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Choolai is a residential locality in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, close to the Chennai Central Railway Station. The name Choolai is believed to come from the old brick kilns that used to be in the area. This history is reflected in the names Brick Kiln Road and Sengal Choolai Road. Previously, the area was known as Lakshmi Narasimhapuram. The 150-year-old Lord Natarajar temple dedicated to Lord Nataraja reflects the city's rich heritage.
Historically, Choolai was a hub for the textile industry with prominent mills like the Madras United Spinning & Weaving Mills, known as Choolai Mills. This mill, originally managed by an Indian owner, faced difficulties with strikes and financial issues, leading to its sale. The government has since turned these mill buildings into storage warehouses for the Food Corporation of India.
The locality offers reasonably priced 2- and 3-BHK flats and villas that provide a comfortable lifestyle. The residential properties in this locality are a mix of modern and traditional architectural designs.
Choolai is situated between Vepery and Periamet and is close to Nehru Stadium. Numerous bus routes connect the area, and Chennai Central and Egmore Railway Station are nearby, making it easy to get around.
| What’s Good? | What Can Be Better? |
| The cost of living in this locality is low, making it accessible for middle-class families. | The area is often crowded, leading to traffic jams. |
| The Lord Natarajar Temple offers a deep cultural experience. | Choolai is a busy and noisy locality that might concern some residents. |
| The neighbourhood has a close community feel, where neighbours often know and support each other. | There are fewer parks and recreational areas, which limits outdoor activities. |
| It is close to major transport facilities like Chennai Central, making travel convenient. | Some parts of Choolai have older buildings and infrastructure that need updating or repair. |
Choolai in Chennai has a decent infrastructure with space for improvement. The area is well-connected with good roads and public transport options, including Chennai Central Railway Station and several bus routes. Choolai is known for its affordable housing, which greatly benefits many people.
Many facilities in Choolai fulfil the daily needs of people residing in the locality. Hospitals like Muthu Hospital and Rajiv Gandhi Government General Hospital are within a short drive. St Andrews High School and St Joseph Girls’ Higher Secondary School are the best schools catering to educational needs.
Choolai has many restaurants that serve different kinds of food. You can find traditional South Indian food at local places and other cuisines at various restaurants. Some of the restaurants are:
Banks & ATMs
Metro & Railway Stations
Bus Terminal
Airport
Public Parks
There are limited public parks in Choolai. Some of them are:
Sydenham Road
This is one of the main roads in Choolai that connects various parts of the area.
Brick Kiln Road (Sengal Choolai Road)
This road is a key landmark in Choolai because it highlights the area's history of brick manufacturing. It is still commonly referred to by its historical name and is central to the local identity.
Choolai High Road
This is another major road that runs through Choolai. It's lined with various shops and commercial establishments.
Strahans Road
Strahans Road in Choolai is a busy street offering residential and commercial properties, a big part of the locality’s community and economy.
| Nearby Locality | Distance (km) | Approx. Travel Time | Estimated Cab Fare (₹) |
| Choolai, Chennai to Egmore Distance | 2.8 | 10 mins | 50 - 70 |
| Choolai, Chennai to Purasawalkam Distance | 1.3 | 7 mins | 40 - 60 |
| Choolai, Chennai to Anna Nagar Distance | 7.3 | 22 mins | 120 - 150 |
| Choolai, Chennai to Kilpauk Distance | 3.7 | 12 mins | 60 - 80 |
| Choolai, Chennai to Royapettah Distance | 5.1 | 18 mins | 100 - 130 |
| Choolai, Chennai to T. Nagar Distance | 8.8 | 26 mins | 160 - 200 |
| Choolai, Chennai to Mylapore Distance | 7.6 | 25 mins | 140 - 180 |
Choolai in Chennai has a rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars, a positive rating given by its residents for its strong sense of community and central location. It is known for its rich history and cultural significance, particularly with landmarks like the Lord Natarajar Temple, which attracts tourists interested in the heritage of Chennai.
However, like many bustling urban localities, Choolai faces challenges like congestion and noise. The availability of essential services and proximity to major transport hubs like Chennai Central railway station enhance its appeal as a convenient place to live. While some may find it crowded, many appreciate the local market and the relatively affordable housing.
By Road:
If you are coming from Chennai or nearby cities, you can drive directly to Choolai. The area is well-connected by major roads and is easily accessible from different parts of Chennai. You can use city buses or taxis to reach Choolai. The area is near central locations like Chennai Central and Egmore, which are key landmarks from which you can reach Choolai.
By Air:
If you're flying into Chennai, the nearest airport is Chennai International Airport. Choolai is about 21.2 km away from the airport. Depending on traffic, you can take a taxi directly to Choolai, which should take around 45 minutes. Alternatively, you can take the metro rail from the airport to Chennai Central Station and then take a taxi to Choolai.
By Rail:
Chennai Central Railway Station is the nearest major railway station to Choolai, about 2.4 km away. Once you arrive at Chennai Central, you can take a taxi or auto-rickshaw to Choolai.
There are several tourist destinations in and near Choolai, Chennai. Some of them are -
Lord Natarajar Temple
The Natarajar Temple in Choolai is a 150-year-old spiritual site in Chennai. It is a temple dedicated to Lord Nataraja, a form of God Shiva depicted as the Lord of Dance. This temple is important to the local community and adds to the area's cultural heritage, attracting visitors interested in history and religion.
Government Museum, Chennai:
The Government Museum in Egmore is one of the oldest in India and is not far from Choolai. It's full of interesting archaeological finds like old art and historical artefacts. You can look around different areas that focus on animals, human cultures, and rocks, which give you a peek into the natural world and the story of humans. The museum is set in a big, beautiful garden with old-style buildings, making it a lovely place to spend an afternoon.
Fort St. George:
This historic fort near Choolai was built in 1644 by the British East India Company and is now a museum that accounts for the history of Chennai and British colonial rule in India. The fort is home to the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly and has St. Mary's Church, which is the oldest Anglican church in India. The museum contains many relics from the colonial period, making it a significant educational and cultural site.
Marina Beach:
Marina Beach is around 6 kilometres from Choolai and is one of the longest beaches in India and the second longest in the world. It's a favourite place for locals and tourists, perfect for morning walks, kite flying, and trying out tasty snacks from the many food stalls lined up along the pathway. You can also enjoy stunning views of both the sunrise and sunset here. It's a great spot to relax and take a break from the busy city life.
Chetpet EcoPark:
Chetpet EcoPark offers a peaceful escape from Choolai's city life. The park features a large lake where visitors can go boating, a jogging track, and a fishing spot. There’s also a play area for children and a multi-cuisine restaurant. It’s an ideal spot for family outings, where everyone can enjoy various outdoor activities or simply relax in the green surroundings.
Valluvar Kottam:
Not far from Choolai, Valluvar Kottam pays homage to the poet-saint Thiruvalluvar. This monument features a massive stone chariot and a life-size statue of Thiruvalluvar. The walls are inscribed with verses from his famous work, the Thirukkural, which is revered for its wisdom on ethics and morality. The architecture and the peaceful atmosphere make Valluvar Kottam a touching place for reflection and admiration of Tamil culture.
Choolai, compared to its neighbouring localities like Vepery, Periamet, and Egmore, offers a blend of cultural heritage and lively market life. It is known for its affordability, making it popular among middle-class families and individuals looking for budget-friendly housing options. Choolai's vibrant markets and historical sites like the Lord Natarajar Temple add charm. In contrast, Vepery offers a quiet, family-friendly environment with good schools and a mixture of old and new buildings. However, Periamet is a busy commercial centre by day, known for its leather market, but is calm at night. Egmore is more upscale, with excellent infrastructure, luxury homes, and cultural spots like museums, attracting a wealthier crowd and providing a multicultural lifestyle.
Choolai is a lively area in Chennai known for its affordable living and close access to major transport like Chennai Central Station. It's popular for its markets and cultural spots like the Lord Natarajar Temple. While it's quite crowded, Choolai's mix of tradition and everyday hustle makes it a standout neighbourhood for locals and visitors.
St. Andrews High School and St.Paul’s Higher Secondary School are the best schools in Choolai.
Chennai Central Railway Station is the closest railway station to Choolai.
Canara Bank, Union Bank of India, and State Bank of India are some of the local banks in Choolai.
The Government Museum is 3.5 km from Choolai, a 10-13 minute drive from the locality.
Ramaglinga Vilas and Ragam Malaysian Barrota Centre are the best restaurants in the locality.
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