QR codes add modern twist to historic trails

The booklet, which will be released during the upcoming Madras Week celebrations, features 20 trails of diverse interests in the city’s ancient neighbourhood of George Town — dubbed as Black Town back in the day — and two trails from George Town in Penang, Malaysia. However, adding a modern twist to discovering the city’s heritage is the inclusion of QR codes for each trail. 

Speaking to DT Next, Ramanujar Moulana of Cycling Yogis, a city-based cycling group, said that George Town has brilliant historic sites, which can be best explored by pedalling around this ancient quarter. “For the last six months, all my weekends were spent cycling around George Town to discover historic trails, which will enthral the city’s history buffs. This has been compiled in a booklet,” said the cycling enthusiast, adding that these trails can easily be followed by anyone by any mode of transport. 

Among the listed trails, a few interesting ones pop out – like the Market Trail – which outlines George Town’s various markets, which have stood the test of time, showcasing a coexistence of past with the present. The trail takes enthusiasts through a flower market in Badrian Street, the Sunday market at the Amman Koil Street (MaskanChavadi) and Kotwal Market on Audiappa Street founded in 1720, which has now been turned into a women’s college as the markets shifted to the side lanes, among other markets. 

Another interesting trail – intriguingly titled as Hall Trail –lists out the landmark public halls, which hosted not only cultural programs but also fiery speeches during India’s freedom struggle. The ride will cover important venues such as Gokhale Hall on Armenian Street, CMS Centenary Hall on PrakashamSalai, AJ Urdu Seminar Hall on P V Iyer Street and many others — which can be accessed by simply scanning the QR code in the booklet.