Hello all, I am Srini, a Level 6 Local Guide, who lives in Chennai. It is one of the metropolitan cities of India, always bustling with people from all over India. As a local guide, whenever I wanted to visit a restaurant or place, I always use Google maps for navigation and use google reviews to decide among them. Apart from adding places, and making edits, the most interesting things I’ve done and continue to do is- Adding photos of local eateries and culture which could help people and fellow local guides.
1. Novelty Tea House in Sowcarpet, Chennai
I was walking in the busy streets of Sowcarpet, Chennai to those who are unfamiliar, it is the wholesale goods hub and also the place where one can find all types of Local street foods. After a day long shopping spree, I was looking to recharge myself with some local food. Somehow I managed to find this restaurant, ‘Novelty Tea House’ which is famous for its Cheese Pav Bhaji, among the tightly packed shops.
After eating the Cheese Pav Bhaji, I uploaded a photo of the restaurant and the chef making it. At that time, I didn’t realize, it will become one of my top viewed photos, under my profile grossing 2 million views. I am happy that my tiny contribution is helping others to discover more about the local eateries.
2. Exploring local culture at Sri Maha Mariamman Temple in Tamilnadu, India
April month is when the summer season starts in South India. It is when my local place of worship hosts the annual fire walking festival, where devotees walks over the prepared fire pit. Last year during the festival, I captured photos, right from the beginning, when the fire pit is prepared, through the end of the festival and uploaded them to Google maps.
A week back, I received an email from Google Maps, that my photos has 3.5 million views and has reached a new record! At that moment, I realized how a simple gesture of adding photos would make so much impact and helpful to others through Google Maps.
Of all these things, capturing the local culture and helping others discover the local experience through Google maps is what keeps me going. Happy local guiding everyone…!