Top Tourist Places to Explore on Chennai ECR Road
Chennai’s East Coast Road (ECR) is a scenic coastal stretch that connects the city to Pondicherry, offering breathtaking views of the Bay of Bengal. Known for its pristine beaches, historical landmarks, and thrilling entertainment spots, ECR is a perfect destination for road trips, weekend getaways, and family outings.
If you’re planning a drive along ECR Chennai, here are the must-visit tourist attractions:
1. Marina Beach – The Iconic Start
Even though Marina Beach is within the city, it’s the starting point of ECR. Famous as the second-longest urban beach in the world, it’s perfect for sunrise walks, street food, and horseback rides.
2. Broken Bridge (Adyar Poonga)
A surreal spot where the Adyar River meets the sea, Broken Bridge offers picturesque views and a peaceful atmosphere, especially during sunrise and sunset.
3. DakshinaChitra
A living heritage museum showcasing South India’s traditional art, craft, and architecture. Explore village huts, handicrafts, and cultural performances here.
4. Muttukadu Boat House
Enjoy boating and windsurfing in the serene backwaters of Muttukadu. The boat house offers rowing, kayaking, and speedboat rides.
5. Kovalam Beach
A quieter, cleaner alternative to Marina Beach, Kovalam is ideal for relaxation, beachside dining, and water sports like jet skiing and parasailing.
6. Crocodile Bank (Madras Crocodile Bank Trust)
A reptile conservation center near Mahabalipuram, home to thousands of crocodiles, alligators, and snakes, including rare species.
7. Tiger Cave (Saluvankuppam)
A unique rock-cut temple with intricate carvings, believed to be a 7th-century heritage site.
8. Mahabalipuram (UNESCO World Heritage Site)
Famous for its ancient stone carvings and shore temples, Mahabalipuram is a must-visit for history lovers. Highlights include:
- Shore Temple
- Pancha Rathas (Five Rathas)
- Arjuna’s Penance (Giant Bas-Relief)
- Krishna’s Butterball (Gravity-Defying Rock)
9. Cholamandal Artists’ Village
A hub for contemporary Indian art, where local artists showcase paintings, sculptures, and handmade crafts.
10. VGP Golden Beach & Marine Kingdom
A family-friendly amusement park with thrilling rides, a marine aquarium, and a water park—perfect for a fun day out.
11. Alamparai Fort (Near Kadapakkam)
A seaside 17th-century fort in ruins, offering a peaceful retreat with stunning sea views.
12. Pichavaram Mangrove Forest (Beyond ECR)
One of the largest mangrove forests in the world, where you can take boat rides through the dense waterways.
Best Time to Visit ECR
- Winter (November – February) – Pleasant weather, ideal for beach hopping.
- Monsoon (July – September) – Lush greenery, but check for heavy rains.
How to Reach?
- By Road: Drive from Chennai city (Marina Beach) towards Mahabalipuram (approx. 50 km).
- Public Transport: Buses and cabs are available from Chennai.
Discover Chennai is Best day for for ECR-Mahabalipuram One Day Tour package: Perfect One-Day Sojourn
Timing Duration: 9.00 AM To 9.00 PM
Places Covered:
- Cholamandal Artists Village
- Isckon temple
- Matsya Narayana Perumal Temple
- Dakshina Chitra Heritage Museum
- Muttukadu Boat House
- kovalam Beach
- Nithya Kalyana Perumal temple
- Madras Crocodile park
- Mahabalipuram Seashore temple
- Seashore Beach
- Pancha Rathas
- Mahishamardhini Cave
- Light house
- Arjunar Penance
- Butter Ball
- Seashell Museum
- Sthalasayana Perumal temple
Chennai to ECR Mahabalipuram One day trip Car package Price:
- Swift Dzire AC Car Rs.4250/-
- Etios AC Car Rs.4250/-
- Ertiga AC Car Rs.5500/-
- Innova AC Car Rs.5750/-
- Crysta AC Car Rs.6500/-
Cost Includes: Fuel, Driver Bata, Tollgate, Parking
Conclusion
Chennai’s ECR Road is a treasure trove of beaches, heritage sites, and adventure spots, making it a must-visit for tourists and locals alike. Whether you’re a history buff, beach lover, or thrill-seeker, ECR has something for everyone!
Plan your ECR road trip today and experience the best of Chennai’s coastline!