Top 10 Instagrammable Nature Spots in Chennai

Hello there! Welcome to Chennai's Natural Side

You might think of Chennai as a bustling hub of industry and culture, but did you know it's also a fantastic place for nature lovers and photographers? Tucked away within and around the city are some truly beautiful spots perfect for capturing that perfect Instagram moment. Whether you love serene beaches, lush green parks, or fascinating wildlife, Chennai has a natural escape just for you.

10 most Instagrammable Nature Spots in Chennai

1. Covelong Beach (Kovalam Beach)

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Covelong Beach, just outside Chennai, is a peaceful fishing village perfect for catching a magical sunrise or sunset. The colorful boats and soft light make for some truly stunning photos!

• Location: Off East Coast Road (ECR), near the village of Kovalam

• Timings: Open 24/7, but the best light for photography is at dawn or dusk.

• Entry Fee: Free

• Street Food to Try: You've got to try the fresh seafood from the local shacks! They grill fish and prawns right there, and it's absolutely delicious.

• Places to Stay Nearby: The ECR is famous for its resorts. For a luxurious treat, check out Taj Fisherman's Cove Resort & Spa. Other cozy options nearby include Green Coconut Resort and Sea La Vie Covelong Beach Resort.

2. Guindy National Park

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Right in the middle of Chennai, there's a lovely urban oasis called Guindy National Park. It's home to friendly blackbucks, deer, and other wildlife. It's a peaceful spot to take a stroll and capture wonderful photos of animals in their natural setting.

• Location: Rangapuram, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600025

• Timings: 9:00 AM - 5:30 PM (Closed on Tuesdays)

• Entry Fee: A small fee of ₹20 for adults and ₹5 for children.

• Street Food to Try: After your visit, a short trip to Saidapet will reward you with tasty local snacks like a murukku sandwich or the refreshing Jigarthanda drink.

• Places to Stay Nearby: Being centrally located, you have lots of great choices. ITC Grand Chola is a popular luxury pick, while Ramada Plaza by Wyndham Chennai offers a comfortable and elegant stay. For something more casual, Hablis Chennai Hotel and Ginger Chennai are lovely options.

3. Madras Crocodile Bank Trust and Centre for Herpetology

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Want a different kind of photo? The Madras Crocodile Bank is your place! It's a fun spot to get close-up shots of cool reptiles like crocodiles in their naturalistic enclosures.

• Location: Post Bag No 4, Mahabalipuram, Tamil Nadu 603104

• Timings: 9:00 AM - 5:30 PM (Closed on Mondays)

• Entry Fee: ₹100 for adults, and ₹50 for children.

• Street Food to Try: The stalls right outside the park offer a perfect refresher. Try the nungu sarbath (palm fruit juice) or a quick, crispy samosa.

• Places to Stay Nearby: The Crocodile Bank is surrounded by many resorts on the ECR. Sheraton Grand Chennai Resort & Spa is a wonderful choice very close by, along with Shelter Beach Resort and Blue Bay Beach Resort.

4. Pulicat Lake

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A little way from the city, you'll find Pulicat Lake, a real treasure! As India's second-largest saltwater lagoon, it's a dream come true for bird lovers, especially in winter. Imagine capturing a whole flock of flamingos or pelicans against the vast lake and a stunning sky. It's truly a beautiful sight!

• Location: Atyamangalam, Tiruvallur, Tamil Nadu 601202

• Timings: Open 24/7, but sunrise and sunset are the best for bird photography.

• Entry Fee: Free

• Street Food to Try: Since the area is known for fresh seafood, be sure to grab a meal at a local eatery for some simply prepared and delicious fish or prawns.

• Places to Stay Nearby: Accommodation right at the lake is limited. Your best bet is to stay in nearby towns like Tada or Sri City, where you'll find places like Mango Resort or Hotel SRM Grandeurs.

5. Muttukadu Boat House

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The Muttukadu Boat House is a serene spot on the ECR with lovely backwaters. It's a fantastic place to rent a boat and capture beautiful photos of the reflections on the water. It's truly a perfect spot for peaceful and artistic photography.

• Location: ECR, Muttukadu, Tamil Nadu 603112

• Timings: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM daily

• Entry Fee: Free to enter, with separate charges for boat rides.

• Street Food to Try: While the boat house has its own canteen, you can find small stalls nearby selling classic South Indian snacks like podi idli and aromatic filter coffee.

• Places to Stay Nearby: You'll find many resorts along the ECR. Great choices near the boat house include Taj Fisherman's Cove Resort & Spa, MGM Beach Resorts, and Novotel Chennai Sipcot.

6. Thalankuppam Pier

Looking for a unique coastal walk? Head to Thalankuppam Pier! You can stroll along the rustic pier where the river meets the sea, capturing some peaceful, one-of-a-kind photos. It's a sweet spot for a short adventure.

• Location: Thalankuppam Pier, Ennore, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600057

• Timings: Open 24/7, but best to visit during the day for a clear view and to avoid high tide.

• Entry Fee: Free

• Street Food to Try: As a fishing village, the area is known for its fresh catch. Look for small vendors selling fried fish or local snacks.

• Places to Stay Nearby: This area is more for a quick trip than an overnight stay. Your best bet is to stay at a hotel or resort along the ECR or within the city, as there are limited options directly in the vicinity.

7. ECR Beaches (East Coast Road)

The long and scenic East Coast Road (ECR) is lined with a variety of beaches, each with its own unique charm. From lively spots like Thiruvanmiyur Beach to quiet, hidden coves, you'll have lots of chances to capture beautiful shots of crashing waves and golden sand. Plus, the cafes along the ECR offer some really cool backdrops for your photos!

• Location: Various locations along East Coast Road

• Timings: Open 24/7

• Entry Fee: Free

• Street Food to Try: The ECR is a foodie's paradise. You can find everything from delicious pakoras and corn on the cob on the beaches to more elaborate seafood dishes at the restaurants.

• Places to Stay Nearby: The ECR is famous for its resorts. Kaldan Samudhra Palace, Sheraton Grand Chennai Resort & Spa, and TTDC Hotel Tamilnadu are all wonderful choices for a relaxing beachside stay.

8. Vandalur Zoo (Arignar Anna Zoological Park)

A quick trip from the city, Vandalur Zoo is a great spot to explore. Beyond the animal exhibits, you'll find beautiful green spaces and peaceful walking trails that are perfect for some lovely, natural-looking photos. It's a fun and easy way to get some fresh air and beautiful shots!

• Location: Grand Southern Trunk Rd, Vandalur, Tamil Nadu 600048

• Timings: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM (Closed on Tuesdays)

• Entry Fee: ₹200 for adults, ₹100 for children.

• Street Food to Try: The zoo has its own food court, but you can also find simple and tasty South Indian snacks at the local stalls on the highway nearby.

• Places to Stay Nearby: The area around Vandalur and Tambaram has several hotels. Close options include Hotel O Elegant Residency Vandalur Zoo and HOTEL SRR GRAND (Vandalur).

9. Vedanthangal Bird Sanctuary

If you're a fan of birds, you simply can't miss Vedanthangal. As one of India's oldest bird sanctuaries, it becomes a lively haven for thousands of migratory birds between October and March. It's the perfect place to capture stunning close-ups of storks, pelicans, and herons, as well as wide shots of all the wonderful birdlife.

• Location: Madurantakam, Vedanthangal, Tamil Nadu 603301

• Timings: 6:00 AM - 6:00 PM daily

• Entry Fee: ₹25 for adults, ₹10 for children.

• Street Food to Try: It's a good idea to pack your own snacks as there are limited food options right at the sanctuary. However, you might find a few local tea stalls for a refreshing drink.

• Places to Stay Nearby: Accommodation in the immediate area is sparse. Most people make a day trip from Chennai or stay in nearby towns like Chengalpattu, which has hotels like New AKSHAY GRAND or Ranga Residency.

10. Semmozhi Poonga

A beautiful escape right in the city center, Semmozhi Poonga is a botanical garden filled with vibrant plants and serene water features. It's the perfect place to capture stunning photos of exotic flowers and lush greenery.

• Location: Cathedral Rd, Ellaiamman Colony, Teynampet, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600086

• Timings: 10:00 AM - 7:30 PM (Closed on Tuesdays)

• Entry Fee: ₹15 for adults, free for children below 10.

• Street Food to Try: Being so central, you're just a short walk away from many fantastic eateries in Teynampet and T. Nagar. Keep an eye out for famous street food like pani puri or chaat at nearby stalls.

• Places to Stay Nearby: This location is very central, so you have a huge selection of places to stay. For a luxurious stay, consider The Park Chennai and Taj Coromandel. For mid-range and budget-friendly options, you'll find plenty of great hotels in the T. Nagar and Nungambakkam areas.