Chennai’s famous East Coast Road, running along the Bay of Bengal, is the most picturesque and magnificent route. It is the perfect route to reach places like Mahabalipuram and Pondicherry, get a unique adventurous experience, and witness some beautiful temples and scenic heritage. Also, this East Coast Road, with its colonial heritage buildings and manicured boulevards, looks captivating when explored.
Top destinations you can explore on the East Coast Road
Situated approximately 162 km from Chennai on the Coromandel Coast lies Pondicherry, also known as the French connection to India. With its intrinsic beauty, natural beaches along the Bay of Bengal, and French colonies, Pondicherry is amongst the most enthralling places you can visit in India.
While there are numerous routes to reach Pondicherry via Chennai, the East Coast Road is the most favored and shortest road covering endless beaches and scenic beauty that you can explore by booking a reliable car rental in Pondicherry with a local driver once you reach there. Also, while taking the car ride down the magnificent East Coast Road, you can explore some of the breathtaking destinations mentioned below:
1. Kovalam beach
Situated in the fishing community of Covelong with three nearby crescent shores, Kovalam beach has been attracting tourists from across the globe for decades. The rocky peninsula on this beach pacifies the raging seas, where you can enjoy sea diving and other water sports without fearing the currents.
Apart from this, the pristine seashores and scenic natural landscapes make this beach perfect for strolling around or just relaxing and staring at the beauty of this place. Also, many people visit this beach for the spa, including toning and herbal body massages.
2. Marundeeswarar temple
Marundeeswarar is a magnificent Shiva temple situated 4 km from the Adyar region and stands on the East Coast Road. Also, this temple is the starting point of this coastal road, and you would be surprised to know that the Chola dynasty built this temple in the 11th century.
3. Alamparai fort
Demolitions of the Alamparai fort are at a range of around 100 km from Chennai along the East Coast road. The fortress was constructed in the 17th century during the Mughal administration and is entirely worth travelling.
Built with limestone and bricks over an expanse of 15 acres facing the Bay of Bengal, the architecture of this Alamparai fort is majestic. Tall fences and red bricks surround the place, and from the top of this fort, you can take beautiful pictures of natural beaches and backwaters.
4. Mamallapuram
Usually identified as Mahabalipuram, Mamallapuram is a seaside town huddled between the Great Salt Lake and the Bay of Bengal. This UNESCO World Heritage Site came into existence in the 8th century and is renowned for its impressive memorials and temples constructed during the Pallava dynasty, making it a tourist spot worth exploring.
5. Cholamandal Artists’ Village
Cholamandal Artists’ Village is another breathtaking place you can visit alongside the East Coast Road. Here you can explore the classical, and modern works on wood, terracotta, ceramic, paint and glass by regional artisans. Also, open-air theatre, art galleries, sculptures, handicrafts and sand and mud art are some of the thrilling things you can witness at the Cholamandal Artists’ Village.
If you have never been to Pondicherry, this is the best time to visit as sipping hot chocolate in one of the French cafes on a cold evening in Pondicherry is an experience that will last in your memory forever.
So what are you waiting for? Book your ride through a car rental app and get ready to explore this beauty.
