This Indian City Has Been Added To UNESCOs List Of Creative Cities

Chennai has been recognized for the efforts it has made in keeping Carnatic music alive. The city is now part of the esteemed UNESCO Creative Cities Network due to its rich musical heritage. But what is Carnatic music and when did it begin? Here’s a little more about the genre and how Chennai has been responsible for its upkeep.

Indian classical music has two main styles: Hindustani classical and Carnatic. The latter is associated with the southern part of India. In ancient works such as the Natya Shastra, there were no distinctions in Indian music. However, as Persian and Islamic kingdoms took over the northern part of India, the musical scope expanded. Southern India, though, remained unaffected by the Persian and Islamic influences in the north, and by the 17th century, there was a clear divide between the Hindustani and Carnatic styles.

Kodunthirapully Parameswaran, a renowned Carnatic musician with his Mridangam

Chennai has taken good care of Carnatic music over the years. There are many wealthy patrons of the art form, and the city has many performance centers that frequently host events and discussions. But the recognition that Chennai has received is hardly an award. By many, it is viewed as a responsibility. UNESCO wants “creative cities” to cultivate and exchange new ideas and discoveries in all art forms. Therefore, Chennai is not just expected to bask in the glory—it is now the city’s responsibility to get Carnatic music out to the people of the world.

Octogenarian R. Vedavalli performs at The Music Academy in Chennai

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.