10 best Chennai adventures you would love
How do you like your weekends to be? Calming, rejuvenating or blood pumping? Whatever might be your choice, the southern metropolis of Chennai has everything for everyone. As long as you are ready to get out of your house and explore.
Being on India’s East Coast, the city has the advantages of the Bay of Bengal on one side and the hilly terrain of the Eastern Ghats on the other. While this makes Chennai one of the best places in southern India to enjoy water sports, you also have the opportunity to explore the wilderness of the hills and valleys. So, when you are not working or contemplating a holiday, you don’t have to go too far. Because, there are abundant outdoor adventures to experience, right here in Chennai, that can give you the adrenaline rush, or calm your nerves- whatever that is you seek.
Here’s our list of top 10 activities you can explore and enjoy in Chennai:
ATV Rides
Technically called All-Terrain Vehicles (ATV), these four-wheeled road monsters can take you off the ‘civil roads’ and let you explore the rugged hilly terrains, beaches or dense forests. Feel the excitement high as you cut through the sand, raw trails or jungles. The one on East Coast Road, offers one of the most exciting ATV rides.
Rock climbing & Rappeling
Like to scale heights? It doesn’t matter if you can do it in your career or not, because, traversing the heights of mountains is still quite a big achievement. Join a guided rock climbing tour or go rappelling at the natural rocky sites, right outside the city limits. Designed for both pro and hobby climbers, these rock climbing and rappelling sessions are sure to get you excited.
Surfing
Surfing is yet another exhilarating sport, especially for the water-babies. Right on the Kovalam Beach (not the one in Kerala) in town, you can enroll at Tamil Nadu’s only surfing school. Learn to ride and brave the waves like a pro.
Sport Fishing
For the one with the virtue of patience, fishing is a relaxing activity. But sport fishing is just the opposite, and extremely challenging. Head out to the sea with a guiding team and chase the Barracuda and King Mackerel, one of the most difficult catches on this sea.
Sailing
Needless to say, sailing is one of the most alluring but calming and rejuvenating water activities. With the initiative of the Tamil Nadu Sailing Association, you can now rent a sail boat on the shores of Chennai. As you tread the Bay waters, immerse yourself in the serene ambiance, after a tiring week of work.
Chopper Ride
Ever seen your own city from the top? Whether you are a local or a tourist, a helicopter ride over the city gives a unique perspective to the metro. Enjoy the panoramic view of Chennai’s skyline meeting the glistening Bay of Bengal.
[Also read: Places to visit near Chennai by road]
Night trek & camping at Nagalapuram
For those who love night and outdoors, both in the same mix, you would love a trek to Nagalapuram. Blaze the trails right after sunset. Enjoy a walk under the night sky and explore nature, when the rest of the world is snoozing. At the end of it, pitch your tent below the stars and let the night sweep by the crackling bonfire and your favorite drink.
Archery
Besides being a sport activity, archery also helps in developing patience, focus and control. So, if you are looking for a utility-driven adventure, then join a hobby archery group. At these few hours’ sessions, you will learn the basics of archery and maneuvering the weapon.
Trek to Tada Falls
A little away from the city of Chennai, the Tada Falls in the Chittoor district of Andhra Pradesh makes for a great day outing or a trek. At about a two-hour drive, the forests of the Siddulaiah Kona offer a refreshing retreat. You can trek from the base of the Kambakam hills, all the way up to the waterfalls. Camp
Snorkeling
Being on the Bay also allows Chennai to offer snorkeling for the ocean lovers. Explore the underwater life as you dunk yourself in the sea for a couple of hours, or till you can manage. Most places conducting snorkeling give you a quick lesson on the do’s and don’ts, along with all equipment, so you can go out there all prepared.
Walking Tours
Sometimes, exploring on foot can give you a whole new perspective to a city that you have seen before. Take a guided Walking Tour or just head out on your own. Walking through the lanes and by-lanes, rediscovering the nooks and crannies of Chennai, will unravel the hidden stories behind the evolution of Chennai from a historical town to a modern metropolis. Witness its fascinating juxtaposition of its diverse culture and mystical practices against the millennial innovations and technological influences. The guided tours usually last for a couple of hours, but you can roam around all day and unravel Chennai’s best kept secrets when you are on your own.