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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!
The Hindu
21 hours ago
- Entertainment
- The Hindu
Dasara festival 2025 to be celebrated over a period of 11 days
This year's Dasara festival is scheduled to be celebrated over a period of eleven days. Pramoda Devi Wadiyar of the erstwhile Mysore royal family, in a statement here on Saturday, sought to make it clear that this year's eleven-day Dasara celebration was not unprecedented, but in keeping with traditional observances based on the lunar calendar. Though the festival is typically observed over a period of nine days, there have been several instances in the past when the celebrations have lasted either Ashtaratri (eight nights) nine days, Navaratri (nine nights) ten days, or Dasharatri (ten nights)eleven days'. 'The calendar (Panchanga) followed by the Mysuru palace for all festivals, including Dasara, is based on the lunar calendar. Variations in the duration of the festival arise due to astronomical factors – specifically the movement of the moon and the Sun – which determine the alignment of the lunar days/dates,' the statement said. Dasara had been celebrated over eleven days in 1920, 1929, 1953, 1962, 1980, 1990, 1998, 2000, 2015 and 2016, said Ms. Wadiyar.
India.com
03-06-2025
- General
- India.com
Know Why Chennai City Is The Perfect Destination For Backpackers
Chennai, located in the southern part of India and serving as the capital of Tamil Nadu, is a lively city which masters the integration of traditional and modern practices. Dubbed 'Gateway to South India,' the city presents an ideal mix for backpackers through culture, history, and affordable travel. Even when visiting alone or in a group, Chennai has something distinct to offer its visitors. With that said, here are five compelling reasons why Chennai is the perfect destination for backpackers. 1. Affordable Accommodation Options Chennai's biggest draw for backpackers is the availability of affordable accommodation options. The city is well-known for its extensive range of budget hostels, guesthouses, and hotels as compared to the rest of India. Most of these facilities are located around popular visiting spots such as Marina Beach or the railway station. Moreover, certain guesthouses and hostels are available at the airport for those who need immediate rest upon arrival. In addition, sites like Airbnb and also cater budget-oriented travelers while ensuring comfort. 2. Rich Cultural Heritage Chennai has a rich history and culture that gives backpackers an opportunity to explore south Indian customs. There are also ancient temples like Kapaleeshwarar Temple and Parthasarathy Temple, along with some colonial era sites like Fort St. George. All these places are filled with history and do showcase brilliant architecture. In addition to that, backpackers get a chance to celebrate local festivals like Pongal or Navaratri and get a taste of the culture. 3. Delicious Street Food Scene For enthusiasts looking to traveling places with great food, Chennai is paradise on Earth. The city is famous for its South Indian dishes which include idli, dosa, vada, filter coffee, among many others. What makes this even more attractive for backpackers is the inexpensive prices of street food. Regions such as T. Nagar and Mylapore have great markets where you can get authentic food for very little money. Make sure you try the city's famous biryani and coconut based desserts. 4. Easy Reach Public Transport This city is very easy to navigate due to Chennai's decent public transport system. There are buses called MTC that serve most parts of the city and auto-rickshaws can be used for shorter distances. For train users, there is a Chennai Suburban Railway Network which covers important areas. With these features, traveling in the city becomes easier for backpackers who aim to explore the town without spending excessively on transportation. 5. Gorgeous Beaches and Nature Chennai is renowned for its wonderful natural features such as beautiful beaches and greenery. Marina Beach is one of the longest urban beaches in the world, which makes it a favorite to many backpackers who want to enjoy the sun by the water. Other attractions in the area include, but are not limited to Guindy National Park, a small reserve with plenty of biodiversity located inside the city, and the beautiful Besant Nagar Beach. These places greatly aid in photography, bird watching, or just relaxing while enjoying the scenery. Wrapping Up Chennai has a unique bargain. It has a perfect blend of affordability, culture, and convenience making it ideal for backpackers. From historic monuments, beautiful beaches, street food, to the roaring arts in the city, there is truly something for everyone. Additionally, because of its position in South India, it makes the city a central point for traveling to other regions, hence extending the possibilities. So, grab your backpack and get ready to unleash the inner traveler within you to figure out what makes Chennai such a special place.
India.com
03-06-2025
- General
- India.com
The Myths And Legends Behind Mysore City's Rich Heritage
Mysore serves as a respected city in the Karnataka southern region of India because of its unique cultural elements along with its spectacular buildings and lively folk traditions. Mysore maintained its position as a royal city since people commonly call it 'City of Palaces.' An intricate network of native legends and myths exists within Mysore City which formed the essential components of its identity development. Most people in the community have deep beliefs regarding these tales which guide their usual activities and cultural traditions. Legend of Mahishasura: The Mythological Foundation Historical records trace the origin of the city Mysore from Mahishur that means 'the abode of Mahisha.' Historical records show that Hindu mythology describes this same region as the kingdom of Mahishasura who served as its dominant ruler. Through his blessing from Lord Brahma Mahishasura obtained protection from defeat by either male victors or divine beings. Fueled by new-found power Mahishasura carried out unrestrained tyranny across earth and heaven which brought heavy misfortune to the people. The force that brought his evil rule to an end emerged when Goddess Chamundeshwari descended from heaven to fight the demon king. The battle between Mahishasura and Goddess Chamundeshwari for various days ended when she destroyed him at his fort's location on the Chamundi Hill summit. According to local beliefs about the mythological battle Mahishuru acquired its name which later became Mysore. Chamundi Hill stands as a significant holy place throughout the current city area. The Chamundeshwari Temple sits on the summit of the hill to honor the goddess who eliminated Mahishasura. During annual festival celebrations of Navaratri numerous devotees voyage to the temple as they honor the victory of good over evil. The legend strengthens the city's religious relevance and enables its residents to embody critical values such as bravery together with uprightness and endurance. Wadiyar Dynasty: A Legacy of Kingship and Devotion Throughout six centuries (1399–1947) Mysore retained its Wadiyar dynasty rule which formed a central element in its identity. A people's myth about the dynasty's inception enhances Mysore's mystical appeal by adding to its traditions. Legends say Yaduraya Wadiyar established the dynasty through marriage to Princess Chikkadevarasi who was from Karugahalli family after he displayed his bravery and loyalty to her. The Wadiyar ascended the throne with divine blessings the gods had provided him allowing Mysore to enter a prosperous period. With royal support from the Wadiyars Mysore developed into an artistic cultural and architectural hub. Vijayadashami or Dasara constitutes an important traditional event in the history of the Wadiyars who celebrated the goddess Durga's triumph against Mahishasura. A basic family prayer practice developed by the royal clan became a grand annual festival that includes majestic parades alongside explosive fireworks and stage entertainment. Today Dasara continues as a major festival celebrated with magnificent displays which draws international visitors to Mysore. The royal palace shines with thousands of lights while demonstrating permanent aspects of the dynasty. Surrounding Mysore Palace The iconic Mysore Palace remained marked by several fascinating historical accounts that have been passed from one generation to the next. Tradition holds that the modern palace replaced a previous wooden structure which burnt down in 1897. British architect Henry Irwin designed the new palace that integrates the architectural characteristics of Indo-Saracenic along with Rajput and Gothic styles to represent the multi-cultural heritage of the Mysore kingdom. According to local beliefs Maharaja Krishnaraja Wadiyar IV had a dream that led to his inspiration for designing the palace. A large building appeared to him in his dream which would embody the splendid glory of Mysore. He awoke and commanded his architects to recreate his vision which has now become the extraordinary palace structure people observe today. Although there is no proven historical evidence this adds an exciting mythical aspect to why Saras Gopura was built. According to local stories the royal spirits from the palace haunt its grounds. People visiting this location mention strange encounters most commonly in the Durbar Hall since it was the primary space for royal ceremonies. Various stories regarding the site depict elements of both reality and psychic impressions that further enhance the palace's magical reputation. Tales of Brindavan Gardens Located by the Krishna Raja Sagara Dam you will find Brindavan Gardens which carries numerous entertaining local legends. Many visitors from across the world come to see the musical fountains along with the harmoniously designed gardens at this location. Therese few people understand that supernatural powers formed this creation. According to local beliefs the dam engineers struggled through unforeseeable climate conditions and engineering complications while conducting their work. When they encountered such obstacles they looked for divine blessings by performing rituals at nearby temples. The people in the area believe supernatural intervention led to the accomplishment of constructing both the gardens and the dam project. Brindavan Gardens today stands as proof that people combined their creative skills with religious devotion to construct something remarkable which survived to become serene. Conclusion The cultural structure of Mysore rests on legends combined with myths that unite historical events with religious practices and traditional stories into a single unified story. These myths starting with Mahishasura lead directly to Wadiyar dynasty narratives which demonstrate the cultural integrity and core principles of this city. Residents proudly live in these enduring delights which have successfully drawn attention from those outside the boundaries. These narratives will always preserve Mysore's cultural core as the city develops toward modernity. The urban environment exists as more than concrete structures because it embodies the dreams together with struggles and aspirations of local residents. Anyone interested in discovering the essence of Mysore will find it by studying the city's legends and urban myths.
Time of India
03-05-2025
- General
- Time of India
Our baby's name honours our Kodava heritage, say Harshika and Bhuvann
Deciding on a traditional name was as important to Harshika Poonacha and Bhuvann Ponnanna as holding their baby daughter's naming ceremony in their homeland, Coorg. The couple, who welcomed a baby girl in October last year, tells us, 'We named her Tridevi Ponnakkaah because she has a strong number three in her chart and also because she was born on the first day of Navaratri and is a gift from goddess Mookambika.' 'Ponnakkaah is a combination of Ponnanna and Harshika,' they add. Bhuvann notes, 'Earlier, a name would immediately tell you where a person came from. That connection to region and identity is fading. So as a couple, we were keen on our little one having a traditional name that honours her heritage. We also considered her personality, making the name a beautiful reflection of who she is,' he says. Of the ceremony, Harshika says, 'The day began with Kodava rituals, including the symbolic feeding of puttu using a gold coin, and transitioned into a celebration of family and friends.'
