17 Amazing Picnic Spots in Chennai

Chennai, the capital of Tamil Nadu, is a city that proudly preserves South Indian tradition. Despite rapid modernization, Chennai remains a bastion of heritage, offering a rich experience for tourists and residents alike. Whether you are visiting or living in Chennai, plan a relaxing day with a basketful of snacks and a group of loved ones. Here is a list of some great picnic spots in Chennai, including options for hourly hotels in Chennai for those who need flexible accommodation.

Beaches and Lakes

1. Marina Beach

Marina Beach is the biggest and most famous beach in Chennai. This natural urban beach has a promenade stretching 6.5 kilometers and attracts thousands of visitors daily. You can go horse riding, walk along the beach, or visit an aquarium. However, be cautious of the currents when you dip your toes in the water.

Location: Fort St. George to Foreshore Estate

2. VGP Golden Beach

VGP Golden Beach, located in Injambakkam on the way to Mahabalipuram, is a private beach managed as an amusement park by the VG Panneerdas Group. Enjoy the sculptures, greenery, and various attractions like the Statue Man, Aqua Kingdom, Panneer Fort, and the Millennium Tower.

Location: Injambakkam

3. Covelong Beach

Covelong Beach, 40 kilometers from Chennai on the way to Mahabalipuram, is a fishing village with beautiful white sands. You can take photographs, visit the ruins of the Dutch Fort Sadras, walk along the beach, or indulge in adventure sports.

Location: Covelong

4. Elliot’s Beach

Elliot’s Beach in Besant Nagar is known for its tranquility and is best for morning walks. Spot flamingos and pond herons, and enjoy food from various stalls while watching the sunset.

Location: Besant Nagar

5. Muttukadu Lake

Muttukadu Lake is perfect for family outings with activities like pedal boating, row boating, and speed water biking. The lake is open from 9 am to 5 pm, with free entry and ample parking.

Location: Muttukadu

Cultural and Heritage Sites

1. Government Museum

The Government Museum on Pantheon Road in Egmore is the second oldest museum in India. It houses galleries on art, anthropology, archeology, botany, zoology, and numismatics, and features the largest collection of Roman antiques outside Europe.

Location: Egmore

2. National Art Gallery

Located on the same campus as the Government Museum, the National Art Gallery showcases rock and cave art, bronze sculptures, Tanjore paintings, and works by Kerala’s renowned painter Raja Ravi Varma.

Location: Egmore

3. Dakshinachitra

Dakshinachitra, a living museum at Muttukadu, showcases the culture, traditions, arts, and crafts of Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Kerala, and Andhra Pradesh. Enjoy folk performances and traditional house designs.

Location: Muttukadu

4. Railway Museum

The Railway Museum in Villivakkam is a must-visit for train enthusiasts, featuring vintage engine models, miniature rail networks, and joyrides in the children’s park.

Location: Villivakkam

5. Vivekananda House

Vivekananda House in Triplicane is where Swami Vivekananda stayed after his trip to the USA. Now a museum, it educates visitors about his life and message.

Location: Triplicane

6. Fort St. George

Built in 1644, Fort St. George houses Tamil Nadu’s legislative assembly and the St. George Museum, which displays medallions, coins, paintings, and letters from the East India Company era.

Location: Fort St. George

7. Valluvar Kottam

Valluvar Kottam is a memorial to the poet Thiruvalluvar in Nungambakkam, shaped like a chariot and standing 39 meters tall. It celebrates his work, Thirukkural, which is revered by Tamils.

Location: Nungambakkam

Entertainment and Activities

1. Queensland

Queensland amusement park in Chembarambakkam offers 50 rides, including 18 for kids, spread over 70 acres. Enjoy car rides, slides, water rides, and a wave pool.

Location: Chembarambakkam

2. MGM Dizzee World

MGM Dizzee World in Muttukadu features exciting rides for both kids and adults, including hot air balloon rides for adventure enthusiasts.

Location: Muttukadu

Parks

1. Guindy National Park

Guindy National Park, spanning 2.70 square kilometers, is a protected area within the city, featuring lush forests, lakes, and streams, making it a favorite for residents and tourists.

Location: Range Guindy

2. Arignar Anna Zoological Park

Also known as Vandalur Zoo, this park is home to 2,000 species of animals and plants. Enjoy the shark aquarium, lion safari, and nocturnal animal house.

Location: Vandalur

3. Semmozhi Poonga

Opened in 2010, Semmozhi Poonga is a beautifully landscaped park with over 300 species of plants, including ancient trees and a duck pond.

Location: Chennai

Chennai offers a mix of the old and the new, reflecting influences from the times of Thiruvalluvar to the colonial era, to the modern day. This diverse city provides numerous interesting places to visit, making it a wonderful destination for everyone.