09/11/2026
Chennai was the holiday we hadn’t planned for, but it turned out to be one of the highlights of our India trip, apart from Dad’s 80th birthday celebrations in Mangalore. When my sister announced her move to Chennai, the husband and I decided to squeeze in a quick trip to spend some time with in her new city. It was my third time in Chennai and, as always I loved it.
We also finally sneaked in day trip to Pondicherry that Nishal Crasta and I have been planning since our wedding. Pondy did not disappoint. Loved the quaint charm. Mahabalipuram was the sister’s planned getaway, so we packed in all three. Thank you, Akkivi Akshata Salian for making this holiday so special. One month in Chennai and you were already a pro. Watching you settle in and start another interesting chapter has been wonderful. ❤️
The nephew and Jij were equally entertaining who had come for a month to help my sis settle down before heading back to London. Jij negotiating with the house help and cook in full Agarwal mode, half Hindi + half Google-translated Tamil, and the nephew discovering the joy of never-ending OTPs for package deliveries as his new pastime was fun to watch.
To make this holiday even more perfect Karishma Gupta flew down from Mumbai to meet me and along with Dipty Gurjar, we painted Chennai in our own shades of pinks and yellows. Sriram Krishnan met me at Bangalore airport on my way back from Chennai, an adventure in itself when you’re coming from Indiranagar! Treasure you guys.🩷
The time I spent my family and friends this visit has been so very precious. Packed these memories and on a quiet Edmonton morning like today, I sip my chai and reflect back.