MUTTUKAADU BOAT HOUSE

Are you looking for the laid-back pleasure of boating through tranquil waters? Then your stop is the Muttukaadu Boat House.

The bridge, which runs across the lake, affords a resplendent view of the backwaters of the Bay of Bengal. A popular halt on the East Coast Road, it is frequented by tourists and fun lovers on their way to Mahabalipuram.

The main highlight of Muttukaadu is the boat ride, organised by Tamil Nadu Tourism Development Corporation (TTDC).

There are two and three seater rowboats that can be hired for Rs.45/- for half an hour. And if you don't feel up to rowing, you can enlist the services of a rower who charges Rs.7/- for the same duration. Kayaks and canoes are available at Rs.40/- for half an hour.

If you have come with your family or a large group, there are eight and sixteen seater motor boats available at Rs.160/- and Rs.320/- respectively. The newest entrant to Muttukaadu is the dinky boat popularly known as 'Kaadhalar Padagu', or 'Lover's Boat'. This is available at Rs.100/- for twenty minutes. There is also a restaurant providing snacks.

Address: Muttukaadu Boat House,
Mahabalipuram, Chennai - 603 104.

DOWN UNDER

It has nothing to do with Australia. Located in the basement of 123, Marshalls Road, Egmore, Down Under is a big one-stop fun spot. All 5000 square feet of it!

With one four-lane bowling alley, eight video games, two snooker tables, a mini-golf course, a video karaoke room, a giant TV screen, and a restaurant, you can never get bored waiting for a game. A game of bowling - Rs.100/- on weekdays and Rs.125/- on weekends. 10 minutes of golf - Rs.25/-. 30 minutes of snooker / pool - Rs.50/-. And the video games - about Rs.10/- each. For the big scorers there are lots of freebies.

The place really lights up on Fridays and weekends with Disco Bowling, where you have a DJ with 4,800 watts of music and psychedelic lighting.

Down Under has separate membership schemes for individuals and families. Parties can be hosted both at their Marshalls Road joint and at a beach house that you can rent from them. Promos, tournaments and prizes help heighten and sustain customer interest.

Try it. Open 11:00 am to 11:00 pm.

Address: Down Under, 123, Marshalls Road,
Egmore, Chennai.
Phone: 841 3911

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