Post Pandemic Return

The last time I was in Channai for work was back in 2019 before the pandemic. The city has definitely grown quite a bit, you are starting to see a lot of money flowing through in terms of fancy Ferraris and Lamborghinis being driven around.

With this work trip, I was actually able to spend some time visiting a few spots around the city for sightseeing and trying new foods.

What better way to spend your birthday than flying for 25 hours in first class (Thanks Paragon!)

On the weekend of our arrival, the streets were mostly empty during the day for the celebration of Puja. It was interesting seeing streets that I’ve only experienced bustling to be so quiet with so few cars, motorbikes and tuk tuks out.

Kapaleeshwarar Temple

Of course, it wouldn’t be a trip to Chennai without a visit to visit the temple in the old town

Tuk Tuk’n Around

Saint Thomas Basilica

Among one of the other top tourist destinations in Chennai is Saint Thomas Basilica, which has a tomb of Saint Thomas, one of the twelve apostles of Jesus Christ.

The end of Puja

As the day was ending, the city began to turn back to normal with streets becoming busy again. You will find merchants selling left over dolls for people to stock up for the next Puja festival and flowers.

Sowcarpet Market

Something new for me this trip, I was able to take time off work and go visit areas of Chennai, Sowcarpet Market, I haven’t visited before. The work client and I elected to take a food tour. Thankfully our stomachs held strong even when going through street vendors.

A couple of highlights of the food were Vada Pav, Kesar Lassi.