Entertainment Places in Chennai: A Guide for Fun and Adventure
Chennai, the capital city of Tamil Nadu, is not just known for its culture and history but also for its incredible entertainment options. Whether you’re looking for fun family activities, thrilling rides, or relaxing spots, Chennai has something for everyone. This article will walk you through some of the best entertainment places in Chennai, perfect for both kids and adults. From amusement parks to indoor entertainment centers, here are the top 10 entertainment places in Chennai. Along with that, we’ll cover how to reach these spots, some interesting facts, and tips for enjoying your visit.
1. VGP Universal Kingdom
VGP Universal Kingdom is one of the most famous entertainment places in Chennai. It’s an amusement park located along the East Coast Road (ECR), making it a favorite spot for families. The park offers a wide range of rides for all ages, including water rides, a petting zoo, and live performances.
- How to reach: You can reach VGP Universal Kingdom by bus or taxi. It’s about 20 km from Chennai city center, and buses on the ECR route stop near the entrance.
- Interesting fact: VGP Universal Kingdom is one of the oldest amusement parks in India, established in 1975.
- Travel tip: Visit during weekdays to avoid large crowds and long queues.
2. MGM Dizzee World
MGM Dizzee World is another popular amusement park located on ECR. This park is perfect for both children and adults, with various thrilling rides and entertainment options. It’s known for its giant Ferris wheel, roller coasters, and the unique water park.
- How to reach: MGM Dizzee World is around 25 km from the city center. You can take a bus, cab, or car along the East Coast Road to reach this spot.
- Interesting fact: MGM Dizzee World was the first park in India to introduce the “Dashing Car” ride.
- Travel tip: Bring extra clothes if you plan to enjoy the water rides.
3. Express Avenue Mall
If you’re looking for indoor family entertainment places in Chennai, then Express Avenue Mall is a must-visit. This large mall offers a blend of shopping, dining, and entertainment. There’s a cinema, a gaming zone called “Fun City,” and several restaurants to keep everyone entertained.
- How to reach: Located in Royapettah, you can reach Express Avenue Mall by bus, metro, or auto-rickshaw.
- Interesting fact: Express Avenue Mall is one of the largest malls in South India.
- Travel tip: If you plan to watch a movie, book your tickets in advance, especially on weekends.
4. Marina Beach
While not a traditional amusement park, Marina Beach is a natural entertainment place in Chennai. It’s the longest natural urban beach in India, stretching 13 kilometers along the Bay of Bengal. Families come here to enjoy the sea breeze, have fun playing beach games, and taste local snacks.
- How to reach: Marina Beach is easily accessible by bus, auto-rickshaw, or car from anywhere in the city.
- Interesting fact: Marina Beach is the second longest urban beach in the world.
- Travel tip: Visit early in the morning or late evening to avoid the scorching heat.
5. Phoenix MarketCity
Another great place for family entertainment in Chennai is Phoenix MarketCity. It offers shopping, dining, and a wide range of entertainment activities. The mall has a dedicated gaming zone, cinema hall, and plenty of spots to relax.
- How to reach: Located in Velachery, you can reach Phoenix MarketCity by bus, taxi, or metro.
- Interesting fact: Phoenix MarketCity is home to one of the largest multiplexes in Chennai, Luxe Cinemas.
- Travel tip: Plan a full day here to experience shopping, dining, and entertainment all in one place.
6. Kishkinta Amusement Park
Kishkinta Amusement Park is one of the best children’s entertainment places in Chennai. Known for its variety of rides and attractions, it’s a fantastic place for kids to enjoy roller coasters, water rides, and fun-filled adventure activities.
- How to reach: Located in the Tambaram area, Kishkinta is about 15 km from the city center and can be reached by bus or taxi.
- Interesting fact: Kishkinta is named after the famous monkey kingdom in the Indian epic Ramayana.
- Travel tip: Bring plenty of water and sunscreen as it can get quite hot during the day.
7. Semmozhi Poonga
If you’re looking for some relaxation amidst greenery, Semmozhi Poonga is a beautiful botanical garden in the heart of Chennai. This place is ideal for families and kids to enjoy nature and have a peaceful evening walk.
- How to reach: Semmozhi Poonga is located on Anna Salai, easily accessible by bus, metro, or taxi.
- Interesting fact: Semmozhi Poonga has over 500 varieties of plants, including some rare species.
- Travel tip: The park is a great place for photography, so don’t forget your camera.
8. Snow Kingdom
For something completely different, visit Snow Kingdom, one of the new entertainment places in Chennai. This indoor snow park offers a chance to experience winter fun with snow slides, ice sculptures, and snowball fights, all while inside a climate-controlled space.
- How to reach: Located inside VGP Universal Kingdom, you can reach Snow Kingdom in the same way as the amusement park, by bus or taxi along ECR.
- Interesting fact: The temperature inside Snow Kingdom is maintained at -8°C, so it feels like you’re in a snowy region!
- Travel tip: Wear the winter clothes provided to stay warm during your visit.
9. Dakshinachitra
For those interested in cultural entertainment in Chennai, Dakshinachitra is a cultural village that showcases the art, architecture, and lifestyle of South India. It offers hands-on activities like pottery, painting, and traditional games.
- How to reach: Dakshinachitra is located on the East Coast Road, around 25 km from Chennai. You can reach it by bus or taxi.
- Interesting fact: Dakshinachitra means “a picture of the South” and covers the cultural heritage of Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, and Karnataka.
- Travel tip: Visit during festival times to witness live cultural performances.
10. Guindy National Park
Guindy National Park is a great place for families who love nature and animals. It’s one of the smallest national parks in India and is home to various species of birds, animals, and plants. It also has a children’s park with play areas and a mini zoo.
- How to reach: Located near Guindy, you can easily reach the park by bus, metro, or taxi.
- Interesting fact: Guindy National Park is one of the few national parks situated inside a city.
- Travel tip: Bring binoculars if you want to birdwatch.
FAQs about Entertainment Places in Chennai
- What are the best entertainment places in Chennai for kids?
- The best kids entertainment places in Chennai include VGP Universal Kingdom, Kishkinta Amusement Park, and Snow Kingdom.
- Which entertainment places in Chennai are best for families?
- Some of the best family entertainment places in Chennai are MGM Dizzee World, Express Avenue Mall, and Marina Beach.
- Are there any indoor entertainment places in Chennai?
- Yes, indoor family entertainment places in Chennai include Phoenix MarketCity, Snow Kingdom, and Fun City at Express Avenue Mall.
- What is the entry fee for entertainment places in Chennai?
- The entry fee for entertainment places in Chennai varies. For example, VGP Universal Kingdom charges around ₹600 for adults and ₹500 for children, while Snow Kingdom charges around ₹600 for everyone.
- What are some different entertainment places in Chennai?
- Some different entertainment places in Chennai include Dakshinachitra, Snow Kingdom, and Semmozhi Poonga, which offer unique experiences apart from typical amusement parks.
Conclusion
Chennai offers a wide range of entertainment options for families, kids, and adventure seekers alike. From thrilling amusement parks like VGP Universal Kingdom and MGM Dizzee World to cultural hubs like Dakshinachitra, the city is full of exciting places to visit. Whether you prefer outdoor fun at Marina Beach or indoor activities at Express Avenue Mall, there’s always something to do. With so many entertainment places in Chennai, you can enjoy endless hours of fun, relaxation, and adventure.
