Triplicane: The Soul of Chennai

• Helloவணக்கம்
  [Vanakkam]
• Goodbyeபிரியாவிட்டுபோக
  [Piriya-vidu-poka]
• Yesஆம்
  [Aam]
• Noஇல்லை
  [Illai]
• Please/You're welcomeதயவுசெய்து
  [Thayavu-seidhu]
• Thank youநன்றி
  [Nandri]
• Excuse me/Sorryமன்னிக்கவும்
  [Mannikka-vum]
• How are you?எப்படி இருக்கின்றன்?
  [Eppadi irukkiran?]
• Fine. And you?நல்லது. உங்கள் எப்படி?
  [Nalladhu. Ungal eppadi?]
• Do you speak English?உங்கள் ஆங்கிலம் பேசுகிறார்களா?
  [Ungal angilam pesukiraar-kala?]
• I don't understandபுரியவில்லை
  [Puriya-villai]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseஉணவுப் பட்டியலை காண விரும்புகிறேன்
  [Unavu pattiyalai kaana virumbukireen]
• I don't eat meatநான் மாம்சம் சாப்பிடவில்லை
  [Naan maamsam saappidavillai]
• Cheers!சாந்தோஷம்!
  [Santhosam]
• I would like to pay, pleaseபணம் செலுத்த விரும்புகிறேன்
  [Panam selutha virumbukireen]

• Help!உதவி!
  [Uthavi]
• Go away!பிரியாவிடு!
  [Piriya-vidu]
• Call the Police!காவல் அலுப்பவும்!
  [Kaaval aluppavum]
• Call a doctor!ஒரு மருத்துவரைக் கூட்டை அழையுங்கள்!
  [Oru maruthuvarai kootai azhaiyungal]
• I'm lostநான் கழித்துப்போனேன்
  [Naan kazhithupponen]
• I'm illஎனக்கு நோய் இருக்கிறது
  [Enakku noy irukkiradhu]

• I'd like to buy...நான் வாங்க விரும்புகிறேன்...
  [Naan vaanga virumbukireen...]
• I'm just lookingநான் பார்க்கிறேன்
  [Naan paarkireen]
• How much is it?அது எவ்வளவு?
  [Adhu evvalavu?]
• That's too expensiveஅது மிகவும் விலையாகும்
  [Adhu migavum vilaiyaagum]
• Can you lower the price?விலையை குறைக்க முடியுமா?
  [Vilaiyai kurraikka mudiyumaa?]

• What time is it?எப்போது?
  [Eppothu?]
• It's one o'clockஒரு மணி
  [Oru mani]
• Half past (10)பத்து மணி கடந்து
  [Pathu mani kadanthu]
• Morningகாலை
  [Kaalaai]
• Afternoonமதியம்
  [Mathiyam]
• Eveningமாலை
  [Maalai]
• Yesterdayநேற்று
  [Neeru]
• Todayஇன்று
  [Indru]
• Tomorrowநாளை
  [Naalai]
• 1ஒன்று
  [Onru]
• 2இரண்டு
  [Irandu]
• 3மூன்று
  [Moonru]
• 4நான்கு
  [Naanku]
• 5ஐந்து
  [Aindhu]
• 6ஆறு
  [Aaru]
• 7ஏழு
  [Ezhu]
• 8எட்டு
  [Ettu]
• 9ஒன்பது
  [Onpathu]
• 10பத்து
  [Pathu]

• Where's a/the...?எங்கே...?
  [Engae...?]
• What's the address?முகவரியாக என்ன?
  [Mugavariyaaga enna?]
• Can you show me (on the map)?எனக்கு கார்த்தாசம் காண்கிறார்களா?
  [Enakku kaarthaasam kaangiraarkala?]
• When's the next (bus)?அடுத்த... எப்போது?
  [Adutha... eppothu?]
• A ticket (to ....)ஒரு டிக்கெட் (... க்கு)
  [Oru ticket (...kku)]

Triplicane, known as Thiruvallikkeni, has historical roots dating back to ancient times, prominently mentioned in Tamil literature and the Puranas. The area served as a vital settlement for the Chola and Pallava dynasties, known for its thriving trade and cultural exchanges along the Coromandel Coast.

During the 16th to 19th centuries, Triplicane became a melting pot of cultures, influenced by the migration of various communities including Tamil Muslims, Telugu speaking people, and others. The area is known for its diverse religious sites, including the famous Parakala Mutt and the historic Triplicane Parakala Mutt, which contributed to the region's rich cultural tapestry.

In the 18th century, with the advent of British colonial rule, Triplicane witnessed significant urban transformation. The establishment of educational institutions, such as the Presidency College in 1840, marked the beginning of modern education in the area. The British influence is also evident in the architecture of several buildings that still stand today.

Triplicane played a pivotal role in the Tamil Renaissance of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. It was home to many luminaries, including poets and writers who shaped modern Tamil literature. The neighborhood's literary salons and cultural gatherings fostered a spirit of creativity and intellectual discourse.

The early 20th century saw Triplicane become a hub for political activism, particularly during the Indian independence movement. Prominent leaders, including C. Rajagopalachari and K. Kamaraj, rallied support from this neighborhood, which became a breeding ground for nationalist sentiments and social reform movements.

Triplicane is easily accessible from various neighborhoods in Chennai. From the airport, you can take a taxi or use ride-hailing apps like Uber or Ola, which offer convenient and reliable options. If you are coming from Chennai Central Railway Station, you can opt for a local train to Beach Station, followed by a short auto-rickshaw ride. Public buses frequently connect Triplicane to other parts of the city, with routes available from places like T. Nagar, Mylapore, and Egmore.

Triplicane is a compact neighborhood, making it easy to explore on foot. Local transport options include auto-rickshaws and bicycles, which can be rented from several shops. Public buses operate throughout the area, with many stops near popular attractions. If traveling further, the suburban train services from nearby stations can connect you to other neighborhoods in Chennai.

Triplicane is generally safe for tourists. However, it is advisable to stay vigilant, especially in crowded areas like markets and temples. While violent crimes are rare, petty theft can occur, so keep your belongings secure. Areas around the Marina Beach can be lively but exercise caution, particularly at night. Avoiding poorly lit streets after dark is recommended.

In case of an emergency, dial 100 for police assistance or 102 for medical emergencies. Local hospitals like Government General Hospital are equipped to handle urgent medical needs. It is prudent to carry a list of emergency contacts and have travel insurance that covers medical situations. Pharmacies are available throughout Triplicane for minor health issues.

Fashion: Do wear modest clothing, especially when visiting temples. Avoid revealing outfits. Religion: Do respect local customs; cover your head in temples and remove shoes before entering. Public Transport: Do give up your seat for the elderly and pregnant women. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet locals with a smile and a nod; handshakes are common among acquaintances. Eating & Drinking: Do try local street food but ensure it is freshly prepared. Don't refuse food offerings, as it is considered disrespectful.

To experience Triplicane like a local, visit the iconic Marina Beach early in the morning for a sunrise walk and local breakfast stalls. Explore the bustling markets like Kottaiyur Market for fresh produce and local delicacies. Engage with locals, who are often eager to share stories about their culture and traditions. Don't miss the historic Kapaleeshwarar Temple, and if you are interested in literature, visit the historic bookshops in the area.