Indian life in Chennai

Looking for a Cultural Shock? Something different; something you are not used to? 

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Chennai, formerly known as Madras (the capital city of the Indian state of Tamil Nadu)  is the fourth largest metropolitan city of India with 4.2 million inhabitants. Even if the urban agglomeration of Chennai has an estimated population over 7 million, do not worry : the city is far less overcrowded and busy than other major Indian cities. “South-India way of life”, in fact…

The city has also the advantages of a long beach front: from the 13 km long and 400 to 500 meter wide Marina Beach (a popular place to relax and chill in the evening or during the week-end) to Elliot's Beach (preferred by younger Chennaiites with its promenade, restaurants and coffee shops), you have the choice ! There are also quite a huge number of beaches and resorts between Elliot’s Beach and Mahabalipuram.

You wonder if you will have to take one or two sweaters, or your yellow raincoat ? To be honest, we are always wearing T-shirts or shirts. Nothing more. Even during Monsoon. “Hot and moist” : this could resume well the climate here. Even if the temperature is not beyond 20ºC (67ºF), a raincoat can be useful, during a few weeks in a year (Monsoon is in October, November and December). The hottest part of the year is late May and early June, known locally as Agni Nakshatram ("fire star") or as Kathiri Veyyil, with maximum temperatures around 38–42 °C (100–107 °F). The coolest part of the year is January, with minimum temperatures around 19–20 °C (66–68 °F).

Chennai is also the heart of “South India”, the “last stronghold” of the famous “Royal Enfield Motorcycles”, and an important historical place, for the British colonization (the city was established in the 17th century by the British, who developed it into a major urban centre and naval base). Technology, hardware, healthcare, IT and manufacturing industries are also heavily represented.

This part of Tamil Nadu is definitely quite rich: Chennai Zone contributes 39 per cent of the  State’s GDP, and Chennai accounts for more than half of the country’s automotive exports.

Culture

Part of the “cultural shock” relies on the discovery of south Indian culture. If you want to see classical dance shows, to attend classical music concerts, or to discover a lot of religious festivals, Chennai is the “place-to-be”.

You will quickly discover that it is impossible to ignore Indian films while you are living in Chennai: Kollywood (different from Bollywood) is always present. Big placards in the streets, stickers inside the rickshaws,… This is a real fever! Going to a theatre to see a Tamil film is like attending a life show: people speaking, phoning, walking,… If you love moustaches, fat guys, 22 minutes dances with 455 extras throwing flowers, hairy chests and saris, you will love Tamil films!If you prefer watching the last “James Bond” or any new American blockbuster, do not worry: English movies are also screened in the city.

Food is also a major part of the culture, and this is really true in Tamil Nadu: Tamil cuisine in Chennai includes vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes. Many of the city's restaurants offer light meals or tiffin, which usually include rice-based dishes like pongal, dosa, idli and vadai, served with steaming hot filter coffee. Want to experience something new, really varied and very tasty? Come to Chennai!

Attractions and entertainment.

Even if Chennai is not without its charms, entertainment facilities are not very developed here. The nightlife, even if it tends to be more “vibrant” than a few years ago, is still quite dull. Bars and clubs close at 11p.m (12 p.m for the bravest…), “couple rules”, state run alcohol, …

Nevertheless, Chennai is a good location for shopping: traditional arts and crafts, Indian  or occidental clothes, jewellery,… All at “Indian prices”. Beside that, there are many huge shopping malls and specific markets: T-Nagar for the clothes, or “Richie Street” for the electronic devices. Black market, no guarantee, 80% of forgery devices, but cheap prices. Really cheap prices.

For other kinds of entertainments, you have to go out of Chennai, even only 60km away, to find some “occidental entertainment”: private beaches and swimming pools in Mamallapuram, with hammocks and coconut juice, nice bars and lounges (with really cheap alcohol) in Pondicherry, stone carving, nature, the sea,…  Do not worry: every single person which stayed in Chennai a few months will tell you the same: you need to know it, but it is a nice city.

 For more information you can check blog of one of our interns from Belgium http://chennai-expat.blogspot.com