Experiences in Chennai

<p>The Taj Connemara Afternoon Tea Service is an elegant ode to the tradition of High Teas. Guests have a choice of three curated options featuring the classic combination of finger sandwiches, scones and an assortment of sweet and savoury pastries accompanied by clotted cream and a unique set of handcrafted chutneys. Served at the Lady Connemara Bar &amp; Lounge in authentic crockery and specially designed charlies, the service will be introduced with a brief history of the tea.</p>

An exclusive tour of old world Madras that takes you past many beautiful British-era buildings in Chennai. Madras was the very first city established by the British in India. The trail has many stories of grand ambitions, unexpected revolutions as well as some of the everyday life and struggles of that era. The trail introduces you to the people who lived their colourful lives in these grand structures.

Myriad influences and cultures have graced the city of Chennai, the Gateway to the South, and hence, the hotel. With a history of more than 200 years, the heritage walk traverses through time and traditions as its history, stories and anecdotes keep you in awe. Discover the heritage from the time when it was referred to as “the house on Choultry Plain” till the Taj Connemara of today.

In its early days and in one of its earlier avatars, the hotel’s transformation from a place of convenience to the city’s major hub of entertainment gave birth to Madras’ very first bar. Then known as The Cocktail Bar, it earned its reputation from its pioneering feat of serving ice cooled drinks, which city folk flocked to on sweltering evenings. This soon became the hip place for an evening out and gave rise to the phrase “Every Thursday night is Connemara Night”. Our signature cocktails, ‘Since 1891’ and ‘Madras No. 1’ pay tribute to this era.

With a thatched roof gazebo looking out at the azure waters of the Bay of Bengal, our Watch Tower forms a secluded setting for a refined, romantic meal. Easy breezy and stylish at the same time, the gazebo is set up with table, chairs, flowers, delicate drapes and dim candlelight for a night of great conversation and silences shares over the sound of waves. Our chefs customize a four-course meal to your liking, starring the freshest catch of day, live grills and delectable desserts paired with the finest bubbly and cocktails. This exquisite experience remains one of Chennai’s most adored, sought after by couples looking to pop a proposal, celebrate an anniversary or just enjoy each other’s company in a tranquil, picturesque ambience.

At a distance of 120 kms from Taj Fisherman’s Cove, Puducherry (Pondicherry) is India’s most beloved erstwhile French colony, a truly international blend of European and Tamilian cultures. A charming, cosmopolitan town, Pondy promises sun-dappled boulevards, French villas, chic cafes, aesthetic boutiques and bicycle rides along the beautiful promenade. The world-famous experimental township of Auroville is famous amongst travelers from across the world. The resort arranges for day trips to Pondicherry to soak in its delightful atmosphere and sample a microcosm of French culture, far away from Europe.

Chennai - the capital of Tamil Nadu - has consistently topped lists of world cities highly recommended for travelers keen on cultural and gastronomic experiences. While providing a cosmopolitan base to discover the varied delights the state offers, the city itself has landmarks that merit a day or two of intrepid exploration. Our concierge desk crafts tailor-made itineraries to unravel the icons and insider secrets of Chennai. Must-visit spots include the soaring, neo-Gothic style Santhome Cathedral and the Shiva Kapaleeshwarar Temple showcasing the region’s elegant Dravidian architecture with gopuram (gateway), mandapams (pavilions) and other classic features. One of the lesser-known highlights of the tour is the Government Museum – the second oldest in India - housed in the striking Pantheon Complex, exhibiting South Indian bronzes from the 7th-century Pallava era through to modern times, along with contemporary art galleries. At close proximity to the resort, the Madras Crocodile Bank Trust is a big attraction for guests of all ages, while Dakshinachitra in Kanchipuram is a unique cross-cultural living museum of art, architecture, lifestyles, crafts and performing arts of South India.

An exceptional beach experience – featuring fresh seafood from across the Coromandel Coast - is at the heart of Chennai life. Taj Fisherman’s Cove’s location offers the perfect post-sunset experience that lets you explore the soft sands and gentle waves of Covelong (Kovalam) Beach. A light evening walk to the church by the beach and watching the surf boards retire for the day, whips up the appetite for a multi-course gourmet meal under the moonlight, with discreet, immaculate service. Expect fresh catch of the day cooked to your liking, grilled meats and seasonal vegetables paired with cocktails. Round off the meal with luscious desserts as the sea breeze gently heightens the dreamy mood.

Initiated by famed wildlife conservationist Romulus Whitaker in 1972, the walks are conducted by conservationists and volunteers between January and April each year, offering an amazing glimpse into Nature. Guided groups walk the beach at night, safely relocating the eggs that the migratory Olive Ridley turtles lay. Turtle hatchlings emerge 45 days later and are released into the sea. During the walk, guests are educated on the challenges facing this endangered species, it contribution to the environment and the ongoing conversation efforts being made to preserve this age-old natural phenomenon.

At a distance of 20 kms from Taj Fisherman’s Cove, Mamallapuram, or Mahabalipuram, is a town on a strip of land between the Bay of Bengal and the Great Salt Lake, in the south Indian state of Tamil Nadu. It’s known for its temples and monuments built by the Pallava dynasty in the 7th and 8th centuries. The seafront Shore Temple comprises 3 ornate granite shrines. Krishna’s Butter Ball is a massive boulder balanced on a small hill near the Ganesha Ratha stone temple.

Taj Coromandel is conveniently located in Nungambakkam, Chennai, with easy access to the business district and key shopping hubs, and proximity to the airport. Explore the gateway to the South from this coconut-lined getaway!

At our sumptuous Champagne High Tea at the Tea Lounge by the lobby, the spread includes hors d'oeuvres, scones, macaroons, teacakes, petit fours and a selection of Chennai’s street fare. Escape the sultry heat with a tulip of bubbly!

The Taj’s legendary hospitality comes from a century of practice and the utmost focus on you. At Taj Coromandel, our concierge, personalised butler service and Taj Club facilities guarantee you the best experience.

Kids receive our trademark activity passport on arrival, and embark on an exciting journey as they engage in bespoke creatively stimulating activities. A full passport is the perfect memento to take home, with new hobbies and happy memories!

At Taj Coromandel, we offer private dining in mesmeric settings, with handcrafted menus and impeccable service. Engage all your senses with our finely curated dining experiences. Dine like a king at the private table at Southern Spice!

Taj Coromandel is the known to be the custodian of fine living in Chennai and at the same time steeped in the culture and heritage. With its revived ambience, it is rapidly becoming known as the destination for urban revival. The spa here is equipped to provide a state of balance with some of the most soothing and enriching spa experiencesThe philosophy of Jiva or ‘Innerforce’ is inherently rooted in India’s ancient approach to wellness.