Taj Vivanta Connemara - Chennai - The Classic Safari Company

Old meets new in timeless style

The Taj Vivanta Connemara is Chennai’s only heritage hotel. Built originally in 1854 as the Imperial Hotel, it was refurbished in art deco style in 1937, and an iconic swimming pool was added in 1974 designed by renowned architect Geoffrey Bawa. Today, the overall effect is one of timeless style as different eras are brought together with grace and elegance.

The hotel has 145 rooms which range in size and style but all are modern and minimal with fresh white walls, bright accent colours, high ceilings and polished wood floors. Superior Charm Rooms cover 450 square feet and offer city views while Premium Indulgence Rooms overlook the pool and garden and boast over 700 square feet of floor space, divided into sleeping and lounge areas by Victorian arches and colonial columns.

Facilities include a well equipped gym with personal trainers and yoga instructors on hand, as well as the beautiful and iconic swimming pool—the perfect spot to relax after a long day of sightseeing. A choice of three restaurants offers a variety of Indian and international cuisine. ‘The Raintree’ is exceptional, serving authentic local dishes in a setting reminiscent of an old, traditional Chettinad home.

Chennai is known for its rich heritage of artistic, religious and culinary traditions, coupled with a modern cosmopolitan edge, and this sense of old world glamour meeting new world style is perfectly encapsulated by the Taj Vivanta Connemara.

You will love

Iconic Geoffrey Bawa pool
Old meets new in timeless style
The Raintree restaurant
Chennai’s rich heritage

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Exellent and wonderful, reaching way above expectations.

Elizabeth Mackintosh

Julia you did a fantastic job - everything was first class. Well organised, efficient and stress free. We all agreed it was the best holiday we've ever had. Cant wait to travel with CSC again.

Milford family

We are so happy we put our trust in CSC, we had an amazing adventure and would recommend them to anyone.

Kim & Brad Balance

The trip exceeded my expectations and was the best family holiday I have ever had. Our children simply loved it and now I know more about African wildlife than they do about our own farm animals.

Rowntree family

Classic Safari are the people who genuinely know other culture and offer incredible insight to perfectly meet your expectations.

Melanie McMillan & Iain Jones

We loved it all. Our son wants to go back tomorrow. We would ALL go back again!

Laurence & Remi Cunningham

An amazing experience - the best family holiday we have ever had. We were extremely impressed by the meticulous attention to our itinerary. I can't speak highly enough of all the elements of this exciting journey!

Sheryl & Robert Taylor

Thank you for making our trip to Africa so spectacular. The attention to detail really made it special. It really was the trip of a lifetime.

Paul Cozzi

Very knowledgeable and patient. Our trip was all that we hoped for. Wonderful!

Jane & Robert Happell

Everything was perfect! Advice and information on destinations and activities hit everything I had hoped to experience. I contacted the Classic Safari Company upon recommendation and have now, in turn, recommended to others.

Tim Bradley

You can't improve on perfection. I had my best birthday and holiday with my family celebrating my 80th birthday in Africa. Everything that Julia organised was perfect and the whole trip was a highlight!

Buckingham Family

The trip of a lifetime, couldn't have dreamt of a better adventure if I tried.

Emma Jeffcoat

Absolutely everything was first class & so well organised.

Simon & Jackie Adams

Classic Safari Company has done it again! A unique experience that ticked all the boxes - wildlife, culture and dining experience. A dream come true!

Ros Wheeler

Their experience and knowledge of Africa is evident and we couldn't have been happier with the total package. This has given us a taste for Africa - now we are ready for more.

Andrew & Pip Stevens

If you want the most sensational experience in Africa let Julia and the staff at Classic Safari Co plan it for you! Their knowledge, expertise and enthusiasm for their job means your every wish will be fulfilled.

Miriam & Joseph Harrison

Classic Safari is the place to go to for "top end" adventure travel.

Ron & Alison Guthrie

Classic Safari Company were brilliant - 10/10

Di & Kingsley Yates

The Classic Safari Company is the best I have dealt with. Extremely knowledgeable & professional, friendly, patient & understanding of first timers to Africa.

Annette Whiley

It certainly was the best trip we have EVER had. The experiences were mind blowing. We want everyone we know to experience Africa - the animals, the people - magical.

Jo-anne & Dean Mifsud

Would do it all again and not change a moment. Best holiday ever!

The McGowan Tribe

An absolutely fantastic travel company - every one of the many trips they have organised for us over 22 years have been faultless and fabulous.

Judith & Roger Williams

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