5 things the players can do during the Aircel Chennai Open

The Aircel Chennai Open is in full flow, andseveral top ranked players are starting their 2015 ATP season in the city. Last years champion Stan Wawrinka is the favourite to retain his title, andthe draw boasts players such as Feliciano Lopez, teenage sensation Borna Coric, Roberto Bautista Agut, Marcel Granollers, David Goffin and Indian superstars Leander Paes and Mahesh Bhupathi.Although their main focus is on the tennis and getting ready for the season ahead, the players can also relax and enjoy everything Chennai has to offer. Here are five things the players can do while they visit one of Indias biggest cities.

#1 Visit the beaches

Chennai has some of the best beaches the country has to offer. With the Marina beach, Elliot’s beach and Covelong Beach, the players would have plenty of choice to enjoy the waves of the Bay of Bengal. The Marina beach stretches up to 13 kilometres and is the longest beach in India.

Marina beach lighthouse

The players can take part in some adventure water-sports or just relax on the beach. They can also climb up the lighthouse on the beach, one of the city’s landmark points.

#2 Eat at Saravana Bhavan

If the players had just one place to go for a meal, then it would have to be Saravana Bhavan. With several outlets throughout the city, Saravana Bhavan offers a wide range of quality South Indian cuisine. The food, combined with the iconic South Indian coffee, is a treat for everyone.

The players would definitely add an invaluable experience to their week-long trip in Chennai by visiting this legendary restaurant.

#3 Visit Semmozhi Poonga

Semmozhi Poonga, which translates to ‘Classical Language Park’, is a botanical garden in Chennai. Opened in 2010, the garden is spread over 20 acres of land. It boasts more than 500 species of plants as well trees over 100 years old.

Several exotic plants are also featured in the garden, which are imported from South East Asian countries. A walk down nature will be extremely refreshing for the tennis players.

#4 Visit Arignar Anna Zoological Park

Arignar Anna Zoological Park is one of the biggest zoos in South East Asia. Also known as the Vandalur Zoo, the park is spread over an area of 1,690 acres and includes a rescue and rehabilitation centre. The zoo is home to over 2,500 species of flora and fauna as well as 1,500 wild species, including 46 endangered ones.

A day at the park would be very well spent, giving the players a glimpse at the richness and variety of animals in the country.

#5 Enjoy the seafood

Being a coastal city, Chennai offers some of the best seafood in the country. There are several places which have excellent fish and other seafood. The players will be spoiled for choice as well as get a good dose of protein as they look to play their finest tennis at the Aircel Chennai Open.