Things to do in Tamil Nadu
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Moonrakers
Like it or not, you’ll likely end up here at some stage; it’s the sort of place that magnetises travellers. Probably because it’s a three-storey resto-bar complex that dominates the backpacker-ghetto streetscape. Food is OK, ambience is better and beer is enjoyable from the top-floor verandah.
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Amethyst
Set in a stunning lemon-coloured, colonial-era building, this place is comfortably posh. The lush garden setting and patio dining takes the cake for restaurant ambience. Expect comfy couches, tasteful antique furniture and afternoon tea with lovely cucumber-and-mint-chutney sandwiches.
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Jayaram Fast Foods
There’s a busy (and yummy) bakery downstairs, and a crisp and clean restaurant up top that does a nice line in Indian fare, plus burgers and pizzas. While the latter aren’t winning any awards, this is as good a piece of pie as you’ll find in Madurai.
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sightseeing tours
The tourist office organises half-day sightseeing tours that include the Tirumalai Nayak Palace and Gandhi Memorial Museum, and finish at the Sri Meenakshi Temple. Tours start at 07:00 and 15:00 and cost around Rs125 per person (minimum six people).
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Siesta
On the shaded and breezy rooftop of Sri Murugan Guest House, this tapas restaurant offers - among other things - authentic Spanish omelette, patatas bravas (fried potatoes in a spicy sauce), garlic mushrooms and paella.
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Rendezvous
The steaks here are superb, but then again, so is just about anything at this suitably romantic restaurant, where diners can lounge in AC comfort or pick at their coq au vin under the stars on the lush garden terrace.
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Sri Aurobindo Handmade Paper Factory
Fine handmade paper is sold here, and you can ask at the counter about tours of the factory. There’s a wider choice of goods at Auroboutique near the ashram; all sales support ashram work.
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Krishna's Butter Ball
Just north of the Ganesh Ratha is a huge boulder known as Krishna's Butter Ball. Immovable, but apparently balancing precariously, it's a favourite photo opportunity.
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Shinkow’s Chinese Restaurant
Shinkow’s is an Ooty institution and the simple menu of chicken, pork, beef, fish, noodles and rice dishes is usually pretty good, if kind of uninspired.
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Hotel Seaview
This upmarket hotel has an excellent AC multicuisine restaurant specialising in fresh local seafood and posh takes on North and South Indian faves.
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Coconut Lagoon
Excellent Keralan and Goan fare with a focus on seafood delicacies, such as kari meen polli chathu (fish masala steamed in banana leaf).
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Green Shop
The Keystone Foundation runs the Green Shop, which sells honey and organic produce harvested by local and indigenous farmers.
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Pastry Corner
Pick up great picnic sandwiches and yummy brownies (Rs5; after 3pm) here, or squeeze onto the benches with a cuppa to watch the world go by.
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Mocha
The young and beautiful come here for coffee, hookahs (water pipes; Rs195 to Rs245) and snacks (Rs50 to Rs150). Lovely outdoor garden.
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Government Museum
Housed across several British-built buildings known as the Pantheon Complex, this excellent museum is Chennai’s best.
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Mahabodhi Society of Sri Lanka
Dharma talks, meditation and special pujas (offerings or prayers) on full-moon and other days.
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King's Cliff Restaurant
An atmospheric restaurant with quality multicuisine food. There's no alcohol permit, but you can BYO.
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Landmark Bookshop, Nungambakkam
Landmark Bookshop, Nungambakkam Apex Plaza, Nungambakkam High Rd);
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Barista
Barista is a popular coffee chain in Chennai.
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Hotel Saravana Bhavan, Triplicane
Dependably delish, 'meals' at the Saravana Bhavans.
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Vivekanandar Illam
Free one-hour classes on Wednesday nights at 7pm.
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Café Coffee Day
Popular coffee chain dotted around Chennai.
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Spencer Plaza
The best commercial shopping mall.
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Le Yogi
This is probably the best Western food in town. The steaks, pastas and pizzas are genuine and tasty (if small), service is stellar, and the airy dining area, with wooden accents, flickering candlelight and billowing fabrics, is romantic as all get out.
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Chandan Restaurant
At Hotel Nahar, Chandan serves up delicious veg dishes in elegant surroundings. Thalis are served at lunchtime or choose from a range of biryanis and Chinese dishes.
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