Covelong
India · Asia
About Covelong
Covelong (கோவளம் Kōvaḷam), a coastal town south of Chennai, is famous for its beach. Muttukadu, separated by backwater, is known for its boathouse.
Covelong travel guide
Getting there
Covelong and Muttukadu 40 km (25 mi) south of Chennai on the way to Mamallapuram. The drive from Pondicherry to Muttukadu is relatively scenic by Indian standards. The drive from Chennai to Muttukadu is mostly through increasingly larger suburbs of Chennai.
Getting around
There are few private taxis for hire in Covelong. If you want to get around or take short trips in the area (e.g. to Mamallapuram), your best bet is to negotiate a fare with an auto-rickshaw. Don't even bother asking the driver to use the meter, instead negotiate a price in advance. Westerners have the tendency to overpay rickshaw drivers. Bargain for as low a price as you can. Before getting in the auto and once in the auto be firm about your destination. Drivers will try to take you to shopping destinations at which they earn a commission. So, regardless of how forcefully you state your destination at the outset, you may need to continue to state the destination throughout the ride as the driver offers "helpful suggestions" for additional stops. Try stating your destination as "[Destination name], only."
Sleep
1 MGM Beach Resort, 1/74, East Coast Rd, ☏ +91-44-27472435, fax: +91-44-27472408, [email protected]. Free buffet breakfast included. Buffet breakfast is nice: dosai made to order and mostly south Indian breakfast foods (vada, idli, sambar, coconut chutney). Western omelettes are also made to order. Most guests are families with young kids. Expensive to get to (₹1800 from Pondicherry to Muttukadu) and expensive to leave (₹1000 from Muttukadu to Chennai). Also, beware of the touts on the beach trying to sell local crafts. Very over-priced dining. The resort's restaurants are about five times more expensive than other places. Also, the food was not very impressive. Eating at MGM Beach Resort is not recommended unless absolutely necessary. ₹5000 (includes tax) for a deluxe room (with actual double beds--not just two singles). (updated Jun 2023) 2 Sheraton Grand Chennai Resorts and Spa, 280 East Coast Rd, Vada Nemmeli. Beachfront luxury resort. ₹12000 per night. (updated Jun 2020) 3 Taj Fisherman's Cove Resort & Spa. A luxury resort with rooms in the main buildings and cottages at the sandy beach. (updated Jun 2023)
Overview adapted from Wikipedia, travel guide fromWikivoyage (CC BY-SA)。Photography via Wikimedia Commons.