Sunday, January 12, 2014

The New York Times on Chennai

The New York Times has released a list of 52 cities all over the world as places to visit in the year 2014. Why 52? Perhaps one city every week! Chennai figures as the only city in India. The newspaper says the following about Chennai:

"Chennai, in the state of Tamil Nadu (and formerly known as Madras), was long considered the gateway to popular South Indian tourist destinations like Kerala but was overlooked as an attraction itself. It is, however, a national cultural capital and home to several dance and music schools like Kalakshetra for dance and the Music Academy for Carnatic South Indian music, which both regularly hold performances around town. There are also historic sites aplenty, including the Kapaleeswarar Temple, built in the name of the Hindu god Shiva. Fresh buzz makes this city especially enticing: Several major hotels including the Park Hyatt have recently opened, and there is a slew of new and trendy clubs, boutiques and restaurants, including Ottimo for excellent pizzas."

The Marina beach is notably omitted. Anyone coming from abroad will not miss the neighbouring Mamallapuram (formerly known as Mahabalipuram), a sea-resort famous for historical sculpture. 

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