Central Chennai
Central Chennai is the modern city centre of Chennai between Coovum and Adyar rivers. It is home to Santhome Church, Marina Beach and the Tamil film industry Kollywood.
Get in
Map of Central Chennai
By bus
- 1 Chennai Mofussil Bus Terminus (சென்னை புறநகர் பேருந்து நிலையம் Ceṉṉai Puṟanakar Peruntu Nilaiyam; CMBT), CMBT Passenger Way, Koyambedu (on the 30-m inner-ring road (Jawaharlal Nehru Road) in Koyambedu between SAF Games Village and Koyambedu Wholesale Market Complex; metro: CMBT 2 ), ☏ +91 44 24794705 (Enquiry). One of Asia's largest bus stations. Seven different state-owned corporations drive buses to and from various destinations within Southern India. There are hourly buses for places like Tirupati, Pondicherry, Coimbatore, Tirunelveli. You will get the option of AC or Non-AC coaches for cities like Bangalore, Thiruvananthapuram, Hyderabad. It has six platforms in three bus fingers with 180 bus bays.
- 2 Omni bus terminus (Chennai Contract Carriage Bus Terminus, CCCBT), Kaliamman Koil St, Virrugambakkam, Koyambedu (West to Kaliamman Koil St. Take a bus to stop Arihant Towers Bus Stop. CMBT Metro Station 400 m away). This one is used by several private players that also operate buses between most southern destinations. During the weekends most buses are fully occupied and it's better to reserve a ticket in advance. Omni Bus Booking: No:B-15, Ground Floor, Sriji majestic complex (right next to Omni bus terminus).
See
- 1 Chepauk Palace (Chepauk MRTS ). The building near Marina Beach in Indo-Saracenic style was the official residence of the Nawab of Arcot from 1768 to 1855,.
- 2 Vivekananda House (Vivekanandar Illam), Triplicane (on Marina Beach Road), ☏ +91 44 28446188, vivekanandar.illam@chennaimath.org. Th-Tu 10AM-12:15PM and 3PM-7:15PM. A colonial house where Swami Vivekananda stayed after his return from Chicago. It was also the location of the Ramakrishna Math for a decade before the Math was moved to its present location in Mylapore. The house now features a museum, painting gallery, photo gallery, book shop and video show on the life and teaching of Vivekananda. It is maintained by the Ramakrishna Math. Meditation and spirituality classes are arranged regularly at a nominal cost. Entry ₹10, classes charged extra.
Monuments and memorials
- 3 Anna Memorial (Anna Samadhi, Anna Square) (Chepauk MRTS ). Dr C. N. Annadurai, former Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, was a very respectable personality among the people of Tamil Nadu. The mortal remains of Dr C. N. Annadurai were buried at Anna Square. People from different parts of the state come here to pay tribute to the great leader. It is in the centre of a park and the entrance is attractive. The beautiful arch is in the shape of twin converging elephant tusks. The tomb of Dr C. N. Annadurai is flanked by an imposing memorial pillar and eternal flame. People of Tamil Nadu affectionately called him 'Anna' meaning the elder brother. Though listed here Anna Square is not a must-see place. There is nothing much to see unless you have lots of time to spare.
- 4 MGR Memorial (Chepauk MRTS ). A memorial dedicated to Dr M. G. Ramachandran and his protégé J. Jayalalithaa, both of whom were Chief Ministers of Tamil Nadu.
- 5 Valluvar Kottam, Valluvar Kottam High Rd, Nungambakkam. Valluvar Kottam marks the memorial of one of the renowned poets and saints of the region, Tiruvalluvar. The memorial is shaped like a temple chariot and is, in fact, the replica of the temple chariot in Thiruvarur. There is a 101-foot (30m) high temple chariot structure with a life-size image of the poet in it. This chariot is a replica of the temple car of Thiruvarur in Tamil Nadu. The monument stands as a massive auditorium and was open to the public in 1976. Over 3,000 blocks of stone were used to create this memorial to Tamil culture. Valluvar Kottam has quite an extensive space. The auditorium at Valluvar Kottam is said to be the largest in Asia and can accommodate about 4,000 people. It is a revered place in the city as it is considered to bear the impressions of the Tamil culture. The auditorium is surrounded by granite pillars that have inscriptions taken from the famous work of the poet. The epic Tiruvalluvar, written by the poet consists of 1,330 verses, all of which are inscribed on the granite pillar. The 133 chapters of his famous work Thirukkural have been depicted in bas-relief in the front hall corridors of the chariot. It stands as a modern memorial to the great poet who represents the glorious culture of the Tamils.
Places of worship
Churches
- 6 Santhome Church (புனித தோமா தேசிய ஆலயத்தின் பசிலிக்கா Punita Tōmā Tēsiya Ālayattiṉ Basilikkā; St Thomas Cathedral Basilica, National Shrine of Saint Thomas), 38, Santhome High Road, Mylapore (Thirumayilai MRTS 1 km west), ☏ +91 44 24985455, +91 44 24980758. Daily 5AM-9PM. In the whole world, there are only three churches built over the tomb of an Apostle of Jesus Christ- the Basilica of Saint Peter built over the tomb of St. Peter in Rome, the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela built over the tomb of St.James in Spain and Basilica of the National Shrine of St. Thomas built over the tomb of St. Thomas. The present National Shrine of St. Thomas is built over the tomb of Saint Thomas the Apostle, who came to India in 52 CE. After preaching on the west coast, he came to Chennai (formerly Madras), and suffered martyrdom on a hill at the outskirts of the city, today known as "St. Thomas Mount." His body was buried on the spot over which the present Basilica stands. A valuable work of art kept in the Basilica is an ancient painting of Our Blessed Mother, in front of which the other great apostle of India, St. Francis Xavier, used to pray. There are two new structures today: the Tomb Chapel below the Basilica and the 'Museum cum theatre'. The new underground chapel with a separate access outside the church structure, allows pilgrims to pray at the tomb and tourists to visit it, without disturbing the sacred functions in the church. The museum exhibits artefacts connected with St. Thomas and the Basilica, and the theatre is used for screening a short video on the life of the Apostle.
- 7 Church of Our Lady of Light (ஒளி அன்னை தேவாலயம் (oli annai devaalayam) / Igreja de Nossa Senhora da Luz / Luz Church). Built in 1516 by the Portuguese.
- 8 Descanso Church (டெஸ்கான்சோ தேவாலயம் (descanso devaalayam)), St. Mary's Road, Mylapore (Mandaiveli MRTS Station 700 m). A cultural and religious centre. Built-in the 17th century. This was where St. Thomas, one of the 12 apostles of Jesus Christ, took a rest and also served the people.
- 9 St. George's Cathedral (செயின்ட் ஜார்ஜ் கதீட்ரல்), 224, Cathedral Rd (Next to U.S. Consulate), ☏ +91 44-28114261, +91 98409 31556 (mobile). Built in 1815. A neoclassical church. Showing elements of Georgian architecture. It has a towering 45-m spire and ionic columns. The highlight of this cathedral is the graveyard. Connected by a guardrail that was made up of war emblems of the capture of Srirangapatna in 1799.
Mosques
- 10 Big Mosque (Wallajah Mosque; வாலஜா மசூதி Vālajā Masūdi), Walajah Road in Triplicane (M: Government Estate Metro Station (2015) or take a bus to Stop Adams Market). This is a historical landmark. Constructed by the Wallajah family in memory of Nawab Muhammad Ali Walajah, in 1795. It is an imposing structure of symmetry and form of architectural magnificence with an imposing facade. The Mosque stands on extensive grounds, which are being used as a forum for religious and cultural activities. The magnificent grey granite structure is built without steel and wood. This architectural marvel is one of the important mosques in Chennai. The Nawab’s descendants are still living in a mansion known as Amir Mahal. One distinctive feature of this mosque is that the chronogram engraved in stone and fixed on the inside of the western wall of the mosque is by a non-Muslim, Rajah Makkan Lal “Khirad”, a Persian and Arabic scholar of repute, who was the private secretary to the Nawab. It may be mentioned in this regard that, as far as is known, no other mosque in the world has a chronogram composed by a non-Muslim. The Mosque has two minarets at the front. Medieval architecture is clearly visible in the construction of this great mosque. The Eid Prayer timing remains the same, 10AM, since 1749 A.D. This historic mosque is under the management of H.H. Adjoining the Wallajah Mosque is the tomb of the great Islamic saint Maulana Abdul Ali Bahrul Uloom, a divine scholar of the days of the Nawab Wallajah. In this enclosure also are the tombs of the late Nawabs of the Carnatic, the Princess of Arcot and other eminent Muslim scholars and theologians. Wallajah Mosque can be reached either from Ellis Rd (backside) or the Triplicane High Rd.
- 11 Thousand Lights Mosque, Peters Road, Peters Colony, Royapetta. 19th-century multi-domed mosque.
Temples
- 12 Kandhazheeswarar temple, Kapaleesvarar Sannadhi Street, Mylapore. Shiva temple.
- 13 Kapaleeshwarar Temple (கபாலீசுவரர் கோயில் Kapalīsuvarar Kōyil), 12, North Mada Street, Mylapore (Thirumayilai MRTS ). 6AM-1PM, 3PM-8PM. One of Chennai's oldest and best-known temples, is said to date to the 8th century, although the present structure dates to the 1600s. Notable above all for its soaring, incredibly detailed 37m gopuram (entrance gate). There is a large water tank behind the temple, used for the Thaipusam festival (Jan–Feb), and plenty of flower shops all around and the famous street markets of Mylapore selling Indian handicrafts and brass vessels. Within easy striking distance of the city centre. This temple is for Goddess Karpagambal or 'Goddess of the Wish-Yielding Tree'. The goddess is one of the forms of Parvati, Lord Shiva's wife. Nearby the temple, there are pharmacy shops selling traditional Indian medicines of Ayurveda and Siddha.
- 14 Parthasarathy Temple (பார்த்தசாரதி கோயில் Pārttasārati Koyil), Triplicane, ☏ +91 44 2844 2462. 6:30AM-1PM, 3PM-8PM. The name Parthasarathy is derived from two Sanskrit names Partha and Sarathi. The former refers to Arjuna and the latter refers to his charioteer. Thus, Parthasarathy means "charioteer of Arjuna". It is considered to be the oldest temple in Chennai and its origins date back to the 8th century AD, the reference to which has been made in the Vaishnavite works of the Alwar saints. The existence of the Triplicane village is referred to in the Pallava records and before. The temple derived its name from the pond in front of the temple. It was built by the Pallavas. The temple was renovated by later dynasties, the Chola and the Vijayanagar kingdom. The Temple is dedicated to Lord Krishna. Its architecture is a combination of several temple building styles. There are inscriptions of the Pallavas, Cholas and the Vijayanagara Empire on the temple structure. The temple besides being dedicated to Parthasarathy is also revered for Venkatakrishnaswami and Ranganathar. The temple, when it was built, housed five avatars of the deity Vishnu. The structure, as it stands today, houses the shrines of popular deities like Venkatakrishnan with Rukmani, Balaraman, Satyaki, Anirudha, Pradyumna, Rama, Lakshmana, Barata, Sita, Shatrugna, Varadaraja and Hanuman.
- 15 Sri Ramakrishna Math - Universal Temple, 31 Ramakrishna Math Rd, ☏ +91 44 2462110, mail@chennaimath.org. 5-11:45AM, 3-9PM. Mylapore. Swami Vivekananda on his return from the West was requested by the devotees in Madras (now Chennai) to start a Math here. To fulfil their desire Swamiji sent his brother-disciple Swami Ramakrishnananda to Madras in March 1897. After reaching Madras, the first thing Swami Ramakrishnananda did was to set up a small shrine for Sri Ramakrishna at a rented house. He lived there and led a life of renunciation, service and austerities. Slowly he built up the institution as the present Sri Ramakrishna Math and thus Sri Ramakrishna Math, Madras, came into existence. This is the oldest centre of the Ramakrishna Order in the South. Srimat Swami Bhuteshanandaji Maharaj, the 12th President of Ramakrishna Math and Ramakrishna Mission, laid the foundation stone for this Universal Temple on 1 December 1994 in a grand function. It took five years for the project to take shape as the present grand Universal Temple. On 7 Feb 2000 the temple was dedicated by Srimat Swami Ranganathanandaji Maharaj, the 13th President of the Ramakrishna Order. Sri Ramakrishna Math completed hundred years of its service in 1997. The Math is regarded for its spiritual traditions, modern outlook, acceptance of all religions, and service as the way of life. With its lush green surroundings, the Universal Temple is the ideal spot for contemplation and meditation.
- 16 Thirumalai Thirupathi Devasthanam Temple, Venkata Narayana Road, T.Nagar, Chennai-17. (on the seventh peak of Venkata Hill called Venkatachala of the Tirumala Hillocks, the temple lies on the southern banks of Sri Swami Pushkaarini.). 6AM-1PM, 3-8PM. Millions of devotees throng this world-renowned temple of Lord Venkatachalapathi. The temple is constructed and maintained by the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams. It is very crowded on Saturdays and Sundays. The temple contains a bookstore.
- 17 Vadapalani Murugan Temple (Sri Vadapalani Andavar Temple, Tiruvalithayam Vadapalani Andavar Temple), Near the Andavar Koil Street, Vadapalani, Chennai.. 6AM-1PM, 3PM-8:30PM. This ancient temple is dedicated to Lord Muruga. Renovated in the 1920s, the temple has grown in popularity due to visits by many cinema stars.
Do
- 1 Marina Beach, Water Land Drive Rd, Valmiki Nagar, Netaji Nagar (Chepauk MRTS , Tiruvallikeni MRTS ). This is 12 km (7.5 mi) long and offers excellent opportunities for walks and has a very wide sandy foreshore. Its width is up to 300 m (980 ft). Marina Beach is the second-longest beach in the world after Cox's Bazar in Bangladesh. it is an elegant promenade with flower beds along its lanes. Along the shore, there are many buildings built during the British colonial rule. - It is the most popular gathering place for locals, especially in the evenings and on weekends. It can also get very crowded at those times. The beach is relatively less crowded in the early mornings and more pleasant. Walk along the Marina in the evening to cool off and eat crispy sundal and murukku. Watching the sunset and sunrise from the beach is an experience. It's not a swimming beach, though you will see people fully clothed taking partial dips.
- 2 M. A. Chidambaram Stadium (Chepauk Stadium), Wallahjah Rd, Chepauk (Chepauk MRTS ), ☏ +91 44 2854 4175. Opened in 1916 and rebuilt in 2010, this has a capacity of 50,000. It hosts the Tamil Nadu cricket team and Chennai Super Kings in the IPL. It's near Marina Beach and not remotely near Chidambaran city, so don't head there.
- 3 Semmozhi Poonga, cathedral road (situated opposite to the American consulate). A botanical garden with a wide variety of Bonsai plants. very nominal entry fee.
Buy
Markets
- 1 Koyambedu Wholesale Market Complex (metro: Koyambedu 2 ). wholesale 10PM–10AM, retail 2AM–2PM. One of Asia's largest perishable goods market complexes. Inaugurated in 1996, the complex consists of about 3,100 shops, including more than 1,000 wholesale shops and 2,000 retail shops. Of these, 850 are fruit shops.
- 2 Pondy Bazaar (Soundarapandianar Angadi). It has a wide variety of clothing, accessories and footwear stores in all price ranges within a two or 3-km radius. It is a one-stop destination for multi-brand retail.
- 3 Ranganathan Street. One of the most crowded streets in Chennai, housing several commercial establishments, primarily those involved in the clothing and jewellery industry.
Shopping malls
- 4 Chennai Citi Centre, 10, Radhakrishnan Salai. Mostly men's western-wear brands like Adidas, Louis Philippe, Parx and Zodiac. Has a good food court, an Indian restaurant, INOX cinema and a supermarket.
- 5 Express Avenue, Royapettah High Rd.. It is the second largest shopping mall in South India and features unique stores like Hamley's, Global Desi and Peekaboo, designer wear like Guess and Diesel and high-street chains like Body Shop, Tie Rack, Esprit and Lush. It has a few fine-dining restaurants and also one of the largest food courts in India. Escape Cinemas, a 40,000 sq ft, 8-screen multiplex is on the 3rd floor. Local youth usually abbreviate the name to EA, from the huge sign on the building entrance.
- 6 Ispahani Centre, Nungambakkam Road.. An early shopping centre - has a cafe, bar & shops.
- 7 Spencer Plaza, 769, Anna Salai.. Spencer is a Chennai landmark that dates back to colonial times. The original was destroyed in a fire, and the current building dates back to 1983. The new Phase III section even has a mock Indo-Saracenic atrium in the style of the original. One of the earliest shopping malls in India, it has slightly lost its charm with the arrival of swanky new malls, but it is still an excellent place to buy handicrafts, ethnic wear, Indian jewellery and books (it houses the largest Landmark bookstore in Chennai). There is a reasonably good food court on the 2nd level of Phase I and Phase III.
Eat and drink
Budget
- Paradise Bar, Aruna Hotel, 20 South Usman Rd, T Nagar, ☏ +91 44 24346565, +91 44 24340834.
Splurge
- 1 Benjarong, 146, TTK Road, Alwarpet, ☏ +91 44 24322640. 12:15PM-2:45PM and 7:15PM-11:45PM. The authentic flavour of Thailand. Seating capacity 68.
- 2 Little Italy, Eldorado No 112, Nungambakam High Road, ☏ +91 44 42601234, +91 44 42601230 (Table Reservations). Italian restaurant. Italian classic cuisine with a perfect wine. Chef's favourites: Pizza Mellino, Pasta del Fattore and In Wines- Brunello di Montalcino.
- 3 Prego (Taj Coromandel), Nungambakkam High Road, Nungambakkam, ☏ +91 44 5500 2827. Gourmet Italian dining, replaced Patio.
- 4 Teppan, 146, TTK Road, Alwarpet, ☏ +91 44 32216635. Hibachi style, the cook prepares your meal with a show right in front of you. Very entertaining especially for younger diners. Excellent sushi and sashimi. ₹2000 for a meal for two.
- 5 Don Pepes, 73, Cathedral Road, Gopalapuram, ☏ +91 44 28221461. noon-2:45PM, 7AM-11:45PM. Mexican. Above Hot Breads as an extension, they are best known for their fajitas (sizzlers) and enchiladas (a tortilla wrap with some Mexican rice).
- 6 Cream Centre, 55, 2nd Main Road, Raja Annamalaipuram (near Kaliappa Hospital), ☏ +91 44 42815777, +91 44 42815776 (reservations). 11AM-3:30PM, 7PM-11PM (11AM-11PM on weekends). Cream Centre offers a wide range of vegetarian food choices- North Indian and Mexican, to American, Italian and even Lebanese. Nachos, Channa Bhatura, American Corn Cheese Ball, Sizzlers & Sizzling Brownie. A specialty here is the Mera Thali, where you have a choice of dishes from which you can make your own thali.
- 7 Entree Restaurant, Emall hotel, Express Avenue Mall, Gate No 1, Pattullous Rd, Anna Salai, ☏ +91 44 28463333, +91 44 28463358. 100% vegetarian multi-cuisine restaurant. Serves fare from all around the world - Thai soup, Mexican main course, Indian spices tadka, French pastry for desserts.
- 8 Copper Chimney, 74, Cathedral Road, Gopalapuram (opposite the Chola Sheraton), ☏ +91 44 28115770. noon-3PM, 7PM-midnight. Mainly North Indian and Iranian inspired dish. Specialities: Bagani Bahar, Paneer Musselum.
Sleep
Budget
- 1 Broadlands lodging house, No 18, Vallabha Agraharam Street (opp Star Theatre,Triplicane), ☏ +91 44 2854 8131, broadlandshotel@yahoo.com. Very popular with the backpacker crowd, leafy courtyard, a rustic feel to the whole hotel, good rooms are in the back of the hotel and two of the most recommended rooms are room # 43 and 44, which are roof cottages. Single room ₹250, double ₹400.
- 2 Cristal Guest House, 34, CNK Road, Triplicane (From the Central Train station, get out and take a pre-paid auto-rickshaw for a total of ₹50 (₹2 fees + ₹48) to Triplicane.), ☏ +91 44 285 13011. Very clean and friendly place with western toilets. No towels are provided; bring your own. Near good/inexpensive eateries. This place is within walking distance from the beach and bus stops to reach various sites. Double room is ₹300 with ₹10 hot water bucket.
- 3 Hotel Karpagam International, South Mada Street, Mylapore., ☏ +91 44 2495 9984.
- 4 New Woodlands Hotel, 72-75, Dr Radha Krishnan Salai, CIT Colony, Mylapore, ☏ +91 44 2811 3111. It is sometimes crowded and a tad busy. There is a nice quiet art gallery and cafe nearby.
- 5 Old Woodlands (a.k.a Royapettah Woodlands/Woodlands Hotel that is next to Woodlands Theatre), Shop No: 25, West Cott Road, Royapettah (Pay no more than ₹40 to get there from the railway station), ☏ +91 44 2848 2150, +91 44 2848 2152. Little known, but an excellent place to stay. The hotel building is at least one hundred years old and stands in the middle of sprawling grounds and is surrounded by massive trees. The main building was once the palace of Raja of Ramnad. The auto-rickshaws and taxis will not tell you about the place as the hotel does not pay a commission to middlemen.
- 6 Oriental Inn, 71 Cathedral Rd, Gopalapuram, ☏ +91 44 28114941. 32 rooms ₹1,500-2,800 plus taxes.
- 7 Sri Krishna Residency, South mada St, Mylapore, ☏ +91 44 24643617.
- 8 Zam Zam Guest House, 41 Subathral St, Triplicane, ☏ +91 44 42664508, +91 80566 74964 (mobile). Clean spotless rooms and nice staff. It is about 100 m behind Thaj Regency Hotel on the small street. Look for the black marble entrance and sign. All rooms have a bath, fan, sat TV and intercom. Squat toilets only. No mosquito nets on the windows though. Prices are ₹200 for a single person, ₹250 for two persons and ₹300 for 3 persons per 24 hours. Predominantly an Indian clientele. Close to Broadlands Lodge, Comfort Hotel, and the great Gee Gee Internet and Surya Restaurant (old name Maharaj). The whole spot is about 300 m from the T-junction of Triplicane High Rd and Walaja Rd where there is a bus stop for the 27B bus to CMBT under the big tree (every 5 minutes).
Mid-range
- 9 Clarion Hotel President, 25 Dr Radhakrishna Salai, Mylapore, ☏ +91 44 2847 2211.
- 10 GRT Grand, 120 Sir Thyagaraya Road, T. Nagar.
- 11 Harrisons, 315, Valluvarkottam High Road, Nungambakkam, ☏ +91 44 5222 2777.
- 12 Liberty Park Hotel, 9, 1st Main Rd, UI Colony, Kodambakkam, ☏ +91 44 2472-5950, +91 44 4232 1231, reservations@libertyparkhotels.com. Ask for a 15% discount before you make a reservation. They sometimes have a better deal for the multiple-night stays listed on their website. The pub inside the hotel has a very nice decor and good service for the price. It gets crowded on important cricket match days as the local sports fans gather for a drink here. ₹2,000-3,000.
- 13 Maple Tree Hotels, # 77 Jawaharlal Nehru Rd, 100 Feet Rd, Vadapalani., ☏ +91 44 2362 2284. Nearby to Chennai Metropolitan Bus Terminus and Vadapalani Lord Murugan Temple. 51 rooms.
- 14 Mowbrays Inn, TTK Road, Alwarpet.
- 15 Peninsula, 51 GN Chetty Rd, T. Nagar, ☏ +91 44 2815 0005.
- 16 Ranjit, 15 Nungambakkam High Rd., ☏ +91 44 2827 0521.
- 17 The Residency, 49 GN Chetty Rd, T.Nagar, ☏ +91 44 28253434.
- 18 Residency Towers, Boag Rd, T Nagar (close to Pondy Bazaar). It has a 24-hour restaurant with an interactive kitchen and an ambiance of a recreated European street, an old-world themed bar and a southern specialty restaurant recreated in Chettinad style. The bar Bike and Barrel has a nice ambience. There are 2 levels lower level for couples and upper level for stags. Nice sitting arrangement but can get crowded. Expect to spend around ₹1,000 for 2 people for drinks and food.
- 19 Savera Hotel, 146, Dr. Radhakrishnan Salai, Mylapore.
- 20 UPAR Hotels T Nagar, 13, Gopalakrishna St, Parthasarathi Puram, T. Nagar, ☏ +91 7824824969, chennai@uparhospitality.com. Check-in: Noon, check-out: 11AM. ₹2900.
Splurge
- 21 The Accord Metropolitan, 35, G N Chetty Rd, T Nagar, ☏ +91 44 28161000, +91 44 43911000, fax: +91 44 2816 1001, hotel@theaccordmetropolitan.com. The hotel has 162 rooms, including a presidential suite, three studio apartments, six deluxe suites and nine Accord club rooms. The four dining and entertainment facilities at the hotel include Sorajima, Royal Indiana, Zodiac and Pergola. Pergola is the highest open to sky restaurant in the city, featuring grills and Indian cuisines. Seating capacity 120. The restaurant is open from 7PM till midnight.
- 22 Courtyard Chennai, 564, Anna Salai, ☏ +91 44 66764000. Known by locals simply as the Marriott, this is a gorgeous renovated business hotel on the western edge of the city core, near the airport. Two restaurants, gym, no pool. ₹7100 and up.
- 23 Emall Hotel (E hotel, Chennai), Express Avenue Mall, Gate # 1, Patullos Rd, ☏ +91 44 2846 3333, bookings@emallhotel.com.
- 24 Hyatt Regency, 365 Anna Salai, Teynampet, ☏ +91 44 6100 1235.
- 25 Welcomhotel Chennai (My Fortune), Cathedral Rd, ☏ +91 44 2811 0101, fax: +91 44 2811 0202, reservations@itchotels.in.
- 26 The Park, 601, Anna Salai, Nungambakkam (next to the Anna Flyover), ☏ +91 44 5214 4000, fax: +91 44 5214 4100. Modern style with a film theme.
- 27 Taj Connamera, Binny Rd (off Anna Salai), ☏ +91 44 5500 0000. The oldest hotel in Chennai.
- 28 Taj Coromandel, 37, Mahatma Gandhi Rd, Nungambakkam, ☏ +91 44 5500 2827.
- 29 Crowne Plaza Chennai Adyar Park (formerly Sheraton Park Hotel & Towers), 132, TTK Road, Alwarpet, ☏ +91 44 2499 4101, fax: +91 44 2499 7101.
- 30 Raintree Hotel, St Mary's Road, 120, St Marys Road, Alwarpet, ☏ +91 44 4225 2525.
- 31 Taj Club House Chennai, 2, Club House Road, Anna Salai.
- 32 The Raintree Hotel Anna Salai, 636, Anna Salai, Teynampet, ☏ +91 44 4393 9999.