Friends if you are living in Chennai you must have heard of ECR road. Today let us look at some popular ECR tourist places which can help you plan a relaxing weekend with friends and family!
ECR Road, also known as East Coast Road, is a scenic route located in Chennai. It runs along the Bay of Bengal and stretches for about 135 kilometers from Chennai to Mahabalipuram. The road is known for its picturesque landscapes, serene beaches and historical monuments.
The road is a popular weekend getaway for the residents of Chennai and is dotted with many tourist attractions, such as the famous Mahabalipuram UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Covelong Beach, and the Crocodile Bank.
There are also several heritage temples and churches along the route that are worth visiting.
So wha else is famous in ECR Chennai? ECR Road is also a popular destination for foodies, with numerous seafood restaurants serving fresh and delicious seafood caught straight from the Bay of Bengal.
The road is also a popular shopping destination, with several roadside stalls selling handcrafted souvenirs, handmade products and local delicacies.
So if you are looking for Ecr to mahabalipuram tourist places, keep reading. You will find that there are many places you can visit on this stretch.
ECR tourist places in Chennai
So below are the list if touruist places which are directly on the ECR road and hence if you start from Chennai and go towards Mahabalipuram, below are the places which you can cover one by one in order.
- Cholamandal Artists’ Village.
- VGP Marine Kingdom.
- Iskcon Temple, Chennai.
- MGM Dizzee World.
- Dakshinachitra.
- Muttukadu Boat House.
- Covelong Beach. .
- Crocodile Bank.
- Shore temple
- Group of Monuments.
#1 Cholamandal Artists’ Village
Cholamandal Artists’ Village is a well-known artists’ community. Founded in 1966 by K.C.S. Paniker, a famous Indian artist, Cholamandal was established with the aim of providing artists with a supportive and creative environment where they could live, work and showcase their art.
Spread over 10 acres of lush green land, Cholamandal Artists’ Village is home to more than 20 artists and their families.
The village has a unique and vibrant ambiance, with each artist’s studio showcasing their unique style and vision.
The village has become a hub for the promotion of contemporary Indian art, hosting exhibitions, workshops and cultural events throughout the year.
One of the most notable features of Cholamandal Artists’ Village is its commitment to preserving traditional Indian art forms.
The artists residing in the village work in a variety of media, including painting, sculpture, printmaking, ceramics and weaving.
Cholamandal Artists’ Village has also played a vital role in promoting Indian art on the global stage.
Many artists who have resided in the village have gone on to achieve international recognition, and the village has hosted numerous exhibitions and cultural exchange programs with artists and institutions from around the world.
#2 VGP Marine Kingdom
VGP Marine Kingdom is an amusement park located in Chennai, on the ECR road.
Established in 1991, it is one of the oldest and most popular tourist destinations in the city.
The park offers a wide range of attractions and activities for visitors of all ages, making it a popular destination for families, couples, and groups of friends.
One of the main attractions at VGP Marine Kingdom is its aquarium, which houses a variety of marine life including exotic fish, turtles, and other sea creatures.
The aquarium provides a unique and interactive experience for visitors, allowing them to learn about the different species and their habitats.
In addition to the aquarium, the park also has several rides and attractions including water rides, roller coasters, and a dance floor.
In addition to its many attractions, VGP Marine Kingdom is also a popular venue for events and celebrations.
The park has a large open-air auditorium, which is often used for concerts, performances, and other cultural events. It also has a number of smaller event spaces that can be used for private functions and parties.
Whether you are looking for a fun day out with family, a romantic date with your significant other, or a memorable celebration with friends, VGP Marine Kingdom is the perfect place to be.
#3 Iskcon Temple, Chennai
The ISKCON temple in Chennai, also known as Sri Radha Krishna Temple, is a magnificent Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Krishna.
Established in the year 1983, it is one of the largest ISKCON temples in India and attracts thousands of visitors every year.
The temple is located in the heart of the city and boasts a stunning architecture, with intricate carvings and paintings adorning its walls.
The temple regularly hosts devotional events and cultural programs, including bhajans, kirtans, and lectures on the teachings of Lord Krishna.
You can also enjoy a sumptuous prasadam feast, prepared in the temple’s kitchen, which is open to all devotees.
The ISKCON temple in Chennai is a peaceful and spiritual haven, offering solace and comfort to all who visit.
This temple is one of the must visit ECR tourist places.
#4 MGM Dizzee World
MGM Dizzee World is an amusement park located on ECR road chennai and one of the most famoud ECFR Tourist Places.
Established in 1995, it is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the city .
The park is spread over a sprawling area of 25 acres and offers a wide range of attractions and activities for visitors of all ages.
One of the main attractions at MGM Dizzee World is its thrilling rides, including water rides, roller coasters, and a giant wheel.
The park also features a state-of-the-art 4D theater, where visitors can enjoy a range of immersive and exciting experiences. In addition to its rides, the park also offers a number of shows and performances, including magic shows, acrobatics, and dance performances.
MGM Dizzee World is a well-rounded amusement park that offers something for everyone. With its impressive range of attractions, scenic beauty, and event facilities, it is a popular destination for tourists and locals alike.
#5 Dakshinachitra
Dakshinachitra is a unique cultural heritage museum located in Chennai, on the ECR Road. Established in 1996, it is dedicated to preserving and showcasing the diverse cultural heritage of South India.
The museum is spread over a sprawling area of 14 acres and features a collection of traditional homes, workplaces, and community spaces from various South Indian communities.
One of the main attractions at Dakshinachitra is its collection of traditional homes, including homes from Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, and other South Indian states.
These homes are designed and constructed to reflect the traditional architectural styles of each state and provide visitors with an immersive and authentic experience of South Indian life and culture.
In addition to its traditional homes, Dakshinachitra also features a number of other attractions, including a folk art museum, a temple chariot, and a spice garden.
The museum also regularly hosts a range of cultural events and programs, including music and dance performances, traditional craft demonstrations, and lectures on South Indian culture and history.
Dakshinachitra is a unique and educational experience for visitors of all ages. Whether you are a history buff, a cultural enthusiast, or simply interested in learning about different cultures, Dakshinachitra is the perfect place to be.
With its fascinating collection of traditional homes, its rich cultural heritage, and its engaging educational programs, Dakshinachitra is a must-visit for anyone interested in South Indian culture.
#6 Muttukadu Boat House.
Muttukadu Boat House is a popular tourist destination located near Chennai, India. It is a man-made lake that offers a range of water sports activities, including boating, windsurfing, and water skiing.
Established in the 1970s, Muttukadu Boat House is one of the oldest boating centers in India and attracts visitors from all over the world.
The lake covers an area of over 400 acres and is surrounded by lush green hills and forests, making it a beautiful and peaceful setting for visitors to enjoy their water sports activities.
The boat house offers a range of boats for rent, including speed boats, paddle boats, and row boats, allowing visitors to choose the type of boating experience they prefer.
In addition to boating, Muttukadu Boat House also offers a number of other attractions and facilities, including a swimming pool, a children’s park, and a number of food and beverage outlets.
The lake is also a popular spot for picnics, with plenty of grassy areas and picnic tables for families and groups to enjoy.
Muttukadu Boat House is a fun and exciting destination for families and friends.
With its wide range of water sports activities and its beautiful setting, it provides visitors with a unique and memorable experience.
#7 Covelong Beach
Covelong Beach is a popular tourist destination located near Mahabalipuram on the ERC road.
It is a scenic and serene beach that attracts visitors from all over the world and is one of the most famous ECR tourist places .
The beach is known for its pristine blue waters, soft white sand, and stunning sunsets, making it a popular spot for swimming, sunbathing, and photography.
In addition to its natural beauty, Covelong Beach is also known for its rich cultural heritage.
The beach is home to a historic 18th-century fort, which is now a popular tourist attraction.
The fort is a great example of colonial-era architecture and provides visitors with a glimpse into the area’s rich history.
You may like the below video if you are planning to travel to Mahabalipuram
Covelong Beach is famous for its water sports activities. The beach is a popular destination for surfers and windsurfers, and there are several surf schools and rental facilities available for visitors to learn or try their hand at these thrilling activities.
Covelong Beach is also a great place to relax and enjoy the scenery. With its picturesque surroundings and peaceful atmosphere, it provides visitors with a welcome escape from the hustle and bustle of city life.
There are several food and beverage outlets near the beach, where visitors can enjoy a range of delicious dishes and drinks.
#8 Crocodile Bank
Crocodile Bank is a unique wildlife conservation center located in on ECR Road. It was established in 1976 with the aim of preserving and protecting the Indian crocodile and other reptile species.
The center is home to a large collection of crocodiles, including saltwater and gharial crocodiles, as well as other reptiles, such as snakes and turtles.
One of the main attractions at Crocodile Bank is its crocodile breeding program.
The center is dedicated to conserving and protecting the Indian crocodile and has been successful in breeding several species of crocodiles, including the saltwater and gharial crocodiles.
Interested to know more? Watch the below video!
In addition to its crocodile breeding program, Crocodile Bank also offers a number of other educational activities and programs.
You can learn about the different species of reptiles at the center and their habitats, as well as their behavior and anatomy.
There are also guided tours available, where visitors can learn about the work of the center and the role it plays in wildlife conservation.
#9 Shore temple
The Shore Temple is a historic temple located in the coastal town of Mahabalipuram. It is one of the oldest stone temples in India and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The temple was built in the 7th century during the reign of the Pallava dynasty and is considered one of the finest examples of Dravidian architecture.
The Shore Temple is located on the shore of the Bay of Bengal and is known for its stunning location, with the sea and the sand dunes as its backdrop.
The temple is constructed from granite and consists of two shrines, dedicated to Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu. The shrines are connected by a common mandapa, or hall, and are adorned with intricate carvings and sculptures.
Intersted in knowing the story of Shore teample and the seven pagodas? Watch the below video !
The Shore Temple is famous for its intricate carvings, which depict scenes from Hindu mythology, as well as scenes from daily life in ancient India.
The temple is also famous for its elaborate gopuram, or tower, which rises high above the temple complex and provides stunning views of the surrounding area.
#10 Group of Monuments – UNESCO World heritage site
These are rock cut caves temples in Mahabalipuram. These are group of monuments which are part of UNESCO , world heritage sites and is a mus visit if you are travelling from Chennai to Mahabalipuram.
If you want to see and know more about these group of monuments , please click here
So friends these were the list of top 10 ECR tourist places which you can visit if you are travelling on the ECR road from or towards Chennai.
Hope you liked this information. Do share your experience !