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.

Music and Dance: 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, 168 TTK Road (tel: (044) 2811 5162 or 2231; website: www.musicacademymadras.in), is a popular venue for Bharatanatyam dance and Carnatic classical music performances.

Kalakshetra, Thiruvanmiyur (tel: (044) 2452 4057 or 0836; website: www.kalakshetra.in), 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.

Or try the Kuchipudi Art Academy, 4 Greenways Road, Raja Annamalai Puram (tel: (044) 2493 7260; website: www.kuchipudi.com), where 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.

Film: The thriving film industry means there are over 100 cinemas in the city. Most screen Indian-made films, but some also show  English-language ones; check local press for details. The Alliance Française de Madras, 24 College Road, Nungambakkam (tel: (044) 2827 1477; website: www.af-madras.org), often shows French films, plus occasional English-language theatre, and art exhibitions. The British Council, 737 Anna Salai (tel: (044)  4205 0600; website: www.britishcouncil.org/india-regional-chennai-2.htm), often has art exhibitions and other special events.