Rising proudly in the heart of Chennai, the ITC Grand Chola is an ode to Southern India’s greatest empire. Spread across eight acres of manicured lawns, the white stone façade gleams under the sun, while intricately carved pillars echo the artistry and opulence of the Chola dynasty. Step through its doors and the modern city fades away, replaced by soaring spaces, hushed corridors, and a sense of being inside a living monument.
8 am: Breakfast in Style
The day begins at the Lotus Lounge with a breakfast that straddles the line between comfort and indulgence. Fluffy idlis arrive with tender coconut water, flaky pastries sit beside bowls of tropical fruit, and the strong, earthy filter coffee kick-starts the morning.
11 am: Easy Rhythms
The morning is best left unhurried. A swim in the cool blue pool is a ritual in itself, the water catching streaks of sunlight as the city hums quietly in the distance.
1 pm: Afternoons of Fire and Smoke
As the sun dips low, the hotel’s mood shifts into a more dramatic register. At Peshawri, the air is thick with the scent of smouldering charcoal. Tandoor-charred kebabs arrive at the table, smoky and tender, while soft, buttery naans carry the weight of robust gravies. Dinner is unapologetically hearty, and the flavours are bold.
5 pm: An Evening of Indulgence
Make your way to Fabelle, the hotel’s elegant chocolate boutique, where indulgence takes on an artful form. Step inside and you’re greeted by gleaming counters lined with handcrafted creations, pralines filled with exotic ganaches, delicate truffles dusted in cocoa, and desserts that look like miniature works of art.
7 pm: A Thali Fit for Royalty
By dinner, appetites are sharpened for Royal Vega, where a vegetarian thali arrives like a jewel box of the season’s best. Each dish holds something different, spiced, tempered, and fragrant, celebrating the erstwhile royal kitchens of India in an atmosphere that feels ceremonial.
10 pm: A Nightcap with Character
To close the day, the Cheroot beckons. It’s amber-lit interiors offering the comfort of malts, cocktails, and conversation. It’s the perfect end to a day spent in indulgent discovery.
8 am: Coffee with a View
Mornings unfold slowly on day two, with coffee in hand at the rooftop pool. From here, Chennai stretches out below, the morning light catching the water’s surface in glimmers of gold.
11 am: The Spa Experience
Late morning is devoted to stillness at Kaya Kalp – The Royal Spa. Here, Ayurvedic rituals, healing wraps, and gentle massages restore balance, coaxing calm, clarity, and energy in equal measure.
1 pm: Global Flavours for Every Mood
For a leisurely lunch, Café Mercara Express, the hotel’s vibrant 24-hour coffee shop, serves up far more than just excellent coffee. The menu spans continents, featuring global gourmet bites crafted to satisfy both comfort cravings and adventurous palates. Think hearty sandwiches and fresh salads alongside wood-fired pizzas, fragrant curries, and decadent desserts, all paired with the café’s extensive selection of coffees sourced from some of India’s finest estates and beyond.
5 pm: A Passage Through Time
As the afternoon softens into evening, take a slow wander through the hotel’s grand corridors, where soaring arches, intricate carvings, and marble-clad walls echo the grandeur of a bygone era. The quiet hum of chandeliers overhead and the gentle fragrance of fresh flowers lend an air of serenity, making the bustle of Chennai feel like a distant memory.
7 pm: A Culinary Journey Through South India
At dinner, Avartana awaits, a temple to modern South Indian cuisine. Here, tradition and innovation collide in carefully choreographed courses. The rasam is the soul of the meal, clear, spiced, aromatic, and unforgettable.
10 pm: Sweet Endings
Before the day winds down, Yura, ITC’s artisanal gelato counter, offers a final flourish. Its scoops tell stories: Idukki Vanilla sourced from Kerala’s hills, or Japan-inspired Miso Caramel that surprises with savoury-sweet depth. Each bite is indulgent, each flavour rooted in craft.
Sometimes the perfect getaway isn’t about distance but about the space you choose. ITC Grand Chola, with its palatial scale, careful curation of flavours, and seamless blend of leisure and luxury, wraps you in comfort that feels both timeless and personal. Two days here unfold like a story, mornings bathed in golden light, afternoons of unhurried pampering, evenings steeped in flavour, and long after checkout, you can’t help but wish the weekend had lasted a little longer.
