South Chennai - A Residential Paradise

We are all well aware that the metropolitan city of Chennai is divided into North Chennai, South Chennai, Central Chennai, and West Chennai. Each region has its own charm. Today in this blog we are going to explore all about South Chennai. Land South of the Cooum River comes under the areas of South Chennai. Read on to uncover the heritage, connectivity, social amenities, infrastructure, and more that you must need to know about South Chennai.

The southern section of Chennai is quite disintegrated into little villages, with several prominent swampy areas. Many popular attractions, including some of the city's famous pilgrim sites, can be found in Chennai South. A multitude of residential areas and commercial centers may be found in the southern suburbs. The region also has some historical landmarks that are popular with tourists. Not to mention the IT firms that have lit the real estate market on fire!

The Origin

South Chennai is well-known for its religious and cultural legacy. It actually has hundreds of temples, churches, and mosques. Mylapore, Adyar, Besant Nagar, Guindy, Velachery, Pallavaram, OMR, ECR, Medavakkam, Sholinganallur, Thiruvanmiyur and Tambaram all these areas have a rich past. The rich historical facts about few neighborhoods of South Chennai are as follows,

The name Thiruvanmiyur is derived from the name of the legendary saint Valmiki, the creator of the epic Ramayana, according to the locals. He is thought to have lived here for several centuries before Christ. In the neighborhood, there is a modest temple devoted to this saint.

Between 300 BC and 300 AD, Roman traders set their feet at Thiruvanmiyur in South Chennai and frequented this area, which was then part of the Sangam Chola dynasty. The Romans visited India to purchase spices, jewels, textiles, ivory, and sandalwood. In exchange, India received wine, gold, silver, and lead from Rome. Roman coins have been recorded from the Mahabalipuram-Thiruvanmiyur coastal area on a regular basis since the nineteenth century. Thiruvanmiyur was situated between two large Roman ports, namely Mahabalipuram and Mylapore.Thiruvanmiyur fell under the control of the Pallava dynasty (fourth to ninth centuries AD) following the decline of the Sangam Cholas. Thiruvanmiyur was ruled by the Mediaeval Cholas or Imperial Cholas after the Pallavas, and afterwards by the Vijayanagar Empire. The region was afterward handed up to the British.

Mylapore is another old settlement in South Chennai. It was once known as Vedapuri. According to historical and archaeological data, it may be the oldest portion of Chennai, with written records of early settlements dating back to the first century BCE. Thiruvalluvar, the Tamil poet-philosopher, is said to have been born here in 31 BCE. It was famous for its historic port, which had a thriving trade with the Roman Empire, getting gold in exchange for things such as pepper and fine textiles. St. Thomas the Apostle reputedly died in Mylapore in 72 CE. Marco Polo visited the area in the late 13th century and left a detailed description of the region, people, customs, and religion.

Pallavaram, currently a southern Chennai neighborhood, has been inhabited since the Palaeolithic Period. During the reign of the Pallava dynasty, it became an important urban center, but the area remained largely insignificant until the early 16th century when claims that St. Thomas was buried there drew Armenian and Portuguese merchants.

Connectivity

Chennai South is known as the "Gateway to Tamil Nadu” mainly because all the public transport systems are available in Chennai South. The Chennai Airport is situated in Meenambakkam. The airport has both domestic and international terminals. Southern Railways operates the railways, and a wide network of roadways connects the area. GST Road, also known as NH 45, is one of South India's busiest National Highways, stretching 472 kilometers. In addition, the Velachery major road in the south connects the fastest-growing suburbs of south Chennai with Mount Road also called Anna Salai in Guindy.

Social and Educational Infrastructure

Since many MNCs and corporate establishments have set up in South Chennai, the population and footfall in the area have increased, eventually leading to the current trend of rising residential growth. It has an exceptional social infrastructure, with Schools, Colleges, Hospitals and Shopping Malls and marketplaces, as well as a number of civic amenities such as railway stations, bus stops, post offices, police stations, and public transport systems.

South Chennai is home to some of India's most prestigious educational institutions. In reality, some of the oldest and most prestigious schools and institutions may be found here. Anna University was founded as a unitary university on September 4, 1978. This university was named after the late Dr. C.N. Annadurai, former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister. Madras Institute of Technology is another significant university that spans 50 acres of land. Rev. John Anderson of the Free Church of Scotland, reopened Madras Christian College in 1837 as General Assembly School. In South Chennai, you can also find Pachaiyappa's College, SIVET College, Sree Balaji Medical College, and Hindustan College.

In the southern portion of Chennai, reputable schools of the state board, CBSE, and ICSC standards are also widely available. Bala Vidya Mandir, St. Michael's Academy, Kendriya Vidyalaya, Sri Chaitanya Techno School, The PSBB Millennium School, and many others come to mind. South Chennai also has some of the best residential developments and theosophical societies, as well as the Madras Flying Club, Joggers Park, the Rajiv Gandhi Memorial Telecom Training Centre, the Phoenix Market City, the Mahindra World City, and Shriram's Gateway SEZ.

In terms of health care, this neighborhood is home to numerous multi-specialty clinics and hospitals, including Fortis Malar Hospital, Apollo Hospitals, Sims Hospital, Velachery KS Hospital, Rainbow Children's Hospital, Hindu Mission Hospital, and many others. Adyar is also home to the Cancer Institute (W.I.A), also known as the Adyar Cancer Institute. While Chrompet has the best Tuberculosis hospital.

Tourist attractions

South Chennai is a culturally rich neighborhood, steeped in history, traditions, and works of art. On the one hand, it features natural attractions such as beaches, and on the other, architectural marvels inspired by British colonial architecture. With so many locations to see in South Chennai, travelers have plenty of alternatives for casually exploring the city. The sky-touching spires of massive temples invoke mysticism and devotion.

The Parthasarathi Temple, erected by Pallava rulers in the eighth century, is the oldest. The Hindu god Shiva is honored in the Kapaleeswarar Temple, which was build in the 16th century. Other sites of worship in Chennai's southern outskirts include Luz Church (1547-82), one of the city's oldest churches; St. Mary's Church (1678-80), the first British church in India; and the San Thome Basilica (1898), built over the apostle St. Thomas' tomb. You can also visit the Theosophical Society's international headquarters, which is located amid grounds between the Adyar River and the ocean. A banyan tree from around 1600 is of particular interest. Guindy National Park is a wildlife sanctuary in the city's core. Elliot's Beach, Zoological Park, Sivan Park, and Periyar Science and Technology Centre are some other locations to visit in and surrounding South Chennai.

Upcoming Infrastructural Development

South Chennai, also known as southern India's gateway, is highly renowned for its business and engineering, manufacturing, and IT-ITeS sectors, among other thriving businesses. These are the upcoming infrastructure developments that will change the city's skyline!

The Coastal Lifeline - Nagapattinam Tuticorin Highway Project: This project aims to expand the 332 km East Coast Road (ECR) between Nagapattinam and Thoothukudi into a four-lane highway. With an estimated budget of Rs 7000 crores, this highway is set to provide an alternative route along the east coast corridor, enhancing connectivity for Chennai.

The Metro Expansion - Chennai Metro Phase 2 Project: The Chennai Metro Railway is set to undergo a significant expansion. The 116 km-long Phase II project aims to extend up to Parandur. This extension is particularly noteworthy as Parandur is the proposed site for a new greenfield airport.

Lighting the Way - Metrolite light metro rail project: A feasibility study has begun for the Metrolite light metro rail project between Tambaram and Velachery. This project promises to improve public transportation and reduce traffic congestion in the area.

Easing Traffic - Flyovers at Medavakkam and Madhya Kailash junction: Two new flyovers are planned to alleviate traffic in the region. The 2.3-kilometer-long flyover on the Velachery-Tambaram Main Road at Medavakkam will ease traffic between Sholinganallur and Medavakkam. Additionally, a flyover at the Madhya Kailash junction will connect Rajiv Gandhi Road and Sardar Patel Road.

These projects represent a significant investment in the infrastructure of South Chennai, promising to enhance connectivity, improve public transportation, and transform the cityscape. The residents of South Chennai can look forward to a future of improved infrastructure and enhanced quality of life.

Investment Benefits

Chennai has continually been a bustling market for the real estate sector. A major metropolitan metropolis with historical significance has proven to be robust and durable in the face of natural disasters, emerging as a strong contender to become a significant contributor to the nation's development. However, it is clear that real estate is thriving in Chennai South! Chennai South is made up of 758 neighborhoods. If you’re considering investing in real estate, South Chennai should be at the top of your list. This region has consistently shown promise for substantial returns over time, especially if you’re looking at plots, flats, individual houses. The reasons for this are multifold. Here is a brief overview of why you should consider South Chennai.

Firstly, Chennai’s robust economy, which saw Tamil Nadu’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) reach 8.19% in 2022-23, has created a favorable environment for real estate growth. This economic prosperity has positively impacted the real estate market, making it a lucrative option for investors.

Secondly, the city has seen significant infrastructural development. The expansion of roads, strategic highways, and public transportation networks has improved connectivity, making South Chennai more accessible. An added advantage is the upcoming metro, which is set to shape the lucrative future of South Chennai. This, in turn, has boosted the region’s real estate value.

South Chennai is also a hub of opportunities, particularly in the education and IT sectors. The growth potential in this area, coupled with the increasing demand for housing, makes real estate in South Chennai an attractive prospect for resale. The Old Mahabalipuram Road (OMR) IT Expressway, as the name suggests, houses numerous IT and ITeS hubs. Therefore, the need for people to locate here is extremely high. Ultimately, these factors result in steady property appreciation, potential rental income, tax advantages, and the pride of owning a tangible asset. Not to mention, it can significantly enhance your lifestyle.

The region’s rich cultural and religious legacy, along with its popular attractions and historical landmarks, enhance its residential appeal. This makes it not just a good investment, but also a great place to live.

Whether you’re an investor seeking a profitable venture or a homebuyer looking for a peaceful and convenient place to live, South Chennai is a promising area for real estate investment. The impressive potential for resale value further solidifies its position as a prime investment destination. So, investing in South Chennai is a decision you’re unlikely to regret.