Madras Day: Four Quiet Corners for Couples in Chennai’s 387th Year
Chennai, the capital of Tamil Nadu, turns 387 this year. Madras Day, observed on August 22, marks the founding of the city in 1639, when the British East India Company acquired a strip of land in the fishing village of Madraspatnam. Over the centuries, the city has grown into a bustling metropolis, yet it still harbours serene spots that offer respite from the noise. As part of the anniversary celebrations, we explore four public spaces that have become favourite haunts for couples seeking quiet moments together.
The first is St Thomas Mount, an elevated locality in the southern part of the city. Known for its military heritage and Anglo-Indian legacy, the area is also home to the St Thomas Mount National Shrine, a church believed to be built on the site where the apostle Thomas was martyred in the first century. The tree-lined avenues and colonial-era bungalows create a peaceful atmosphere, though the area is not without its stories of resident ghosts, which are part of local folklore. For visitors, the walk up the hill offers panoramic views of the city and a chance to step back in time.
The second spot is Besant Nagar Beach, one of the most popular stretches of Chennai’s coastline. In 2012, a young man reportedly used a text message to confess his feelings to his partner at this beach, a memory that many residents still recall as a symbol of the city’s evolving romantic culture. Beyond this anecdote, the beach is known for its open-air spaces, the nearby Ashtalakshmi Temple, and the iconic Velankanni Church. Farther north, Pazhaverkadu (also called Pulicat) offers quieter shores, while Thiruvanmiyur’s beach is favoured for evening walks under the moonlight. Local snacks like sundal (spiced chickpeas) and shawarma are commonly sold by street vendors, adding to the experience.
The third location is the railway station, a space that might seem an unusual choice for a date. Yet for many, stations like Chennai Central (now Puratchi Thalaivar Dr. M.G. Ramachandran Central Railway Station) hold a special significance. They are transitional spaces where time seems to slow for those waiting, even as trains hurry by. The historic building, completed in 1873, is a landmark of Gothic Revival architecture. For countless couples, meeting at the station marks the beginning of a journey or the end of one, making it a site of emotional resonance rather than mere transit.
The final spot is a hidden park along the Adyar River, near the Theosophical Society. This wooded walkway is part of the Adyar Eco Park, which was developed to restore the river’s natural ecosystem. The trail offers a shaded path for walking and benches for conversation, making it an ideal place for a quiet afternoon. The park is also home to a variety of bird species, attracting nature lovers. Its tranquillity stands in contrast to the city’s busy roads, making it a sweet and simple date location.
These four places reflect Chennai’s diversity—from its colonial past to its coastal life, its transit hubs to its green cover. As the city celebrates its 387th year, these haunts remind us that love, in its many forms, often finds expression in public spaces that carry their own histories. Whether it is a first confession or a long walk, Chennai offers corners where people can connect with each other and with the city’s layered heritage.
