Chennai, formerly known as Madras, is often called The Gateway to South India. Established by the British in the 17th century, the city is known for its rich arts scene. It is also home to Kollywood, the southern Indian film industry.
Poet, painter, photographer and writer Sharanya Manivannan, 23, says the city's cultural vibrancy gives her all the inspiration she needs for her work. She has just published Witchcraft, a collection of poems, and is working on a novel titled Constellation Of Scars.
When she needs a break, she grabs her camera and goes looking for the perfect shot among the city's colourful streets, temples, old buildings and beaches.
Here are her tips to exploring Chennai, with or without a camera in hand:
Mahabalipuram, Unesco World Heritage Site
South of the city, along the scenic East Coast Road, is the ancient shore temple complex of Mahabalipuram. A Unesco World Heritage Site, it has monuments dating back to the Pallava dynasty from the 7th to 9th century. The monuments are magnificent against the backdrop of the Bay of Bengal - an absolute must-see.
Also, visit the Madras War Memorial, which honours the British and Indian soldiers who died in World War I between 1914 and 1918. Peaceful and impeccably maintained, accented by gorgeous vined canopies, this place is a gentle reminder of the lives lost in the war.
Urban beach
Chennai's Marina Beach
The world's second longest unbroken coast in the world is right here. This 12km stretch, called the Marina Beach, lies in the heart of the city. Having survived the 2004 tsunami, the beach will undergo a major facelift soon.
Check out the hawker stalls, fishing boats and fortune-tellers on the beach before that happens.
And visitors who take a 30-minute drive from the main beach towards Thalankuppam will be rewarded by the unadorned beauty of an abandoned pier.
Street shopping
Start at Pondy Bazaar, a great place for trinkets and cheap clothing. Although there are shops in buildings along this road, it is really the pavement stalls that make this the best place for the shopper who enjoys competitive bargaining. Haggling completes the shopping experience here.
Retail therapy
Head to Spencer's Plaza.
'Dingy and labyrinthine, this decades-old mall beats all the newer shopping complexes hands down for sheer variety,' she says.
Visitors can find almost everything from clothing and jewellery, to antiques and electronics. It is also a delight for book lovers, as one of the largest bookshops in the city is located here.
Chinese-Indian cuisine
There are many options in Chennai.
Mainland China at Aruna Hotel offers Chinese-Indian cuisine. The trouble with Chinese cuisine in India is one needs to have a stomach for chilli chicken or fried noodles with a liberal dash of masala or spices. But this restaurant does Chinese food the way it is meant to be.
The French Loaf on Harrington Road is the perfect spot for a cup of coffee and some croissants.
'I like this bakery because of its divine smell indoors and the outdoor benches under trees,' she says. And even though it is located next to a school, it is not overrun by noisy schoolchildren.
Another must-try is Anokhi. Although less attractive than its sister cafe, Amethyst, which is located in an old summer palace, the smaller and pricier Anokhi is a nice and quiet place to unwind in.
Rathna Cafe at Triplicane represents the old Madras. Cheap and unfancy, it offers one of the best traditional Indian breakfasts. Bite into its light fluffy idli (steamed rice cake) and thosai (paper- thin crepe), and don't forget to savour the filter coffee.
Ms Sharanya Manivannan said Chennai's vibrancy is a source of her inspiration
Sundowners
'I do not like the city's clubbing crowd very much. I much prefer less fashionable places where the faces are not familiar and less time is wasted air-kissing the countless acquaintances one bumps into,' she says.
She recommends Zara for the tapas and Leather Bar at The Park, if you like your drinks in a posh place.
'But, for me the inexpensiveness and inconspicuousness of High Time at GRT Grand and Star Rock win in the end.'
