HIDDEN FACTS OF MOUNT ROAD - CHENNAI

One of the most famous, busiest, oldest, and continuously operational roads in Chennai is Mount Road. Here are some interesting facts about the places along Mount Road.

Whenever I think or talk about Mount Road, one particular memory always comes to mind—my three-month experience at our client's place, City Union Bank. Crossing each signal during peak traffic times felt like an eternity. Despite the challenges of travel and work, finding solace in enjoying pani poori and kachori at the North Indian street food stall and experimenting with different varieties of biryani in Triplicane and Royapettah added a sense of relaxation to the overall experience.

Okay Lets jump into some historic facts of Mount Road,
  1. Mount Road has a 400-year history, constructed during the British era, covering a stretch of 14 kilometers.
  2. Higginbotham's, India's oldest bookstore, opened its Chennai store in 1844, making it an iconic landmark on Mount Road.
  3. The LIC building on Mount Road, constructed in the past, is the tallest building in India during its time.
  4. Buhari Hotel on Anna Salai, operating since 1951, stands as the first post-independent restaurant in Madras, introducing stand-alone fine dining.
  5. Spencer Plaza, established in 1863, claims the title of India's oldest shopping mall and is situated on Mount Road.
  6. The Thousand Lights Mosque, one of India's oldest and largest mosques, located on Mount Road, was built by Arcot Nawab Umdat ul-Umara. Its name originates from the thousand lamps needed to illuminate the assembly hall.
  7. Ritchie Street, known for buying and selling electronic items, is a prominent area on Mount Road.
  8. Safire Theatre complex, India's first multiplex and multi-theatre complex, opened on Mount Road in 1964, screening Cleopatra.
  9. Gemini Bridge, India's third flyover and Tamil Nadu's first, is located on Mount Road, adding to its historical significance.
  10. The famous Syed Mossa Shah Qadri Dargah was located on Mount Road.






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