Newbie in Chennai

Patti · Apr 6th, 2006, 08:55

Hi All,
My husband will be working in Chennai for about a month in May. I am planning to come along with him. I have been reading posts on this site, but I am not sure what to expect in this city. India is so large and diverse, and as a first time traveler there, it is a bit confusing.

I see women may be more comfortable in native dress, does this include Chennai? Should I buy clothing in India?
What can I do safely, during the day?
Are there residents of Chennai that act as guides to tourists?
If we only have weekends to go together, what would you recomend we see?
I see there are other IT professionals on the forum, are there any other wives that will be there?
Thanks,
Patti

BlueRose · Apr 6th, 2006, 10:21

Hi Patty, I can offer a couple of suggestions. I would go to your local library and just get a book on South India and go to the Chennai section. I used lonely planet. It will give you a good overview on this specific city. You may also want to see what day trips from the area are of interest to you. I am sure there are some ideas here but I like having a book instead of only relying on a forum, even if it is a great one such as IM.
About clothing, well one of the things I loved most about being in India is picking out the fabric and having clothes made. It is really fun and inexpensive so do have a few things made. In fact I had a tailor make me a multitude of things in the exact style and fabric and all of them were not Indian style but in fact western.
I hope some of the other members can give you more specifics on Chennai, I was there but a day or so.

Have a great trip and be well.

lonelyaztec · Apr 6th, 2006, 10:57

Chennai is a bit hot in summers, but, it is a nice city.

The beach is nice, and there are lot of historial and cultural places close to chennai - you can visit and enjoy.

JuliaSF · Apr 9th, 2006, 20:02

Hi Patti,

I've been in Chennai for about 6 months so far because my boyfriend is working here and I really love living here. Even though Chennai is very polluted and crowded, people are so friendly and I am always finding new places to explore. In general I feel very safe traveling around by myself (I take autos everywhere).

In terms of clothing you can get away with wearing modest western clothes but you'll find that most Indian women in Chennai wear traditional clothes. I have been wearing salwar kameez outfits all the time lately because they are cool and comfortable in this weather, but I still wear skirts or jeans sometimes. Just make sure not to wear any skimpy clothes and you'll be fine. And as was already mentioned, there are so many beautiful fabrics here, you can easily have clothes made or buy nice ready made garments. Definitely wait and shop here.

As for what to do during the day, there are some nice sights listed in the guidebook that you can visit (temples, etc.) I love wandering different areas of the city: Mylapore, Parry's, Triplicane, etc. I recently saw a nice painting/collage exhibit at the Lalit Kala Academy, and I know that they have ongoing exhibits. There are also lots of different classes available, including cooking, yoga, art, all sorts of things. I'm currently taking Tamil and fashion design, neither of which I would have the time or money to learn at home. The Hindu newspaper is a good source for events in the city. I have some friends who even found a weekend bonsai course!

Good luck. I hope you enjoy your time in Chennai.

Patti · Apr 21st, 2006, 07:43

Thank you all for the information.

The dates have now been set, we will leave on June 5, with one week in Pune(sp)? Then two in Chennai.
Julia, you go out quite a bit, by yourself? I read and hear that is a dangerous situation. Or is that advise not accurate in the city?
Any other info would be much appreciated.
How about meeting for coffee?
Patti

anindianinmanila · Apr 21st, 2006, 22:21

Hi Patti have a good trip, june is a better time to visit as it will not be as hot as may, but still pretty hot. The humidity is a life saver actually, quite unlike the northern cities like delhi with its dry heat that can make you miserable.

Regarding safety: I can say that chennai is the safest of the big cities and as a rule the south of india is a safe place.(the more traditional the place the nicer the people and the safer it gets

It is quite ok to go out alone during the day, if you have vehicle at your disposal. If not you can always use the autos(3 wheelers) But I have to confess that the auto drivers in chennai are known for their exorbitant rates, they almost always refuse to use their meters. On the other hand they are usually nice people, feel free to give them whatever you feel is fair. The best thing is to use the same auto all the time. You could just tell him to come by to your house and pick you up or get his cell number and give the driver a call whenever you need it. This will be a bit expensive by indian standards but it will make your stay much more pleasant. Just decide on a fixed fare before hand.

I have lived in chennai most my life by the way

Please note this information does not apply to other indian cities. In delhi for instance it would be downright dangerous to go around by yourself. Enjoy your trip ..Pune is also a nice place.

Sama · Apr 21st, 2006, 22:28

Quote:

Originally Posted by Patti

Julia, you go out quite a bit, by yourself? I read and hear that is a dangerous situation.

I have traveled twice to Chennai by myself, most recently last month. Last month I also traveled for 2 weeks around Tamil Nadu by myself. Both times I have stayed in the Mylapore area, and I have never had any problems walking around by myself, even if it was 9 at night. Of course, I am a big city girl, so I would use the same precautions in Chennai, or any other big Indian city, that I would use in Chicago. But that's me -- I have no problem going into what some people call the "bad neighborhoods" of Chicago.

Patti · Apr 21st, 2006, 22:37

It is really good news to hear that I can go out alone during the day!
I have mild/moderate COPD. I do not take any meds at this time, nor am I on oxygen. From the searching I've done, I don't see restrictions for me. But as was stated earlier, the polution is bad? I had been under that impression, but can find no info that would suggest I'll have trouble.
I will bring an inhaler for quick relief.
Should I be concerned? We will be staying at Fisherman's Cove, which I understand is not only very nice, but on the beach, so should get fresh winds?
Patti

anindianinmanila · Apr 21st, 2006, 23:18

Lucky you, you are staying in Fishermans cove for a month ??

Dont worry its a five star resort with excellent seafood

with a private beach

However its far from the main city area and you will need a private car or taxi to get around.

Nick-H · Apr 22nd, 2006, 00:14

The bad news is that you are coming here in May!. It is absurdly and ridiculously hot. You may not find it particularly bareable except in the early morning or evening, and you should try to avoid wandering in the worst of the early afternoon sunshine. I'm told that, if really lucky, Chennai gets some rain in May. Otherwise it just gets scorched.

Being at Fisherman's Cove, you may well opt for a thoroughly lazy sea-side hotel tropical slobfest! Perhaps occasionally cooling off with a little gentle motion (certainly nothing so athletic as swimming!) in the pool.

Most vital equipment: sunhat, sunblock and an umbrella.

I would suggest that you get the hotel to arrange a day or two with car+guide to show you arround, and see the major sights --- and then book a car as when you feel like wandering, shopping, whatever.

You'll probably feel safer on the streets here than in many cities outside India.

Trini · Apr 28th, 2008, 12:30

Bring cotton clothing to wear. Sleeveless is ok but highish necklines. Most local women do not show legs, so long skirts, pants are fine. I use a lot of denims (not too tight) and t-shirts. No bikini's. In fact, hardly anyone swims at the beach - strong currents - but it is a very active area in the evening. Nice for walking.
Good idea to use the same Auto Rickshaw but make an agreement with the driver before hand about price. They are all rip-off artists.
When shopping, you may have to barter. You need to know the value of goods or you may be ripped off. Some shops have got fixed prices but you can still ask for a discount. If you do not ask, you will not get!
Brush your teeth with bottled water - I learnt this the hard way! I have built up an immunity so can use the tap water to brush my teeth.
If you do get a car with a driver, get one that speaks English.
Good luck, and have a fun time.

Gametotravel · Apr 28th, 2008, 13:42

Quote:

Originally Posted by Trini

Bring cotton clothing to wear. Sleeveless is ok but highish necklines. Most local women do not show legs, so long skirts, pants are fine. I use a lot of denims (not too tight) and t-shirts. No bikini's.

Is this advice applicable for Fish Cove? A 5star Resort with majority of guests being foreigners and the beach totally private!

brownboy66 · Apr 28th, 2008, 16:07

well given that the original post was made two years ago - I'm sure the op had a lovely time......

Nick-H · Apr 28th, 2008, 16:21

--- I missed that too

!

And I was just getting ready for another of my silk shop outings

ISN · Apr 28th, 2008, 21:31

Quote:

Originally Posted by Patti

If we only have weekends to go together, what would you recomend we see?
I see there are other IT professionals on the forum, are there any other wives that will be there?
Thanks,
Patti

Any updates on your trip to chennai?

Apr 6th, 2006, 08:55	#1
Patti Member Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Our Home on Wheels Posts: 3	Newbie in Chennai Hi All, My husband will be working in Chennai for about a month in May. I am planning to come along with him. I have been reading posts on this site, but I am not sure what to expect in this city. India is so large and diverse, and as a first time traveler there, it is a bit confusing. I see women may be more comfortable in native dress, does this include Chennai? Should I buy clothing in India? What can I do safely, during the day? Are there residents of Chennai that act as guides to tourists? If we only have weekends to go together, what would you recomend we see? I see there are other IT professionals on the forum, are there any other wives that will be there? Thanks, Patti

Apr 6th, 2006, 10:57	#3
lonelyaztec Maha Guru Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Bangalore Posts: 1,407	Chennai is a bit hot in summers, but, it is a nice city. The beach is nice, and there are lot of historial and cultural places close to chennai - you can visit and enjoy. __________________ Aztec My photoblog

Apr 22nd, 2006, 00:14	#10
Nick-H Loud-mouthed, Noisy Bird Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Chennai, India Posts: 24,639	The bad news is that you are coming here in May!. It is absurdly and ridiculously hot. You may not find it particularly bareable except in the early morning or evening, and you should try to avoid wandering in the worst of the early afternoon sunshine. I'm told that, if really lucky, Chennai gets some rain in May. Otherwise it just gets scorched. Being at Fisherman's Cove, you may well opt for a thoroughly lazy sea-side hotel tropical slobfest! Perhaps occasionally cooling off with a little gentle motion (certainly nothing so athletic as swimming!) in the pool. Most vital equipment: sunhat, sunblock and an umbrella. I would suggest that you get the hotel to arrange a day or two with car+guide to show you arround, and see the major sights --- and then book a car as when you feel like wandering, shopping, whatever. You'll probably feel safer on the streets here than in many cities outside India. __________________ . Just one member of the IndiaMike Mod Team

Apr 28th, 2008, 16:07	#13
brownboy66 the riff raff.... Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: New Delhi Posts: 1,943	well given that the original post was made two years ago - I'm sure the op had a lovely time...... __________________ "the last meal is history - its the next one that's important" - Garfield (the cat) IndiaMike Mod Team.... just some plonker with access to the mod tools

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Apr 6th, 2006, 10:21	#2
BlueRose Member Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: New Mexico Posts: 81	Hi Patty, I can offer a couple of suggestions. I would go to your local library and just get a book on South India and go to the Chennai section. I used lonely planet. It will give you a good overview on this specific city. You may also want to see what day trips from the area are of interest to you. I am sure there are some ideas here but I like having a book instead of only relying on a forum, even if it is a great one such as IM. About clothing, well one of the things I loved most about being in India is picking out the fabric and having clothes made. It is really fun and inexpensive so do have a few things made. In fact I had a tailor make me a multitude of things in the exact style and fabric and all of them were not Indian style but in fact western. I hope some of the other members can give you more specifics on Chennai, I was there but a day or so. Have a great trip and be well.

Apr 9th, 2006, 20:02	#4
JuliaSF Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Chennai, India Posts: 9	Hi Patti, I've been in Chennai for about 6 months so far because my boyfriend is working here and I really love living here. Even though Chennai is very polluted and crowded, people are so friendly and I am always finding new places to explore. In general I feel very safe traveling around by myself (I take autos everywhere). In terms of clothing you can get away with wearing modest western clothes but you'll find that most Indian women in Chennai wear traditional clothes. I have been wearing salwar kameez outfits all the time lately because they are cool and comfortable in this weather, but I still wear skirts or jeans sometimes. Just make sure not to wear any skimpy clothes and you'll be fine. And as was already mentioned, there are so many beautiful fabrics here, you can easily have clothes made or buy nice ready made garments. Definitely wait and shop here. As for what to do during the day, there are some nice sights listed in the guidebook that you can visit (temples, etc.) I love wandering different areas of the city: Mylapore, Parry's, Triplicane, etc. I recently saw a nice painting/collage exhibit at the Lalit Kala Academy, and I know that they have ongoing exhibits. There are also lots of different classes available, including cooking, yoga, art, all sorts of things. I'm currently taking Tamil and fashion design, neither of which I would have the time or money to learn at home. The Hindu newspaper is a good source for events in the city. I have some friends who even found a weekend bonsai course! Good luck. I hope you enjoy your time in Chennai.

Apr 21st, 2006, 07:43	#5
Patti Member Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Our Home on Wheels Posts: 3	Thank you all for the information. The dates have now been set, we will leave on June 5, with one week in Pune(sp)? Then two in Chennai. Julia, you go out quite a bit, by yourself? I read and hear that is a dangerous situation. Or is that advise not accurate in the city? Any other info would be much appreciated. How about meeting for coffee? Patti

Apr 21st, 2006, 22:21	#6
anindianinmanila Member Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Manila Posts: 2	Hi Patti have a good trip, june is a better time to visit as it will not be as hot as may, but still pretty hot. The humidity is a life saver actually, quite unlike the northern cities like delhi with its dry heat that can make you miserable. Regarding safety: I can say that chennai is the safest of the big cities and as a rule the south of india is a safe place.(the more traditional the place the nicer the people and the safer it gets It is quite ok to go out alone during the day, if you have vehicle at your disposal. If not you can always use the autos(3 wheelers) But I have to confess that the auto drivers in chennai are known for their exorbitant rates, they almost always refuse to use their meters. On the other hand they are usually nice people, feel free to give them whatever you feel is fair. The best thing is to use the same auto all the time. You could just tell him to come by to your house and pick you up or get his cell number and give the driver a call whenever you need it. This will be a bit expensive by indian standards but it will make your stay much more pleasant. Just decide on a fixed fare before hand. I have lived in chennai most my life by the way Please note this information does not apply to other indian cities. In delhi for instance it would be downright dangerous to go around by yourself. Enjoy your trip ..Pune is also a nice place.

Apr 21st, 2006, 22:37	#8
Patti Member Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Our Home on Wheels Posts: 3	It is really good news to hear that I can go out alone during the day! I have mild/moderate COPD. I do not take any meds at this time, nor am I on oxygen. From the searching I've done, I don't see restrictions for me. But as was stated earlier, the polution is bad? I had been under that impression, but can find no info that would suggest I'll have trouble. I will bring an inhaler for quick relief. Should I be concerned? We will be staying at Fisherman's Cove, which I understand is not only very nice, but on the beach, so should get fresh winds? Patti

Apr 21st, 2006, 23:18	#9
anindianinmanila Member Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Manila Posts: 2	Lucky you, you are staying in Fishermans cove for a month ?? Dont worry its a five star resort with excellent seafood with a private beach However its far from the main city area and you will need a private car or taxi to get around.

Apr 28th, 2008, 12:30	#11
Trini Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Trinidad and Tobago Posts: 42	Bring cotton clothing to wear. Sleeveless is ok but highish necklines. Most local women do not show legs, so long skirts, pants are fine. I use a lot of denims (not too tight) and t-shirts. No bikini's. In fact, hardly anyone swims at the beach - strong currents - but it is a very active area in the evening. Nice for walking. Good idea to use the same Auto Rickshaw but make an agreement with the driver before hand about price. They are all rip-off artists. When shopping, you may have to barter. You need to know the value of goods or you may be ripped off. Some shops have got fixed prices but you can still ask for a discount. If you do not ask, you will not get! Brush your teeth with bottled water - I learnt this the hard way! I have built up an immunity so can use the tap water to brush my teeth. If you do get a car with a driver, get one that speaks English. Good luck, and have a fun time.

Apr 28th, 2008, 16:21	#14
Nick-H Loud-mouthed, Noisy Bird Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Chennai, India Posts: 24,639	--- I missed that too ! And I was just getting ready for another of my silk shop outings

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