CHEER THE SUPER KINGS @ CHENNAI

The Chennai Super Kings are the top of the heap at the on-going Indian Premier League (IPL). With team India’s captain-cool, MS Dhoni, at the helm of things, little wonder this IPL cricket team has been the champion of two previous editions of the T20-tourney! What better place to catch Dhoni, and his boys in action than on their home ground, the MA Chidambaram Stadium? The city’s cricket aficionados are snapping up tickets to the IPL in Chennai, and fans are flocking in from other cities. With great flight plus hotel deals on MakeMyTrip.com, you too could catch the mayhem live.

Chennai Super Kings in a celebratory mood The Lowdown

Chennai is already in the grips of the first throes of summer. So beach-cricket’s gone in-doors, and everyone’s glued to their TV-screens to catch the IPL match of the day. A lucky few will get their hands on tickets to any of the games scheduled to play-out at the MA Chidambaram Stadium, till May 26^th. The best seats in the house go to holders of the hospitality passes. These folk can rub shoulders with the A-list, sip daintily on the bubbly, snack on gourmet delicatessen and applaud MS Dhoni for walloping the bowlers for boundaries. But if you’re an adrenaline junkie, head to the stands instead. Don’t miss out on your cue to be a part of the human wave. And if you can’t get a foot in through the door at the Chidambaram Stadium, take heart. The city’s hotels, restaurants and pubs are a part of the unofficial fan-stands!

Cheerleading gets a classical twist at the MA Chidambaram Stadium, ChennaiEat, Sleep, Pray

For starters, Chennai hotels have great offers for cricket tourists. The Vivanta by Taj Connemara is one of Chennai’s oldest luxury hotels, and is located a short distance away from the stadium. The Government Museum is a stone’s throw from the hotel, so between matches and luxuriating by the pool, you can check out historical displays here. The Ginger Hotel at Tharamani offers value for money, and public transport is available to negotiate the 12 odd kilometres to the stadium. The Tri Sea Residency is a budget hotel located near the stadium on Victoria Hostel Road.

The Vivanta by Taj Connemara, one of Chennai’s oldest luxury propertiesWhen you’ve had enough of the snacks at the stadium stands, head out to the famous Murugan Idly shop at Besant Nagar. You can’t be in Chennai and not gorge on the fluffy ricecake treat! Always take a helping of gunpowder and ghee on the side. Beyond Indus at the Taj Clubhouse property (a stone’s throw from the stadium) is highly recommended and serves north Indian tandoori grills and gravies. Cheering for the Chennai Super Kings can leave you hoarse and thirsty. Head to a neighbourhood watering hole for a chilled beer. Aqua at The Park Hotel has a stylish pool-side bar. You can’t rule out bumping into your cricket heroes here, in their off time!

Aqua at the Park Hotel has a swanky pool-side barGetting In

Since the MA Chidambaram Stadium is located in the most happening part of the city, transport is easily available. The Chepauk MRTS Railway Station is visible from the ground, and several local trains make a halt here. Pre-paid cabs and autos are available from Chennai Railway station and Kamaraj terminal at the Chennai International Airport.

Plan a cricket holiday to Chennai this T20 season and who knows, you may end up witnessing the Chennai Super Kings making history with their third IPL win!