Madras Musings Heritage Tours
August 14th: 6.30 am – Popham’s Broadway – travel down one of Chennai’s historic thoroughfares and relive the times when it was the place to be in. The first private hospital, the first home of Ananda Vikatan, a historic foundry, old theatres, some old churches, the home of Harrisons, one of the premier catering houses of the city, opticians, cycle shops, a 110-year old club and much more. Tour by van and walk. Programme ends with breakfast. Prior reservation necessary through email to srirambts@gmail.com . Walk fee: Rs 400 per head.

August 15th: 6.30 am – Wandering through Vepery – This historic area was once a village with a lake in the middle. Now it is home to several old churches, the first printing press, plenty of historic educational institutions and the veterinary hospital. Did you know Muthulakshmi Reddy first lived in Vepery and her house is on its last legs? And what about the intersection of Maddox Street and Gen. Collins Road where a grisly murder once took place? All this and more. Programme ends with breakfast. Prior reservation necessary through email to srirambts@gmail.com . Walk fee: Rs 400 per head.

August 21st: 9.30 pm – George Town by night- once the centre of the city, this was home to a bustling night life. Devadasis and common prostitutes apart, George Town was famous for its cinema theatres some of which still survive. Experience a night show in one of these. And GT was known for its sensational murders of which at least three, all committed at night, went down in history. And what about bombings from warships at the dead of night? Relive all this and end it with a glass of flavoured milk. Prior reservation necessary through email to srirambts@gmail.com . Walk fee: Rs 400 per head.

August 22nd: 6.30 am – NSC Bose Road (the old Esplanade) and Rajaji Salai (First Line Beach) were where business laid down roots in olde Madras. Here was where the first commercial houses, Arbuthnots, Parrys, Best & Co, Gordon Woodruffe and several others began life. Interspersed with some architectural masterpieces, this is where the business history of Madras was written. On the opposite side is the Port Trust which played an important role in transforming this city from Kipling’s tired withered beldame to a thriving centre of prosperity. Programme ends with breakfast. Prior reservation necessary through email to srirambts@gmail.com . Walk fee: Rs 400 per head.