Mylapore: The Cultural Heart of Chennai

• Helloவணக்கம்
  [Vaṇakkam]
• Goodbyeபிரியாவிடை
  [Piriyāviṭai]
• Yesஆம்
  [Ām]
• Noஇல்லை
  [Illai]
• Please/You're welcomeதயவுசெய்து/வணக்கம்
  [Tayavuceytu/Vaṇakkam]
• Thank youநன்றி
  [Naṉṟi]
• Excuse me/Sorryமன்னிக்கவும்
  [Maṉṉikkavum]
• How are you?நீங்கள் எப்படி இருக்கிறீர்கள்?
  [Nīṅkaḷ eppaṭi irukkiṟīrkaḷ?]
• Fine. And you?நல்லது. நீங்கள் எப்படி?
  [Nallatu. Nīṅkaḷ eppaṭi?]
• Do you speak English?நீங்கள் ஆங்கிலம் பேசுகிறீர்களா?
  [Nīṅkaḷ āṅkiḷam pēcu kiṟīrkaḷā?]
• I don't understandஎனக்கு புரியவில்லை
  [Eṉakku puriyavillai]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseமெனுவைப் பார்க்க விரும்புகிறேன்
  [Meṉuvai pārkka virumpukiṟēṉ]
• I don't eat meatநான் இறைச்சி சாப்பிட மாட்டேன்
  [Nāṉ iṟaicci sāppiṭa māṭṭēṉ]
• Cheers!வாழ்க!
  [Vāḻka!]
• I would like to pay, pleaseஎனக்கு பணம் செலுத்த விரும்புகிறேன்
  [Eṉakku paṇam celutta virumpukiṟēṉ]

• Help!உதவி!
  [Utavi!]
• Go away!போய் விடு!
  [Pōy viṭu!]
• Call the Police!கோபுரத்துக்கு அழைக்கவும்!
  [Kōpurattukku aḻaikkavum!]
• Call a doctor!மருத்துவனை அழைக்கவும்!
  [Maruttuvaṉai aḻaikkavum!]
• I'm lostநான் தொலைந்துவிட்டேன்
  [Nāṉ tolaintaviṭṭēṉ]
• I'm illநான் நோயுற்றேன்
  [Nāṉ nōyuṭṭēṉ]

• I'd like to buy...நான் வாங்க விரும்புகிறேன்...
  [Nāṉ vāṅka virumpukiṟēṉ...]
• I'm just lookingநான் பார்ப்பதற்காகவே இங்கு இருக்கிறேன்
  [Nāṉ pārppataṟkākavē iṅku irukkiṟēṉ]
• How much is it?இதன் விலை எ столько?
  [Itaṉ vilai eṉṉa?]
• That's too expensiveஅது மிகவும் விலையுயர்ந்தது
  [Atu mikavum vilaiyuyaṉtatu]
• Can you lower the price?விலையை குறைக்க முடியுமா?
  [Vilaiyai kuṟaikka muṭiyumā?]

• What time is it?என்ன நேரம்?
  [Eṉṉa nēram?]
• It's one o'clockஇது ஒன்று மணிக்கு
  [Itu oṉṟu maṇikku]
• Half past (10)பத்து மணிக்குப் பிறகு
  [Pattu maṇikkup piṟaku]
• Morningகாலை
  [Kālai]
• Afternoonமதியம்
  [Matiyam]
• Eveningமாலை
  [Mālai]
• Yesterdayநேற்று
  [Nēṟṟu]
• Todayஇன்று
  [Iṉṟu]
• Tomorrowநாளை
  [Nāḷai]
• 1ஒன்று
  [Oṉṟu]
• 2இரண்டு
  [Iraṇṭu]
• 3மூன்று
  [Mūṉṟu]
• 4நான்கு
  [Nāṉku]
• 5ஐந்து
  [Ainthu]
• 6ஆறு
  [Āṟu]
• 7ஏழு
  [Ēḻu]
• 8எட்டு
  [Eṭṭu]
• 9ஒன்பது
  [Oṉpatu]
• 10பத்து
  [Pattu]

• Where's a/the...?எங்கு ஒரு ...?
  [Eṅku oru ...?]
• What's the address?என்ன முகவரி?
  [Eṉṉa mukavari?]
• Can you show me (on the map)?நீங்கள் எனக்கு (வரைப்படத்தில்) காட்ட முடியுமா?
  [Nīṅkaḷ eṉakku (varaiyappaṭattil) kāṭṭa muṭiyumā?]
• When's the next (bus)?அடுத்த (பஸ்) எப்போது?
  [Aṭutta (pas) eppōtu?]
• A ticket (to ....)ஒரு டிக்கெட் (க்கு ...)
  [Oru ṭikkeṭ (kku ...)]

Mylapore is one of the oldest inhabited areas in Chennai, with references dating back to the 2nd century BCE. The neighborhood is renowned for its ancient temples, particularly the Kapaleeshwarar Temple, which is dedicated to Lord Shiva and showcases Dravidian architecture. The temple's history is steeped in mythology, believed to have been originally built over the site where the goddess Parvati worshipped Shiva.

During the colonial period, Mylapore became a focal point for European traders, particularly the Portuguese and the Dutch, who established settlements and trading posts. The influence of these traders can still be seen in the architecture and urban layout of Mylapore, where colonial-era structures coexist with ancient temples and traditional homes.

The 19th century marked a significant cultural renaissance in Mylapore, with the establishment of numerous educational institutions and cultural organizations. The neighborhood became a hub for Tamil literature and the arts, with notable figures like the poet Subramania Bharati becoming part of its vibrant cultural scene. This period saw the rise of the Bharatanatyam dance form and the establishment of music academies.

Mylapore played a vital role during the Indian independence movement, serving as a meeting ground for leaders and activists. The area was home to several prominent freedom fighters, and the spirit of resistance was palpable in the local community. Events such as the Salt March, initiated by Mahatma Gandhi, found support in Mylapore, where residents actively participated in protests and movements against colonial rule.

In recent decades, Mylapore has experienced rapid urbanization and development, yet it has managed to retain its cultural heritage. The neighborhood is known for its traditional festivals, such as the annual Kapaleeshwarar Temple festival, which attracts thousands of devotees. Efforts to preserve the area's historical sites and promote arts continue, making Mylapore a vibrant blend of the old and the new within Chennai.

Mylapore is well-connected to other neighbourhoods in Chennai. You can reach Mylapore by taking a bus from various parts of the city, with multiple routes including the MTC buses. The nearest railway station is the Chennai Egmore Railway Station, from where you can take a taxi or auto-rickshaw to Mylapore. If you are coming from the Chennai International Airport, the most convenient way is to hire a taxi or use ride-sharing apps like Uber or Ola, which take approximately 30-40 minutes depending on traffic.

Mylapore is a walkable neighbourhood, especially around its cultural landmarks. Auto-rickshaws are a popular means of transportation for short distances. MTC buses run frequently, connecting Mylapore to other parts of Chennai. For a more local experience, consider renting a bicycle, as several shops offer rentals for a few hours or the entire day.

Mylapore is generally safe for tourists, but like any urban area, standard precautions should be taken. Avoid walking alone late at night in poorly lit areas. While Mylapore does not have specific high-crime areas targeting tourists, petty crime such as pickpocketing can occur in crowded places. Stay vigilant and keep your belongings secure.

In case of an emergency, dial 100 for police assistance or 108 for ambulance services in Chennai. The nearest hospital is the Apollo Hospital, located a short distance away. Familiarize yourself with the location of nearby pharmacies for minor health issues, and consider having travel insurance that covers medical emergencies.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, particularly when visiting temples. Avoid wearing shorts or sleeveless tops. Religion: Do respect local customs, such as removing your shoes before entering temples. Public Transport: Do offer your seat to elderly passengers; don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet locals with a polite 'Vanakkam'; don't use overly casual greetings. Eating & Drinking: Do try local Tamil dishes; don't refuse food offered by locals, as it may be considered impolite.

To experience Mylapore like a local, visit the vibrant Mylapore market in the early morning for fresh produce and local delicacies. Attend a traditional music or dance performance at the kapaleeshwarar temple during festivals. Engage with local residents, who are often friendly and eager to share stories about the area. Don’t forget to try the famous filter coffee at a nearby café, and explore the numerous small eateries serving authentic South Indian cuisine.