Cover story

The Mighty Cholas Roar Back

- Angelina Sajni

Ponniyin Selvan is often considered one of the greatest epics of Modern Tamil literature. Apart from its diverse characters and intricate plotlines, the story mirrors historical figures, events and locations from real life. Kalki apparently spent 7 years researching Chola history and visited Sri Lanka thrice to write his 2210 pages long novel. The weekly series was critically acclaimed and won a massive fan following in the newly Independent India.

Ever since the first issue was posted in October 1950, the five-volume book has garnered a new generation of readers and literary fans who have interpreted the story uniquely. Ace director Mani Ratnam’s theatrical masterpiece Ponniyin Selvan is another attempt to bring the book to the silver screen. The euphoria surrounding the film has renewed interest in Chola’s history and culture. Book enthusiasts and history buffs can now take advantage of tours which highlight the mighty Cholas and also take one through the various historical episodes and locations mentioned in Ponniyin Selvan.

The book starts when Vandhiyathevan is on a mission from Kanchipuram to Thanjavur. After a long journey, Vandhiyathevan and his tired horse feel refreshed after seeing Veeranarayanapura lake. He is joined by Aazhvarkadiyaan to proceed south to Veeranarayana Perumal temple. He then reaches Kadambur Sambuvarayar palace (does not exist now) before sunset to stay the night. The next morning, Vandhiyathevan crosses Kollidam river in a boat and meets Kundavai for the first time.

Aazhvarkadiyaan splits up to follow Pandya conspirator Idumbankaari, who meets his leader Ravidasan at Thirupurambiyam Pallipadai. The Pallipadai temple which honours king Prithvipathi, who died in the Thirupurambiyam battle resulting in the fall of Pallavas and the rise of Cholas still exists. On the way to Thanjavur

from Kudanthai to deliver his message Vandhiyathevan meets Nandhini, After multiple adventures at Thanjavur palace (the site of which is unknown), he travels to Pazhaiyaarai - the old capital of Cholas and delivers the next message to Kundavai. Nathan Koil and Vadathalli Koil at Pazhayarai mentioned in the novel still exist. Palace remains in Pazhayarai are in a village called Chozhan Maligai. After which Kundavai asks Vandhiyathevan to go to Sri Lanka and bring back her brother, The first sojourn of Vandhiyathevan comes to an end here.

Now one can take the same route and visit these historic places.

Heritage Inspired

Heritage Inspired is the brainchild of IT engineer Anand whose passion for Chola history motivated him to conduct tours to throw a spotlight on Chola history. Their most popular tour - Ottran Paadhai (The Spy’s Trail) is exclusively designed to follow the trail of Vandhiyathevan, the protagonist of Ponniyin Selvan. Starting from Chennai, the tour courses through places in Chidambaram, Kum-

bakonam, Thanjavur, the picturesque Veeranarayana Lake, Veera Narayanapuram and Kadambur. The tour includes insightful lectures by leading scholars and live action performances at actual locations by locals. Tourists stay in heritage accommodations and can sample village cuisine and take rejuvenating walks where once the imperial Cholas made history. Seminars on Chola History, Administration, Temple Architecture, Iconography, War Strategy, Inscriptions and Chola Culture are conducted on tour.

Anand explains that Chola history is easy to verify because of their diligent documentation found on Copper plates and stone etchings found near their temples. Cholas are the longest ruling dynasties in the country and their contribution to art, literature and architecture is immense. A native of Trichy, Anand says his interest and enthusiasm for the rich history of Cholas propelled him to share the knowledge with the world.

Details for upcoming trips are available on their website - heritageinspired.in

Tamil Nadu Tourism Development Corporation (TTDC)

TTDC has also organised a 3-day tour package called ‘Ponniyin Selvan trail’. The tour aims to explore locations where Ponniyin Selvan incidents occurred. Day one of the package covers Veeranam lake, Melakadambur, Kollidam river, Pazhuvur and Kumbakonam. On day 2, the tour continues from Kumbakonam to Thanjavur. On Day 3 Kodikkarai and Nagapattinam are covered. The tour begins in Chennai with a package priced at Rs.11,000 per person.

For more details visit www.ttdconline.com

Pictures credit : Heritage inspired

Shri Rajasthani Dhaba

A popular dhaba known for its compact menu, polite setting and tasty dishes but more well-known for their Gatte Ki Sabji, Matka Kulfi, Dal Chawal 340, 3rd Floor, 2nd Avenue, Opposite KFC, Anna Nagar, Phone: 91 44 42057867 9940315152

KERALA

Coastline

Primarily a seafood speciality restaurant, Coastline is often preferred for offering its guests an option to customize the dish to suit their taste 1, Cathedral Road, Opposite Music Academy, Gopalapuram, Phone: 91 44 28110306

Kumarakom

An authentic ‘naadan’ dishes like Karimeen Pollichathu, Duck Roast, Kerala Porotta, Appam, Kadala Curry, Mutton Stew, Chemeen Ularthiyathu and more 148/54, Kodambakkam High Road, Nungambakkam, Phone: 91 44 42605677 9686681391

Madras - The Raintree

An elite fine-dining restaurant that brings under one roof, all the choicest delicacies of Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Andhra The Raintree, 636, Anna Salai, Teynampet,

Ente Keralam

An elite Kerala speciality chain of restaurants famous for their Erachi Ularthiyathu, Thalassery Biriyani, Meen Moilee, and their much-awaited Onam Sadhya 1, Poes Garden, Kasturi Estate, 1st Street, Alwarpet, Phone: 91 44 32216591 / 6374999504

Hotel Crescent

Very reasonably priced restaurant that serves tasty authentic Kerala dishes that are prepared with a homemade touch 11, Lattice Bridge Road, Adyar, Phone: 91 44 24900049

Kudumbam

A conventionally designed ‘mallu’ getaway, eminent for its Meals, Beef Ularthiyathu, Neymeen Vattichathu, and Koonthal Porichathu 40/156, Kodambakkam High Road, Nungambakkam, Phone: 91 44 3939999

SEAFOOD

Bay View

Celebrate the panoramic view of the Bay of Bengal, as you dine in the open, on some fresh seafood cooked to perfection with aromatic spices Vivanta by Taj Fisherman’s Cove, Covelong Beach, Off East Coast Road, ECR, Phone: 91 44 67413356

Kayal

An elite specialty restaurant that serves fish, crab, scallops, shrimps, prawns, and lobsters cooked per taste and served in a garden restaurant Le Royal Meridien Hotel, 1, GST Road, St. Thomas Mount, Kathipara, Phone: 91 44 22314343

Palmshore

Famous for their Arabian Grills and Tandoori, this restaurant serves seafood in Kerala and Chettinad style of cooking 111/108, Fore Shore Estate, Santhome High Road, Santhome, Phone: 91 7667130089

The Fisherman’s Fare

Enjoy a wide range of seafood in salads, starters, Oriental gravies, Indian curries n gravies, tikkas, kebabs, rolls, biriyanis, and platters 24, Casa Major Road, Egmore, Phone: 91 44 43506161

The Marina

Acclaimed to be the best only-seafood restaurant in town with a classy ambience, it serves coastal delights in Chinese, North and South Indian varieties 39, College Road, Nungambakkam, Phone: 91 44 42035265

VEG FRIENDLY Annalakshmi

An upscale pure vegetarian restaurant that serves an array of delectable dishes in an ambience that exudes ancient Indian arts and culture 18/3, Rukmani Lakshmipathy Road, Next To Rani Meyyammai Hall, Egmore, Phone: 91 44 28368222

Ashvita Nirvana

A pure vegetarian restaurant that serves a fusion cuisine from Europe and Asia and has a speciality Vegan and Mock Meat menu. Vegan certified by Peta! No.33, 5th Avenue, Besant Nagar, Phone: 91 44 4269 9026

BR Mathsya

Try everything vegetarian, from sizzlers, pastas, pizzas, 12 varieties of dosas, spl thali lunch, to enticing buffets 29/31, Thanikachalam Road, T.Nagar, Phone: 91 7810846679 04442127007

Cream Centre

A leading chain of vegetarian restaurants with all-time favourites and inventive innovations; their trademarks are Mera Sizzler, Bake Me to Heaven, and Sizzling Brownie Fundae 45, College Road, Near Madras Alliance Francaise, Nungambakkam, Phone: 91 44 43561777

Delhi Highway

Does justice to its name by serving food typically found along the North Indian highways; alongwith an extensive menu for desi coolers Khader Nawaz Khan Road, Nungambakkam, Phone: 91 44 71117111 7823940174

Eden

A posh vegetarian restaurant where Continental, Tandoor, and South Indian delicacies coexist in harmony E37, 2nd Avenue, Besant Nagar, Phone: 91 44 24460777

Haven Sampoorna

A veg fine-dine restaurant serving succulent Indian, Chinese, and Continental delicacies at reasonable prices 5, Asian Complex, 2nd Avenue, Besant Nagar, Phone: 91 9092382382

Kailash Parbat

Best known for its Pani Puri, Chaats, Gulab Jamuns, and Punjabi food; included recently are delicacies from the Sindhi, Punjabi n Chinese cuisines No-62, 3rd Cross St, Gandhi Nagar, Adyar 9, Harrington Road, Chetpet, Phone: 91 22 4014 7636 / 80562 19540

Mahamudra

Pamper your taste buds with Isha Life’s fine dining restaurant that serves healthy, wholesome vegetarian cuisine Isha Life, 50/117, Luz Church Road, Near Nageshwara Rao Park, Mylapore, Phone: 91 44 43535555

Mathsya

Satisfy your daytime or late night hunger pangs with some of their amazing south Indian vegetarian delicacies, they’re open till 2AM! 1, Halls Road, Egmore, Phone: 9841810497 04428191900

Nivedhanam

A global fusion of exquisite vegan delicacies from Thai, Chinese, Continental and Indian cuisines 234, VM Street, Opposite Yellow Pages, Mylapore, Phone: 91 44 42054882 9176122233

Royal Indianaa

Splurge on the culinary jewels from the princely states of India in this recently revamped South Indian veg speciality restaurant The Accord Metropolitan Hotel, 35, GN Chetty Road, T.Nagar, Phone: 91 44 28161000

Shree Mithai

Not just a haven for sweets & savouries, it’s also famous for its wide range of chaat items, and the posh veg restaurant serving Indian, Chinese n Continental fare 189, AI Block, Shanthi Colony,

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Anna Nagar, Phone: 91 44 43539999

GLOBAL

AMERICAN

Ashvita Bistro

Don’t miss the relaxing ambience of Ashvita. A Fusion restaurant tucked away in a heritage home in the heart of Chennai and serves Mediterranean and Thai cuisine No.11, Bava Road, Alwarpet, Phone: 91 44 42031982 /42109990

Chennai Wing’ House

Head out to OMR to satiate your cravings for some resonably priced spicy, saucy n juicy chicken wings Hiranandani Upscale, Old Mahabalipuram Road (OMR) Siruseri, Phone: 91 44 45544519

Social

The first and the only Gastro pub in town to enjoy a relaxed evening with friends, food n drinks 94, Sathyadev Avenue, MRC Nagar, Santhome, Phone: 91 44 42152737

Subway

The only place to get healthy subs & salads made with fresh ingredients, right in front of our eyes AC 112, Ground Floor, Shanthi Colony, Anna Nagar, Phone: 91 44 42612762

ARABIAN

Arabian Hut

Enjoy your chicken grilled or broasted in a sandwich, burger or in a Shawarma roll Chennai Citi Centre, Dr Radhakrishnan Salai, Mylapore, Phone: 91 44 43577205

Laham

Enjoy subs, wraps and burgers in original tandoor style with a wide range of mouth-watering fillings of Tikkas and Kebabs 3, Balfour Road, Kilpauk, Phone: 91 44 43591101

Mishwar Restaurant

Amongst the various combinations of grills and tikkas, the most sought after are the Tandoori Pomfret, Sarson wali machili and Methi machili Park Avenue Hotel, 84/67, Nungambakkam High Road, Phone: 91 44 28275959

Zaitoon

A speciality Arabian restaurant with diverse variations in Grills n Barbeque, Tawa Kebabs, Hummus & Salads, Tandoori Kebabs, and Arabian gravies and rice varieties 1, Vantage Plaza, LB Road, Next To Adyar Depot, Adyar, Phone: 7299939971

CHINESE

China Town

Stir fried Lobster, Tiger Prawns n Fish, Schezwan Duck, Fuming platters with choice of meat or vegetables are the signature dishes of this luxe chinese restaurant 3rd Floor, 74, Cathedral Road, Gopalapuram, Phone: 6374999505

China XO

Experience elegant service, sea breeze and a scenic of the Bay of Bengal as you relish some Chinese

delicacies cooked to perfection The Leela Palace, Adyar Seaface, MRC Nagar Santhome, Phone: 91 44 33661234

Golden Dragon

A grand dining restaurant with exotic menu options featuring dim sums, live crabs, Pan-fried noodles, Cantonese style steamed fish and an exclusive Tea Bar to conclude a fine meal Taj Coromandel, 37, Mahatma Gandhi Road, Nungambakkam, Phone: 91 44 66002827

Kim Ling

A pocket-friendly chinese eat-out with humble staff and tasty food; their Chicken Lollipop & Dragon Chicken deserves special praise for its saucy flavour AC 2, 4909, Teja Towers Basement, 2nd Avenue, Anna Nagar, Phone: 91 44 26209609

Oriental Blossom

A fine dining Chinese restaurant that specializes in Szechwan Cuisine with a live Teppanyaki grill floor with comfortable seating around it Hotel Radha Regent, 171, Jawaharlal Nehru Salai, Inner Ring Road, Arumbakkam, Phone: 91 44 66778899

Oriental Pavillion

An apt place, ideally located on OMR, for corporate clients and business travellers to enjoy some exotic Chinese delicacies after a business meet Fortune Select Palms, 142, Old Mahabalipuram Road (OMR), Thoraipakkam, Phone: 91 44 39884444

Shogun

An Indo-Chinese budget restaurant on Chennai’s IT Corridor that will leave your tummy and wallet feeling full with their all-you-can-eat buffet 14, Rajiv Gandhi Salai, Old Mahabalipuram Road (OMR), Opposite TCS, Karapakkam, Phone: 91 44 24500711

Wangs Kitchen

Delicious and healthy Chinese food at optimal value for money; must try the Kung Pao Chicken, Chicken Schezwan Rice, Shredded Mutton with Chilli Sauce, and Fried Ice cream 151, G 7, Gee Gee Emerald, Village Road, Nungambakkam, Phone: 6384468594

Wonton

Chilly Lamb, Phuket Fish, Dragon Prawns, and Crispy Fried Vegetables are the unanimous choices for guests of this reputed outlet 61, 3rd Main Road, Kasthurba Nagar, Adyar, Phone: 91 44 39253925

Chin Chin

A very popular Chinese restaurant with excellent food & service to please your palate The Residency, 49, G.N. Chetty Road, Opposite Vani Mahal, T

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Nagar, Phone: 91 44 28253434

CONTINENTAL Avenue 195

Relish the Moroccan Veg Tangine, Mexican Grilled Cajun Chicken, American Steak Burger, European Mushroom Pie, and our very own Tandoori platter all under one roof 13/33, Shafee Mohammed Road, Opposite To Apollo Children’s Hospital, Nungambakkam Phone: 91 44 43195195

Ciclo Café

A relaxed and friendly environment with simple café food that aims to bring back nostalgic memories of the olden cycling days in this cycle themed café 33/47, Gandhi Mandapam Road, Kotturpurum, Phone: 91 44 42048666

Drizzle

A wide range of cuisines serve by well trained Chef and relaxed ambience with a beach side lounge rejoice your thoughts and they also provide superb quality hookahs 2/632, Sultan Ahmed Street, Neelangarai East Coast Road, Phone: 91 44 32219966

Samasa

Experience the creative making of delicious fusion foods that will fulfil your expectations Turyaa Chennai, 144/7, Rajiv Gandhi Salai (OMR), Kottivakkam, Phone: 91 44 66970000

Tangerine

A quaint restaurant apt for quiet romantic dinners to go along with their scrumptious salads, steaks, sizzlers, pasta, and desserts 5, Murrays Gate Road, Alwarpet, Phone: 91 44 24355834

Vasco’s

An all-day dining restaurant with an innovative global cuisine, and a relaxed ambience, come together with superb views of the city, to ensure the ultimate dining experience Hilton, 124/1, JN Salai, Ekkaduthangal, Phone: 91 44 22255555

EUROPEAN Basil

An elite restaurant that serves Serbian/Balkan cuisine complemented with typical Mediterranean and Italian fare; The Icelander Mousse and Balkan platter are brilliant 58A, Habibullha Road, T Nagar, Phone: 91 44 42613613

Cilantro

Bacon wrapped scallops, chicken pita sandwich, steak burger, ricotta lasagne, grilled lamb chops, and grilled salmon are house favourites at Cilantro Le Royal Meridien Hotel, 1, GST Road, Kathipara, Phone: 9025066679

Hub at ECR

A casual dining resto-café, it offers an exclusive variety of European,