Vanakam,
I am writing this review for others who wish to settle down in madras. I have lived in this place for 3 years and have faced almost all hardships which any non-tamil speaking north Indian would have. To tell you what, I have managed to learn a bit of tamil and have hajaar tamil friends.
To give you the overall opinion, I do not regret the 3 years I spent working there.
1. People
The Top factor which influences your opinions on a city. People here are quite simple and not the sophisticated types I found in some cities. At times of need, you can count on them helping you in ways not thinkable in other cities. I have had first hand experience when the neighbors helped me when my wife was sick, general passersby helped when I had a fall riding a bike, Police helping me push my car to start. They need not have interfered in the first place,
The same character may make them snoopy sometimes enquiring your personal life. But then this cannot be helped. This became a bit too much when my tamil became passable. Pretty innocent and villagerish – gossipy sometimes but helpful many a times.
2. The Language
Now Now Now this is a real pain. In all northern states and even in Andhra, we can manage with Hindi. Here – sorry. You have to learn tamil. Learning tamil can be fun and constant practice with your tamil friends (most of them eager to teach you) make you learn the language in about a month. Well, many may not like learning languages. I can tell those guys just this – Be in a European country and do not know French, Dutch or German and you will know how tough is to stay in the developed country. I had been in places where the only English channels are CNN and BBC world. Madras is much better. 95% of people who look decent can speak English. Infact in the upper middle class, speaking English is a matter of pride. So, the eagerness to display the proficiency in English will help you.
3. Infrastructure
Discussing infrastructure would mean discussing the following topics
Electricity
This is the best in India. Power cuts are a rarity. Voltage fluctuations do not occur frequently. Power good enough for A/Cs and Computers can be connected without UPS.
Water
This is a problem. In 20% of the city, you get uninterrupted water. 70% of the city get water twice a day, enough to store and use. 10% rely on water tankers and other shadier means. The above percentages are for middle class areas.
Roads
Good. Even the inroads are good. There will be pot holes after rains. Some stay for subsequent seasons also. Overall it is good, much better than roads in many cities.
Traffic is something you got to be used to especially in the office hours. Traffic is heavy especially in mount roads. Apart from being an irritant, this has an advantage. Low rates of serious accidents. If everyone crawls, they will be careful.
Pollution is lower than Bangalore, Delhi and Mumbai. But its still there all right. For the city of this size this seems inevitable.
Telephones
As far as the uptime is concerned – the best. You don’t get wrong numbers and the lines never go dead in most places even during hurricanes. Telephone guys may expect to be tipped (for festivals etc) but then this is a “Mera Bharat Mahan” quality all over India.
4. The beach
The variety of beaches are the best. Water is less polluted than the ones in Bombay and Calcutta. Pretty nice places to hang out in evenings. My favorite is Besant nagar – With Sodium vapor lamps and freedom from police harassments and clean beach provide an ideal evening getaway.
During the times of diwali, the fireworks seen at the beach is awesome. Very nice place to chill out.
5. Transport
Bus services are frequent – crowded during office times. Train network is good 4 lines covering city and suburbs. The overhead transport – Rapid Transport System is good.
You have night services which coincide with completion of night shows in most theatres. Pretty thoughtful schedule.
Taxis are not popular – Call taxis are getting popular of late – Lot of providers and service very similar to Mumbai and pune.
Autorickshaws – Worst in India. Charges are exorbitant. Please check with local friends on how to travel to a place before hand. Guys generally give very practical advice. Having your own bike is bliss.
6. Entertainment
Lot of theaters which have internet booking for various type of movies. You have a lot of shady theaters too. Check with guys on a theatre especially if it appears to be not a popular one.
Other than beach and cinemas you have lot of clubs TT, Badminton, Carrom and ofcourse cricket. Lots of Gyms around. Pretty friendly folks. Made a lot of friends there.
There are ofcourse lot of theme parks. I don’t like theme parks in general. You may visit them if you want.
You have very good motorbike riding routes in east coast road, Bangalore highway and Tiruttani highway. If you are interested in biking. This is a very good place.
There are some museums and fantastic libraries – don’t miss them. You will also do well to visit the fort and other old buildings built by british.
7. Crime
The city is pretty safe. I have gone on long walks at night with my wife and never faced any feeling of an outsider to this city. I have read about eve teasing being at the highest. Fortunately, my wife did not face any except the occasional stare from some guys (My buddies call it “jollu”).
8. Climate
There are only 3 climates in madras Hot, Hotter and Hottest. If you are the sort who gets dehydrated, think twice before moving here. The heat is comparable to Delhi, Ahmedabad, Jaipur etc. But you will not have extremes of cold during winter.
9. Religion
If you are a religious type, you will not leave this place. Exotic temples with superb architecture, Quiet ones, Famous ones. You can do some soul searching in the places of worship. The parthasaradhi temple in triplicane. The Mylapore Kabali temple, Besant Nagar Ashta Laxmi temple – Lots. Go there and enquire for very many temples for your needs.
Lots of churches and bacilica of Besant nagar (Some difference between cathedral and bascilica I think) You have active presence of CSI.
Lots of Mausoleums too. You will find the famous thousand lights mosque among many others.
Have a nice stay in Chennai.
Sari vartaa…..
