01
A weekend escape on the ECR, between the city and Mahabalipuram's shore temples.
02
Green lawns and hill views just beyond the busy temple city.
03
Misty mornings, plantation walks and fireplaces in the quieter hills near Coonoor.
04
Slow beach days on the quieter coast around the southern tip.
05
Old-style courtyards and paddy fields between Thanjavur and Kumbakonam.
06
Kolams at the door, temple bells and home-cooked tiffin in Chennai's most traditional neighbourhood.
07
08
Quiet hillside cottages, garden views and walks to Catherine Falls in the least crowded Nilgiri town.
09
Coconut groves, fishing villages and home-cooked coastal meals on India's southern edge.
10
Living on a traditional temple street with a pillared thinnai, courtyard and banana-leaf meals.
11
Idli, crisp dosa and a strong tumbler of filter coffee — the Chennai breakfast ritual.
12
Jigarthanda, kari dosa and flaky parotta in the city that never sleeps.