Biking on ECR
If you have the need for speed, then East Coast Road is where you need to head. The roads are neat, clean and safe for any sensible biker. The best way is to skip the turn to Mahabalipuram, instead chose the solitude of the Pondicherry highway and just ride on to your heart’s content. Make sure that your brakes are sharp and your tank is full as fuel bunks are few and far from this turn.
Alamparai fort
50 kms from Mamallapuram, near the village of Kadapakkam you will encounter the ruins of Alamparai Fort. An ideal spot for halt no.1.
Built in the in the 18th century, 100-metre long dockyard, stretching into the sea served as a port in ancient Tamil Nadu. Constructed during the Mughal Period, later transferred to French and subsequently destroyed by the British this fort is currently a scenic and serene spot with backwaters and cool sand. Local fishermen double up as guides with their boating rides around the fort.
The spot makes for a postcard view and would be an ideal locale for nature photography.
Crocodile Park
On your way back, you should visit Crocodile Bank. There are over 5,000 crocs in this wildlife farm, which was set up to protect and breed them. From the saltwater crocodylus porosus, the world’s largest crocodile (25 ft) to the fish-eating gharial, crocs here are of all breeds and sizes. In addition, there is a Snake Farm where snakes are milked to collect venom and there are also tanks with different kinds of fishes and turtles.
This place is about 15km from Mamallapuram on the road to Chennai. Crocs entertain visitors only between 8.30 am to 5.30 pm and their weekly holiday is on Tuesday. Nature enthusiast can be present at 4.30 pm, when the crocs are fed or experience the thrill of holding a live baby croc and a python
Muthukaddu
The backwaters of Muttukadu have been developed by the Tamilnadu Tourism Development Corporation to serve as a scenic picnic spot and a centre for water sports. You can enjoy sunset either on top of the Muttukadu Bridge or in one of the boats below. Here’s one experience you shouldn’t miss.
Jagannath Temple
Yes, the Lord of Puri has his own pristine abode on the seashore of Chennai at Kannathur, on ECR, about 20 kms from Adyar. The shrine resembles a replica of Jagannath Temple from Puri. Worth a visit and for the hassled Chennaiite, this place definitely has a calming effect.
Other spots to slow you down –
ECR also boasts of a cultural centre – Dakshin Chitra which houses the best of the four south Indian states
To beat the afternoon sun, take a dip in the middle of the ocean with your life jackets on and then lie back and move with the waves at Fisherman’s Cove
For racing enthusiasts – there is a go-karting track too.
Last but not the least, ECR has a host of theme parks and a state-of-the-art multiplex cum entertainment centre – Mayajaal
Some tips –
If you are planning to start very early in the morning, then you can catch the sunrise at ECR View Point
Take a set of clothes if you fancy a dip in the sea
Make sure to wear your helmet, keep a bottle of water and more importantly - carry along your spirit of adventure!
Alamparai fort
50 kms from Mamallapuram, near the village of Kadapakkam you will encounter the ruins of Alamparai Fort. An ideal spot for halt no.1.
Built in the in the 18th century, 100-metre long dockyard, stretching into the sea served as a port in ancient Tamil Nadu. Constructed during the Mughal Period, later transferred to French and subsequently destroyed by the British this fort is currently a scenic and serene spot with backwaters and cool sand. Local fishermen double up as guides with their boating rides around the fort.
The spot makes for a postcard view and would be an ideal locale for nature photography.
Crocodile Park On your way back, you should visit Crocodile Bank. There are over 5,000 crocs in this wildlife farm, which was set up to protect and breed them. From the saltwater crocodylus porosus, the world’s largest crocodile (25 ft) to the fish-eating gharial, crocs here are of all breeds and sizes. In addition, there is a Snake Farm where snakes are milked to collect venom and there are also tanks with different kinds of fishes and turtles.
This place is about 15km from Mamallapuram on the road to Chennai. Crocs entertain visitors only between 8.30 am to 5.30 pm and their weekly holiday is on Tuesday. Nature enthusiast can be present at 4.30 pm, when the crocs are fed or experience the thrill of holding a live baby croc and a python
Muthukaddu
The backwaters of Muttukadu have been developed by the Tamilnadu Tourism Development Corporation to serve as a scenic picnic spot and a centre for water sports. You can enjoy sunset either on top of the Muttukadu Bridge or in one of the boats below. Here’s one experience you shouldn’t miss.
Jagannath Temple
Yes, the Lord of Puri has his own pristine abode on the seashore of Chennai at Kannathur, on ECR, about 20 kms from Adyar. The shrine resembles a replica of Jagannath Temple from Puri. Worth a visit and for the hassled Chennaiite, this place definitely has a calming effect.
Other spots to slow you down –
ECR also boasts of a cultural centre – Dakshin Chitra which houses the best of the four south Indian states
To beat the afternoon sun, take a dip in the middle of the ocean with your life jackets on and then lie back and move with the waves at Fisherman’s Cove
For racing enthusiasts – there is a go-karting track too.
Last but not the least, ECR has a host of theme parks and a state-of-the-art multiplex cum entertainment centre – Mayajaal
Some tips –
If you are planning to start very early in the morning, then you can catch the sunrise at ECR View Point
Take a set of clothes if you fancy a dip in the sea
Make sure to wear your helmet, keep a bottle of water and more importantly - carry along your spirit of adventure!
