Sent your wishlist of favourite chocolates and electronics to your fam living abroad months ago? Well, it’s almost time for them to come home and you need to pamper them a little extra too. In case you're in no mood to plan extensive trips and just want to take it easy with your family, we have the perfect itinerary for you! The cultural capital of India has so much to offer, from lip smacking cuisine to sandy beaches, here’s a list of hatke things you need to do!
Celebrate Your NRI Fam’s Homecoming To Chennai With HSBC NRI Services!
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1. First Stop, Food and Drinks, Always
After a long flight home, your family would want to catch up on all the talks over good food and drinks, so delay not and head to enjoy authentic South Indian food at the luxurious Royal Indiana, housed in Accord Metropolitan Hotel. Traditional sculptures and a massive teakwood entryway add to an inviting atmosphere. P.S, the Vatha Kuzhambu is to die for!
We also recommend Spectra, The Leela Palace and Peshwari, ITC Grand Chola. A magnificent view of the Bay Of Bengal through its massive windows, Spectra is a sea food lover’s dream from Goan Prawn Curry to Alleppey Fish Curry. If you want to indulge in some OTT North Indian and Mughlai delicacies, Peshwari is the place for you.
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2. Shopping Temptation Galore
One thing you’d wanna stock up on would be gorgeous ethnic wear that’ll make you stand out, we’d suggest head over to Amethyst Fashion Boutique to get the chicest jewellery and clothing. One of Chennai’s top boutiques, the place has a haveli-style cafe, a verandah, and a flower shop. In the mood to splurge and go all in? Collage Lifestyle Boutique is for you. Home to contemporary ethnic couture from Tarun T to Manish Malhotra, it’s got everything you want.
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3. Pamper Yourself Some
Take a day off from life and the hustle of Chennai and destress at Antahpura Spa at Park Hyatt. Situated away from the city overlooking canopies of green foliage, the spa is great to enjoy your day of solitude. As soon as you enter, you’re surrounded by calming dim lights, soothing music, aromatic oils and masseuse. The spa aims at restoring an equilibrium between your mind and body, from herbo-mineral healing to Chettinad therapy, it's designed to give you a sense of renewed tranquility.
4. A Short Trip To Rewind
Even though there are endless places to visit in Chennai, it’s always a good idea to take a short trip. Locations like Pondicherry, Ooty, Coorg and Mysore should be on your list. Ideal for a weekend getaway, these places are the right mix of slow and serene. First, Pondicherry, so much to see and so much to do. Vibrant alleys, air of gajras and mogra flowers and vintage style colonial buildings, you just never get tired of visiting Pondi. Next, if you want to dive deep in lush green and wake up to a gorgeous landscape, Coorg and Ooty should do it for you. One of the most famous tourist locations in the country, the cool breeze here will be a hearty change from the everyday smog in the city.
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5. Time For An Adventure
Take a break from the Chennai heat and dive deep in the crazy water sports and adventures that the city has to offer. From Kayaking, snorkeling, jet skiing and scuba diving, choose your adrenaline rush. Bay of Life Surf School offers you hourly packages on activities, which all in all makes up for a pretty interesting day out with your friends. The thing we’re excited to tell you about is jet skiing! Off Road sports has jetting options for you to choose from and jet off. Barefoot Scuba will have you diving and training scuba diving with instructors next to you.
6. A Family That Dances Together!
Got a family of dance enthusiasts or always looking to try something new? Taking a dance lesson might be it! From Bharatnatyam to Salsa classes, there’s everything for everyone. Salsa Madras has regular dance and salsa nights that happen in the city for you to attend and enjoy. But if you want to learn some classical or maybe brush up on your skills, Kalakshetra Foundation is arguably the best! They have a large campus which saves you from listening to all the modern chaos of Chennai, and part time courses for you to enroll into.
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7. Play Tourist For A Day
If you don't mind the heat, the city has so much to offer once you plan a day out. Golden sandy beaches to temples and parks, here’s what you need to do! Start off your day with a picturesque sunrise walk along the Marina beach, then Semmozhi Ponga park which is a great escape from the city and for you to gaze at the scenic landscape and lush green. Then, maybe a boat ride at Pulicat lake to feel closer to nature than ever!
LBB Tip - But if you’re planning for a longer trip with your family, get bespoke travel itineraries or special discounts at luxury hotels like WelcomHeritage, CGH Earth and Roseate through HSBC Premier Global Concierge.
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8. Some Quiet Time
To get away and be with your thoughts, take a visit down to the National Art Gallery or Connemara Public Library. Established in 1907 the Art Gallery has four sections for you to indulge in. On display are handicrafts and paintings that date back to the 11th century. The Rock and Cave art gallery has interesting cave-like settings, slides and touch screens that makes the experience interactive. The Connemara Public Library has unique and rare archives of books and newspapers with a Braille library section as well.
With so much to do, homecoming is going to be extra special this time. So, all NRIs out there and the loved ones eagerly waiting to host them, leave your financial matters with HSBC. With instant Global Transfer remittance facility between HSBC accounts, Global Concierge privileges, Global Premier status for you and your family, a dedicated Relationship Manager and a host of offers on the HSBC Credit card, banking for NRIs is as seamless in India as overseas.
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Disclaimer: This article represents the views and opinions of LBB and does not represent the views of HSBC.