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Promoting attractions around ECR (East Coast Road) in Chennai is like laying out a wonderful patchwork of culture, nature, adventure, and seaside life. The places to visit near ECR for the day are close enough apart that you can debate your one-day experience without running out of time. There are many options, such as amazing buildings laid down by ancient architects, stimulating water sports, lively arts villages, peaceful beaches, or enjoyable strolls in wildlife parks. The variety ensures that you can add a new lens of perspective to every visit.
The 11 Beautiful Places To Visit Near Ecr, Chennai, Tamil Nadu
Each of these locations has the perfect combination of fun, heritage, and nature for a quick day trip or a slow weekend away.
1. DakshinaChitra
Photo: Destination8infinity / Wikimedia Commons
DakshinaChitra is a living museum that showcases the art, architecture, crafts, and folk performances of South India, over ten calm acres facing the Bay of Bengal. Visitors can stroll through reconstructed traditional homes, watch working artisans, and view interpreters demonstrating cultural arts. It is one of the places to visit near ECR that offers an appealing and calming level of cultural immersion conveniently accessible along ECR. Its open-air layout, shaded corridors, and refreshing sea breezes make it incredibly accessible for a relaxed, enriching morning visit.
Entry Fee: ₹150
How To Reach: 25 km from Chennai, 40 mins by road
2. Muttukadu Boat House
Photo: Timothy A. Gonsalves / Wikimedia Commons
If you’re looking for some thrills (and maybe the outdoor life) just south of Chennai on the ECR, the Muttukadu Boat House is the place for water sports lovers and families alike. Established in 1984 and managed by the Tamil Nadu Tourism Development Corporation, visitors can row, windsurf, water ski, and enjoy speedboat, pedal boat, or aqua-scooter rides in the serene backwaters. The equipment and activities are located in a coastal wetland, so whether you paddle for an afternoon or splash out crazy fast in a motorboat, you will enjoy the breeze and scenery.
Entry Fee: ₹150 – ₹500 depending on ride
How To Reach: 36 km from Chennai, 50 mins by road
3. Crocodile Bank
Photo: Manokaran M / Wikimedia Commons
Madras Crocodile Bank, located on the ECR, is one of the largest reptile zoos in the world, built to preserve India’s endangered crocodile species. It stands out as one of the places to visit near ECR for those interested in wildlife and conservation. Here, visitors will see crocodiles, gharials, and an array of rare reptiles, as well as a huge array of birdlife within the beautiful grounds. A great blend of educational and hair-raising, you’ll learn about reptile conservation, you can view gharials underwater through aquarium displays, and you can take a stroll amongst greenery as you view the incredible reptiles.
Entry Fee: ₹100
How To Reach: 45 km from Chennai, 1 hr by road
4. Mahabalipuram
Photo: Vinayaraj / Wikimedia Commons
The UNESCO list of Mahabalipuram monuments is a rapturous sample of brilliance from the Pallava estates. A short drive down ECR towards the coastal heritage area, we are greeted by the Shore Temple, Pancha Rathas (the Five Chariots), and Arjuna’s Penance carved in a dramatic rock relief. Each sculpture is an epic narrative and a display of craftsmanship against a backdrop of sea and sky. With a compact layout, you can walk around at your leisure; besides, with a pleasant ocean breeze, this is a very enjoyable exploration of the intersection between art and history in a laid-back setting.
Entry Fee: ₹40 for Indians, ₹600 for foreigners
How To Reach: 57 km from Chennai, 1.5 hrs by road
5. VGP Universal Kingdom
Photo: Mohan Babu V / Wikimedia Commons
If you need a brightness and fun factor, VGP Universal Kingdom is an amusement park located directly off ECR, and it is very vibrant! Families seeking entertainment-focused places to visit near ECR will love this spot. The park is organised into themed areas. There are roller coasters, water rides, carnival-type games, and live shows, too! It can appeal to families and adrenaline seekers alike. The park’s vibrancy contrasts with the more mellow atmosphere of the beaches along ECR. In contrast, the park is filled with colour and a much more energetic atmosphere of laughter and action.
Entry Fee: ₹500 – ₹800
How To Reach: 23 km from Chennai, 35 mins by road
6. Cholamandal Artists’ Village
Photo: Destination8infinity / Wikimedia Commons
Cholamandal Artists’ Village, founded in 1966, is an exciting artist commune located beside ECR, established for modern paintings and sculptures in 1966. You might be free to tour artist studios, see inspiring galleries, and possibly meet and engage creators developing their original artworks in a peaceful, shaded courtyard away from busy tourist zones. Cholamandal Artists’ Village is an authentic, creative couples’ trip for those who enjoy contemporary art, time for quiet reflection, and the opportunity to share easily with Chennai’s art heritage.
Entry Fee: ₹20
How To Reach: 25 km from Chennai, 40 mins by road
7. Kovalam Beach & Surf Village
Photo: Biju Karakkonam / Wikimedia Commons
Covelong Beach (known as Kovalam locally) is a quiet fishing village along ECR, and it’s India’s first surf village. As one of the relaxing places to visit near ECR, it combines calm coastal charm with water sports opportunities. Its sandy beaches are popular with sun worshippers and adventure travellers alike. You can enjoy a peaceful day and relax on the beach, experience village life (the market day is on Mondays), or take a lesson at one of the local surfing schools. The coastal scene is laid back; you can browse the friendly vendor stalls, watch local fishing boats getting ready, and feel the warm ocean breeze.
Entry Fee: Free
How To Reach: 38 km from Chennai, 1 hr by road
8. Dakshinachitra & Muttukadu
Photo: Timothy A. Gonsalves / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
One option to explore culture and water-based adventures cohesively is to immerse yourself in heritage village visits at Dakshinachitra, followed by a trip to nearby Muttukadu Boat House to rent paddleboats or speedboats for the speedboating enthusiasts. A combo such as this offers a complete sensory switch: from the artisans & craftspeople in corridors and traditional houses to the excitement of the backwaters. So you get the full spectrum in this experience: first, heritage contained in open-air galleries, followed by the splash of the oars or the roaring engine above bright skies.
Entry Fee: ₹150 – ₹500
How To Reach: 25 – 36 km from Chennai, 40 – 50 mins by road
9. Tiger Cave
Photo: Destination8infinity / Wikimedia Commons
As you approach Mahabalipuram on ECR, you will find Tiger Cave. For travellers hunting for offbeat places to visit near ECR, this natural rock formation is a gem. Tiger Cave is a rocky outcrop with boulders all stacked in precarious ways like an ancient temple in ruins. It is a low-effort, naturally photo-worthy stop where you can stroll through the grooves, climb a little bit, and see if you can find peaceful views of the coast. Tiger Cave has less foot traffic, open air, and extra sprinklings of mystery to make it indelible in your mind as a “secret adventure.” It is a space for a quick stretch and self-insight, if you can find the time.
Entry Fee: Free
How To Reach: 52 km from Chennai, 1.2 hrs by road
10. ISKCON Chennai
Photo: Destination8infinity / Wikimedia Commons
With the start of ECR nearby, the ISKCON Temple (Sri Sri Radha Krishna Mandir) at Sholinganallur is a beautiful combination of modern and traditional architecture. The temple is situated on 1.5 acres that are arranged over five levels. Its Pallava-inspired look and devotionally themed art throughout the halls, with an auditorium and prasadam hall for food, has an ambience of peace and spirituality. From the soft chants and marble-tiled corridors and the rhythms of the temple program rituals, you will want to stop even briefly and soak in the serenity early in the day or later.
Entry Fee: Free
How To Reach: 20 km from Chennai, 30 mins by road
11. MGM Dizzee World
Photo: Sankar Pandian / Wikimedia Commons
MGM Dizzee World is a popular amusement park, located along the East Coast Road in Chennai and one of the city’s oldest. For travellers looking for fun-filled places to visit near ECR, it offers visitors a lot of rides, roller coasters, water rides, and themed attractions for all ages, making it a vibrant stop on your journey. Families can spend hours engaging on rides from giant wheels, wave pools, and everything in between, with regular live entertainment displays.
Timings: 10:30 AM – 6:30 PM (weekdays), 10:30 AM – 7:30 PM (weekends)
Entry Fee: ₹699 for adults, ₹549 for children
An escape along ECR features a wonderful mix of heritage, ocean breeze, and rich culture, with many places to visit near ECR offering something unique for every kind of traveller. You can spend time enjoying Mahabalipuram’s ancient stonework, sailing over the waters of Muttukadu, and discovering a creative art village. They’re all in their rhythm, from the quietness of the beaches to the busyness of attractions, all connected by a lovely scenic coastal drive. The varied locations and experiences allow every traveller to find something that resonates with them. TripXL makes it easy to discover, plan, and book your next getaway to ECR.
Cover Photo: Timothy A. Gonsalves / Wikimedia Commons
