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Vivanta By Taj - Connemara, Chennai is a charming beach resort, set in the heart of the commercial district of Chennai, in Tamil Nadu. Built in 1854 as the Imperial Hotel in the Art-deco style, and designed in part by the legendary architect Geoffrey Bawa, it reminisces Chennai’s history. The hotel has been recently refurbished re-creating the old grandeur, thus retaining the ballroom’s antique Belgian chandeliers as well as their dramatic old Raintree and two sturdy Nagavalli trees.
The overall structure of the Vivanta By Taj – Connemara has not changed. But the rooms, lobby and banquet halls have been refurbished to look more like they once did – with a distinct dash of luxury. All its 145 rooms are spacious and overlook the garden and swimming pool but the luxuries and comfort has been enhanced. In addition, to physical refurbishment, the Chefs have researched and rediscovered old menus and cuisines in their Verandah and Raintree restaurants.
Chennai, formerly known as Madras, is the capital city of Tamily Nadu. Guests at the Vivanta By Taj – Connemara are well placed to explore the city, known for its music, art and culture. Religious sites include Kapaleeshwarar Temple, adorned with carved and painted gods, and St. Mary’s, a 17th-century Anglican church. On the coast is Marina beach, that stretches for over 6 km along the Bay of Bengal and is said to be the world’s second largest natural urban beach.
Amenities
Stay Vivanta by Taj - Connemara offers 145 rooms and suites. Each room is spacious in size with high ceilings and decorated in local traditional style. All are furnished with hardwood period style furniture, comfortable beds draped in fine linen and sitting areas opening onto beautiful gardens and the swimming pool. Starting at 46 sqm, it offers the some of the largest rooms in town. Equally spacious bathrooms come with modern amenities and quality toiletries.
ChildCare Families with children are welcome to stay at Vivanta by Taj - Connemara but there are no specific faccilities available for children. Babysitting service can be arranged, upon request.
Dine Guests at Vivanta by Taj – Connemara have a choice of four restaurants. The Verandah restaurant serves multi cuisines ranging from traditional Indian to Mediterranean. Hip Asia serves a variety of different Asian fare including Japanese, Malay, Thai and Vietnamese cuisine while the Raintree serves an authentic Chettinad food in a setting that is reminiscent of an old, traditional Chettinad home. Enjoy cocktails and delicious mojitos at the Distil bar.
Relax Facilities at Vivanta by Taj - Connemara include a fabulous swimming pool, a fitness centre where you can also practice yoga and a beauty salon.
Experience Chennai (Madras) is the capital of Tamil Nadu and a major centre for music, art and culture. Known as the Gateway to South India, it is famous for its classical dance shows and Hindu temples. Staff at the Vivanta by Taj – Connemara will happily arrange private tour of the city to include the Dravidian-style Marundeeswara and Kapaleeshwar temples. In the surrounds is the beautiful Pulicat Lake and Nellapattu Bird Sanctuary, home to migratory birds such as flamingos, kingfishers and pelicans.
Location Located in the heart of the commercial district of Chennai, near to the Anna Salai area on Binny Road.
Getting there Fly to Chennai International Airport, followed by a 30-minute drive to Vivanta by Taj.
When to go The climate in southern India shows only slight seasonal variations. Temperatures and humidity remain relatively high all year round. Rainfall is common at any time of the year and the Monsoon Season has only marginally more precipitation than at any other time.
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Here is a small selection of the kind words our clients have said us recently.
“I would like to thank Asian Geographical Expeditions staff for organising a perfect holiday for my family to Dubai, Sri Lanka and the Maldives…”
“We are grateful for the exceptional planning and care taken by Asian Geographical Expeditions to ensure our holiday was perfect.”
“… organised by Asian Geographical Expeditions following a recommendation from a close friend. He wasn’t wrong! Asian Geographical Expeditions immediately showed us their professionalism, care and attention to our wishes.”
“Thank you for suggesting the helicopter ride to Everest Base Camp and breakfast with a view of Mt Everest—a truly spectacular moment.”
“The history and cultural specialists also deserve a mention for the way they illuminated the heritage of the places we visited, as does the Buddhist scholar with his apparently boundless knowledge.”
“We were very impressed to learn that its CEO had led some amazing first-ever expeditions … Clearly, he’s still an ace at organising expeditions.”
“Tibet was a revelation … it surely was a blessing to travel back to the region after 50 years … Thank you, Asian Geographical Expeditions, for making this possible.”
"Everything went smoothly, and we want to thank our friendly guides and driver who shared their personal stories and the rich histories of their countries. That is the AGE difference."
"A heartfelt thank you to all the staff at Asian Geographical Expeditions who made this super trip possible."
"… we had a stress-free trip, ‘hands-free’, enabling us to enjoy the sights and rich cultures of Dubai and Oman ."
"The meticulous care, support and guidance provided by Asian Geographical Expeditions made the trip extra-special."
"The itinerary was as we expected... the Asian Geographical Expeditions did a fantastic job, going the extra mile to ensure we had the best holiday ever.”
"The attention to detail shone through every aspect of our journey … we gained a deep understanding of a region that remains enigmatic to many. Thanks for a remarkable travel experience!"
"I am deeply grateful to the entire team at Asian Geographical Expeditions for their dedication and hard work in crafting such a memorable holiday."
"The guides were exceptional—they clearly loved sharing their knowledge and insights into the local culture and history."
"We were really impressed with the immaculate organisation ... The Asian Geographical Expeditions team kept in communication during the tour, ensuring that each of our members was comfortable."
"The detailed itinerary and thoughtful pre-trip information removed all stress from our travels, which went off without a hitch, allowing us to dive deep into the stunning landscapes and rich cultures of Central Asia."
"The hospitality was truly remarkable... we are immensely grateful to the team for their efforts and look forward to our next adventure with Asian Geographical Expeditions."
"Every detail of our trip was superbly executed... (and) the exceptional attentiveness of the guides added a feeling of luxury and comfort that was much appreciated."
"The guides were not only knowledgeable but also truly passionate about sharing their rich cultural histories, which added a personal touch that was deeply appreciated."
"Every aspect of the trip, from guides to accommodation and the well-planned itinerary ... was seamlessly orchestrated. We will always recommend Asian Geographical Expeditions for anyone looking to explore Central Asia in unparalleled depth and comfort."