1. Legendary personalities born here
First and foremost I am proud of the fact that some of the eminent people who have made a mark all over the world, who have created a history, who are popular universally are either born in Chennai or have been brought up here. These are personalities who have not only excelled in their field, but have done such great work that people look up to them and worship them. They have not only won millions of hearts but have earned love and respect world-wide.
Most of these personalities are people I truly admire and have been inspired greatly from.
Ace Music Composer – A.R. Rahman World-class actor : Rajnikant
Chess wizard : Viswanathan Anand Indian Michael Jackson – Prabhu Deva
Successful woman Chairperson & Bold & Beautiful Bollywood Actress :
Freedom Fighter/ Scientist/India’s 11th President, Great contributor to Aeronautical & Missile Technology of India:
Dr. A.P.J Abdul Kalam
(Born in Tamilnadu, Aerospace Engineering from Madras Institute of Technology –Chennai)
2. Low cost of living
Despite the fact that Lonely Planet describes Chennai as lacking Mumbai's prosperity, Delhi's history or Bangalore's buzz, nobody can deny the fact that the cost of living in Chennai is lower than the other metropolitan cities.
Life in the financial capital(Mumbai) comes at a premium and the hike in LPG prices will only strike another blow to Mumbai's affordability quotient among major cities. An analysis of the latest consumer price index (CPI) figures issued by the Reserve Bank of India reveals that the cost of living in Mumbai is anyway higher than the average of all-India cities.
Mumbai emerges as a more expensive city than Delhi, Chennai or Kolkata, pipped in the price race only by Bangalore.
Cost of Living Comparison Between Chennai and Bangalore
Indexes Difference
Consumer Prices in Bangalore are 15.70% higher than in Chennai
Consumer Prices Including Rent in Bangalore are 16.30% higher than in Chennai
Rent Prices in Bangalore are 20.04% higher than in Chennai
Restaurant Prices in Bangalore are 24.29% higher than in Chennai
Groceries Prices in Bangalore are 13.04% higher than in Chennai
Local Purchasing Power in Bangalore is 12.54% higher than in Chennai
Source : Numbeo.com
3. Safe and Sound place for women
Women in Chennai can feel safer about venturing out alone; government statistics are on their side. According to the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) report on crime in India in 2009, Chennai ranks 34th among 35 cities across the country when it comes to crimes and offences committed against women.
While Delhi, Hyderabad , Ahmedabad, Bangalore and Mumbai take the top five slots, Chennai is penultimate on the list, followed by Dhanbad.
Source: Times of India – Eve-teasing-NCRB report
4. Marina beach
The grand and exotic beach located along the Bay of Bengal of the Indian Ocean extending to a length of about 12 kilometers that is one of the most visited beaches of the world. Golden sand, pleasant ambiance and a shimmering clean blue sea, well enhanced with a jogger’s track, various memorials and spectacular statues, food stalls and shops, aquarium and a lovers spot ; that is what Marina beach is all about
The beach along with its extra-ordinary features and offering many attractive recreational adventures like beach volleyball, beach cricket, is a perfect hangout for people of all ages.
5. Food
Although I agree that the weather of Chennai is scorching and humid almost throughout the year, the food here is to-die-for! Be it the appetizing Idly-Vadai-Dosai or the irresistible and lip-smacking and tummy-filling ‘Tamil Sappadu’ served on Vaazhai Ilai/banana leaf is truly a great feast and specialty of this city or perhaps the state. I am very fond of Tamil Sappadu!!
6. Temples
Located in Mylapore, Kapaleeshwar is a centuries-old temple renowned for its 8th century Pallavan architecture. According to legend, the temple is located on the spot where Brahma, one of the Hindu trinities, installed a Shiva lingam. Kapaleeshwar is dedicated to Lord Shiva, and also has the shrines of Goddess Parvathi, his consort, and the bronze idols of 63 Saivaite Saints or Nayanmars.
A striking feature of this ancient temple is its towering gopurams (towers) - typical of South Indian temples – visible from a distance.
I have visited this temple, and its soothing and divine ambience has made my experience wonderful and heartwarming.
Another beautiful temple, which is the country’s largest ISKCON temple built on 15 acres of land is located at Shozhinganallaur, Chennai.
7. The IPL Team – CSK
Chennai Super Kings (CSK) captained by Mahendra Singh Dhoni and coached by Stephen Fleming,is the most successful team in the Indian Premier League team so far. The team has won the IPL title twice in succession (2010 and 2011) and reached the play-offs every season. They were also the first Indian team to have won the Champions League Twenty20. The brand value of Chennai Super Kings was estimated at $53.37 million, making them the second-most valuable franchise in the IPL in 2011. And people from other cities, instead of appreciating the Chennai Team are merely jealous and talk ill about it –which disgusts me just too much! :/
8. Sensational Hits
Regardless of the fact that the movie stars are "not that hot", I can’t be without mentioning the sensational hits that the amazing artists from this city have produced.
Entertaining -Nakka Mukka :P
The impish –Apdi Pode
These were the top 8 reasons why I love Chennai, my birth place so much. You are welcome to share your list !! :)