Mount Road Heritage Buildings

Chennai, the most prominent city in South India, was established by the British. It is one of the few Indian cities where numerous heritage buildings from the colonial era still stand, showcasing a rich architectural legacy. The George Town area, in particular, is home to several important historical structures. Additionally, Mount Road — now known as Anna Salai — features a remarkable collection of colonial-era buildings.

Cuddon Building:

Constructed in 1916 by Simpson & Co., the Cuddon Building is an ornate brick structure that originally served as a car showroom. It is also known as the Gove Building and stands as a fine example of early 20th-century commercial architecture.

Bharat Insurance Building:

Also known as the Kardly Building, this structure once housed Bharat Insurance. It is a striking example of Indo-Saracenic architecture, blending Indian and British styles — a hallmark of Chennai's colonial architectural heritage.

The Mail:

The office building of The Mail, one of the oldest English newspapers in South India, is another notable heritage structure from the British period.

P.Orr & Sons:

This building, home to the iconic watch and clock company P. Orr & Sons, is a well-known landmark on Anna Salai. It reflects the city's colonial-era commercial history and remains a significant structure in Chennai’s urban landscape.

LIC:

The 14-storey building of the Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC), located on Mount Road, is one of Chennai’s most recognizable landmarks. Until the early 1990s, it was the tallest building in the city. The LIC building frequently appeared in Tamil films of the past as a symbolic representation of Chennai itself.

Happy travelling.

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