The East Coast Road, more popularly known as ECR or the Muthamizh Arignar Kalaignar Road, connects Chennai with Kanyakumari. It is in the state of Tamil Nadu and falls under the district of Chennai. The ECR runs along the Bay of Bengal and is certainly one of the most important connecting roadways in the country that runs through several major cities of South India, including Puducherry and Ramanathapuram. It is a four-lane highway maintained by the state government of Tamil Nadu.
How to reach?
By air
To reach the East Coast Road (ECR) in Chennai by air, you can follow these steps:
- Fly to the Chennai International Airport.
- You can hire a taxi from the airport or take a public bus to reach the city centre.
- You can take a local train or hire a taxi from the city centre to the ECR.
By rail
Take a local train to Chennai Beach Railway Station. The Chennai Beach Railway Station is a major transportation hub in the city, and it is well-connected to other parts of Chennai by local trains. You can hire a taxi from the Chennai Beach Railway Station or take a local bus to reach the ECR.
By road
To reach the East Coast Road (ECR) in Chennai by road, you can follow these steps:
- If you are starting from the city centre, head south on Anna Salai (formerly known as Mount Road) towards Adyar.
- Continue straight on Anna Salai until you reach the Tidel Park intersection.
- Turn left onto Tidel Park Road and continue straight until you reach the ECR flyover.
- Turn right onto the ECR flyover and continue straight on the ECR.
The top ECR resorts for an amazing vacation
ECR has plenty of resorts, for millions of travellers regularly frequent it. Some of the best resorts in ECR Chennai are listed below:
MGM Beach Resort
One of the best resorts on East Coast Road, MGM Beach Resort, is always in high demand. It is, therefore, wise to pre-book rooms here in case one intends to experience a luxury stay here. Breakfast is included along with the room price per day. It has free WiFi access in rooms and in public areas, gymnasium, dining area, club, bar, pool, game room, garden and boating facilities. The bathrooms are equipped with bathtubs, and all the rooms are fully air-conditioned. MGM Beach Resort is a wise choice for an exotic staycation.
Amenities: Free WiFi and a swimming pool, private beach zone and airport shuttle, parking is free, beachfront, health club, a lounge, bar, a spa, a running track and a grilling area
Check-in/check-out: 3 pm/11 am
Average price: Rs 16000 per night
Ratings: 4 out of 5 stars
Source: Pinterest
Landmark Pallavaa Beach Resort
This resort is located very near to the beach. It has access to all modern equipment. Deluxe rooms with large beds and modern baths are some of its facilities. WiFi is available at all places. Dinner and parking are included in the room price.
Amenities: Free parking, pet-friendly, household restaurant, airport transfer, service laundry, outdoor swimming pool with television, beachfront, totally free breakfast
Check-in/check-out timings: 2 pm/12 pm
Average price: Rs 4800 per night
Ratings: 4 out of 5 stars
Grande Bay Resort
Another luxury resort in ECR, Grande Bay Resort and Spa is a realm of calm pleasure amidst nature, from tailoring your experience to offering trip itineraries. This resort is a great option when visiting Chennai because it has a friendly staff at your disposal and a wealth of amenities. This resort is a wonderful location to create experiences that you will treasure for years, whether you are travelling with friends or family.
Amenities: This place has a private beach. Internet, parking, and free breakfast are available, and the rooms have beautiful garden views.
Check-in/check-out: 2 pm and 12 pm
Average price: Rs 10,000 per night.
Ratings: 4 out of 5 stars
Source: Pinterest
Radisson Blu Temple Bay Resort
One of the finest resorts in ECR, Radisson Blu is the best place to spend in sheer luxury and splurge. It offers free WiFi, a private beach, fishing opportunities, air conditioning, parking, a game room, billiards and so on. It is a five-star resort, and it lives up to the reputation of the Radisson Group.
Amenities: Free parking, pet-friendly, household restaurant, airport transfer, service laundry, outdoor swimming pool with television, beachfront, totally free breakfast
Check-in/check-out: 3 pm and 12 pm
Average price: Rs 15,000 per night
Ratings: 4 out of 5 stars
Source: Pinterest
VGP Golden Beach Resort
High in demand at all seasons, VGP Golden Beach Resort offers an exquisite way of living. In addition to providing the basic amenities for a five-star resort, like WiFi, parking, and air conditioning, it also provides hot tub facilities and badminton courts. It is close to the beach and is, therefore, an easy choice for tourists.
Amenities: Sports complex and swimming pool, campfire children’s play area, beach access, indoor sports, internet access, in-room dining
Check-in/check-out timings: 2 pm/12 pm
Average price: Rs 6,500 per night
Ratings: 4 out of 5 stars
Source: Pinterest
Sheraton Grand Chennai Resort and Spa
A luxury escape is how Sheraton Grand Chennai Resort and Spa can be best described. It is one of the grandest resorts in ECR, with facilities that include an infinity pool, huge size air-conditioned rooms, green lawns, a vast spread of multi-cuisine meals, a kids’ room, game room, gymnasium, spa, lounge and bar.
Guests are always welcome to contact the front desk if any assistance is needed. They can also participate in activities like yoga, cycling, table tennis, Zumba, chess and archery. This is one of the best places to stay and enjoy the comforts of life. It has a grand banquet used as a wedding and seminar hall.
Amenities: Free WiFi and a swimming pool, private beach zone and airport shuttle, parking is free, beachfront, health club, a lounge, bar, a spa, a running track and a grilling area
Check-in/check-out timings: 3 pm/12 pm
Average price: Rs 15,000 per night
Ratings: 4.5 out of 5 stars
Source: Sheraton Grand Chennai Resort and Spa
Chariot Beach Resort
This is one of the most popular resorts on ECR. It is a very well-maintained property with all kinds of services for the guests. It has a private beach and a badminton court in addition to WiFi, parking, pool and air conditioning services.
Amenities: Spa and wellness centre and swimming pool, free airport shuttle and breakfast, beach bar, beachfront
Check-in/check-out timings: 2 pm/12 pm
Average price: Rs 7,500 per night
Ratings: 4 out of 5 stars
Tourist attractions around ECR
ECR has multiple places for tourists’ interest. These include :
- The ISKCON Temple, Chennai
- Marundeeswarar Temple
- DakshinaChitra, the art centre
- Muttukadu Boat House
- Mahabalipuram
- Pondicherry sea beach
FAQs
What is the total length of the ECR?
The ECR is built over a distance of 777 kms.
What is the best time to visit ECR?
The best time to visit ECR is between October to February, as the weather during this time is less hot.
Is driving along ECR safe?
It is absolutely safe to drive in ECR as long as one is a licensed and responsible driver.
