Camping

Among all the adventure sports in Chennai, camping is one such activity that allows you to explore, discover and enjoy the enchanting beauty of the region. Surrounded by several hill stations, this metropolis serves as a common ground for campers from across the country and other parts of the globe as well.

 

Among the hill stations, Yealgiri, Yercaud, Kolli Hills and Horsely Hills are some of the most scenic destinations for an amazing camping experience; these scenic hilly retreats are located within 200-370km radius. Other popular and adventure places in Chennai within a range of 400-600km includes Kodaikanal, Ooty, Coonoor, Munnar, Valparai, Madikeri, Meghamalai, Kothagiri and others.

Another long weekend is on the horizon, and it’s no fun staying holed up at home. With mercury levels dipping and festive season just around the corner, the conditions seem perfect to explore the great outdoors. From forts to forests and waterfalls, we’ve rounded up 5 camping spots around the city.

1. NAGALAPURAM
2. TADA FALLS
3. GINGEE FORT
4. TALAKONA WATERFALLS
5. MADURANTAKAM    

-Harshita B

Off-Roading

If someone told you "let's go off- roading in Chennai" you might have stared at them long and hard and burst out laughing. Right? Who knew Chennai had such a mean streak to it.. 

A good 90 kms from Tiruvanmiyur, on ECR is where you can see the board "Vayalur". A sharp right turn and down the road you will come upon the Gated community. Beyond the property is where the dried up Palar river bed is. And woah, it is huge and open and one can see nothing but sand for a few kms. 

About the event:

The event is an annual team-based off-road competition held around the Independence day weekend . Each team consists of 3 vehicles and 6 competitors and there are a whole list of parameters based on which teams are chosen/finalised ...

The very first event was back in 2006 where the core team flagged off with around 21 members of the Jeep Thrills community. Today, the event has gained national prominence with entries pouring in from across the country. Over the last couple of years, the event has seen international off-road drivers of repute competing with the best Indian off-roaders.  Now they put a cap on how many teams can participate and are quite firm on the rules laid down. 

Palar river is a with its source in the Nandi Hills in Karnataka, the river traverses three different states over a distance of 350 km to meet the Bay of Bengal near Kalpakkam in Tamil Nadu. The terrain is a mix of water, sand, slush, boulders, rocks and rubble that offers excellent opportunities to set up challenging competitive Off-Road Special Stages. And when it rains, or there is water, the challenge gets even more exciting... there is slush, there is chaos and much more... 

The event also goes to Kancheepuram for another round of off-roading during the Challenge. It gets exciting as the team keeps changing the special stages, and throws the drivers off with their quirky routes and markings. A seat belt is a must, cage is a must have and similarly there are quite a few other items that need to be checked off before hitting the sand.

Off-Road Rides

But the bottom line of this event is that all the vehicles need to adhere to rules, have safety processes and equipment in place and ensure conditions that are to be met before hitting the sand. 

There are professional sports photographers, travellers, people working in auto industry and so much more, but what connects them all is their passion, thirst for speed and eagerness to overcome challenges. 

Stay hydrated and enjoy the day!

-Aathira Prabha

Wildlife Tours

Chennai is known for wildlife tours. At the heart of Chennai lies the Guindy National park well known for deers, jungle cats and toddy cats. The Snake park is another well known attraction in the city. It has some of the rare species of snakes. Arignar Anna Zoological park lies little away from the city. The zoological park has variety of mammals, birds and reptiles. 

Wildlife

Arignar Anna Zoological Park with its dwellers like tigers, jaguars, lions, panthers, elephants, giraffes and others, is also one of the best sanctuaries to visit near Chennai. Vedanthangal Bird Sanctuary is also one of the ideal spot for bird watching among the wildlife lovers.

The Arignar Anna Zoological Park of Chennai is one of the most contemporary zoos of the country as well as of South East Asia. Situated in the Vandalur area of the Kanchipuram district, the Arignar Anna Zoological Park is about 35 kilometers from the metropolitan city.

The Arignar Anna Zoological Park at Chennai comprises of the following:

• More than 170 species of wild animals
• Elephant rides
• Lion Safari
• Battery operated vehicle rides.

The Arignar Anna Zoological Park also has a library with good collection of wildlife related books and information. The Arignar Anna Zoological Park of Chennai is open throughout the week except Tuesdays. The daily visiting hours of the Chennai Arignar Anna Zoological Park are from 9.00 am to 6.00 pm

  Visit the official website of the park here :  http://www.aazoopark.in/

-Rajalakshmi S