Chennai : Cauldron of Culture, Craft and Cuisine

From the bustling streets of Chennai to the serene temples of Kanchipuram and Mahabalipuram, a journey through vibrant local experiences, eye-opening cultural moments, and stunning architecture.

Like any other corporate slave in Bengaluru, weekends were my only escape, a chance to kick back and relax. But when it is a long weekend, there is no excuse to not pack a bag and hit the road.

Southern India is full of stunning destinations, and the best part is, they are all just a few hours away, making them perfect for a quick getaway. So, when I got the chance to take a spontaneous trip, I, along with a couple of friends, decided to head to Tamil Nadu for a quick trip to Chennai, its capital, and a few neighbouring towns.

Chennai is known for its beautiful beaches, rich culture, and vibrant energy and seemed like the ideal spot for a little break. We kicked off our journey with an early morning train from Bengaluru, which takes about six hours to reach Chennai. As soon as we stepped off the train, we were hit with a mix of fresh sambhar aroma and the intense Chennai heat and humidity. It is like the city welcomes you with a big, warm hug, although a sweaty one. I made a beeline for the nearest restaurant serving traditional South Indian breakfast items, to dive into a delectable breakfast.

Now, if you have ever lived in Karnataka or Tamil Nadu, you will know that there is one debate that is hotter than the weather, the great rivalry over who makes a better sambar a South Indian stew made with lentils, mixed vegetables and other ingredients.

Chennai

After breakfast, we headed straight to the local train station. Taking a local train in Chennai was one of those bucket list experiences I will never forget. The energy on the train was palpable, full of life and motion, even though the train was packed to the brim. We got down at the city centre and made our way to Marina Beach, India’s longest beach, which, to be honest, was a bit of a letdown. The beach was overcrowded and littered, taking the fun out of the experience. But we did not let that spoil our day.

After a quick stroll, we decided to grab lunch, and that is when we witnessed something that left a lasting impression on me. It was a funeral procession, but it was not anything like what I would imagine.

In most places, funerals are sombre and quiet, but this one was different, there were bands playing, people dancing, and the whole thing felt more like a wedding celebration than a mourning ritual. It was a bit unsettling at first, but fascinating too.

In some South Indian cultures, death rituals can be surprisingly lively. The processions are often accompanied by music and dancing, a way of celebrating the life of the deceased rather than just mourning their loss. In fact, there is a belief that the soul’s journey to the afterlife should be filled with joy and positivity, which is why these celebrations can be loud and vibrant. It is a stark contrast to the more sombre funerals seen in other parts of the world, and it really makes one think about how different cultures honour their dead. After exploring every nook and corner of Chennai, we decided to use the remaining weekend to venture out and discover some hidden gems around Chennai. Our first stop, Mahabalipuram or Mamallapuram.

Mamallapuram

This coastal town, nestled along the Bay of Bengal, is the perfect destination for a day trip. It is one of those places that stay with you, calling you back again and again. We kicked off our day from Chennai the next morning at 4 am, riding out into the pre-dawn darkness on our bikes. Our goal? To catch the sunrise at Mahabalipuram Beach. The 60 km ride was an adventure in itself. With barely any cars on the road, and in some stretches, no streetlights at all, we started to wonder if we had made a bad call.

However daunting the journey, the destination was totally worth it. We arrived just in time to watch the first sliver of light break over the horizon. The sight was absolutely mesmerising, one of those moments that make you forget all the struggles of the journey.

In addition to its stunning beaches, the port town is also known for its age-old monuments, temples and relics which attract tourists and pilgrims from India and beyond and earned it the title of UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1984. The city is brimming with rock cut temples and monolithic sculptures, which are some of the finest testaments of Dravidian art and architecture in India dating back to the third and ninth centuries.

The Shore Temple, built in the eighth century by King Rajasimha, has withstood the erosive power of the sea, only to be partially buried in sand until it was rediscovered. Walking through the temple complex, I was struck by the intricate carvings and the use of granite, an incredible feat for its time. It is dedicated to both Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu, and the craftsmanship of the Pallavas really shines through. It is one of the oldest structural temples in South India. Though partially damaged in the 2004 tsunami, the temple continues to attract thousands of tourists every day.

Just a short distance away are the Pancha Rathas, five monolithic temples, each carved from a single rock and dedicated to the five Pandava brothers from the Mahabharata. Each temple is unique, with styles ranging from simple to elaborate, though some remain unfinished.

But what really stayed with me was the time spent wandering through the cave temples. The afternoon flew by as we explored the intricately carved walls and rock-cut shrines. It is incredible how a few simple carvings on stone can narrate entire stories, gods, battles, and daily life from centuries ago.

We also encountered local artisans and sculptors, working with incredible precision on breathtaking stone sculptures. These hundreds of sculptors who work in streetside studios, meticulously turning stone, metal and wood into pieces of art are as much a part of the town’s rich history and beauty as the ancient temples and serene beaches that define it.

After a day spent exploring the town and immersing ourselves in its many treasures, we made our way back to Chennai.

Kanchipuram: Of stone temples & silken sarees

The next day, we took a short train ride from the busy streets of Chennai to the peaceful town of Kanchipuram, the “City of a Thousand Temples.” In just a few hours, we arrived in this historic town, known for its rich culture, beautiful temples, and stunning architecture.

We spent the entire day exploring Kanchipuram’s temples, each more awe-inspiring than the last. One of the most unforgettable sights was the hall in Ekambareswarar Temple, filled with 1,008 black stone Shivlings. Standing there, surrounded by so many sacred symbols, was a truly surreal experience.

Then, we visited the peaceful Kamakshi Amman Temple, with its beautiful architecture and deep spiritual energy. Each temple felt like a living part of history, full of folklore and a power that is hard to describe.

Our next stop in Kanchipuram was the markets brimming with breath-taking silk sarees. The tiny town boasts about 60,000 silk looms in operation. We hopped from one store to another taking in the exquisite designs and learning about the rich history and cultural values of these stunning pieces of textile. Of course we bought some souvenirs along the way.