Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
(Vivekanandar Illam, Ice House;
www.vivekanandahouse.org
; Kamarajar Salai; adult/child ?10/5; 10am-12.15pm
& 3-7.15pm Thu-Tue)
The Vivekananda House is interesting not only for its displays on the
famous 'wandering monk', Swami Vivekananda, but also for its semicircular form, built
in 1842 to store ice imported from the USA. Vivekananda stayed here briefly in 1897 and
preached his ascetic Hindu philosophy to adoring crowds. The exhibits include a pictorial
overview of Hindu philosophy and sacred literature, a photo exhibition on the swami's
life, and the room where Vivekananda stayed, now used for meditation. Free one-hour
meditation classes are held on Wednesdays at 7pm.
NOTABLE BUILDING
High Court
(Parry's Corner)
Completed in 1892, this imposing red Indo-Saracenic structure is said to be
the largest judicial building in the world after the Courts of London. Depending on current
regulations, you may or may not be allowed to enter the buildings or even the grounds. If
you fancy trying, take your passport.
TRADITIONAL TRADERS
Even as Chennai expands relentlessly to the south, west and north, George Town, the local settlement that grew
up near the British Fort St George, remains the city's wholesale centre. Many streets are entirely given over to
selling one particular type of merchandise as they have for hundreds of years - paper goods in Anderson St, fire-
works in Badrian St, jewellery on NSC Bose Rd and so on. Even if you're not in the market for anything, wander
the maze-like streets to see Indian life flowing seamlessly from the past into the present.
TOP OF CHAPTER
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Southern Chennai
ARTS SCHOOL
Kalakshetra Foundation
( 24524057;
www.kalakshetra.net
; Muthulakshmi St, Thiruvanmiyur; admission ?50; campus 8.45am-11.15am
Mon-Sat late Jun-mid-Mar, craft centre 9am-1pm & 2-5pm Mon-Sat, all closed 2nd & 4th Sat of month)
Founded in
1936, Kalakshetra is a leading serious school of Tamil classical dance and music (courses
last four to six years), set in beautiful, shady grounds in the far south of the city. During
morning class times visitors can walk around the grounds (without interrupting classes),
and visit the
Rukmini Devi Museum
. Across the road is the Kalakshetra Craft Centre where
you can witness Kanchipuram-style hand-loom weaving, textile block-printing and the
