Chennai - The City of Beaches

Located on the eastern coast of India in the state of Tamil Nadu, Chennai lies on a flat coastal plain with an average elevation of 6 meters. Since it also lies on the Thermal Equator, Chennai remains hot for most of the year. However, its vicinity to the sea lends it some cool breezes.

Typical of any coastal area, Chennai too has a tropical climate. Based on land, Chennai is divided in three regions - Sandy (Adyar, George Town, Santhome), Clayey (T Nagar, Perambur, Anna Nagar) and Hard-rock areas (Guindy, Velachery). There are two small rivers namely Cooum River (in the centre) and Adyar River (in south) that navigate through the city.

How to Reach

By Air

Touted to be the third busiest airports in India, Chennai International airport is just 7 kilometres away from the city. It has two terminals. Most of the international and domestic airline carriers have direct flights to the terminal called Anna International Airport in Chennai making the airport well-connected to most major airports in the world. Domestic airlines operate on a daily basis at the Kamaraj Domestic terminal (located near the international terminal, just 150 meters away from each other.)

There are pre-paid taxi booths outside the airport from where you can hire a taxi and reach your destination. Charges may vary as per the cab vendor. However if you are looking for a cheaper alternative, auto-rickshaws can take you to the city at a relatively low fare.

By Bus

Chennai Mofussil Bus Terminal (CMBT) is one of Asia's largest bus stations. Around seven state owned companies run buses to and from various destinations within South India. they connect cities like Tirupati, Pondicherry, Coimbatore, Tirunelveli and others. You can choose from deluxe, semi-deluxe, hi-tech, rajahamsa executive and sleeper buses while taking a route to any of the neighbouring cities. Also, there are various buses that connect major cities Bangalore and Calicut to Chennai.

By Train

Home to the headquarters of the Southern Railway, Chennai has three major railway stations namely Chennai Central (code MAS), Chennai Egmore which is just 2 kilometres from the city (code MS) and Tambaram which serves the suburban areas of Chennai. Many super-fast and express trains run on a daily basis and are well-connected to cities like Bengaluru, Mumbai, Coimbatore, Delhi, Cochin, Hyderabad, Kolkata and other Indian cities. Some of the popular trains are Chennai Mail, Guwahati Express, GT Express, Chennai Central and Andaman Express. Outside the station, you would find many prepaid taxis, cabs and auto-rickshaws that are available for hire.

Road/Self Drive

The road network in Chennai is excellent and is well-connected to most of the neighbouring towns. There are 5 national highways that navigate towards major Indian cities like Kolkata, Bengaluru (330 kms), Madurai (326 kms), Tiruvallur (47 kms), Nellore (181 kms), Vellore (136 kms) and Pondicherry (162 kms). Many cab vendors like Clear Car Rental, Avis and Carzonrent provide various cab rental facilities for tourists. The drive from Chennai to Pondicherry is indeed a scenic one backed by a good road network.

Where to Stay

Hotels in Chennai, the gateway to south India, are less costly than in cities such as Mumbai and Delhi. It's possible to stay at a luxury hotel in Chennai. Mid range hotels also provide great value for money. And, if you want to try something different with a personal touch, choose a bed and breakfast! Here are some  of the Chennai hotels, with convenient central locations, for all budgets.

Luxury :  ITC Grand Chola

Opened in 2012 with a total of 600 rooms, including 78 luxury serviced apartments, the imposing ITC Grand Chola is one of India's largest hotels. And, it's guaranteed to wow you! As its name suggests, the hotel was designed and named after the traditional Hindu architecture of the Chola Dynasty. It's been built over three wings, and the array of facilities is impressive. They include 10 places to eat and drink, a huge health spa, three swimming pools and gymnasiums, a shopping arcade, and an art gallery containing pieces that reflect the hotel's theme, and convention center with a 30,000 square foot ballroom. The hotel is situated on Mount Road, about 20 minutes from the airport. Expect to pay around 11,00 rupees per night upwards, plus tax.

Luxury : Taj Connemara

 

Chennai's only heritage hotel, the luxury Taj Connemara is over 150 years old, and is a well known landmark in Chennai. The hotel has a very handy, central location right next to Spencer's Plaza shopping mall. Its setting is tranquil, with plenty of greenery and a swimming pool. You'll find it difficult to believe that you're right in the heart of the city! The hotel has a wonderful ambiance inside too, and is elegantly decorated with furniture that reflects its history. It has 148 rooms and suites. Rates start from about 6,000 rupees per night, plus tax.

Luxury :  The Raintree Hotel, St. Mary's Road

This older branch of The Raintree Hotel is conveniently located in Alwarpet, not far from Mylapore (Chennai's most happening cultural neighbourhood). The hotel is modern and ascetically designed, with the highlight being a huge reclining Buddha statue that graces its entrance. Staff are friendly and service is excellent. Other appealing features include the hotel's rooftop swimming pool and delicious restaurant with captivating views over the city. Oh, and it's eco-friendly as well! Rates start from 5,000 rupees per night for a double, plus tax.

Mid Range :  Savera Hotel

Savera Hotel is perhaps the most well known hotel in Mylapore. It's been there since 1968 and still remains popular. The hotel has been renovated, and is well-maintained and comfortable. Facilities include three restaurants, cake shop, café, two bars, spa, fitness center, and outdoor pool. There are 230 rooms and suites. It's possible to get a room for around 4,000 rupees per night, plus tax. Most guests agree that it's value for money.

Budget :  Bed & Breakfast Footprint

For those who prefer staying somewhere more intimate, Footprint Bed and Breakfast meets the criteria nicely and won't blow the budget! This modern bed and breakfast has nine rooms decorated in contemporary style, and is spotlessly clean. The hosts are also extremely gracious and helpful. The bed and breakfast occupies two floors of a residential apartment building, in a lovely neighborhood not far from Mylapore, Alwarpet and The Raintree Hotel. It's 30 minutes from the airport and 20 minutes from the city center. Rooms cost 3,750 rupees plus tax per night, with breakfast included. A bonus is free wireless Internet in the rooms.

Budget : Hannu Reddy Residences, Wallace Garden

Situated in an upscale area in the heart of Chennai, Hanu Reddy Residences offers 12 well equipped and spacious serviced apartments in a lovely villa with leafy, tranquil surroundings. The staff are warm and welcoming, and go out of their way to take care of guests. Room service is available. There are a number of gourmet restaurants in the vicinity as well. Expect to pay around 3,200 rupees upwards, plus tax. Breakfast is included.

Places to Visit

Queens Land


Go crazy on a roller-coaster, capture the panoramic view on a cable car, splash at the Himalayan water ride or get puzzled at the Mirror House. With more than 50 rides spread over an area of 70 acres, this amusement park is a major draw for children and adults alike. You can also find food and beverages outlets that are located within the park. Established in 2003 by Rajam Hotels Private Limited, Queens Land is just a 30-minute drive from central town of Chennai and ideal for a family outing in Chennai. While they have a huge car parking, you can also take regular buses from Guindy and T. Nagar area in Chennai.

Marina Beach 

 

Stretching 13 kilometres in length from St. George Fort to Mahabalipuram, Marina Beach enjoys the limelight of both tourists and locals for being the second longest (urban) natural beach in the world. Witness cricket matches, fish markets, children flying kites and astrologers at the beach side as you take a walk along the shoreline. Owing to a strong undercurrent, unfortunately, swimming is forbidden at this beach. Though afternoons can be very hot especially during the summer season in Chennai, evenings and early mornings allow you to experience the cool waves and winds as you sit and relax at the beach. You will also find a rare species of olive ridley sea turtles at the beach since it lies on the extreme stretch of coast. Since the beach attracts a lot of people every day (almost 30,000 tourists per day during weekdays) the area has good parking and is guarded by cops to ensure security.

Fort St George

Built by the British East India Company in 1640, Fort St. George was the first fortress in India founded in the year 1644. It houses the famous St Mary’s Church (an ancient Anglican Church), a museum (contains antics and artefacts from British Rule) and Wellesley House (paintings of the Fort Governer.) It has recently become home to the administrative offices of Tamil Nadu Government and the Legislative Assembly. Located on the Rajaji Salai road, Fort St George is a very prominent landmark in Chennai and owing to its historical reference; the fort is looked upon by ASI.

Besant Nagar Beach

Elliot’s beach or Besant Nagar Beach is located in Besant Nagar and forms the south-end of the Marnia Beach. It is one of the most happening places for youngsters in Chennai. To assure safety and prevent drowning cases, the beach also has a police outpost. The beach boasts of the famous landmark called the Karl Schmidt Memorial, a gate-like structure made from bricks. Legend says that this landmark was built in the memory of a Dutch sailor who lost his life while saving a girl from drowning. However, owing to the salt in the sea water, the landmark has been corroded and is not in a good condition anymore. Despite that, a lot of locals prefer Besant Nagar Beach as it is not as crowded as the other ones.

Pulicat Lake 

Being the second largest brackish water (water which is high on salinity) lagoon in India, Pulicat Lake lies on the Coromandal Coast in South India. On a high tide, its area is spread around 450 square kilometres and on a low tide, it becomes 250 square kilometres. Approximately 60 kilometres away from North Chennai, it can be a good weekend getaway option from the city. As you immerse in the scenic beauty of the lake, capture the wildlife as the lake also encompasses a bird sanctuary. Spot different fish and reptile species, birds like kingfishers, flamingo, storks, ducks, herons, cranes and the most popular of all, the Pelican bird. Though boating is banned here but you can request local fisherman who often take you to small islands and the place where sea water meets ocean water.

San Thome Church

This 155 feet high church has huge significance as there are only three basilicas that are built over the tomb of St. Thomas (One of the seven Apostles of Jesus Christ, St. Thomas was buried in Mylapore) in the world. The first one is in Rome, the second in Spain and the third is in Chennai, close to the Marina beach. People from different parts of the world come especially to visit the San Thome Church. Right below the basilica, there is an underground chapel where His Holiness Pope John Paul II prayed in the year 1986. The church has been designed in Gothic style and has some unique artworks including the stain glass painting of St. Thomas’ meeting with the resurrected Christ. Needless to say, Christmas is the best time to visit the church and witness the true splendour of the San Thome Church.

Anna Memorial 

Located on Marina beach in Chennai, Anna Memorial was built in the honour of the great Dravidian leader Arinzar Annadurai as well as former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister, C. N. Annadurai whose cremation was done here in 1969. The memorial is situated in the midst of a lush green park.
As soon as you reach here, you will be welcomed by an arch that is shaped like an elephant tusk. Boasting of a huge area of 510 hectares, the memorial has a museum, safari park, aquarium and animal house. Anna Memorial, also known as Anna Square can be a good weekend getaway for your family as it has parks and aquariums to keep kids entertained.

Tirupati Devastanam Balaji

Located on the Venkat Narayan Road, this is one of the most famous temples of South India.Thousands of devotees come her all-year round to seek the blessings of Lord Balaji (one of the most revered deities in South India). Managed by the Tirumala Tirupati Balaji Temple Trust of Tirupati, it is dedicated to Lord Venkatachalapati (an avatar of Lord Vishnu) and Alarmelu Manga. Apart from the main deity, other idols in the temple include that of Lord Ranganath (where Lord Vishnu is sleeping) along with Sree Devi, Bhuma Devi and Brahma. While prasad is usually given to all devotees, if you get a ladoo, consider that as an auspicious offering (since it is rare for anyone to get that as prasad).

National Art Gallery

Situated on Pantheon Road in Egmore district, the National Art Gallery building is made in pink sandstone, reminiscing that of the Jaipuri-Jaina style. Established in the year 1907 by T. Namberumal Chetty, the gallery was once known as the Victoria Memorial Hall. Displaying Mughal era paintings, religious statues and artifacts, it is also home to handicrafts from tenth and eleventh centuries - that can be found on display here. The gallery has been divided into four segments - Tanjore Painting Gallery, Decorative Art Gallery, Indian Traditional Art Gallery and Ravi Varma Painting Gallery (whose paintings are considered to be national treasures).

Mahabalipuram

The temple city of Mahabalipuram (also Mamallapuram) is situated just 60 km off Chennai on the Bay of Bengal coast in the south Indian state of Tamil Nadu.The city is well connected through a network of roads from Chennai and other important cities of South India. Many of the Resorts Mahabalipuram are strategically located close to the tourist spots.Mahabalipuram is one of history's intriguing enigmas. The ancient Mamallapuram, as Mahabalipuram was formerly known, was flourishing port town of the Pallava rulers of south India who chiseled in stone a fabulous "open-air museum" of sculpture under the vault of a burning sky. Apart from this, nothing is known of the place. What was the purpose behind this whole exercise, and, more important, why all the royal patronage this place enjoyed suddenly disappeared, no one actually has any answer. Staying at Mahabalipuram Resorts is an unique way of experiencing its history.