Best Water Theme Parks in Chennai, India - Pricing, Places, Best Time & More

Located beside the Bay of Bengal, Chennai in Tamil Nadu is known for its long stretches of golden beaches, backwaters, gentle winding rivers and serene lakes that contrast sharply with the hustle and bustle of the city. If you have a passion for water sports, this coastal region draws you in with the promise of exhilarating experiences on the shores of South India as you explore the gleaming waters that border the city. 

Watersports in Chennai are still in its nascent stage as this capital is primarily a fishing and port city, and scuba diving is not conducted here. The large amount of fishing activities nearby makes the water cloudy and visibility is low, so this can make it hard to see the gorgeous ocean bed that lies beneath. However, watersports in Chennai finds its heart in Pondicherry just 165 km away. So if you’re up for a road trip, hop into a car or bus and drive down to this picturesque Union Territory that is home to spectacular dive sites such as Aravind’s Wall, Four Corners, Temple Reef and The Hole. 

If you’re still itching for watersports in Chennai that are being conducted closer than Pondicherry, don’t be discouraged just yet! Surfing has taken off thanks to a small group of surfing enthusiasts that are excited to ride atop the waves of the Bay of Bengal with you. If you’re new to surfing, you can take up one of the courses at the surfing schools in Covelong and also make friends with local surfers in the region. 

Give your love for water a brand new twist by dipping into a world of watersports! 

You might be familiar with scuba diving but have you ever heard of snorkeling? For those of us that aren’t too comfortable with diving into the mysterious depths of the ocean, snorkeling is a great segue into the exhilarating world of water sports. For snorkeling, you wear a mask and a breathing tube called a snorkel to take in the beautiful aquatic world that lies below the surface of the gentle waves of the ocean. The key difference is how deep you go into the water; snorkelers can catch panoramic vistas of marine life while floating close to the surface while scuba divers immerse themselves deep into the ocean as they explore coral reefs and sea wildlife. 

Although Chennai is surrounded by the frothy curls of the Bay of Bengal, snorkeling in Chennai hasn’t taken off due to strong currents and low visibility. There’s also significant fishing activities that happen near the ‘Detroit of India’, and while snorkeling in Chennai, this can muddy up the water, making your vision cloudy. 

But when you’re a watersports enthusiast, you should know that where there is a will, there is a way and if you’re in this cultural hub, you can still put snorkeling in Chennai on your to-do list. Pondicherry is 163 kms away from Chennai by road and is a beautiful spot for you to snorkel, giving you a chance to catch a glimpse of lionfish, manta rays, red snapper and so much more! If you’re ready to board a flight for a vacation on a beautiful island, catch one to the Andaman and Nicobar Islands which is also located in the Bay of Bengal and provides a fantastic snorkeling and scuba diving experience. 

Browse through our pages on Pondicherry and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands and discover the different dive sites that are well worth a visit! 

Chennai, near the Bay of Bengal is a bustling coastal city hub and has been nicknamed the ‘Detroit of India’ thanks to its numerous automobile industries around the city. However, other than walking the winding roads of Chennai or spending the day at the beach, the outdoors of this bustling urban hub can soothe your heart and soul. From thickets of evergreen forests, craggy terrains and low-lying hills that offer a peek of the blue ocean waters in the distance, camping in Chennai can give you a bite of the richness of nature that Tamil Nadu has to offer. 

Spend a night under the stars with the trickling sound of waterfalls in the background at Nagalapuram. You can trek through the lovely forest trails or enjoy an outdoors picnic besides a bubbling stream. Camping in Chennai can also be done at the iconic Tada Falls, with refreshing rock pools at different points of the trekking routes to keep you going to the falls. If you’re ready for a road trip as you bop to your favorite summer songs, travel to Yercaud and take in the mesmerizing view of clouds touching the tips of the surrounding hills. 

Camping in Chennai isn’t complete without setting your tent besides the majestic dark swells of the Bay of Bengal and Mahabalipuram is a top spot that allows you to take in seaside vistas outside your chosen campsite. 

Pack up your trusty hiking boots, tent equipment and your camera as you set off on an adventure in the wild outdoors of Chennai! 

Have you ever wanted to take control over your own watercraft and sail your way down to a new adventure? Chennai is a beautiful city but after days of walking down roads in the sweltering heat or navigating through throngs of tourists, your heart begins to long for the simplistic beauty of the outdoors, adorned with cooling greenery and water bodies perfect for you to dip your toes into its refreshing depths. Kayaking in Chennai offers you the chance to paddle on serene bays, gently flowing rivers or on placid lakes as softly coloured birds take flight above your head. 

Kayaking in Chennai is fairly new with only one or two spots for you to enjoy kayaking. But this shouldn’t stop you from taking up this adrenaline pumping water sport that will give you a different perspective of Chennai from atop its grayish-blue glistening water. New to kayaking? Kayaking in Chennai is taught by experienced instructors and guides that will make sure you glide across the waters with confidence and all safety measures in place. If you’d love to take up a course in kayaking or try your hand at a different yet exciting water sport, you can check out the Bay of Life Surf School and Ocean Literacy or other surfing/kayaking schools near Chennai and take up a beginners or pro course! 

Steer yourself into a world of fun with kayaking in Chennai.

Traditional South Indian hospitality puts the guest first, ensuring that all their needs are met, from cooking food that will match their preferences, to setting up rooms that give you a peaceful, cozy slumber under the inky black sky. The Homestays in Chennai give you a taste of the hospitality Tamil Nadu is famous for and leaves you feeling relaxed as you turn on your vacation mode and forget about hectic work schedules or responsibilities at home. 

Homestays in Chennai bring out the wonderful simplicity and comfort of living in an authentic Tamilian home. Why head out to a restaurant when you can relish the dishes Chennai is known for, made by your hosts who have lived there their whole lives? Sink your teeth into Idli and Sambhar, Dosa, Uttapams or delicious banana Paniyarams, flavoured with the spices that are well known in the region and give the cuisine a unique taste. 

The homestays in Chennai also give you a chance to learn about this lovely coastal city with stories from your hosts to regale you during the long evenings. As a bonus, you’ll also get the insiders scoop on the best sightseeing spots, eateries and beaches to visit during your stay! Immerse yourself in homely hospitality at one of these lovely, spacious bungalows. 

Chennai the capital of Tamil Nadu is primarily known for its wealth of golden beaches, rich Tamil culture and hot, humid climate. But if you’re a rock-climber looking to conquer some beautiful rock formations, rock climbing in Chennai shouldn’t be off your list. The landscape around the city is rugged, promising an exhilarating rock climbing experience amidst lush greenery and deep blue skies. 

For a rock climber, making your way to the summit of majestic rocks is a test of fitness, skill and determination. Using your strength and agility to navigate up these natural beauties is a challenge for your body and mind. Rock climbing in Chennai is a fairly recent trend and is still in its early days but a variety of boulder problems and routes have been emerging in the crags around this coastal hub, largely due to the efforts of a budding, active group of enthusiastic climbers. 

Rock climbing in Chennai involves clambering up granite rock formations and bouldering dominates the climbing scene. However, taller routes are slowly being put up just a few kilometers out of the city and provide gorgeous vistas once you’re done with your climb. Because of this regions sweltering heat, the best time to go rock climbing is December to February. 

Get your climbing gear ready and read on to discover climbing hotspots in Chennai that will give you a satisfying rush of endorphins!