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Staying inside the old town puts the temple, markets and food streets within walking distance.
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Hotels around Charing Cross keep the lake, Botanical Garden and markets close by.
03
Waking up to sunrise from your window — what to know before booking a sea-facing room.
04
A base close to the Brihadeeswarar Temple and the railway station for an easy heritage trip.
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A weekend escape on the ECR, between the city and Mahabalipuram's shore temples.
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Green lawns and hill views just beyond the busy temple city.
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Misty mornings, plantation walks and fireplaces in the quieter hills near Coonoor.
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Slow beach days on the quieter coast around the southern tip.
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Old-style courtyards and paddy fields between Thanjavur and Kumbakonam.
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Kolams at the door, temple bells and home-cooked tiffin in Chennai's most traditional neighbourhood.
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Quiet hillside cottages, garden views and walks to Catherine Falls in the least crowded Nilgiri town.
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Coconut groves, fishing villages and home-cooked coastal meals on India's southern edge.
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Living on a traditional temple street with a pillared thinnai, courtyard and banana-leaf meals.
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Idli, crisp dosa and a strong tumbler of filter coffee — the Chennai breakfast ritual.
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Jigarthanda, kari dosa and flaky parotta in the city that never sleeps.