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Chennai Nightlife

Chennai's nightlife scene is curbed by laws that prohibit bars and nightclubs operating beyond midnight, although some do stay open a little longer. Shame, as there are some fabulous venues around, although a fraction of the number seen in Mumbai, Bengaluru (Bangalore) and Delhi. Of the few decent bars and clubs, most are in the 5-star hotels. Many nightclubs have a cover charge (usually only on weekends), a smart-dress codeand may only allow couples (ie not single males).

Most national newspapers have a Chennai edition, including the Hindu, Indian Express and Times of India, with a supplement dedicated to local news and listings. CityInfo is a fortnightly What's On guide with basic listings, available at tourist offices and some hotels. Hallo Madras is a monthly city guide.

Bars in Chennai (Madras)

Bike & Barrel

Located in the Residency Towers Hotel, this is a cheerful, split level English pub with a lively atmosphere, adorned with (you've guessed it) barrels for tables and a huge motorbike suspended from the ceiling.

Sir Thyagaraya Nagar Road
Website: www.theresidency.com

Leather Bar

The dark, sexy Leather Bar in The Park hotel has olive suede walls, leather sofas and black leather floors; it attracts a very stylish crowd, and plays some very danceable music.

601 Anna Salai
Tel: ((044) 4267 6000.
Website: www.theparkhotels.com

Zara's

Zara's is considered one of the hippest places to be, a tapas bar appreciated as much for its 'Spanish short eats' as its luscious cocktails and funky music; busy on Friday and Saturday nights.

74 Cathedral Road
Tel: (044) 2811 1462.

Clubs in Chennai (Madras)

Pasha's

For a real boogie, head upstairs to the ever so trendy Pasha's in The Park hotel, another magnet for Chennai's beautiful people.

601 Anna Salai
Tel: (044) 4267 6000.
Website: www.theparkhotels.com

Music and Dance in Chennai (Madras)

Kalakshetra

Kalakshetra is a training institute that was founded in 1936 by dancer Rukmini Devi to preserve and promote classical dance and Carnatic music. Its students hold performances of classical dance, especially Bharatanatyam, and there is a 10-day arts festival in December/January.

Thiruvanmiyur
Tel: (044) 2452 4057 or 0836.
Website: www.kalakshetra.in

Kuchipudi Art Academy

Here, you can watch students of Kuchipudi dance. Eminent teacher Dr Vempati Chinna Satyam founded this Academy in 1963 to promote the graceful Kuchipudi dance originating in Andhra Pradesh.

4 Greenways Road, Raja Annamalai Puram
Tel: (044) 2493 7260.
Website: www.kuchipudi.com

The Music Academy

Traditional music and dance are especially appreciated in Chennai, and Carnatic music, the classical South Indian style, has been kept alive by a long line of devoted artists. The most famous dance is the centuries-old Bharatanatyam. The Music Academy is a popular venue for Bharatanatyam dance and Carnatic classical music performances.

168 TTK Road
Tel: (044) 2811 5162 or 2231.
Website: www.musicacademymadras.in

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