Luxury Tamil Nadu Holidays

You'll find plenty to discover all across Chennai. Egmore and George Town are ideally located for those seeking attractions and museums, including the National Art Gallery, the Government Museum and the iconic Fort St George.

There's also Thyagaraya Nagar, where you'll find some of the major shopping outlets in the city, and Mylapore, the oldest neighbourhood. In Mylapore, you can take in Kapaleeshwarar and Thiruvalluvar Temples as well as visit the Mahatma Gandhi statue and Chennai Marina lighthouse.

The over-400-year-old Mount Road – or Anna Salai – is the most important thoroughfare in the city, with major connections all around Chennai. On it, you'll find views of the Cooum River and shopping at its various malls and boutiques.

If you're seeking a luxury holiday at a Chennai resort that's close to beautiful beaches, there are long stretches of golden sands that frame the city. Here are some of the best:

Marina Beach

At eight miles long, this is India’s longest beach. It runs from Besant Nagar in the south to Fort St George in the north and is a popular hangout spot for locals. As you stroll along Marina Beach, you'll see a host of statues of prominent figures from India's past.

Elliot's Beach

Elliot’s Beach, also known as Besant Nagar, is typically quieter than Marina Beach. Its clear waters and pristine sand make it one of the cleanest beaches in the area. As well as paddling in the sea, you can try horseback riding here and sample some of the food on offer from the vendors dotted along the coast.

Breezy Beach

If you're looking for a beach that's away from the crowds, head to Breezy Beach in the quiet southern neighbourhood of Valmiki Nagar. It's a tranquil spot known for its awesome sunsets, kept clean for visitors and residents alike by the local community. After a day on the sand, you can head to nearby Thiruvanmiyur market where you can explore what's on offer from the stalls.

For those seeking a spiritual getaway, Pondicherry is home to the world-famous Sri Aurobindo Ashram, which was founded by Bengali philosopher Sri Aurobindo. You can take a tour of this centre of spirituality or simply spend time meditating.

Art and history lovers will find a variety of fascinating galleries in the city. Puducherry Museum is located by Bharathi Park and features collections of jewels, coins and statues that date back to the first century BCE. Puducherry Contemporary Art Gallery was opened in 2022, while the Tasmai Gallery showcases work by local artists based in the city.

The beaches in Pondicherry are laid-back, reflecting the relaxed, bohemian nature of the city itself. Whether you want to walk along the seafront at sunset and mingle with the crowds or take to the waves yourself for some water sports, these are some of the best spots to be found:

Promenade Beach

Stretching for almost a mile, this is the most popular beach in Pondicherry. It's lined with iconic landmarks like the War Memorial and the Joan of Arc statue, a life-size homage to the saint in striking white marble.

The old lighthouse and the remains of the old pier can be spotted from the beach. Take a stroll during the evening or get here early to watch the sunrise.

Paradise Beach

Just a short ferry ride away from the city lies Paradise Beach. With its clear waters and palm-tree-lined shore, it's worth the journey. Visitors can try their hand at water sports including kayaking and jet skiing. If you're feeling peckish, there are beach shacks dotted along the sand. The hot bhajis are highly recommended.

Serenity Beach

A few miles north of Pondicherry, here you'll find a relaxing escape from the buzz of the city. However, Serenity Beach is also perfect for adventurers planning on hitting the waves – it's a popular surfing spot for visitors and locals.