Exploring Hidden Gems in Chennai: 12 Offbeat Places That You Should Visit

Chennai: the capital of Tamil Nadu is one of the most energetic cities with lots of historical places and mouth-watering food. The sites like Marina Beach and Kapaleeshwarar Temple are well-known but Chennai has many other locations that are not as well visited and reveal the essence of the city. free from any noise and environmental pollution located right in Chenna. It is an ideal place for any nature lover who needs to; get away from the noise of the city. It has interesting grounds including well maintained gardens, a lovely lake and well lit pathways for a stroll or to ride in a boat. It is in fact a good place to unwind and camp or picnic in the bosom of mother nature.

1. Amethyst Cafe

Amethyst Cafe

Amethyst Cafe is situated in a colonial house – it is really hard to notice it from the outside. This café provides comfort with antique chairs and marvelous gardens to eat in and some of the meals are. And it is perfect for having a snack or a coffee while being relieved from the bustle of the city. Memo This is the hidden café where you will find some of the local claims, a really help in finding the place then you can contact Prompt Tours & Travels.

2. Pulicat Lake

Pulicat Lake

The second largest lagoon in India lies in and around the town of Pulicat approximately 60 km from Chennai. It is a wonderful place to visit for a day and especially if you have interest in watching birds. Bird watching is another activity that can be done inside the park since during the migratory season the park is a home to different species of birds.

3. Egmore Museum

Egmore Museum is not too popular and can be considered somewhat of a hidden cultural gem in Chennai. Although not as popular as other sites, it is filled with numerous works of art and various historical relics. Here you will be presented with such attractions as sculptures of ancient periods, these coins, as well as paintings that can hardly be found nowadays. It is another place to get acquainted with the history and works of art of the city.

4. Broken Bridge

Broken Bridge

The Broken Bridge which is a connection between Adyar and Besant Nagar is another interesting and rather unconventional place. It continued to be a station until a cyclone hit the place in 1977 and was abandoned since then but has since then turned into a perfect spot for photographers to take pictures of the estuary at Adyar. Thus, the bridge’s architecture and the views the bridge and its vicinity offer are quite worth it.

5. Kalakshetra Foundation

This culture incubation is a cultural academy aimed at propagating Indian art. Initiated by Rukmini Devi Arundale, it lays importance on generation, promotion and conservation of classical arts such as dance, music and handicrafts. You can see concerts or invitations to theater plays or visit art galleries where you can find the beautiful handmade products. It is the most appropriate destination if you want to get an insight of the Indian traditions and customs.

6. Semmozhi Poonga

Semmozhi Poonga or ‘Classical Language Park’ is a botanical garden which imbibes nature and literature of Tamil Language. The visitors are able to see sculptures and some writings from Tamil literature being carved on the walls as one wanders around the garden. I recommend it for a walk or a picnic because it is relatively quiet and you can benefit from nature and history at the same time.

7. Royapuram Fishing Harbour

Royapuram Fishing Harbour is a prominent place to see the way of living of the fishers. Real sounds coming from the sea as fishermen bring the fish they caught to the shore and the place is very busy. This makes it culturally rich and beautiful to visit due to the variety of colored boats and people’s activities. It is a good opportunity to witness the maritim life of Chennai in a close quarter.

8. Guindy National Park

Guindy is a national park within the city itself and provides a home to many species of plants and animals. Apart from the Indian Antelope which is an endangered species it has facilities such as nature trails, children’s park and a tranquil lake. The park is good for a nature walk or for families to visit especially during the weekends.

9. DakshinaChitra

DakshinaChitra is on the East Coast Road in Chennai which is a kind of an open-air museum that displays the regional cultural ambiance of South India. Most of the structures in the museum show the traditional houses and crafts of Tamil Nadu and Kerala, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh. There are options to visit reconstructed villages, observe performances of creating items with special techniques, and communicate with masters. It is a very good place for learning and native traditions of South India and handicrafts.

It can also be noted that this is a small list and does not cover most of the hidden gems that are located in Chennai but it can be helpful to go off the beaten track for once.

10. Hourly Hotels in Chennai

For travelers seeking flexibility in their accommodations, hourly hotels in Chennai offer a convenient solution. These hotels provide rooms that can be booked for a few hours, making them ideal for those who need a short stay. Whether you’re on a layover, looking for a place to freshen up during a day of sightseeing, or need a quiet space for a few hours, hourly hotels can meet your needs. They are strategically located in various parts of the city, allowing you to easily find one near your current location or travel route. Booking an hourly hotel can provide comfort and privacy without the commitment of a full night’s stay.

11. Day Use Hotels in Chennai

Day use hotels in Chennai are perfect for travelers who need accommodation during the day without staying overnight. These hotels allow you to book a room for a specified duration during the day, usually from morning until evening. This option is especially useful for business travelers with long meetings, tourists with extended layovers, or anyone who requires a break in the middle of their day. Day use hotels offer the same amenities and comfort as regular hotels but on a more flexible schedule. They provide a relaxing environment to rest, refresh, or work in between activities.

12. Couple-Friendly Hotels in Chennai

Couple friendly hotels in Chennai offer a welcoming and comfortable environment for couples looking to enjoy some quality time together. These hotels are designed with privacy and comfort in mind, featuring amenities that cater to couples, such as romantic room settings, private dining options, and in-room services. Whether you're planning a special getaway, celebrating an anniversary, or simply want to spend a peaceful night together, couple-friendly hotels in Chennai can provide the perfect backdrop for your romantic experience. They often offer additional perks like late check-out and customized services to enhance your stay.