Anna Tower Park - A boon for Anna Nagar residents

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Recently, I had been to the Anna Tower Park (also called as Dr. Visveswaraya Park), in Anna Nagar. The park was simply gorgeous. The dense trees giving a fresh green cover, the chirping birds, colorful playing structures, well-laid walkways, sound of the fountains, ponds filled with lotus flowers, and the majestic tower ... made the place to look like heaven. Anna Tower park is a boon  for folks who want to spend their evening hours. The last time I visited this park was nearly 10 years ago. It was in a pathetic situation, then. Thanks to Chennai Corporation's increased interest in constructing, renovating and maintaining parks in Chennai. Anna Tower Park looked very young and colorful.

(Also read: A visit to Arignar Anna Zoological Park - Vandalur  A visit to Children's Park & Snake Park in Guindy
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The 135ft tower in the center of the park, painted in fresh orange, is an eye catcher. I was curious to take a peek at the Chennai city from the top of the tower. However, access to the tower was closed. I was told that the access is restricted due to increased suicides and "pairs" using walkways as a "hangout" place.

The entire park was very busy - folks who are exercising, readers who are buried into their books, students hanging out with their friends, elderly couples chit-chatting, families relaxing, and kids playing. Despite the "busyness" engulfing the park, everyone gets their privacy.

The park had a meditation court, a small pond, kids play area, walk-ways and grass land, an arena for dance/music, cricket pitch, skating rink, and water fountains. In the night, they switched-on fancy lights, which made the entire place to look very colorful. The park also had well maintained rest room facilities. There is enough parking available along the road side for both two wheeler and cars. There is also a constable standing outside the park, to maintain some order. (Also read: Semmozhi Poonga - A Greenway in the heart of Chennai) 

It looks like kids are taught "skating" lessons in the mornings and evenings in Anna Tower Park. Also, the park is used for hosting week long annual celebrations of "Chennai Sangamam", a Tamil cultural festival. You can easily spend two or three hours in the park. There is lots of entertainment for kids. Adults can also spend time peacefully in the park. 

Anna Tower Park is definitely a boon for the residents in and around Anna Nagar.

Also read:

Semmozhi Poonga - A Greenway in the heart of Chennai 
Skywalk Ampa Mall - Multiplex++
Mahabalipuram, Muttukadu & Crocodile Park
American Library in US Consulate - for History Lovers
A visit to Children's Park & Snake Park in Guindy

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Self adjusting Traffic - Miracle on Roads

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According to studies, people are afraid of public speaking, more than the fear of death. Thanks to Toastmasters. I'm not afraid of public speaking. But, I was afraid to drive on Indian roads. Uneven roads, rash drivers, congested traffic, dysfunctional signals, worn-out sign boards, pedestrians all over the road scared the hell out of me. How am I going to drive a car in India? It sounded like a million dollar question to me.

Also read: Shared van/shuttle services in Chennai - hard to find!?

The few days of traffic lessons that I took early in the morning (at 6.30 am), wasn't helpful at all. It was like getting trained in your house's stair case to climb Mt. Everest.  Roads are almost empty, at 6.30 am. There is only a few vehicles and countable pedestrians on the road. However, during the peak hour, there is hardly any space for even bicycles to move around - let alone a car.

Driving the car from the dealership to home was a nerve-wracking experience. It is still fresh in my memories. There were motorbikes, bicyclists and cars all around my car. There was just 1 inch gap between my car and other vehicles. I wasn't sure if I would be able to take the car home, without a dent. The car stopped at least 5 times in the short ride from the dealership to home. You can imagine the number of honks I would've got. I was sweating inside the car (though the AC was turned-on). Heart was beating fast and I could sense the adrenaline gush. I managed to successfully get the car to the home. (Also read: Brought a new car - Maruti Swift Dzire)

After reaching home, getting the car on the ramp to the parking lot was another comical experience. The car stopped in the middle of the ramp. I had to wait for the road traffic to clear to come back to the road, from the ramp. I had to do this a couple of times before successfully getting the car on the parking lot.

Considering the fact that I drive the vehicle in city interiors 80% of the times, I should've gone  for a car with automatic gears. In the 30 minutes commute to work, I had to change gears at least 50 times. Changing gears isn't difficult, but pressing the clutch was. With bumber-to-bumper traffic on the road, you should be an adroit driver. A vehicle that stops on the road isn't treated  courteously by other drivers. The honks from all the vehicles will drive you nuts. I started going to work very early & returned home early to avoid traffic.

Also read: Talking on mobiles when driving is prohibited in India

It took me exactly 3 days to get comfortable with the Indian roads. When you drive the 1000 Kg iron on the road, the traffic gets self-adjusted. Way gets created for you automatically. You have to see it to believe it. Though we don't "study" traffic rules, there are lots of "unwritten" rules that we learn through experience.

• On seeing a car, pedestrians move to the curb, 2 wheelers driving on the middle of the road go to the sides. If they don't, then you should :-)
• Car/Truck drivers need to just focus on the front. The side/rear traffic would automatically get adjusted to your moves.
• In a street where only an autorickshaw can go, a car can squeeze through. At times, a huge truck can also go through. Parked vehicles along the road side gets moved, road side shops/carts are moved to create way. A friend of mine managed to go from one end of "Ritchie Street" to another end, in his Honda City, on a busy day. It is hard to imagine, how someone can do that.
• When there is a traffic jam, volunteers pop-up from the street corners. Most of the times, it is the autorickshaw wallahs, who play the traffic regulators role when there is a traffic jam or an accident on the interior streets. In general, the citizens are very co-operative for large vehicles (cars/trucks/buses etc.,). They help you create space/way when you are stuck - especially when you are driving a brand new/hi-fi car, or if you are a lady driver, or if you are dressed-up well.
• People don't expect a "flooded" sign-board when there is a pool of water on the road side :)
• Even when someone parks the car in the middle of the road, the traffic finds its way around the parked car. 
• Emergency vehicles manage to get through congested roads & crowded streets (of course, with some delay)
• When you see a passive driver in front of you, you should become aggressive & when you see an aggressive driver behind you, you should become passive
• Everyone on the road stays alert (pedestrian, 2-wheeler, car/truck/bus drivers etc.,)
• Everyone have to cover/secure their base, by staying alert
• Meaning of signals:

              Green - Take turns or move forward with some attention
              Yellow - Take turns or move forward very carefully
              Red - Take turns or move forward very very carefully

Vehicles cruising through our roads in India is indeed a magic. I'm still enthralled by the way in which traffic moves everyday. But, I can proudly say that I'm a certified Indian driver now.

Also read:

Heavy Rain made Chennai into Venice 
Driving on Indian roads - Pleasure or Pain?  

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Bought a new car - Maruti Swift Dzire

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I made my decision to buy a car in Feb 2010. I haven't driven on Indian roads much - other than the few days of driving lessons that I took in 2002 (just before going to US). The thought of driving a car on Indian roads, was very scary. I still wonder how people drive these giant vehicles on the road, without bumping into each other. I consoled myself when I saw these huge buses and trucks maneuvered on the roads with ease, by our dexterous drivers. (Also read: Driving on Indian roads - pleasure or pain?)

The following are some items that influenced my decision to buy a new Maruti Swift Dzire. The parameters given here should be useful for others, as well. Of course, the actual values others apply, may vary :)


Used vs New

When I made my decision to buy a car, I started looking for used cars. Since I haven't driven on Indian roads, I thought it is a good idea to buy a used vehicle - so that, I don't have to worry about the wear 'n tear or damages. Religiously, I looked at the "Classified" section in Hindu to get some understanding of the models available in the market & the price range. I visited even a couple of "Maruti True Value" exhibits to find out the "quality" of the used cars available in the market. Used cars are REALLY USED in India. Either, the cars have become very old (or) there is lot of miles on the car in a short time. If the car is relatively new or used very less, they charge you almost equivalent of the price of new cars.

Buying used cars directly from "known" people is good. Otherwise, buying used cars directly from a third-party has its associated risks. When you want to play it safe by buying used car from a dealer, you should be ready to pay the extra price. For example, Maruti True Value used cars sell you cars with 1 year warranty. However, they charge you nearly 10 - 15% more than the open market. In essence, used cars aren't very "attractive". Well, actually the smell of brand new cars mesmerized me more !

Small vs Big

Should I buy a small/compact car or should I go for a big/sedan car? Should I buy a car or should I go for a SUV/minivan? There were lots of questions.

Small cars are easier to drive in Chennai streets and city interiors. Taking a 180 degree turn in crowded/congested streets is easier, too. It is convenient for ladies & short people to drive a small car. Even from a budget point of view, small cars are very attractive and there are so many models/options available in that segment/category. But, it would be extremely hard for a 6.2 ft person (like me!) to squeeze into the driver seat. Also, it would not be convenient for a family of 5 members to sit comfortably - especially, when you have to go on a long drive. So, I ruled out the option of buying a small car.

I decided to buy a sedan, because it is spacious & at the same time, it is NOT as BIG as a SUV/mini van. So, relatively it is easier to drive on Indian roads.

Financing vs Paying by Cash

This is a "no-brainer". I straight away went for "Financing". The interest rates are very attractive and they're hard to resist. For example, for a 3-years fixed deposit banks give you an interest of 7.5%. However, for a 3 years car loan, they charge you just 8.5% interest. You are better-off investing the money in an 'appreciating' asset - instead of throwing the money on the car. I would recommend you to check with the bank where you have salary account (instead of going with the creditor that the car dealer arranges for you). Also, it is always recommended to check with multiple banks before finalizing on one creditor. Remember "When banks compete - you WIN" :)  (Also read: Loan application process in India - very simple)

Banks may force you to buy an extra 'insurance' for the loan amount. Don't ever do that. It is not a must to get insurance cover for your car loan. Car, by itself is an asset. Moreover, you would be taking insurance for the car. If something happens to you, the banker can always come and take your car. If something happens to the car, you'll get the car's insurance provider pay for it. So, don't buy a separate insurance from the banker/creditor. On instances where you have to take delivery of the car "soon", bankers/creditors may force you to get insurance for speedy processing. Don't fall into the trap.

Automatic vs Manual

Cars with "automatic" transmission are very easy to drive. In fact, some of the modern automatic cars are even 'optimized' for fuel consumption. However, I wanted to be a Roman in Rome. So, I joined the "herd" :) Honestly, there were two reasons why I didn't go for a car with  "Automatic" transmission. First, they were pricier than the "stick-shift" ones. Second, I wanted to be able to drive a "manual" transmission car. That way, when I have to drive other(s') cars in India, I would be able to drive them with ease.

Having driven a stick-shift car in India for a month, I feel that it is painful to drive them in "stop 'n go" traffic. So, if you are buying a car that will be used mostly in city interior roads, do consider "Automatic" ones.

Diesel vs Petrol

Petrol cars provide more driving comfort than Diesel cars. Diesel engines are noisier. If you have driven Petrol cars before and trying Diesel cars now, you'll notice the difference right away. From the point of mileage & cost of fueling, Diesel cars are very attractive. However, the cost of Diesel cars are 10 - 15% higher than Petrol cars. You should go for Diesel cars only if you anticipate driving long distances, frequently. Otherwise, it would take a long time for you to "break even" the premium that you paid for Diesel car. I did order a Petrol car initially. However, I had to change my order and settle for a Diesel car, due to the long wait time for the Petrol version of Maruti Swift Dzire.

Why Maruti?

There are so many brands available in India, today. The prices are very attractive/competitive. Almost all the car manufacturers (that, I know of) sell cars in India - Mercedes, Volswagon, Ford, Toyota, Honda, Hyundai, Chevrolet, Tata, Maruti and the list goes on ! I wanted to avoid 'premium' cars. Based on the information that I gathered from friends, maintenance costs of 'Premium' cars are HIGH. Also, the resale value is LOW. Maruti Cars provide low cost maintenance and also high resale value. The maintenace cost of Tata cars is also LOW. However, Maruti's post-sales service (for maintenance) is considered the BEST.

In fact, I did consider TATA Indigo MANZA, before settling down for Maruti SWIFT Dzire. Honda City was also very attractive in terms of features & convenience - however, it went above my budget and I also heard that the cost of parts replacement/maintenance is high.  Hence, settled for Maruti SWIFT Dzire. I like the features and convenience of Maruti SWIFT Dzire (for the price that I paid!). No wonder, why Maruti is still the #1 brand in India.

How did I get adjusted to driving a car on Indian roads? How did I learn to drive a stick-shift/manual car? Lots of interesting experiences to share... wait for my next blog post :)

Also read:

Self Adjusting Traffic - Miracle on Indian Roads
Two wheeler service - Can't escape from those long lines and hours of waiting
Heavy Rain made Chennai into Venice

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Filing Tax Returns in India - Made Easy !

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I'm phobic to "standing in queues" - be it a theatre or a government office. I hate to stand in long lines, especially when things can be done from your home, over the internet, with the click of a mouse button. The thought of standing in long lines to file my tax returns made me nervous, in July. Thank God ! Indian government has brought a number of e-governance initiatives and "filing tax returns online" is one such initiative. (Also read: I love IRCTC.CO.IN)

I didn't have to file tax returns in India for the last several years, since I didn't have any income in India. The last time I filed tax returns in India, I had to stand in the queue for at least 2 hours to just submit the application and to get a stamped acknowledgment. I was thrilled to hear about the online service for filing tax returns. I initially envisioned it to be an equivalent of Turbo Tax or Tax Cut - but, it is no where close to those services. However, it is lot better than the hard copy "Saral form" that I filled years ago.

I got some tips from my colleagues and decided to file the tax returns online. All you need to do is download an Excel Spreadsheet, fill the relevant information from Form 16 and upload it online. You'll get an acknowledgment right away. In addition to doing this, you need to "mail" the hard copy to NSDL processing center. The process involved is very simple and you can complete it in just an hour or so. The refund amount gets automatically deposited in your bank account, if you provide bank account details. I was not eligible for any refunds and hence, couldn't validate that work flow. But, I heard that you DO get refunds from the IT department :)

In the past, I had to rely on my friends to understand the different fields in the Saral form. Having filed tax returns in US on my own, several times, I could now understand the fields easily. Moreover, the Excel Spreadsheet has lots of 'intelligence' built-in. It does all the basic checks that prevent you from entering wrong data.

Overall, I liked the online interface for filing tax returns. Someday, I want it to be as intuitive and easy as Turbo Tax / Tax Cut.

Also read:

Filing tax returns in US after your R2I - Some tips
I love IRCTC.CO.IN
Getting a PAN card in India - Not Easy!

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