 4455 . Tourist Cabs - Are the best choice in case you want to tour the city all day or visit nearby places like Mahabalipuram, Tirupati, etc. Costs about INR 10/-Rs per KM and 50 Rs per hour as hire charges. Also generally there is special price if you need to go Chennai Central or Chennai Airport. S.R Travels +91 9884239756 SATHYAM TRAVELS +91 44 42046289 / 24837686 Kasi Travels +91 9841652109 Bala Tourist +91 44 2822 4444 Tiruvalluvar Travels +91 44 2474 5807 Sharmila Tours and travels +91 44 2827 4177 Other Means of transport Apart from all the above, there are a number of transport options available for the people in

Chennai. You can hire Vans, popularly known as Maxi Cabs, which run on different routes in the city. There is a mini private bus service operating in the suburban area of Chennai. Besides, there is Chennai suburban railway network, which has four broad gauge rail sectors, connecting the suburbs with the city.

8.3 Climate Climate of Chennai is Tropical. Chennai has mainly two seasons - summer (33 deg C - 38 deg C) Mar, Apr and May and monsoon (Oct, Nov and Dec). It receives scanty rainfall from the south-west monsoon, but gets its bountiful rains from the north-east monsoon from October through December, thus amounting to about 125-150 cm of rainfall annually. Rainfalls occur usually from October to December. During some seasons, Chennai gets ample amount of rainfall if there are depressions in Bay of Bengal. December to February are the mildest months temperature - (24 deg C - 28 deg C). Climate is humid pretty much throughout the year because the city is on the coast. Summers are very hot and humid. April and May are the hottest months of the year, with mercury crossing 40o C mark. The scorching heat of the sun is nearly unbearable restricting you to your houses. With a contrast, the places near the sea coast remain warm and humid. The cool breeze during the night time provides respite to the residents from the high temperature. During the monsoons, which means during the months of June to September, Chennai receives ample rainfall. Monsoon arrives with the advent of the Northeast Monsoon Winds. The rain showers are a delight, as they wash away the heat of the otherwise hot climate. People are seen rejoicing in the rain, with umbrellas in their hands. Moreover, as the city is located near the sea side; it receives moderate rainfall of about 1,300 mm throughout the year. As a result, it is necessary to keep an umbrella handy, as you never know when you might need it. The winters are very short lived in Chennai. They occur during the months of November to February. This is the most pleasant time of the year, best suited to visit the city. The average temperature of Madras at this time is around 24o C and never falls below 20o C. Winters also receive moderate rainfall, making the weather pleasurable and comfortable to roam around. 8.4 What to Wear Chennai city is one of the fast moving cities of India, with increasing developmental pace. In case you are wondering what clothes to wear while visiting this metropolitan city; keep in mind that the people in Chennai are very simple and believe in leading a simple life. They are very traditional and particular about their customs and value system. They strictly adhere to the age-old religious and social practices and obey them with utmost sincerity. It's their cultural legacy and they are extremely proud of it. This is even quite visible from their conventional style of dressing. As the climate in Madras is usually hot, the best preferable fabric to wear there is cotton. The lighter your clothes are, the better it is. Women are respected and given high regard in South Indian families. As a result, most of the women wear saris, with exquisite designs and flowing fabrics, further enhancing their traditional Indian beauty. Men usually wear a dress called veshti (lungi) and shirt. However, due to the modernization of Chennai, people are seen wearing fancy and western attires at times. Western wear is not very popular except the urbanized areas. There also it is quite limited. Thus, if you are still wondering how to dress up in the city; just remember that your clothes should be comfortable and light, so that you can beat the heat. Besides, they should be decent and not too revealing.

8.4 Food and Eating Customs Tamil Nadu is known for its hospitality and traditional food. People in the state are of the belief that serving food to others is a service to mankind. This fortifies the fact that your eating experience in the city will definitely be an unforgettable one. Specifically talking about the cuisine of Chennai, the city offers a wide variety in terms of different types of dishes. The delectable South Indian savories are truly a treat for the foodies. Therefor both vegetarians as well as non vegetarians. This can be made out from the number of restaurants and eating places in Madras. The staple diet of the people of Chennai is rice, which is served with other supplementary food items. The regular South Indian meal, which comprises of steamed rice along with a variety of vegetable dishes like sambar, dry curry, rasam and kootu, is served on a banana leaf. At times, it is also accompanied by crisp appalams. This is followed by a round or buttermilk or both. Finally, the meal concludes with a small banana and a few betel leaves and nuts. For non vegetarians, the platter consists of rice, along with curries or dishes cooked with mutton, chicken or fish. The breakfast andcakes), dosai (pancake made from batter of rice) and lentils crisp fried on a pan, vada (deep fried doughnuts made from a batter of lentils), pongal (rice and lentils boiled together, seasoned with ghee, cashew nuts, pepper and cumin seed) and uppuma (cooked semolina seasoned in oil with mustard, pepper, cumin seed and dry lentils.). All the above dishes are served with coconut chutney, sambar (seasoned lentil broth) and mulaga podi (powdered mix of severalmust for all the South Indians. Nothing can match the rich taste and aroma of a Tamilian Filter coffee. The coffee beans are Arabic in origin, which are roasted and then powdered to achieve the right taste. A bit of chicory is also added to enhance the aroma. It is then put in a filter set, along with hot water, to prepare a dark liquid called decoction. A portion of this is mixed with milk and sugar to get the perfect coffee.

Tamil Nadu is known for its hospitality and traditional food. People in the state are of the belief that serving food to others is a service to mankind. This fortifies the fact that your

ence in the city will definitely be an unforgettable one. Specifically talking about the cuisine of Chennai, the city offers a wide variety in terms of different types of dishes. The delectable South Indian savories are truly a treat for the foodies. There is a plethora of items for both vegetarians as well as non vegetarians.

This can be made out from the number of restaurants and eating places in Madras. The staple diet of the people of Chennai is rice, which is served with other supplementary food

s. The regular South Indian meal, which comprises of steamed rice along with a variety of vegetable dishes like sambar, dry curry, rasam and kootu, is served on a banana leaf. At times, it is also accompanied by crisp appalams. This is followed by a round of rice and curd or buttermilk or both. Finally, the meal concludes with a small banana and a few betel leaves

For non vegetarians, the platter consists of rice, along with curries or dishes cooked with mutton, chicken or fish. The breakfast and evening snacks mainly include idly (steamed rice cakes), dosai (pancake made from batter of rice) and lentils crisp fried on a pan, vada (deep fried doughnuts made from a batter of lentils), pongal (rice and lentils boiled together,

shew nuts, pepper and cumin seed) and uppuma (cooked semolina seasoned in oil with mustard, pepper, cumin seed and dry lentils.).

All the above dishes are served with coconut chutney, sambar (seasoned lentil broth) and mulaga podi (powdered mix of several dried lentils eaten with oil). Apart from this, coffee is a must for all the South Indians. Nothing can match the rich taste and aroma of a Tamilian Filter coffee. The coffee beans are Arabic in origin, which are roasted and then powdered to

ight taste. A bit of chicory is also added to enhance the aroma. It is then put in a filter set, along with hot water, to prepare a dark liquid called decoction. A portion of this is mixed with milk and sugar to get the perfect coffee.

Tamil Nadu is known for its hospitality and traditional food. People in the state are of the belief that serving food to others is a service to mankind. This fortifies the fact that your

ence in the city will definitely be an unforgettable one. Specifically talking about the cuisine of Chennai, the city offers a wide variety in terms of different types of dishes. The

is a plethora of items

This can be made out from the number of restaurants and eating places in Madras. The staple diet of the people of Chennai is rice, which is served with other supplementary food

s. The regular South Indian meal, which comprises of steamed rice along with a variety of vegetable dishes like sambar, dry curry, rasam and kootu, is served on a banana leaf. At

of rice and curd or buttermilk or both. Finally, the meal concludes with a small banana and a few betel leaves

For non vegetarians, the platter consists of rice, along with curries or dishes cooked with evening snacks mainly include idly (steamed rice

cakes), dosai (pancake made from batter of rice) and lentils crisp fried on a pan, vada (deep fried doughnuts made from a batter of lentils), pongal (rice and lentils boiled together,

shew nuts, pepper and cumin seed) and uppuma (cooked semolina

All the above dishes are served with coconut chutney, sambar (seasoned lentil broth) and dried lentils eaten with oil). Apart from this, coffee is a

must for all the South Indians. Nothing can match the rich taste and aroma of a Tamilian Filter coffee. The coffee beans are Arabic in origin, which are roasted and then powdered to

ight taste. A bit of chicory is also added to enhance the aroma. It is then put in a filter set, along with hot water, to prepare a dark liquid called decoction. A portion of this is

Fairs and Festivals Fairs and festivals are held in the different parts of the city throughout the year. The festivals

associated with Hindu temple are more than 500 in a year. Apart from the traditional fairs

and festivals, modern fairs such as exhibitions and national festivals like Independence

day and Republic day are celebrated in the city. following are some of the important

festivals celebrated in the city which are attended by thousands of devotees from far and

near.

• The Brahmotsavam (including the Arupathumoovar festival) of Kapaleeswarar temple

located in Mylapore is celebrated in the Tamil month of Panguni (March-April) and it

lasts for ten days. A big fair is held near the temple. The floating festival held in

January - February in Mylapore is also very popular.

• Of all the festivals celebrated in the Parthasarathy temple in Triplicane, the most

important is the Vaikunta Ekadari observed (December-January).

• The Brahmothsavam in the month of Chithirai is celebrated for ten days. The car

festivals falls on the seventh days and is attended by more than 50000 devotees.

• The Kirthigai (Karthigai asterism) day every month is a day of festival in the Vada

Palani Andavar temple in Kodambakkam.

• The annual festivals are Skanda Sashti in Ayppari month and Uthiram in Panguni

month. the floating festivals during the Panguni Uthiram is also well attended.

• The Kandaswami temple in Sowcarpet celebrate twenty festivals in a year.

• The Jathirai festival in Adhi Mottaiamman temple attracts a large number of

crowds.

• Among the several festival celebrated by the Siva-Vishnu temples important ones

are Navarathri, Sivarathri, Vaikunta Ekadasi and Sri Ram Navami.

• The Muslim festivals also attract crowds and give rise to fairs in the city. The Ramzan,

Bakrid and Muharram are the important festivals, which is observed by thousands of

devout Muslims in various parts of the city.

• The Easter, Christmas and the New year are marked by impressive festivities in the

protestant and catholic churches in the city like St. Thomas and the Cathedral Church

in Santhome.