People who live in Chennai come up with elaborate plans to visit towns and cities in and around Tamil Nadu. Sometime these trips extend to even other states in the Country. However, the people, who even think about Pondicherry, forget to think about the tourist wonders along the East Coast Road! ECR is the easiest go-to spot to travel across a long weekend. You can either go for a one-day car trip, or book a resort and visit the tourist spots across two-three days. If you’re unsure about the must visit spots in ECR, here’s your ultimate guide to the 8 best places in ECR!

The route to ECR typically starts from Thiruvanmiyur, towards Pondicherry. So, here are the places you can visit along the route towards Pondi! If you go by car or taxi, this list is in chronological order of places to visit!

1) Cholamandal Artists’ Village:

If you have a liking for art and paintings, then Cholamandal Artists’ Village is the first place to visit in ECR. This place is also worth a visit to know and understand the works of local Chennai and Tamil Nadu artists. It gives you a lesson on the region’s contemporary art. Set up on 1966, its founders were known for starting the Madras Movement of Art between 1950’s and 1980’s.

The resident artists in this village run the Artists Handicrafts Association who overlook the sales of the place. They do this by showcasing painting, sketches and sculptures of wood, metal, stone, terracotta, handicrafts, batik, pottery, ceramics, etc. in a permanent exhibition within the complex. The entry fee to this village is just Rs. 20. You can walk along the corridors of this gallery and take in the artistical extravagance of this region, or even visit the book and crafts store for some purchase.

The greenery-filled architectural style of this village will make you want to take longer strides across the artistic pathways. If you’re lucky, you may also get the chance to witness theatre performances and dance recitals at the Amphitheatre.

Timings: 9:30 am – 6:30 pm

Address: Cholamandal Artists Village, Injambakkam, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600115