catamaran ride mahabalipuram

12 REASONS TO VISIT RADDISSON BLU RESORTS TEMPLE BAY

• KANCHIPURAM – QUINTESSENTIAL TEMPLE TOWN OF TAMILNADU
• FOOD TRAILS AT GRT HOTELS!

TOP 12 REASONS TO WHISK YOUR LOVED ONES TO RADISSON BLU RESORTS TEMPLE BAY BY GRT HOTELS, MAHABALIPURAM

Looking for a destination to spend time with your loved ones, celebrate special occasions or need a break from your maddening work schedule? Whatever might be the reason, we have the answer for you.

In the quaint temple town of Mahabalipuram, off the coast of ECR is Raddison Blu Resort Temple Bay by GRT hotels . A boutique luxury hotel by the seaside, sprawling over 44 acres and overlooking the golden sands of Bay of Bengal.

Villa with sea view 

1. Luxurious stay

You could choose between artistically designed sea facing chalets or pool facing rooms – the only difficulty is choosing between them.

  Sea view Chalet

Intricate wooden carving 

It’s the little things that matter

The Bay villa comes with a spectacular view of the Bay of Bengal and Shore temple,  and a private Jacuzzi whirlpool. The bath tub comes with a personalized spa hamper.

 Soak your troubles away!

Spa hamper  

2. Pool hopping?

If it wasn’t already difficult to decide between the pool and the beach, let us thrown in the option of two pools! The meandering pool being the longest in South-East Asia , at almost 27,000 sq feet, you could just step out of your room and jump straight into the pool.

The longest meandering pool in Asia

The infinity pool seems to reach the Bay of Bengal.  Spend hours at end with your loved one, admiring the sea or sipping cocktails. We love the sunken bar at the infinity pool. Keep the Mojito’s coming!

The kind of blues we like!

3. Breakfast in Bed

We all love the huge spread of breakfast buffet, but sometimes you just want to wake up late and laze in bed. The indulgence of waking up to the smell of coffee and freshly baked croissants!

4. Sensational Spa therapy

At the heart of the resort is the sprawling Bodhi and Ayush spa, an oasis of relaxation. The spa treatment includes a line of aromatherapy and ayurvedic massage.

Up your romantic quotient by trying the couple spa aptly named “ Laila Majnu .”

After a crazy week at work, we were looking forward to our spa session (not that we really need a reason to hit the spa). We opted for the 90 mins couple spa session that included massage, scrub and a steam bath. A true Indulgence of body, mind, and soul.

5. Gastronomic delight

The property has an all day dining Water’s Edge restaurant, overlooking the water bodies at the hotel. The food served here is an international and cultural melting pot.

The Wharf is a seafood specialty restaurant, inspired by the five great elements—space, fire, air, water and earth – it is a sublime place, for its surrounding, food, and wine.

Fresh catch of the day- Red snapper with cape spices

 Belleni Twist – signature white wine cocktail

Fresh Chocolate Marquise Mud Pie with Tender Coconut Mousse

6. Spectacular sunrise on the Bay of Bengal

When you’re on the east coast you are blessed with a spectacular sunrise.  We know it’s hard to get out of bed early, but it is totally worth, especially when the beach is a pebble’s throw away. Watch the sky change colors and sun cast a glistening reflection on the water – a sight to behold

May sound cliché, but feel the salt in the air, wind in the hair, and sand between your toes. You can also see the shore temple while walking on the beach.

 Shore temple in the distant shadow

 Every seashell has a story

7. A date with history

The first thought that comes to our mind when we think about Mahabalipuram is the UNESCO world heritage temples. Mahabalipuram or the “land of seven pagodas” dates back to the 7th century. The carvings at the temple are an architectural grandeur and depicts the Dravidian style of architecture.

 Shore temple

The Somaskanda sculpture at Shore Temple

Make a visit during the early hours of the morning or late afternoon when the sun rays fall on the monuments and impart a beautiful golden hue.

Go eco-friendly, pick up the cycles from the hotel and ride around the city following the temple trail exclusively curated by GRT hotels.

 Mahabalipuram Lighthouse

8. Catamaran ride and deep sea fishing

Bring out the adventure junkie in you, hop onto a catamaran boat, let the fishermen take you inside the sea, it’s a beautiful sight to watch the temples on a boat. Take a dip in the deep sea, on a clear day you can see the temples submerged under water. Alternatively, you could try your hands at angling!

9. Keep the child in you alive

Be it, adults or kids, at Radisson you have numerous activities to keep you on your toes. Zorbing,  kayak, ATV, archery, beach volley ball, giant chess board to name a few.

There is s a Mini 9 hole golf course as well. Keep your children occupied with all the fun activities while you and your loved one get an opportunity to sneak off for some alone time.

10. Catch the waves, literally!

PC – Palani

11. Yes, I do!

The romance and history in Mahabalipuram find its way into all aspects of saying “I Do”! From the beachfront views to grand ballrooms spanning 10,500 square feet, and manicured lawns for an evening under the stars, you have the perfect spot to start the  rest of your life!

12. Hospitality

There is no dearth of five-star hotels in today’s world but what makes a hotel class apart is the attentive, discreet and consistent service. It bridges the gap between just another luxury hotel and makes you feel at home.

We were floored by the warm welcome and the service during our entire stay.  The staff paying attention to little details made our trip even more memorable.

If this doesn’t sweep you off your feet, nothing will! Start planning your RADISSON BLU TEMPLE BAY BY GRT HOTELS getaway now!

Hospitality  at it’s best!

How to Reach

By Air: Chennai International Airport (56 km) is the nearest airport.

By Rail: Chengalpattu (29 km) is the nearest railway station. Chennai railway station (58 km) connects all the major railway stations.

By Road: From Chennai it’s 60kms – one hour thirty minutes drive on the scenic east coast road.

From Bangalore : Six-hour drive (350 km).

We were invited to come spend the weekend at Radisson Blu Temple Bay by GRT hotels , however, the experience and opinions are our own.

For more information visit their website:  https://www.radissonblu.com/en/hotel-mamallapuram

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13 Comments

Such a lovely post Saakshi & Vivek 🙂 I feel like planing a romantic getaway again!

Thanks a lot Andrea! Please plan one and take us along 😉

Superb article Saakshi! Each and every pic is so nice. Brought back sweet memories! 🙂

Well covered… great campus it is indeed

Thank you so much Shrinidhi! 🙂

Superb my friends! The pictures are fabulous too. Tempted to visit the place.

Thank you so much dear. Next time you plan a trip to Chennai we’ll stay here and then head to Pondicherry!

Superb pics and article.

Thank you so much Rajan Uncle

Very well written and lovely pictures !!!! All the best

Thanks a lot Navnidhi! Really sweet of you to take out time to read our blogs. Really means a lot to us.

This post is really very nice man. I just loved the images which you have used in this post. Are they real images of the place?

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5 Things to do in Mahabalipuram for History Buffs

I am not a history buff. There, I said it! 

Still, there’s something intriguing about the submerged temples and the balancing rocks which can spark curiosity in anyone, really – even, yours truly!

Mahabalipuram also known as Mamallapuram is a beach town in the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu, located on the outskirts of the state capital Chennai. A short drive away from Chennai, Mahabalipuram is a popular weekend beach destination for locals as well as visitors.

Built in the early 6 th century by the Pallavas who arrived from Sri Lanka , Mahabalipuram has been declared as a UNESCO world heritage site . It is an ancient historic town and was a bustling seaport during Pallava kings in 7th Century AD. According to the legend, it has been named after the demon king Mahabali who was renowned for his generosity. Some maintain that it has been named Mamallapuram after the Pallava King Narasimha Varman I, a great wrestler with the title Mamallan.

It is known for its historical monuments, sculptures, scenic beauty, culture and tradition. Mahabalipuram can be divided into four categories: open air bas-relief, structured temples, man-made caves and chariot temples. In total sixteen man-made caves in different stages of completion are also seen, scattered through the area. The striking feature is that all the sculptures here are monolithic – giant structures carved from single rocks.

During my third trip to Mahabalipuram last month, I finally got to explore a bit – thanks to Chariot beach resorts who curated all these historic tours for us, along with long walks on the beach, catamaran rides and finger licking cuisine. 

Here are the Top Things to do in Mahabalipuram if you are Nuts about History

Sunrise Catamaran Ride

Being a fishing village with a few tricks up its sleeve, the early morning ride in a catamaran (fishing boat) is something that is highly recommended. Just at brink of dawn with the sun coming up in the horizon, set sail about 2 kilometers into the sea where you can see the tip of the now submerged temples.

There are a total of 5 submerged temples whose tip (about a meter) can be seen during sunrise and low-tide. These 5 temples are a part of the Shore temple compound which consisted of 7 temples in total (till date). Upon the culmination of the ride at the beach; a short stroll leads to the elegant Shore Temple.

Shore Temple

A UNESCO World Heritage Site as part of ‘Group of Monuments at Mahabalipuram, Shore Temple was built in the 7 th century and is one of the oldest temples of Southern India. It is aptly named Shore Temple as it sits and overlooks the shore of Bay of Bengal. The compound houses 2 temples of similar structures (pagodas) that are dedicated to Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu, the Hindu Gods.

The beautifully carved granite monument towers over the shore at 60 feet. It is believed that Shore Temple was part of the Seven Pagodas of which 5 are still submerged within the sea. With wonderfully curated surroundings and intricate carvings, the temple is something to be seen to be believed. Exploring the temple can take anywhere between 15 minutes to a couple of hours (for history buffs). Moving on from the temple compound and again a short walk down the road, Arjuna’s Penance can be seen as soon as the road turns.

Arjuna’s Penance

Arjuna’s Penance is the name of a massive open air bas-relief monolith built by the Pallavas in the 7th century. With a measurement of 96 feet in length and 43 feet high, this monument is also known as The Descent of Ganga. It has been classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site as part of ‘Group of Monuments at Mahabalipuram’. In one of the carvings, a figure can be seen standing on one leg; it is believed that the figure is of Arjuna performing an austerity ritual to receive a boon from Shiva as an aid in fighting the Mahabharata war.

The bas relief is built on a rock with a cleft with figures within. The cleft are said to represent the River Ganges and Shiva. As an alternative interpretation, rather than Arjuna, the figure performing austerities is said to be Bhagiratha by some people. There are also a number of animals that have been portrayed as well. Right next to this massive monument is the mind boggling Krishna’s Butter Ball.

Krishna’s Butter Ball

Krishna’s Butter Ball is a huge round boulder that sits precariously on a inclined rock base. Legend has it that for centuries various kings had tried to move the boulder unsuccessfully. Even the British tried to move the boulder using 7 elephants as early as 80 years ago but could not move the stone even an inch.

You can see even Mighty Jo was no match for this balancing stone but hey in all fairness, I had to try!

The boulder has become a popular site for people to come and try moving the stone (unsuccessfully of course). Even scientists and archaeologists have tried to explain the phenomenon but none of them are substantial enough to be taken into consideration. After much effort to move the boulder myself (and getting clicked doing so), we were headed towards the Old Lighthouse that is about 2 kilometres from the Butter Ball.

Old Lighthouse

A short drive of 5 minutes later, we came across a granite structured Old Lighthouse built on top of a hill. Imagine signalling incoming ships from the shore in the 7th century. Sounds like a far-fetched idea.

However, the Pallavas were a different league altogether. They made sure that the lighthouse was high enough for ships to follow it. Intricately designed on top of a hill, the oil lit wick would be lit every evening after sunset and would burn through the night until sunrise. With perfect drainage system for the burnt oil to flow out, it does look like something from a fiction novel. Sitting next to this now defunct lighthouse stands the new modern lighthouse which is still functional and makes for pretty tourist attraction.

Tip – It can get bloody hot, be sure to carry lots of water, a hand towel and a cap to beat the heat.

After a glorious morning of exploring Mahabalipuram, the best way to relax would be to just sit by the sea and soak in the breeze and sun.

A post shared by Jyotsna Ramani (@wanderwithjo) on Sep 29, 2017 at 1:06pm PDT

It is safe to say that Mahabalipuram is not just any other beach destination, it encapsulated almost 1500 years of history and culture within itself. The ASI ( Archaeological Survey of India ) is still hopeful that more temples and monuments can be found in the area.

Special thanks to Chariot Beach Resort’s GM Anand Chandrasekhar for taking such good care of all bloggers on this trip. 

Disclaimer – I was a guest of Chariot beach resort for this awesome #ChariotBloggersRetreat 

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Beach Trial

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Welcome to Off Road Sports

The Off Road Sports (ORS), an adventurous ATV sport center which is unique of its kind, was started on October 2009. To meet the growing demand for an outdoor sports activity center, ORS introduced ATV rides on off-road track and on enthralling beach trials.

ATV (All Terrain Vehicle) is a quad bike, a four wheeler. As the name implies, it plays well in almost all terrian, especially the sand terrian. ATVs ranges from 90cc bike to 1000cc RZRs. Riding an ATV is an ultimate excitement for all age group of people. All our ATVs are high-quality Polaris (US brand ) vehicles, with different ranges to suit kids, families or adventure enthusiasts.

Apart from ATV adventure ride, we have Paintball (a team sport)and Water Sports (catamaran ride and Jet Ski in Sea waters) .

We are the first sport center in India to be recognized by Polaris USA, the ATV brand.

We are the first and only ATV club that provides rides on the beachand in the midst of aforest-like terrain with thick tree cover. Similar to the UAE sand safari using desert terrain, Off Road Sports uses the coastal sand terrain for providing a unique experience within the country.

Trainers will be available to guide the new users. Safe enough to allow your entire family to enjoy. We invite you to delight and amaze your family with this adventurous sports.

Corporate - Get Together

B'day party, beach marriage, offroad events, families day out, movie shootings, google reviews.

Adventure seekers should try this place once. Have real powerful ATVs, in house track or ride through pinewood and beach. Fantastic experience with tad expensive price tags. But worth it if you are looking for the thrill to ride an ATV through different terrains.

Awesome day out. The entire family enjoyed, particularly my niece. I loved the beach ride. It was thrilling to ride those huge bikes. A different experience.

It was an awesome experience altogether. We were there for the second time and both visits were funtastic. We enjoyed the beach and woods ride to the core and kids had fun of their life. the ATVs and track are well maintained and the staff were courteous. Must visit place if you are in chennai.

Super fun! Loved the chance to go off-road through the forest and along the beach. The staff was nice and helpful for the first-timers in our group.

Every time you practice, you learn more What the devil. When you buy that first tube of paint.

Palar Challange

Wild adventure.

Catamaran Ride in Chennai

178 reviews

Chennai, Tamil Nadu

Booking with ₹0

Starting from ₹ 999

- 22 % ₹ 780

What will you experience

45 to 60 Mins of Catamaran Ride

Skilled and Experienced Instructor

Feel the Adrenaline Rush

Panoramic Sunrise View

Capture the Memories

About the Activity

About Chennai:

One of the most popular Indian cities for foreign visitors is Chennai. In 2015, it was ranked as the 43rd most visited city in the world, and in 2019, it was ranked as the 36th most popular city.

• With your friends and family, set sail on a fascinating catamaran excursion in Chennai and allow the waves of the Great South to truly fascinate you throughout this journey.

About Catamaran Ride In Chennai: 

• The catamaran rides are more like a free fall into the river, and it is worthwhile to attempt to stay inside the underwater chamber to experience the waves.
• In Chennai, young people are becoming more and more interested in catamaran trips to take the plunge and feel the thrill of adrenaline.
• The best catamaran rides are available on Alikuppam Road, Koovathur, allowing you to get closer to tranquillity and breathtaking river vistas near to Chennai.
• A professional will ride along with you as you board a catamaran so you can enjoy seeing the underwater wonders. But before diving into the aquatic world, a life jacket must be worn.
• Feel the abrupt burst of salty water that will certainly revive your skin and freshen your senses.
• Due to the Catamaran's rapid movement through the river, you can see the salty blue waters splashing at each side of the boat as you sail.
• Only when the rider wants to float in the water in the middle of the river does the ferocious Catamaran slow down.
• You can float into the crystal-clear, turquoise sea using the ropes that are available on the catamaran, and you can feel the wind rushing into your face.
• The minimum age for this activity is 6 Years.
• The activity depends on river roughness, if sea conditions are good then only we can provide the activity otherwise next possible day will be given.

Package Option

Catamaran boat ride.

₹ 780 per person

Booked 315 times

• Upto 45 to 60 Mins of Catamaran Ride
• Experienced Guide
• Dip in to Water
• Complimentary Life Jackets
• Any Personal Expenses
• Any Travel Expenses
• Anything apart from Inclusions
• Min. 5 People are required to Book this Package.
• The Boat has a capacity of 7 People.
• A minimum of 6 years of age is required to book this package and between 6 to 18 years should have parent consent.

Planning for a bigger group? Grab Best Group Deals & Offers

Know before you book

• The activity is enabled between 4:30 AM to 6:00 AM.
• Kids and minor youngsters are not allowed.
• Adults aged at least 6 years are suggestive.
• Pregnant women may stay away from the activity.
• Report to our guide, if you are not sure about your Catamaran Ride in Chennai.

Alcohol consumption, Smoking, or drug intoxication are prohibited.

Things to Carry

• Sunscreen and Sunglasses
• Water and Snacks
• Swimsuit and Towel
• Extra Pair of Cloth
• Valid ID Proof

How To Reach

By Air: The Chennai International Airport(MAA) is located at a distance of 7 KM from the city and this is one of the busiest airports in India. On arrival, a taxi or bus can be taken to reach the location.

By Road: Chennai is well-connected to many major cities in India via a decent road network. Several buses ply from cities like- Bangalore, Calicut, etc. to reach Chennai. Private rental cars may also be hired.

By Train: The two main stations in Chennai are Chennai Central Railway Station(MAS) & Chennai Egmore(MS) which connect it to the major places of the country. Regular trains run from major cities to Chennai.

Alikuppam road, Koovathur, Kadalur, Tamil Nadu 603305

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Cancellation and refund policy at Universal Adventures?

• If the booking gets cancelled due to a change in weather conditions or any natural calamities, alternative dates will be arranged for the activity or under certain conditions amount will be fully or partially refunded to the UA wallet of the traveller which can be used in any other services in next 12 months.
• For any activity cancellation by the customer outside the 30 days of the service date,100% of the total package cost will be refunded to the customer's UA Wallet.
• For any activity cancellation by the customer within 20 to 30 days of the service date, 70% of the total package cost will be refunded to the customer's UA Wallet.
• For any activity cancellation by the customer within 7 to 20 days of the service date, 50% of the total package cost will be refunded to the customer's UA Wallet.
• For any activity cancellation by the customer within 2 to 7 days of the service date, 30% of the total package cost will be refunded to the customer's UA Wallet.
• If there is No Show or cancelled booking within 48 hours of the service date then no amount will be refunded to the customer.  

What is the Minimum Age for performing Catamaran Ride in Chennai?

The Minimum Age for performing a Catamaran Ride in Chennai is 6 yrs.

What is the Boat Capacity for the Catamaran Ride in Chennai?

The Boat Capacity for the Catamaran Ride is upto 7 people in a boat.

Is Chennai a famous city?

Which is the Best place in Chennai to do Catamaran Ride?

The Best catamaran rides are available on Koovathur , allowing you tranquillity and a breathtaking views.

What is Included in the Package of the Catamaran Ride?

• Upto 45 to 60 Mins of Boat Ride
• Dive into the Sea
• Upto 7 Pax can Sit into the Boat

What is Not included in the Package of the Catamaran Ride?

• Any Travel Expense
• Any Personal Expense

What is the Cost of the Catamaran Ride in Chennai?

Catamaran Ride in Chennai costs INR 780 Per Person offering 45-60 mins of Catamaran ride. 

Who are Not allowed to participate in the Activity?

Kids and Minor Youngsters are Not allowed to participate in the Activity. This activity is also not suited for Pregnant Women.

Is Alcohol allowed during the Activity?

What is the Confirmation Policy at Universal Adventures?

The customer will receive the payment confirmation details on their email ID within 10 minutes after the successful payment. However, in the case of the unavailability of the desired slot for the service, our team will arrange an alternative schedule after the customer's confirmation.

What is the Payment Policy at Universal Adventures?

• The customer should pay the 100% amount or a minimum payment of 30% for confirming the slot.
• The customer should pay the remaining booking amount before 7 days of the service date.

What is the Booking policy at the Universal Adventures?

Select your departure date and the number of people after clicking "Book Now." Complete the tourist information form and pay the appropriate fee. After your reservation is confirmed, you will be notified of the specific location and pick-up time. Please call our toll-free number "8533812266" if you have any problems. Enjoy the fantastic adventure. 

What are the Top Attractions of Chennai?

Arignar Anna Zoological Park, Kishkintha theme park, Guindy national park, Marina Beach, and Semmozhi Poonga are some of the major attractions of Chennai.

What to wear on a Catamaran Ride?

If you're going to be on deck, we suggest wearing light layers that are fine getting a little splash here and there. For evening sails, you might want to bring a light sweater because once the sun goes down, the temperature gets a little cooler and it's easy to catch a little chill if you're damp or have sunburned skin.

What is a Catamaran Ride in Chennai?

A catamaran ride in Chennai is a boat ride on a long and narrow boat, usually made of wood, that is powered by one or more sails. It is a popular recreational activity in India, especially in the coastal city of Chennai. It is a leisurely and peaceful way to explore the city's stunning coastline.

Is it Safe to go for a Catamaran ride in Chennai?

Yes, it is absolutely safe to go for a Catamaran ride in Chennai. There is a trained crew on board to ensure your safety.

Are there any Safety measures I should take before getting on a Catamaran Ride in Chennai?

Yes, it is important to wear a life jacket and follow the Safety instructions provided by the boat captain before getting on a Catamaran Ride.

Is it Expensive to take a Catamaran Ride in Chennai?

No, the Catamaran Ride in Chennai is relatively inexpensive and can be affordable for most budgets. Universal Adventures offers a fairly considerable Package in the market. 

Which is the Best Season to go for a Catamaran ride in chennai?

The best season for a Catamaran ride in Chennai is from October to March. During these months, the seas are calmer, making it a more enjoyable and safer experience.

What Essentials one must carry while going on a Catamaran ride?

1. Sunscreen and sun protection 2. Hat and sunglasses 3. Towel and swimsuit 4. Snacks and drinks 5. Waterproof camera 6. Sea sickness medication 7. Life jackets 8. First aid kit 9. Appropriate clothing for weather conditions 10. Mobile phone and charger

What are the Activity Timings?

The Activity Timings is Between 04:30 AM to 06:00 AM. The Activity lasts from 45 Minutes to 60 Minutes.

What is the Exact location of this Activity?

Alikuppam road, Koovathur, Chennai is the Exact Location for the Catamaran Ride in Chennai.

Rs. 780 per Adult

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