Chennai Hotel Guide. Hotels in Anna Salai, Chennai, India

From humble origins as a dusty cart track 400 years ago, Anna Salai has grown into one of Chennai’s most important roads. It starts just south of George Town on the island encircled by the Cooum River and carries on to Kathipara Junction at Guindy. It used to be known as St Thomas Mount Road.

What to See near Anna Salai

As the road begins near George Town, it goes past the lush greenery and lakes of Island Grounds and the Chennai Gymkhana Club before crossing the Cooum River. It soon passes the Government Estate and Tamil Nadu Hospital and eventually goes past the Spencer Plaza Mall.

Many Indian and multinational corporations have offices along Anna Salai, as well as banks, insurance companies and newspaper offices. One of its most arresting sights is the multi-domed Thousand Lights Mosque, one of the largest in India.

As the street heads westwards, it goes past the vast TNGF Cosmo Golf Club and crosses the Adyar River. It comes to an end at the Guindy National Park, which is one of India’s smallest national parks and one of the few to be in the centre of a city. Here you can stroll along the many forested trails past exotic flora and fauna. There’s also a children’s park, a zoo and a snake park.

Getting around Anna Salai

The street is served well by public transport. You can take the metro at numerous stops along the route, or hop on a bus and watch Anna Salai pass by outside.

Where to Stay near Anna Salai

There’s a wide range of Chennai hotels in all budgets on Anna Salai and in the surrounding area. You can opt for a serviced apartment with the convenience of a kitchenette, or stay in a family-friendly hotel that has amenities for children.

There’s a good selection of business and luxury hotels, too, many with pools, full-service spas, conference rooms and fitness centres. Or you can push the boat out and stay in a chic hotel with a rooftop outdoor pool that has sweeping views of Chennai.