CULTURE & COAST
Outlook Traveller|September 2021
With only 24 hours in the city, SIMRRAN GILL tries to cherish and walk the colonial and contemporary era line finely
SIMRRAN GILL
CULTURE & COAST

I STOOD ABSOLUTELY STILL, letting the lingering aroma of mogra in the air, mixed with a faint smell of the wet soil as the first raindrops hit the ground, taking over my olfactory senses. As the clouds roared, I prepared for a downpour, taking shelter while making sure that I didn’t spill my much sought-after cup of filter kaapi. I hadn’t expected to trace the streets of Mylapore on a rainy evening like this one, but here I was staring at the Kapaleeshwarar Temple while the slightly damp air engulfed me.

Chennai is where cultures make and break. While some parts of the city exude an old-world charm; secured with a layer of a conundrum, the others pocket a cosmopolitan vibe.

I began my day with a hearty South Indian breakfast. Being the stickler that I am with my culinary choices, I went for the steaming idlis, crisp dosa, and a deep-fried vada. All of it with the lip-smacking sambar and dollops of coconut and tomato chutneys. However, as opposed to regular ones, I went for the much-talked-about ghee podi idlis. And as it turned out, they were a pleasant surprise and to date my go-to breakfast. If you’re the one to experiment with your taste buds, I’d suggest trying Pongal, a very common South Indian household breakfast made out of rice and served with sambar, or the idiyappam, a noodle cake made out of vermicelli generally.

While outsiders might classify missing Murugan Idli Shop a sin, the locals here vouch for the Ratna Cafe. Both the places have multiple outlets and more often than not a considerable waiting time too, especially on weekends.

This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM OUTLOOK TRAVELLERView all
Can The Himalayas Outlast Tourism?
Outlook Traveller

Can The Himalayas Outlast Tourism?

Love The Himalayas, But Worried About Its Future? Hear From Three Experts On The Future Of The Region And How It Can Be Protected

time-read
4 mins  |
October - November 2024
EATING MINDFULLY
Outlook Traveller

EATING MINDFULLY

SUNITA NARAIN FROM THE CENTRE FOR SCIENCE AND ENVIRONMENT DISCUSSES HER NEW BOOK WHICH COMBINES THE JOYS OF EATING WITH CARE FOR THE LAND AND THE PEOPLE WHO TILL THEM

time-read
3 mins  |
October - November 2024
The Jewels Of Costa Rica
Outlook Traveller

The Jewels Of Costa Rica

A Long-time Birdwatcher Describes His Travels To The Lush Rainforests Of Costa Rica

time-read
6 mins  |
October - November 2024
WINGED WONDERS
Outlook Traveller

WINGED WONDERS

The story of migrating birds is the story of a promise to return, flying thousands of miles beset with dangers.

time-read
2 mins  |
October - November 2024
THE LOOMINARIES
Outlook Traveller

THE LOOMINARIES

THE ROLE OF THE GREAT REVIVALISTS WHO GAVE INDIA'S TEXTILES A NEW LEASE ON LIFE CANNOT BE STATED ENOUGH. WE TRACE THEIR CELEBRATED LEGACY

time-read
8 mins  |
October - November 2024
KEEPERS OF THE CRAFT
Outlook Traveller

KEEPERS OF THE CRAFT

FROM REVIVING TRADITIONAL WEAVES TO CONTEMPORISING THEM WITH MODERN SILHOUETTES, THESE DESIGNERS ARE COMMITTED TO KEEPING THE LOOM TURNING WITH A FRESH TAKE ON HERITAGE TEXTILES

time-read
8 mins  |
October - November 2024
SONGS OF THE SOIL
Outlook Traveller

SONGS OF THE SOIL

WITH INDIGENOUS TEXTILES FACING THE WRATH OF FAST FASHION AND CLIMATE CHANGE, INDIAN DESIGNERS ARE RALLYING TO REVIVE AND PRESERVE THESE PRECIOUS WEAVES

time-read
3 mins  |
October - November 2024
CRAFT CRUSADER
Outlook Traveller

CRAFT CRUSADER

THROUGH HER TEXTILE EXPLORATIONS ACROSS INDIA, DR PRITHA DASMAHAPATRA HAS BEEN PRESERVING ANCIENT CRAFTS, EMPOWERING ARTISANS, AND INSPIRING TRAVELLERS TO DISCOVER THE BEAUTY OF HYPERLOCAL EXPERIENCES

time-read
3 mins  |
October - November 2024
ON THE GRID
Outlook Traveller

ON THE GRID

THE VIBRANT MADRAS CHECKS, NATIVE TO SOUTHEASTERN INDIA, HAS NOT JUST TRANSCENDED BORDERS BUT ALSO TRADITIONS AND STYLES

time-read
4 mins  |
October - November 2024
GOLDEN SILK
Outlook Traveller

GOLDEN SILK

THE PROPERTIES THAT MAKE MUGA SILK UNIQUE COULD SEE IT BEING USED IN THE BIOFUELS AND MEDICINES OF THE FUTURE

time-read
2 mins  |
October - November 2024