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India.com
20 hours ago
- India.com
Travel Smart: Essential Budget Hacks For Exploring Chennai!
Even though the metropolitan city of Chennai, in Tamil Nadu, is known for its never-ending activities from historic temples and buildings to modern beaches and food courts, it does have the potential to pinch your pockets. But fret not. With adequate planning, you can truly appreciate everything Chennai has to offer without worrying about spending too much. Here are great budget traveling tips that allow you to discover the true essence of Chennai while simultaneously saving a good amount of money. Your Visit During the Off-Season During the winter months, the region from November to February has pleasant weather and is the peak tourist season for Chennai. If you are looking to save a few bucks, you should definitely look into the season between March and October where accommodation and travel costs are significantly lower. All in all, these months are less touristy and more local. Pro Tip: Utilize seasonal discounts for hotels and flights that may be available off-season. Pack Light:Summers can get hot in Chennai so make sure to bring light clothes along with plenty of sunscreen. Festivals:You can also try to plan your trip around other local festivals like Pongal or Navaratri that occur in January and October respectively so that you can indulge in cultural activities. Quick Facts: Chennai Summers reach as high as 40 degree celsius so ensure to stay hydrated. Hotel rates during off-season can go 30 to 50 percent lower than peak season rates. Pongal and other festivals are celebrated with traditional foods, kolams, and much more cultural fanfare. Affordable Accommodation Options You will find plenty of budget accommodation like guest houses, bed and breakfast, or hostels in Chennai. Stays under these categories are usually posted on booking sites such as Airbnb, hostelworld, and makemytrip. Also, quite a few inexpensive hotels provide price cuts for extended visits. Hostels: You can easily find OYO Rooms or FabHotels and other chain hotels that offer cozy and reasonably priced rooms. Budget Hotels: Staying in a house of a local family is not only culturally enriching, but it is usually cheaper than hotels as well. Homestays: Ideal for backpackers and solo travelers looking for inexpensive dorms Quick Facts: In Chennai, hostel dorms are available for as low as 400 INR per night. Budget hotels can cost somewhere between 800 to 1,500 INR a night. A homestay can go for 1,000-2,000 INR a night, most of the time with meals inclusive. Like a Local Chennai's public transport is not only affordable but also efficient and quite vast. Traveling by trains, buses, and share-autos helps you cut costs as compared to hiring a private vehicle or taking a cab. MTC Buses: The Metropolitan Transport Corporation's Bus Service – Almost every area of the city is covered by MTC buses and they are dirt cheap. Suburban Trains: When going to places such as Chengalpattu, Marina Beach, and St. Thomas Mount. Share Autos:The best option for covering short distances within the city when on a budget. Quick Facts: Starting fare for the MTC bus is 5 INR. 10 INR is all that is needed to buy a ticket for a suburban train and travel one way. Traveling share autos cost between INR 20 to 50. Budget-Friendly Food Do not worry if you are on a budget because Chennai is a food lover's dream. Savor the variety of food available including steaming idlis, mouthwatering biryani, crispy dosas, there is a lot to explore that is also light on the pocket. Street Food:Visit the beach and T. Nagar to enjoy sundal, bajji, and freshly cooked parottas from the street food stalls. Messes: Affordable and hearty South Indian meals can be enjoyed at Ratna Cafe and Murugan Idli Shop. Lunch Buffets: Some eateries provide low-priced lunch buffets which is great for trying out several cuisines at once. Quick Facts: At neighborhood cafes, every plate of idli-sambar sells for approximately 30-50 INR. Cheap restaurants serve full South Indian meals ( thali) for 100 – 200 INR. The prices of street food sundal and bajji are 20 -50 INR. Free and Low-Cost Attractions There are a lot of free or inexpensive places to visit in Chennai. It's perfect for temples, museums, and beach lovers. Beaches: Head to Marina Beach, as well as the second longest city beach in the world, or Elliot's Beach to unwind and enjoy. Temples:India boasts of stunning temples that define the culture, and the Kapaleeswarar and Parthasarathy temples in Chennai are no exception. It's a free site so don't forget to visit. Museums and Parks: Some budget friendly places to visit include the Government Museum as well as Semmozhi Poonga which charge a small fee. Quick Facts: Elliot's and Marina Beaches can be accessed for free Indian citizens only need to pay INR 15 to enter the museum. Children under 12 can enter Semmozhi Poonga for INR 10 and adults only need to pay 15. Smart Chennai's active street bazaars and markets are great for those looking to shop on a budget. With the proper knowledge, silk sarees, jewelry, and other souvenirs are sold at reasonable prices. T. Nagar: Best spot to find sarees, jewelries and other accessories at affordable Pondy Bazaar: A budgeted fashionista's paradise for clothes, bags and even shoes. George Town: Great for wholesale fabric shopping and other knick-knacks. Pro Tip:Always negotiate prices at street markets. Quick Facts: Kurtas and cotton dresses start from 300 – 500 rupees. You can find handmade jewelry for as cheap as 100 to 200 rupees. At T. Nagar, silk sarees are available starting from 1,000 rupees. on Souvenirs and Experiences You can spend less and still enjoy the true culture of the city by choosing souvenirs that are unique and inexpensive. Artisan Crafts: Terracotta jewelry, Tanjore Paintings, and pottery are things to look out for. Music and Dance: Attend free events or workshops for classical dance and music during the Margazhi festival (December-January). Local Snacks: Murukku, banana chips, and Mysore pak are some of the treats you can enjoy while in the city. Quick Facts: Terracotta Jewelry sets: INR 200-500. Entry to cultural performances during Margazhi is often free. Local Snacks: Between 50-100 per packet. Wrapping Up Chennai is a premier city for budget travelers due to its wonderful culture, welcoming vibe, and the delicious food. So long as you plan your trip wisely by reserving the flight ahead of time, utilizing buses and trains to get around the city, and eating and shopping in reasonably priced places, you will enjoy everything that the city has to offer without breaking the bank. What are you waiting for, pack your bags and go on an adventure of a lifetime to Chennai!
New Paper
5 days ago
- Sport
- New Paper
Nunes leaves Australia, but vows to come back
Former five-time Singapore champion jockey Manoel Nunes is on the move again. Eight months after taking his saddle to Adelaide following the closure of Singapore racing on Oct 5, the Brazilian ace is being lured back to a country where he once ruled the roost - Mauritius. One of the leading stables on the racing-mad Indian Ocean island rolled out the red carpet to the 2019 Mauritius champion jockey last week, after talks with two Australian jockeys who are no stranger to Kranji fell through, Noel Callow and Daniel Moor. Nunes thought long and hard about the offer from the Gujadhur family as the racing experience in his new Adelaide base has overall been enjoyable, even if the wins have tapered off recently. With 26 wins (including two at a trial to test the waters in August) from 200 rides since his debut at Murray Bridge on Oct 12, the 49-year-old sits in seventh place on South Australia's metropolitan log, a fair gap off the premiership-battling duo of Rochelle Milnes (41) and Taylor Johnstone (39). On the other hand, Nunes was a household name in Mauritius, treated like Hollywood celebrity wherever he went, but at the same time, its horse racing has since lost its lustre. It had been at the crossroads after Covid-19 struck in 2020, and the Mauritius Turf Club (MTC) was eventually ousted under controversial circumstances in the last two years. It has been claimed that the newly created organiser had close links with the previous government. Following the return to power of the MTC-friendly Labour party and its coalition allies after a landslide victory over the old regime at the last general election in November, the MTC was soon restored into their Champ de Mars home. No doubt, the pro-MTC Gujadhurs' comeback after a self-imposed hiatus during the club switch also injects renewed hope into a beleaguered industry looking for a fresh reboot on July 26. The Gujadhurs' purchase of 20 quality South African-breds aimed at the elite races was the carrot dangled to Nunes, but doubtfully juicy enough against the substantially more lucrative prize money in Australia. But, if Nunes' Australian stint had one flip side of the coin that could sway him, it was the winter months, even if Mauritius got the nod not just for its warmer climate. "It's now winter in Australia, and I just hate the cold. Don't get me wrong, I love my beach house in Glenelg, but it's tough with the dropping temperatures," he said. "But I'm going to ride for the Gujadhur stable mainly because it's an honour to wear their famous blue and red sash silks. The season is only five months long until December. "My Australian visa is long-term. So it means I can still come back here to ride after the Mauritius season is over." Nunes, who boasts more than 2,200 winners ridden all around the world in Brazil, Argentina, Macau, Singapore, Mauritius, South Korea, Dubai and Australia, would be loath to burn the bridges with the latter. "It wasn't an easy decision to make. I really enjoy Australian racing, especially here in Adelaide," said Nunes, who also spent one week in Perth in December riding one winner. "I can't thank Racing SA's (South Australia) former CEO (chief executive officer) Vaughn Lynch and their new No. 1 Nick Bawden enough. They helped me a lot when I applied for my jockey's licence and work permit for Australia. "I also have to mention the Singapore trainers who gave me solid references. Without them, I couldn't have made it. "And, of course, a big thank you to trainer Michael Hickmott who was the first to sponsor me in Adelaide, and (retired ex-Kranji jockey) Barend Vorster and his wife Nikki for their friendship and helping me settle in so quickly. "The jockeys have also been friendly, like Jake Toeroek, Jason Holder and Todd Pannell. But there are too many names to mention, and I don't want to leave anybody out. "This is not farewell, though. I'll definitely come back to Australia." In May, whispers of an exit began to swirl after his main supporter, Kranji owner Mansoor Gandhi, moved his team of five ex-Singapore horses from Angaston trainers Aaron Bain and Ned Taylor to Perth. The exodus included Bakeel, who won three races in a row in South Australia. A drop in rides - not to mention winners - also fuelled those rumours, but Nunes refuted the suggestions. He had simply fallen foul to kidney stones during a short trip in Singapore to visit his girlfriend, and was on the sidelines for treatment. Once he recovered, he returned a winner at Murray Bridge on May 24, aboard Great Maximus for trainers Richard and Chantelle Jolly. The visits to the winner's circle have, however, again dried up since, something he puts down to the big stables being tied down to their stable riders. "The top trainers already have their own jockeys, and it's hard to chase for the better rides," he said. "Still, I have good support all round, and some trainers have already texted me to say how they would miss me when I leave." Nunes' last Australian meeting will be at Morphettville on June 28. He then flies to Mauritius on July 4. manyan@
The Hindu
5 days ago
- The Hindu
Two robbery accused get 10-year rigorous imprisonment
Allikulam Additional Sessions Court campus has convicted and sentenced two robbery accused to 10-year-rigorous imprisonment for chasing a pedestrian and making him fall under the wheel of an MTC bus on Poonamallee High Road in Egmore in 2018. According to police, on October, 14, 2018, the man -- aged around 25 years and was apparently from north India -- was walking from Chennai Central to Egmore when auto driver M. Devan, 30, of Santhosh Nagar and mechanic V. Kamal alias Madurai Muthu, 28, of the same area, who were drunk, intercepted him and demanded tobacco. The victim avoided the drunk men and tried to walk away. The duo followed him and attacked him by pushing him onto the iron gate of a hotel. When he tried to run away, they chased him. The man slipped from the pavement and fell on the road. An MTC bus, going towards Koyambedu from Broadway, ran over him. Then, the duo escaped from the area. Initially, the case was registered by Anna Square Traffic Investigation Police for suspicious death. Later, the case was transferred to Egmore Police. At the conclusion of trial, the court held the duo guilty and sentenced them to 10-year-rigorous imprisonment. They were imposed fine of Rs 10,000.
The Hindu
6 days ago
- General
- The Hindu
Govt. arts and science colleges reopen for students of higher classes
Government arts and science colleges reopened on Monday for second and third year students. Some colleges opened for the first year students as well. At the government college in Perumbakkam, students were eager to start their new academic year. The college caters to around 35,000 students, mainly from modest families in the slum clearance board apartments. The co-education college has a total of 1,340 students in its nine departments. A college faculty said as much as 65% of the students were girls. Rupika Devi, a B Com CS 3rd year student said she was preparing for company secretaryship and hence chose the programme. She has been learning coding under the Naan Mudhalvan training programmes offered by the college. K. Saranya, a second year student of BA Tamil said, 'I am preparing to take the Tamil Nadu Public Service Commission group 4 exam this year. Next year with better preparation I plan to appear for group 1 and 2 exam.' M. Jagajeevan travels from Neelakarai to the college. 'I change three buses to get to college. I leave home at 7 a.m.,' says the 2nd year BA Tamil student. The first generation learner wants to pursue an MA in Tamil and then complete B Ed to become a teacher. 'College begins at 9.30 a.m. but the locality is not served well by MTC buses. Ever since e-buses were launched students have been struggling to reach college on time,' explained a faculty. Our students come from Broadway, Tambaram and Guindy. If buses are late then students are delayed. There must be more buses,' he said. Sri Kanyaka Parameswari Arts and Science College had organised an elaborate programme to welcome the first year students. A faculty at the college said the aim was to help students to break ice and integrate. The college sprinkled the day with events including dance, karate, singing and games specifically for first year students.
New Indian Express
08-06-2025
- Business
- New Indian Express
MTC to replace 100 old small buses with new BSVI-compliant vehicles in Chennai
CHENNAI: With the private mini buses all set to start operations in Chennai from the second week of June, the Metropolitan Transport Corporation (MTC) has decided to replace 100 existing small buses with new ones. The state-run transport body, which caters to Chennai and its suburban regions, will procure 100 BSVI-compliant mini buses at an estimated cost of Rs 34 crore. Tenders were floated recently. These new vehicles will ply on existing routes and are intended to improve last-mile connectivity from metro stations and other key locations. T PrabhuShankar, managing director of MTC, told TNIE the current fleet of small buses has been in use for 11 years. 'These buses will be replaced with new ones. At this stage, we are not planning to expand the small bus fleet,' he said. To further strengthen last-mile connectivity, a joint study is under way with the Chennai Unified Metropolitan Transport Authority (CUMTA). 'Based on the study's findings, we will explore the possibility of expanding small bus services wherever necessary,' he added. Currently, MTC operates 146 small buses in Chennai, including 56 that connect interior areas with metro rail stations. Of these, 22 buses function exclusively as feeder services for the metro. The remaining small buses serve as general public transport, particularly in areas that cannot accommodate larger buses. According to regulations, standard MTC buses require a minimum road width of 40 feet. To provide connectivity in interior areas with narrower roads (20 to 30 feet wide), small buses were introduced in the city in 2013. At present, small buses serve eight metro stations: Koyambedu, CMBT, Thirumangalam, Alandur, Chennai Airport, Wimco Nagar, Guindy, and Little Mount. MTC officials noted work is ongoing to develop new feeder routes for metro stations in high-demand areas. 'CUMTA's study will also identify feeder routes for all metro stations. This initiative will benefit both MTC and metro rail services,' they said. Meanwhile, private mini buses approved by the state transport department will operate in seven zones within Chennai, as well as the Avadi and Tambaram city corporations. The designated route lengths will range between 10 and 20 kilometres.
