The East Coast Road (ECR) in Chennai, a double-lane express highway bordered by the turbulent waters of the Bay of Bengal, is riddled with tiny villages that are no more than fishing hamlets. You can also find amusement parks, bowling alleys, cinema theaters and isolated beaches with views of the coast. Numerous good hotels are along this stretch, with both luxury and budget options. Choose from a traditional hotel room or a cottage/beach bungalow that offers more space.
The Green Meadows Resort comprises a collection of spacious and charming cottages with open courtyards and ornate woodwork, much of which was imported piece by piece from the neighboring South Indian state of Kerala. True to its name, the resort is set amidst lush greenery and radiates Old World charm. Very close to the Palavakkam beach on the ECR (East Coast Road), with sweeping views of the sea, Green Meadows combines a peaceful rural setting with natural beauty.
Green Meadows Resort
4/364 A Anna Salai
Palavakkam, Chennai 600 041
Tamil Nadu
India
011-91-44-2451-5555
greenmeadowsresort.com
Located south of ECR, Chennai, Vivanta by Taj-Fisherman's Cove is run by the Taj Group of hotels, one of India's most reputed and prestigious luxury hotel chains. Built on the ramparts of an old fort, the hotel offers both sea- and garden-facing rooms as well as furnished cottages. Some of these cottages are situated on a private beach, facing the sweeping waters of the Bay of Bengal. Others are located among the lush foliage surrounding the hotel. The Scandinavian architecture is impressive, and you can be assured of comfort, peace and quiet as well as a spectacular view. The in-house Jiva spa offers an opportunity to experience authentic Kerala Ayurvedic medicine, ranging from massages to beauty treatments.
Fisherman's Cove
Covelong Beach
Kancheepuram District 603 112
Tamil Nadu
India
011-91-44-2747-2304
vivantabytaj.com
If you need more space since you've brought along extended family, or you are planning a corporate get-together, Parijatham Resorts is an independent bungalow, a holiday home set on the beach. Combining the comforts of a hotel with spacious luxury, it is fully serviced with air-conditioned bedrooms, a billiards table, swimming pool, round-the-clock broadband Internet, a well-stocked kitchen and a generator for uninterrupted power supply. A hot breakfast is provided by the management. It has the advantage of being very close to all the important sights, including the amusement park MGM Dizee world and the ancient city of Mamallapuram with its beautiful temple sculptures. Online booking is possible, and you can also call to make reservations.
Parijatham Resorts
1/ 206 Jambodai St.
Muttukadu Chennai 603 112
Tamil Nadu
India
011-91-98400-52260
parijathamresorts.com
Spread over 20 acres, Blue Lagoon Resorts is well-equipped for both the business and leisure traveler. With conference halls, themed gardens, an open-air theater that screens Hollywood movies, a sports and recreation center, where you can play volleyball, cricket, table tennis and football, a swimming pool (called the lagoon) set amidst natural greenery and a kid's zone, the resort can keep the entire family engaged. Three restaurants serve multi-cultural cuisine from around the world. You can also dine at the Shalimar Open Air Lawn Theater as you watch the movies.
Blue Lagoon Resorts
79 A East Coast Rd.
Neelankarai, Chennai 600041
Tamil Nadu
India
011-91-44-2449-1425
bluelagoonresorts.com
