The Indranagar-Kasturba nagar belt, which is a part of Adyar is a great place to live. The place is as good as a small township with all the facilities taken care of. It is predominantly a residential area. The roads are in good condition and a large number of trees provide a welcome respite from the soaring temperatures. For early morning walks, it makes for an ideal route. For those who are not to keen on exploring the roads, you can head for the Indranagar Park.

When you take the Indranagar, 2nd Main Rd, on the first right is a board displaying the title, “PARK” with a arrow pointing in the direction of the park. I used to be a regular at the park in the early mornings. You can enjoy the twittering of the birds, the fresh morning air and the lush greenery. Both young and old walk there regularly. Ever since the fitness mantra included a brisk 30 minute walk, the number of walkers has risen. If you find it too crowded and claustrophobic to walk inside the walk, then you may walk around the park. The park also has swings and other play stuff for kids. There are also benches where you can sit back and just relax. In the evenings, you will find this section of the park invaded by the little guys. While the mothers catch up on the day’s gossip, the kids are busy having a whale of a time playing.

For the fitness freak who can afford a little extra dough, Maverick is right ahead of the Park. Right across the entrance of the park, is a small pathway that leads to the Indranagar main road. The pathway is a part of Maverick. The gym comes equipped with all the possible machines and equipments you would want to work with. There are professional trainers who take you through your everyday work out. After a hard week’s work out you can probably chill out at their steam room.

Another classy gymnasium is Talwalkers, which is located right opposite to the T.T.K Hospital in Indranagar. They also have a branch in Nungambakam and are soon opening one more branch in Annanagar. Right now, the gym is also offering special summer discounts on their fitness packages.

Children also have the advantage of studying in Hindu Sr. Sec.School, Indranagar. The school is located in a residential area (Indranagar, 1st main road) and also enjoys a good reputation for churning out good students. Hop, skip and jump, and you are in school! There’s a reason to party.

For home makers, who want to do a short temple visit, you can go to the famous Ishta Siddhi Vinayakar temple. Eventhough it a part of Venkarathnam nagar, it falls between the Indranagar an Kasturba Nagar areas. Translated Ishta means wish, Siddhi means successful and Vinayakar is the Elephant god, Ganapathi. So it means the Elephant God, who grants you all your wishes. In the south, Ganapathi is revered since he is considered the remover of all obstacles. Before beginning any work, prayers are first offered to Vinayaka and his blessings are sought. Even during pujas or homas, the Ganapathi Puja is performed first and only then are other rituals carried out. I too begin my day with prayers to this cute fat smart little guy! The temple also performs special pujas on special occasions like the Sankata Hara Chathurthi day. There is a shoe stand for devotees on the left-hand side of the temple. Outside the temple premises, are flower sellers who sell a variety of flowers depending on the occasion.

If you are hungry and would rather eat out than cook at home, you can either go to Dominos, or Marrybrown in Kasturba Nagar. If I remember correctly, I think even the restaurant Chutney is located in the same area. Better still, beat the heat with ice-creams at Chill Thrill in the same vicinity. Again for the diet conscious, you can gulp down some water melon pieces or coconut water from the way side sellers. Or if you would rather prefer lattes, sandwiches or desserts, head out to Café Coffee Day at Indranagar. It is put up right on the main road, so there is no way you will miss it.

You can also surf at Sify i-way or drop in and pick out stuff at Health & Glow. The latter now looks spacious and inviting. Their previous establishment was cramped and gave customers no place to move around. Or if you feel like shopping, drop in at Nalli. What they lose in terms of variety, they make up by providing quality products for their customers.

Talking about other services like postal and transportation, you have the Kasturba Nagar post office located on the Kasturba Nagar main road. Further down the road leading towards Adyar, which is only about ten steps away, you have innumerable buses and share-autos operating out of the place.

For dental concerns, visit Parasu Dental Hospital in Kasturba nagar and for general health problems, you can visit Dr.Goverdhan in Indranagar, 1st avenue.

Transport, postal services, schooling, temple, eat-outs, the list is endless! Now you know why I am in love with the place.

And right now, all this typing has left me exhausted….. that’s a wrap