My Sunday in Chennai centered on religion and worship of various kinds.
I started the day attending church at the beautiful St. Andrew’s Scottish Presbyterian Church in the heart of Chennai, known locally as the Kirk (church in Scottish). The church was constructed in 1818 and has stood as a Protestant house of worship continuously since then. Originally intended for Scotsmen in the British Army, it now is attended by mostly Indians. It was the first Sunday of the year, so the church was holding a Covenant Service, which is traditionally more a Methodist practice than a Presbyterian one.
Anyway, it was a beautiful service of music, singing, fellowship, and preaching. One of the joys of travel is always to meet Christians around the world and the coffee fellowship after the service was a great chance to speak to many locals…we ended up staying for over an hour talking to various people. And the sanctuary and pipe organ were magnificent.
By the way, this was a 7:00 AM service…we still had the whole day ahead of us. We had a guide with us and after patiently sitting through our church service, he took us to his Hindu holy places. What a juxtaposition to go from the Kirk to the Dravidian-style Kapaleeshwarar Temple.
We also visited Marundeeswarar Temple, a shrine to Shiva, as well as the beach and British World War II Memorial.
I think the most interesting thing for me was the anthropological lesson on religion. Of course the topic of faith and religion came up since the morning was practically centered on it. Our guide had absolutely no concept of the Christian faith just as Heidi and I had very little concept of the gods and deities he lit candles to and bowed in worship. It led to some interesting discussion on many issues. And that becomes the joy of travel.
CONCLUSION
Chennai is a fascinating, bustling city. There’s much to see and do. Be sure to take time to visit the religious aspects of the city as well.
Would you recommend the metro from the airport? Someone once told me to avoid the city buses as they are too crowded and not recommended. That person recommended auto rickshaws are about Rs50 per ride, which is about US$1.
Long-time traveler to Chennai here. Your source is correct about the crowding on the buses; it can also be a challenge to get off as stops aren’t always well marked and they are often “rolling stops” where people get on and off while it is still moving (not for the faint of heart). The Metro probably is your best bet if your destination is near a line. I suggest NEVER using a rickshaw or hailed cab as a foreign tourist, unless a local speaks to the driver first and negotiates a fare and instructs them on the destination. Chennai rickshaw drivers and cabbies are notorious scammers, including taking the “scenic route” even if you succeed in getting them to use the meter. Best to use a dispatched “call taxi” or Uber if you don’t have a friend/relative to drive you around.
I should have listened. I took an auto rickshaw from Anna Nagar (before the metro was finished) and the airport. The fare was fine and what was agreed except the driver demanded and extra fuel surcharge. I didn’t want to get stabbed over the equivalent of US$3 so I paid it. I think I was scammed.
On the same trip to Chennai, I took an auto rickshaw within the city. The driver spoke no English. He did not overcharge me (total cost was about the equivalent of US$1) but he couldn’t read the hotel address printed in English. I ended up having to point to where I wanted to go, pointing at each turn. Luckily, I knew where I was going.
Hi Derek, I grew up in this city till I was 2o and visit Chennai very year to visit family nowadays. I totally agree with MeanMosh and highly recommend Uber as the most painless mode of transit in the city from one place to another. Cost effective as well as keeps you from being scammed by the spurious auto rickshaw Drivers.
I can third the Uber recommendation. That’s how we got around.