Chennai - Hop On Hop Off Tour

Recently we went on the Chennai Hop On Hop Off tour. It was the first of its kind that I was undertaking in India. There are basically 2 routes. One into the city of Chennai and one on the ECR. The ECR route was the one we chose. The stops included the Thiruvithanthai temple , Dakshina Chitra, MGM , Mayajaal, Crocodile Bank , Muttukadu boating house and Mahabalipuram. Ok I have messed up the order, but the idea is that it covers all these places which are major hotspots along the ECR. And there are certain discounts at these places also. Like for instance the Muttukadu boat ride is available free with these tickets. The bus tour has been organized by TTDC and costs around Rs 190 for the ECR route(after introductory discounts, dunno if its still there). I am told the city route comes to around Rs 250. The buses are new and air-conditioned. So the ride is enjoyable. There is a guide on board every bus.The only deterrent that day was the weather as it was the end of June and a good 40 degrees celsius of summer heat.

If it hadnt been for that everything else was perfect that day. I am hoping that this tour lasts for long, as the buses were mostly empty. But then we had traveled on a weekday. I dont know how the situation is on the weekends. Maybe it will find more takers in the so-called winter season of December-January. So here's wishing it all the best.

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