What to See, Eat, and Do During Katha National Writers' Workshop 2024

Published on December 19, 2024
Finale what to see

What to See, Eat, and Do During Katha National Writers' Workshop 2024 

Chennai: Exploring traditional art and heritage

Your Guide to Explore: What to See, Eat, and Do During Katha National Writers' Workshop 2024. 

We've created these handy one-pagers to give you a quick and friendly overview of the final destination and tips to help you make the most of your trip. We hope you find these guidelines helpful, but please feel free to explore the internet for additional planning tips. While we've worked hard to provide helpful information, here's a little reminder: we're story enthusiasts, not travel experts, so our suggestions might not always be spot-on. Enjoy your adventure! 

Weather: Chennai enjoys pleasant weather in December, with temperatures ranging from 23°C to 27°C. It's usually enjoyable, with morning chilliness, and ideal for sightseeing. 

What to Pack 

  • Lightweight, breathable clothing like cotton dresses 
  • Comfortable walking shoes for exploring the city's parks and markets. 

Places to See 

  • Beaches in Chennai:  Marina Beach & Elliot's Beach for a stroll in the sands
  • Mahabalipuram: Time permits a day visit to this group of monuments near the Coromandel coast
  • Temples: Famous Sri Parthasarathy Temple, built in the 8th century by Pallavas & other ancient    temples
  • Santhome Cathedral Basilica: Beautiful Neo-Gothic architecture with a museum in the church.
  • T. Nagar: Shopping hub for silk sarees, gold jewellery, and authentic South Indian food in the street side stalls. 

Food to Try 

  • Dosas and Idlis: Try these South Indian breakfast staples with coconut chutney and sambar. 
  • South Indian cuisine: Typical South Indian full meals served in plantain leaves
  • Filter Coffee: The iconic South Indian coffee is a must-try. 

What to Shop 

  • Tanjore paintings: Famous for tanjore paintings and bronze/brass sculptures 
  • Silk sarees: The city is known for high-quality traditional Kanchipuram silk sarees. 
  • The city is famous for its handcrafted jewellery, famous "Madras" cotton fabric, and aromatic spices from local markets.