Marine ecotourism:

Beginning of a new journey!

- Taanyaa Kapoor

Wanderlust is a feeling that everyone experiences in their day to day life. From planning a trip to executing it is always fun since it gives you a chance to escape the harsh reality. But what if adventure meets sustainability, nothing like saving the world with some fun to boot, right? This World Ocean Day, let’s dive for our future

Aravind Tharunsri, Director, PADI Master Instructor mentions how he has raised awareness through scuba diving.

Mr. Aravind said, “We do scuba diving training and educate the tourists on plastic cleanup. We believe scuba diving is not only for fun but also for educating public about plastic cleanup at the bottom of the ocean. In my training centre, we train fishermen since they’re going to be in the ocean for a longer time than us. As of now we’ve collected more than 30,000 kgs of plastic.”

Mr. Aravind is currently teaching scuba diving for the forest department as well. His organisation hires and educates the locals on marine ecosystems. All these activities are happening in Karankadu and Pondicherry.

He later concluded by saying, “Many people might find scuba diving expensive but one way that you can also contribute to this initiative is by going or sending your kids to plastic cleanups”

If you are looking for some offbeat places to explore marine tourism in Tamil Nadu, here’s a listicle to get you started.

1. Tharuvaikulam

Recently, in Tharuvaikulam, Thoothukudi, Glass-boats have been introduced to promote ecotourism. If you’re visiting Gulf Of Mannar then this is one thing you shouldn’t miss out on. Also, the Marine National Park will give you a glimpse of beautiful coral reef, flora and fauna in the sea.

2. Karankadu in Ramnad

In Karankadu, the forest department has been running a community-based ecotourism project. The tourists who come there have been spending their time in the waters eith sports like kayaking and recreational boating. There are many safety measures taken here such as providing lifejackets and boating being only allowed during high tide and not low tide.

3. Kurusadai Island

Kurusadai Island is immensely popular for marine ecotourism due its marine wealth. If you’re planning on visiting this place then you can take a guided tour along the island to see the marine species. Spotting red starfish, sea urchins and sea cucumbers will be an experience to cherish. The jetty in Kunthukal, from where the 90-minute round trip starts, is about 10 kms from Rameswaram town.

What are you waiting for, never say no to the call of the ocean.

Novotel Chennai Chamiers Road

Expeience the bright and spacious business class hotel located in the heart of the city with spacious meeting area lounge bar, allday diner and truly blends business, leisure or family holidays

11, Chamiers Road, Nandanam, Phone: 91 44 24302333

No of Rooms: 108

Hotel Novotel

Enjoy a luxury stay with flawless service with entertainment, relaxation, fitness and an extensive array of culinary delights and signature cocktail

Plot No.36, Old Mahabalipuram Road, Egattur, Phone: 91 44 66545454

No of Rooms: 180

The Accord Metropolitan

A premier business hotel in Chennai with superior business facilities; alongwith entertainment and shopping avenues in proximity.

35, GN Chetty Rd, T. Nagar, Phone: 91 44 43911000, No. of Rooms: 162

Radisson Blue GRT

Enjoy access to a deluxe Business Centre, private Business Club Lounge, well-equipped fitness studio, complimentary airport transfers and, an array of services through their on-site guest communication service

531, GST Road, Saint Thomas Mount, Phone: 91 44 22310101, No. of Rooms: 101

Taj Fisherman’s Cove, Resort & Spa

A charming beach resort with renewed cottages and villas, safe private beach, nouvelle restaurants, a high energy bar, and a luxurious spa will make your stay even more memorable!

2, Covelong Beach, ECR, Phone: 91 44 67413333

No. of Rooms: 152

The Rain Tree

A convenient destination, for corporate travellers, with unparalleled opulence and luxury and easy access to local attractions and entertainment

636, Anna Salai, Teynampet, Phone: 91 44 28309999, No. of Rooms: 230

The Rain Tree

Contemporary guest rooms and suites with exclusive gym access, an all-inclusive business center, and on site restaurants and bars for casual business meetings

120, St. Mary’s Road, Alwarpet, Phone: 91 44 42252525, No. of Rooms: 48

Ramada Chennai

Located just 10 minutes away from the Central Railway Station this is an ideal retreat for corporates, trendy travellers or families looking

The Trident

The closest luxury hotel near the airport with a wide choice of wellness and recreation facilities to unwind after a busy day.

1/24, GST Road, Meenambakkam, Phone: 91 44 22344747, No. of Rooms: 167

Hotel Green Park

Well furnished and comfortable rooms and suites offering a host of complimentary services for the discerning business traveller

183, NSK Salai, Vadapalani, Phone: 91 44 66515151, No. of Rooms: 171 to discover the city Gandhi Irwin Bridge Road, Next to CMDA Building, Egmore, Phone:91-44 46104777

No. of Rooms: 113

Welcom by ITCHotel

Located close to the US Embassy, this hotel offers an all day business centre, fitness studio, beauty salon, shopping arcade and currency exchange

13, Cathedral Road, Gopalapuram, Phone: 91 44 28110101, No. of Rooms: 90

Novotel Chennai OMR

With an ambience that amanates grandeur and comfort, Novotel Chennai OMR, strategically set amidst the city’s commercial action, is the ideal abode for corporates and families alike

Rajiv Gandhi Salai, (OMR), IT Expressway, Sholinganallur, Phone: 91 44 66444777

Courtyard by Marriott

A fresh and stimulating retreat in the heart of the city makes it an ideal choice for business or leisure travel 564, Anna Salai, Teynampet, Phone: 91 44 66764000, No. of Rooms: 236

The Westin Chennai

A Corporate hotel with a high quality luxury experience and friendly service also a quick drive away to IT 154, Velacherry Main Road, Velacherry, Phone: 91 44 66333777

Hotel Halez

Bright n spacious rooms n suites to cater to the needs of the corporate traveler with added facilities of Lounge, Bar, and Snack Bar

102, Rajiv Gandhi Salai, OMR, Sholinganallur, Phone: 91 44 45925500, No. of Rooms: 129

Clarion

Revamped into a boutique hotel, Clarion provides luxurious stay with range of modern Food & Beverage facilities and personalized services

25, Dr.Radhadakrishnan Road, Mylapore, Phone: 91 44 28472211, No. of Rooms: 130

The Pride Hotel

Aesthetically designed rooms with an exclusive 24 hour coffee shop, multi-cuisine restaurant, bar, banquet halls, board room, business center, health club, swimming pool and more

216, EVR Periyar Salai, Kilpauk, Phone: 91 44 43989898, No. of Rooms: 115

Radha Regent

Benzz Park

A business class luxury hotel for the cost conscious corporate & Leisure traveller, with wide range of food n beverage options

62, Thirumalai Pillai Road, T. Nagar, Phone: 91 44 28159999, No. of Rooms: 63

S Hotels Chennai

Grand by GRT Hotels

A preferred hotel for business mixed with leisure; featuring rooms, clubs, and suites designed around sheer luxury

120, Sir thyagaraya road, T. Nagar, Phone: 91 44 28150500, No. of Rooms: 133

The Residency Towers

Well appointed rooms & suites, array of relaxation treatments, conference facilities, chill out bar, and multicuisine restaurants are bound to make your sojourn a grand one 115, Sir Thyagaraya Road, T. Nagar, Phone: 91 44 28156363, No. of Rooms: 174

Quality Inn Sabari

Discover hospitality and quality service with comforts that make Sabari truly a home away from home!

29, Thirumalai Pillai Road, T. Nagar, Phone: 91 44 28343030, 49043030 No. of Rooms: 72

Savera Hotel

Settle back in poise in a place that radiates calming vibes with its bar, restaurants, cafe, banquets, fitness, spa and more

146, Dr. Radhakrishnan Road, Mylapore, Phone: 91 44 28114700, No. of Rooms: 230

Ambassador Pallava

A warm n welcoming place to enjoy exceptional facilities, and share a slice of the Pallava history with their antique old charm themed décor

30, Montieth Road, Egmore, Phone: 91 44 28554476, No. of Rooms: 102

A premium hotel renowned for its unflinching traditional hospitality, grand infrastructure, serene ambience, and luxurious interiors

171, Jawaharlal Nehru salai, Arumbakkam, Phone: 91 44 66778899, No. of Rooms: 91

The Residency

Plush beds, relaxing interiors, and state of the art facilities, together with the service of hospitable staff, ensure your stopover is pleasurable 49, GN Chetty Road, T. Nagar, Phone: 91 44 28253434, No. of Rooms: 112

Raj Park

Relax in the middle of Chennai’s most happening malls, restaurants, and nightlife; where commercial centres, consulates, and the beach, are just a few kilometres away!

180, TTK Road, Alwarpet, Phone: 91 44 42257777, No. of Rooms: 118

Situated in the heart of the City and makes magic each and every day to make your travel more memorable 42, Thanikachalam Road, T. Nagar, Phone: 91 44 24315919/ 7825884440

No of Rooms: 35

Fortel

A recently developed business class hotel that facilitates business enhancement, shopping and leisure with aesthetically designed rooms and suites and prominent location

3, Gandhi Irwin Road, Egmore, Phone : 044 6124 2424 & 9841400227

No. of Rooms: 95

Hotel Vestin Park

A business class deluxe hotel with extravagantly designed rooms furnished with luxurious beds, soft furnishings, electronic safe, mini bars, satellite television and many other amenitie

39, Montieth Road, Egmore, Phone: 91 44 28527171, No. of Rooms: 70

Deccan Plaza

An excellent vantage point for holiday or business with well appointed rooms and courteous staff to make your stay as comfortable as your home

36, Royapettah High Road, Royapettah, Phone: 91 44 66773333, 9840946105

No. of Rooms: 96

Beverly Hotel

A destination of hospitality that blends modern efficiency with its grandeur of traditional and cultural heritage of South India

17, Rajarathinam Road, Kilpauk, Phone: 91 44 26612772, 7299090938

No. of Rooms: 52

Harrisons

An upscale boutique hotel that offers luxurious guest rooms, 3 speciality restaurants, a lounge bar and a trendy theme bar 315, Valluvar Kottam High road, Nungambakkam, Phone: 91 44 42222777

No. of Rooms: 40

New Woodlands Hotel

A pure vegetarian hotel run by an orthodox family for over 70 years that believes in quality standards which are not compromised on any grounds

72-75, Dr. Radhakrishnan Salai, Mylapore, Phone: 91 44 28113111, No. of Rooms: 141

Ibis Chennai OMR

Vibrant and quirky ibis Chennai

OMR redefines the miles of hospitality and ensures a comfortable and fun stay

Rajiv Gandhi Salai(OMR), Phone: 91 44 66444999

No of Rooms: 189

Hotel Palmgrove

True to its name, Palmgrove is set amidst lush green settings with majestic coconut trees swaying in the wind with soothing ambience perfect for business and pleasure

13, Kodambakkam High Road, Nungambakkam, Phone: 91 44 28271881,

No. of Rooms: 80 rooms

Serviced Apartment/ Guest House

A serviced apartment is your home or office away from home, complete with separate living, dining and sleeping areas, separate work stations and fully equipped kitchens and laundry facilities. These features, unique to serviced apartments, allow you to cook your own meals, do your own laundry, and relax with plenty of space; widely recognised for providing spacious and convenient accommodation for guests travelling for extended periods of time.

Alternative Serviced Apartment

32/4, Co-Operative Colony, Alwarpet, Phone: 91 44 42316464, No. of Rooms: 12

Citadines OMR Chennai

290, Rajiv Gandhi Salai(OMR), IT Expressway Sholinganallur, Phone: 91 44 7111 7111, 7824879881

No of Rooms: 269

Hanu Reddy Residences

41/19, Poes Garden, Phone: 91 44 24661021, 9176869926

No. of Rooms: 30

Hanu Reddy Residences

6A/24, Wallace Garden, 3rd st Nungambakkam, Phone: 91 44 45038413, 9789985570

No. of Rooms: 13

Somerset

94, Sathyadev Avenue, MRC Nagar, Santhome, Phone: 91 44 71000071, No. of Rooms: 187

The Lotus

15, Burkit Road, T.Nagar, Phone: 91 44 24337979, No. of Rooms: 39 #15, vekataraman Road, T.Nagar, Phone: 91 44 24337979, No. of Rooms: 36

Resorts

Four Points By Sheraton

A Luxury ambience with 22000 sq.ft hall and a convenient stay located in ECR near Mahabalipuram a perect choice for family weddings and get together in luxury and comfort

ECR-OMR Junction, ECR Poonjeri, Mahabalipuram (PO) Phone : 7397492134 & 044 7151 3636

No of Rooms: 90

Golden Bay Resort

Escape the routine and enjoy a vacation in Chennai’s first backwater resort that’s also home to the city’s first floating restaurant

ECR, Koovathur, , Phone : 9790715555

No. of Rooms: 56

Ideal Beach Resort

Embark on a refreshing nature adventure by strolling along the shores of the Bay of Bengal, to rejuvenate your mind and body

Devaneri Village, Mahabalipuram, Phone: 91 44 2449 5161 No. of Rooms: 68

Mamalla Beach Resort

Take catamaran rides with local fishermen, dine under the casuarinas trees, enjoy a beach barbeque, or just stroll along the shore in this impressive resort 8, Kovallam Road, ECR, Mamallapuram, Phone: 91 44 27442875, 9442646875

No. of Rooms: 35

MGM Beach Resort

Enjoy a day in the city’s most cherished theme park and spend the night at their beach side resort right next to it

1/74, ECR, Muttukadu, Phone : 04427410000

No. of Rooms: 86

MGM Eastwoods

Unwind at the luxurious suites and deluxe cottages that create an oasis of calm, nestling amidst lush landscaped gardens and swaying palm fronds

1/240, ECR, Injambakkam, Phone: 91 44 24490660/990, 9566111474

No. of Rooms: 20

Radisson Temple Bay

Unwind in Mamallapuram at this luxurious resort that’s the closest to the World Heritage site - The Shore Temple

ECR, Mahabalipuram, Phone: 91 44 27443636, No. of Rooms: 157

Intercontinental Chennai Mahabalipuram Resort

Experience a unique luxury boutique hotel is an 11 minutes walk from Madras Crocodile park, having contemporary rooms, lotus ponds a perfect choice for families

East Coast Roadm Nemeli Village Perur Post Office, Kanchipuram District, Phone: 91 44 71720101, No of Rooms: 105

Indeco Leisure Resort

Experience a unique bullock cart ride by moonlight to view the monolith sculptures at this luxury boutique hotel that also houses “The Steve Borgia Indian Heritage Museum” Shore Temple Road, Mahabalipuram, Phone :9444991912 No. of Rooms: 36

Welcomhotel by ITC Hotels

Cherish some memorable golden moments in Chennai’s choicest resort to lounge away your holiday in the sprawling beach and the calming ebb of waves 53, East Coast Road, Devaneri, Village, Mahabalipuram, Phone : 088702 22585

Shelter Beach Resorts

Pristine privacy, extreme security and stupendous service, is guaranteed at the Shelter resorts that truly shelters its customers in élan 275, Near Crocodile Park, East Coast Road, Mahabalipuram, Phone:9840333114

No. of Rooms: 38

Traditional Tamil fishing From Coir Nets To Bare Hands.

- RJS

The word fishing probably brings up images of yellow hued sunsets on a never ending horizon of the sea with a lonely fisherman casting his nets in hopes of a good catch to you. Or perhaps you’d think of those huge mechanised boats clawing through the waters. But did you know that there are groups of people who still use primitive fishing methods for their sustenance. Using only materials that are available locally, their ‘equipment’ are very simple but are ingenious in their purpose. Let’s take a look at some of these fishing methods ..

Karaivalai

Large group of people singing out loud as they pull out the line with a huge haul… That’s Karaivalai fishing. Popularly seen in Nagapattinam, Ramanathapuram and Tuticorin districts, this style uses a large net made of coir and consists of three parts, a boya, which is the top of the net, a stone set at the bottom to help sink the net and purai. Every morning, fishermen cast their lines for up to one kilometre into the sea. About two or three times a day, the net is dragged out to inspect the catch. Nagarai, sundai, mura sheela and vazhai are some of the fish types caught using this method.

Ootha

Ootha is a conical fishing gear shaped like a plunging basket and constructed using Notchi sticks. This primitive fishing gear is used by inland fishing communities of the Tiruchirappalli, Nagapattinam and Pudukottai districts. The trap has two ends, a broad opening at the bottom and another smaller one at the top. It is plunged into shallow waters and the trapped fishes are handpicked. Viral, Auvri, Keluru, and Vilaangu are usually picked using this trap.

Palmyra baskets

Pazhaverkadu is a wetland bordering Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh. Yanadi, one of the most primitive tribes living in this area catch fishes with their bare hands and use baskets made of palm leaves to store them. The baskets are designed in such a way that the braiding follows the pattern of the palm leaves and naturally takes the shape of a basket. Prawns are most often caught using this.

While karaivalai is a fail-safe method for fishers to catch some fish, it can be very ecologically disruptive while prawn catching by hands are extremely sustainable, it is important for us to document and be conscious of the way we bring the food to the table.

ANDHRA

Amaravathi

Enjoy the traditional rice with podi n ghee made the typical Andhra style

14, Karapakkam, Old Mahabalipuram Road, Phone: 9566188826

Dakshin

Subtly flavoured dishes and a unique Iyer Trolley to serve small adais, banana flavoured dosais and the ubiquitous kunni paniyarams Sheraton Park Hotel & Towers, TTK Road, Alwarpet, Phone: 91 44 24994101

Samudra

A fine dining restaurant that serves South Indian delicacies and a special catch of the day that is customized as per order with a choice of cooking style and marinade Trident, 1/24, GST Road Meenambakkam, Phone: 91 4422344747 9884302727

BENGALI

The Bayleaf

The place to go when you crave for some soft parathas and subtly flavoured Macchi curry

14, 6th Street, Gopalapuram, Phone: 91 44 28114557

Chettinad

Anjappar

A well-known chain of restaurants famous for their Biriyani and Karaikudi Chicken Masala

5, Dev Apartments, 1st Main

Road, K.B Nagar, Adyar, Phone: 91 44 43548633

J.Hind

An all out ethinic Indian fine dining restaurant offering a wide range of delicacies from across the kitchens of India

Grand By GRT, 120, Pondy Bazaar, Sir Thyagaraja Road, T.Nagar, Phone : 91 44 28150500

Madrasapattinam

The Casual ambience combined with prompt service makes you feel at home. Their menu emphasis on ideal destination to relish a wide variety of sumptuous. Dosas that will leave you wanting for more! Ramada Chennai Egmore, 2A, Ponniamman Koil Street, Egmore. Phone : 91 44 46104777

Kaaraikudi

A famous chain of Chettinad restaurants famous for its Spl Chettinadu Meals and Sunday specials 118/ 84, Dr Radhakrishnan Salai, Mylapore, Phone: 91 44 28111893

The Raintree

Kuruvapillai Yera (Curry-leaf flavoured Prawns), Kozhi Melagu Chettinad (Pepper Chicken), and the unique chutney n pickle trolley truly define Chennai’s deep rooted cuisine Vivanta by Taj Connemara, 2, Binny Road, Egmore, Phone: 91 44 66000000

GRILLS

AB’s Absolute Barbeques

Bite into unlimited varieties of tikkas, kebabs, rotis n gravies, with friends and family without burning a hole in your pocket

3rd Floor, No.45, Tower Victorie, T.Nagar, Phone: 91 44 35350007 7337383762

Barbeque Nation

Experience the warmth of a bbq party as you grill your own starters in a choice of marinade flavours at the ‘live-grill’ that is embedded on your table

Shri Devi Park Hotel, 1, Hanumantha Road, North Usman Road,T Nagar, Phone: 91 44 60600000

GUJRATHI

Amdavadi

Peas Katchori, Katta Dhokla, and Khaman with green chutney are way too good to be missed in this vintage styled Gujarati snack house 23 A, North Boag Road, Next to Pazhamudir Nilayam, T Nagar, Phone: 91 7305988407

Rajdhani Thali Restaurant

Tasty meals, wide varieties of snacks, hot n cold beverages, and grab-n-go meal boxes to make your shopping session at the mall an easier affair

Phoenix Market City, Velachery Main Road, Velachery, Phone: 91 44 66650316

Rangoli

A speciality Gujarati - Rajasthani thali joint that includes a jal jeera welcome drink, dhoklas, small pooris or phulkas with paneer n veg gravies, and shrikhand for dessert 102, Thyagaraya Road, T Nagar, Phone: 91 44 28157677

Shri Rajasthani Dhaba

A popular dhaba known for its compact menu, polite setting and tasty dishes but more well-known for their Gatte Ki Sabji, Matka Kulfi, Dal Chawal

340, 3rd Floor, 2nd Avenue, Opposite KFC, Anna Nagar, Phone: 91 44 42057867 9940315152

KERALA Coastline

Primarily a seafood speciality restaurant, Coastline is often preferred for offering its guests an option to customize the dish to suit their taste

1, Cathedral Road, Opposite Music Academy, Gopalapuram, Phone: 91 44 28110306

Phone: 91 44 28212822 / 9677052277

Kumarakom

An authentic ‘naadan’ dishes like Karimeen Pollichathu, Duck Roast, Kerala Porotta, Appam, Kadala Curry, Mutton Stew, Chemeen Ularthiyathu and more 148/54, Kodambakkam High Road, Nungambakkam, Phone: 91 44 42605677 9686681391

Madras - The Raintree

An elite fine-dining restaurant that brings under one roof, all the choicest delicacies of Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Andhra

The Raintree, 636, Anna Salai, Teynampet, kebabs, rolls, biriyanis, and platters

24, Casa Major Road, Egmore, Phone: 91 44 43506161

The Marina

Acclaimed to be the best only-seafood restaurant in town with a classy ambience, it serves coastal delights in Chinese, North and South Indian varieties

39, College Road, Nungambakkam, Phone: 91 44 42035265

VEG FRIENDLY

Annalakshmi

An upscale pure vegetarian restaurant that serves an array of delectable dishes in an ambience that exudes ancient Indian arts and culture

18/3, Rukmani Lakshmipathy

Road, Next To Rani Meyyammai Hall, Egmore, Phone: 91 44 28368222

Ashvita Nirvana

A pure vegetarian restaurant that serves a fusion cuisine from Europe and Asia and has a speciality Vegan and Mock Meat menu. Vegan certified by Peta!

No.33, 5th Avenue, Besant Nagar, Phone: 91 44 4269 9026

BR Mathsya

Ente Keralam

An elite Kerala speciality chain of restaurants famous for their Erachi Ularthiyathu, Thalassery Biriyani, Meen Moilee, and their much-awaited Onam Sadhya

1, Poes Garden, Kasturi Estate, 1st Street, Alwarpet, Phone: 91 44 32216591 / 6374999504

Hotel Crescent

Very reasonably priced restaurant that serves tasty authentic Kerala dishes that are prepared with a homemade touch

11, Lattice Bridge Road, Adyar, Phone: 91 44 24900049

Kudumbam

A conventionally designed ‘mallu’ getaway, eminent for its Meals, Beef Ularthiyathu, Neymeen Vattichathu, and Koonthal Porichathu 40/156, Kodambakkam High Road, Nungambakkam,

Phone: 91 44 3939999

SEAFOOD

Bay View

Celebrate the panoramic view of the Bay of Bengal, as you dine in the open, on some fresh seafood cooked to perfection with aromatic spices Vivanta by Taj Fisherman’s Cove, Covelong Beach, Off East Coast Road, ECR, Phone: 91 44 67413356

Kayal

An elite specialty restaurant that serves fish, crab, scallops, shrimps, prawns, and lobsters cooked per taste and served in a garden restaurant Le Royal Meridien Hotel, 1, GST Road, St. Thomas Mount, Kathipara, Phone: 91 44 22314343

The Fisherman’s Fare

Enjoy a wide range of seafood in salads, starters, Oriental gravies, Indian curries n gravies, tikkas,

Try everything vegetarian, from sizzlers, pastas, pizzas, 12 varieties of dosas, spl thali lunch, to enticing buffets

29/31, Thanikachalam Road, T.Nagar, Phone: 91 7810846679 04442127007

Cream Centre

A leading chain of vegetarian restaurants with all-time favourites and inventive innovations; their trademarks are Mera Sizzler, Bake Me to Heaven, and Sizzling Brownie Fundae

45, College Road, Near Madras Alliance Francaise, Nungambakkam, Phone: 91 44 43561777 | New No. 55 Old No. 25, 2nd Main Rd, Raja Annamalai Puram, Phone: 91 44 42815777 | T10, 4th Main Road, near Yes Supermarket, Block V, Anna Nagar West, Phone: 91 44 43537077

Delhi Highway

Does justice to its name by serving food typically found along the North Indian highways; alongwith an extensive menu for desi coolers

Khader Nawaz Khan Road, Nungambakkam, Phone: 91 44 71117111 7823940174

Eden

A posh vegetarian restaurant where Continental, Tandoor, and South Indian delicacies coexist in harmony

E37, 2nd Avenue, Besant Nagar, Phone: 91 44 24460777

Haven Sampoorna

A veg fine-dine restaurant serving succulent Indian, Chinese, and Continental delicacies at reasonable prices

5, Asian Complex, 2nd Avenue, Besant Nagar, Phone: 91 9092382382

Kailash Parbat

Best known for its Pani Puri, Chaats, Gulab Jamuns, and Punjabi food; included recently are delicacies from the Sindhi, Punjabi n Chinese cuisines No-62, 3rd Cross St, Gandhi Nagar, Adyar 9, Harrington Road, Chetpet, Phone: 91 22 4014 7636 / 80562 19540

Mahamudra

Pamper your taste buds with Isha Life’s fine dining restaurant that serves healthy, wholesome vegetarian cuisine

Isha Life, 50/117, Luz Church Road, Near Nageshwara Rao Park, Mylapore, Phone: 91 44 43535555

Mathsya

Satisfy your daytime or late night hunger pangs with some of their amazing south Indian vegetarian delicacies, they’re open till 2AM!

1, Halls Road, Egmore, Phone: 9841810497 04428191900

Nivedhanam

A global fusion of exquisite vegan delicacies from Thai, Chinese, Continental and Indian cuisines

234, VM Street, Opposite Yellow Pages, Mylapore, Phone: 91 44 42054882 9176122233

Royal Indianaa

Splurge on the culinary jewels from the princely states of India in this recently revamped South Indian veg speciality restaurant

The Accord Metropolitan Hotel,

35, GN Chetty Road, T.Nagar, Phone: 91 44 28161000

Shree Mithai

Not just a haven for sweets & savouries, it’s also famous for its wide range of chaat items, and the posh veg restaurant serving Indian, Chinese n Continental fare 189, AI Block, Shanthi Colony, Anna Nagar, Phone: 91 44 43539999

Subway

The only place to get healthy subs & salads made with fresh ingredients, right in front of our eyes

AC 112, Ground Floor, Shanthi Colony, Anna Nagar, Phone: 91 44 42612762

ARABIAN

Arabian Hut

Enjoy your chicken grilled or broasted in a sandwich, burger or in a Shawarma roll

Chennai Citi Centre, Dr Radhakrishnan Salai, Mylapore, Phone: 91 44 43577205

Laham

Enjoy subs, wraps and burgers in original tandoor style with a wide range of mouth-watering fillings of Tikkas and Kebabs

3, Balfour Road, Kilpauk, Phone: 91 44 43591101

Mishwar Restaurant

Amongst the various combinations of grills and tikkas, the most sought after are the Tandoori Pomfret, Sarson wali machili and Methi machili Park Avenue Hotel, 84/67, Nungambakkam High Road, Phone: 91 44 28275959

Zaitoon

Global

American

Ashvita Bistro

Don’t miss the relaxing ambience of Ashvita. A Fusion restaurant tucked away in a heritage home in the heart of Chennai and serves Mediterranean and Thai cuisine

No.11, Bava Road, Alwarpet, Phone: 91 44 42031982 /42109990

Chennai Wing’ House

Head out to OMR to satiate your cravings for some resonably priced spicy, saucy n juicy chicken wings

Hiranandani Upscale, Old Mahabalipuram Road

(OMR) Siruseri, Phone: 91 44 45544519

Social

The first and the only Gastro pub in town to enjoy a relaxed evening with friends, food n drinks 94, Sathyadev Avenue, MRC Nagar, Santhome, Phone: 91 44 42152737

A speciality Arabian restaurant with diverse variations in Grills n Barbeque, Tawa Kebabs, Hummus & Salads, Tandoori Kebabs, and Arabian gravies and rice varieties

1, Vantage Plaza, LB Road, Next To Adyar Depot, Adyar, Phone: 7299939971

CHINESE

China Town

Stir fried Lobster, Tiger Prawns n Fish, Schezwan Duck, Fuming platters with choice of meat or vegetables are the signature dishes of this luxe chinese restaurant 3rd Floor, 74, Cathedral Road, Gopalapuram, Phone: 6374999505

China XO

Experience elegant service, sea breeze and a scenic of the Bay of Bengal as you relish some Chinese delicacies cooked to perfection

The Leela Palace, Adyar Seaface, MRC Nagar Santhome, Phone: 91 44 33661234