Uthandi, Chennai

Uthandi is a well-developed locality in South Chennai, known for its scenic beaches and peaceful environment. It is located on the East Coast Road (ECR), which connects Chennai to Pondicherry and other coastal towns. Uthandi is also about 26 km away from Chennai International Airport and 28 km from Chennai Central Railway Station, ensuring better connectivity to other parts of Chennai and beyond. The area features a blend of residential and commercial properties, including villas, apartments, resorts, hotels, and restaurants. Uthandi is a popular destination for both tourists and locals, who are drawn to its peaceful atmosphere and golden beaches. Additionally, Uthandi is conveniently located near several of Chennai's popular attractions, such as MGM Dizzee World, VGP Universal Kingdom, Dakshina Chitra, and Muthukadu Boat House.

What’s Good v/s What Can Be Better?

Physical Infrastructure and Livability Index

Uthandi boasts good physical infrastructure with wide roads, street lights, drainage systems, and a water supply. The East Coast Road (ECR) provides excellent connectivity to other parts of the city and the state. Furthermore, the locality is well-served by public transportation, including buses and trains, making commuting more effective and affordable for residents. Uthandi also stands out with its high livability index, offering a clean and green environment characterised by low pollution and noise levels. Residents also enjoy a moderate climate along with pleasant sea breezes. The locality features a range of amenities and facilities, including schools, colleges, hospitals, banks, markets, malls, and cinemas. Notable educational institutions in Uthandi include Richmond Canadian International School, Indian Maritime University, and Jeppiaar Engineering College. Prominent healthcare centres in the area include the Centre for Vision and Eye Surgery, Radiant Dental Care, and Coastal Care Clinic.

Social Infrastructure- Restaurants

The following are some of the popular restaurants you can find in Uthandi, Chennai:

• Mascarpone Cafe
• Buhari Hotel
• Marine Drive Restaurants
• Kana Katha Veg & Non-Veg Restaurant
• AB Food Paradise ECR Restaurants

Banks/ Metro Stations/ Airport/ Bus Terminal/ Railway Stations/ Parks

Banks and ATMs 

• HDFC Bank
• ICICI Bank
• Bank of Baroda
• Union Bank
• State Bank of India
• Indian Overseas Bank

Metros and Railway Stations 

• Mannadi Metro Station
• Central Metro Station
• Washermanpet Metro Station
• Velachery Railway Station
• Perungudi Railway Station
• Taramani Railway Station 

Bus Terminals

• Uthandi Bus Stop
• Uthandi Colony Bus Stop
• Uthandi Toll Bus Stop
• Ragash College Bus Stop

Airport

• Chennai International Airport

Public Parks

• Uthandi Public Park
• Queensland Amusement Park
• Karapakkam Corporation Park
• The Central Park South
• Sholinganallur Corporation Park

Popular Roads in Uthandi

Some of the popular roads in Uthandi are as follows:

ECR Road

This road is part of the East Coast Road project that connects Chennai to Cuddalore via Pondicherry. It runs along the city’s coastline, offering scenic views of the Bay of Bengal. It is a popular destination for weekend getaways and long drives.

OMR Road

This road is also known as the Old Mahabalipuram Road or Rajiv Gandhi Salai. It is a major arterial road that connects Chennai to Mahabalipuram. It passes through several IT and commercial hubs, such as Taramani, Sholinganallur, and Thoraipakkam.

Kelambakkam Road

This road connects Uthandi to Kelambakkam, a town in the Kanchipuram district. It has many residential and educational institutions along its route, such as SSN College of Engineering, Chettinad Health City, and Hindustan University.

Nearby Localities to Uthandi

How do People Rate Uthandi?

Residents of Uthandi, Chennai, generally have high regard for their locality. They value the tranquil environment, which is emphasised by the lovely, spotless beaches that provide a break from the busy city life. The area is renowned for its upscale residential options and well-maintained infrastructure, which ensures a high quality of life. The proximity to both natural beauty and urban conveniences strikes a perfect balance for the residents. While there is a sense of seclusion and tranquilly, the locality is not isolated, as it provides easy access to the city’s key areas. These factors contribute to the positive reviews and high ratings Uthandi receives from its inhabitants, making it a sought-after locality in Chennai​.

How to Visit Uthandi?

Here are some ways to visit Uthandi by different modes of transport:

By Road: You can drive from Chennai to Uthandi via the East Coast Road (ECR), which is a scenic route along the Bay of Bengal. The distance is about 27 km and the travel time is around 30 minutes, depending on the traffic. You can also take a taxi or a bus from Chennai to Uthandi, which will cost you around ₹700 - ₹900 and ₹22 - ₹30 respectively.

By Train: You can take a train from Chennai Central Station to St Thomas Mount, which is the nearest railway station to Uthandi. From St Thomas Mount, you can take a taxi to Uthandi, which will cost you around ₹636 - ₹1,237 and take another 25 minutes.

By Air: There is no direct flight from Chennai to Uthandi, as Uthandi does not have an airport. The nearest airport to Uthandi is Chennai International Airport, which is about 26 km away. From the airport, you can take a taxi or a bus to Uthandi, which will cost you around ₹800 - ₹1,000 and ₹30 - ₹40, respectively.

Places to Visit in Uthandi

Here are some of the popular places to visit in and around Uthandi:

Blazze Soapy Football

This is a fun and unique activity where you can play football on a slippery and soapy surface. You can have a blast with your friends and family as you slide and score goals. The place also has other games and facilities like paintball, archery, and a cafe.

Kart Attack

This is a go-karting track where you can experience the thrill of racing. The track is well-maintained and has safety measures in place. You can choose from different types of karts and speeds and have a memorable time.

DakshinaChitra Museum

This is a living museum that showcases the culture and heritage of South India. You can see the traditional houses, crafts, art, and performances of various communities and regions. The museum also has workshops, exhibitions, and events that you can participate in. 

Muttukadu Boat Club

This is a water sports centre where you can enjoy boating, kayaking, canoeing, and windsurfing. The place has a scenic backdrop of the backwaters and the sea. You can also spot various birds and fish in the water.

Crocodile Bank

This is a reptile zoo and conservation centre that houses over 2,000 crocodiles, alligators, gharials, snakes, turtles, and lizards. You can learn about the biology and behaviour of these creatures and also watch them being fed. The place also has a snake venom extraction centre and a souvenir shop.

Locality Comparison

In comparison to other Chennai localities, Uthandi offers a unique living experience. Unlike densely populated and bustling areas like Velachery or T. Nagar, Uthandi is known for its calm and scenic environment due to its coastal location. It provides a stark contrast to the city's more commercial and crowded regions, offering residents a peaceful haven. The area’s upscale residential developments are more comparable to those in Adyar or Besant Nagar, yet Uthandi stands out for its direct access to serene beaches. While it may lack the high-energy nightlife of localities like Nungambakkam, it compensates with a laid-back and luxurious lifestyle. Uthandi’s balance of urban accessibility and natural beauty makes it a unique and desirable location in the landscape of Chennai’s neighbourhoods​.`

Conclusion

Uthandi in Chennai is a gem for those seeking a blend of luxury, tranquilly, and connectivity. It distinguishes itself with its pristine beaches and high-end residential areas, offering a retreat-like ambience. The locality's infrastructure supports a high-quality lifestyle, with easy access to essential services such as education and healthcare. Its strategic location along the East Coast Road ensures excellent connectivity to the rest of Chennai while maintaining a peaceful environment. Uthandi is an ideal choice for families and professionals who prioritise a calm living space without being too far from the city’s urban offerings. The steady development and enhancement of amenities in the area signal a promising future, making Uthandi not just a residential locality but a lifestyle choice.