Chennai (Madras), India — Activities
Chennai (Madras) Culture
Most national newspapers have a Chennai edition, including the Hindu, Indian Express and Times of India, with a supplement dedicated to local news and listings. CityInfo is a fortnightly What's On guide with basic listings, available at tourist offices and some hotels. Hallo Madras is a monthly city guide.
Dance
The Music Academy
Traditional music and dance are especially appreciated in Chennai, and Carnatic music, the classical South Indian style, has been kept alive by a long line of devoted artists. The most famous dance is the centuries-old Bharatanatyam. The Music Academy is a popular venue for Bharatanatyam dance and Carnatic classical music performances.
168 TTK Road
Tel: (044) 2811 5162 or 2231.
Website: www.musicacademymadras.in
Kalakshetra
This is a training institute that was founded in 1936 by dancer Rukmini Devi to preserve and promote classical dance and Carnatic music. Its students hold performances of classical dance, especially Bharatanatyam, and there is a 10-day arts festival in December/January.
Thiruvanmiyur
Tel: (044) 2452 4057 or 0836.
Website: www.kalakshetra.in
Kuchipudi Art Academy
Here, you can watch students of Kuchipudi dance. Eminent teacher Dr Vempati Chinna Satyam founded this Academy in 1963 to promote the graceful Kuchipudi dance originating in Andhra Pradesh.
4 Greenways Road, Raja Annamalai Puram
Tel: (044) 2493 7260.
Website: www.kuchipudi.com
Chennai (Madras) Tours
Bus tours
Tamil Nadu Tourism Development Corporation (TTDC) offers a good range of tours, including a five-hour Chennai sightseeing tour covering sights including Fort St George, Government Museum, Valluvarkottam and Kapaleeswarar Temple.
The TTDC also run a variety of one-day round trips, including Mamallapuram, Tirupathi and Puducherry (Pondicherry). These include a tour of the major attractions at each place.
Tel: (044) 2536 7850.
Website: www.ttdconline.com
