Weekend Getaways Around Chennai

Distance from Chennai: 52 km
Best time to visit: Dec-Mar

Mahabalipuram is known for its historical monuments, scenic beauty, culture, and tradition. The shore temples are the prominent attractions of this place. These temples showcase the movement from rock-cut architecture to structural buildings. The mandapas and the rathas are made from the granite rock face, while the famous Shore Temple is built with huge rocks.
This city was named after the demon king Mahabali, renowned for his generosity. Some people believe it is named Mamallapuram after the Pallava King Narasimha Varman I, also called Mamallan.

Distance from Chennai: 55 Km
Best time to visit: Oct-Mar

Pulicat is located in Thiruvallur, Tamil Nadu, on the Sriharikota island, dividing Pulicat Lake from the Bay of Bengal. It is famous for its stimulating sights and is worth seeing. The key attractions are the beach, the Fort, the church, and the bird sanctuary. Two neighbouring villages, Vedurupattu and Nelapattu, are further attractions here.
Bird watching is famous among tourists in Pulicat, as there are stunning species of migratory birds. Numerous beach activities and water sports are other forms of entertainment here.

Distance from Chennai: 72 Km
Best time to visit: Sep - Mar

Kanchipuram is one of India's oldest cities. Its temples are known for their splendour and architecture. The city was the capital of the Pallava Dynasty, and most known temples were built throughout their reign. Kanchi was once the capital of the Pallavas. The Pallavas encouraged the city with moats, ramparts, wide and well-made roads and temples. 
 

Distance from Chennai: 135 km
Best time to visit: Sep - Mar

Tirupati is a sacred pilgrimage site in India. It has the temple of Lord Venkateswara. The initial temple was built by the Tamil king Thondaimaan. Sri Krishna Devaraya of Vijayanagara contributed a lot to the temple. Now, the temple is under the TTD's oversight.
Spread over 450 sq. km, Tirupati provides a religious and natural delight to devotees and tourists. In addition to Lord Venkateswara Temple in Tirumala, Tiruchanur Temple of Padmavati, Varahaswami Temple, Govindaraja Temple, Srinivasa Mangapuram, Avanakshamma Temple, ISKCON Lord Krishna Temple, etc. are the important temples. Parasurameswara Temple, Kapila Theertham in Gudimallam, Chandragiri Fort, Kodanda Rama Swamy Temple, Kanipakam, Srikalahasti and Talakona Falls are famous tourist places.

Distance from Chennai: 146 km
Best time to visit: Oct-Mar

 Vellore is situated along the banks of the Palar River. It has many pilgrimage sites and monuments, including the Government Museum, Mahalakshmi Temple, Vainu Bappu Observatory, Science Park, and Yelagiri Hills. Vellore is also famous for its shopping activities. The Yelagiri and Swamimalai Hills are prevalent hiking trails. The city has a blend of hot and dry weather throughout the year. The average temperature may rise to 43.5 degrees and drop to 18.4 degrees. 
 

Distance from Chennai: 165 km
Best time to visit: Jan-December

Puducherry is a beach-side union territory in Tamil Nadu. It was a French settlement. Now, churches, French-style shops, bright-coloured cafes, and restaurants give the place an exotic character. Pondicherry Beach, Rock Beach, Serenity Beach, the Botanical Gardens, Auroville, and Sri Aurobindo Ashram are places where people come to see. As a famous beach town, Pondicherry also offers fantastic nightlife through clubs and beach parties that feature music and cocktails. 

Distance from Chennai: 218 km
Best time to visit: Nov - Feb

Yelagiri is in Vellore, Tamil Nadu. It is at an altitude of 1,110.6 meters above sea level. The hill station is known for climbing, trekking, and other adventure activities, and it has a number of hills and mountains. The highest point is Swamimalai Hill, 4,388 ft tall, blessed with mesmerising views and places to make your trek memorable. One of the most amazing places in the region is the man-made Punganur Lake.
 The Summer Festival in the Yelagiri district showcases cultural heritage and arts nationwide. They organise several cultural programs, like the flower and dog shows. This is conducted every year, and people take part. It is a picture-perfect prospect to learn more about the past of Yelagiri.
 

Distance from Chennai: 283 km
Best time to visit: Feb- Aug

  It is an excellent place to relax and relieve your worries. Tourists throng here rarely, and the place is not crowded like the other cities of Tamil Nadu. Numerous churches exist in Tranquebar, and you can witness some fascinating festivities when pilgrims flock here to visit the Tamil Evangelical Lutheran Church. 
Tranquebar was a prevalent Danish settlement in the 18th century, and the British took it over throughout the early 19th century. This is the reason numerous structures of Danish heritage stand tall in this region.
 

Distance from Chennai: 358 km
Best time to visit: Oct - Jun

Yercaud offers a perfect escape from the city's chaos. You will experience the lush Shevaroy Hills and panoramic views, wander through coffee and spice plantations, and delight in boat rides on the calm Yercaud Lake.
Furthermore, the spiritual experience of the serene Shevaroy Temple and the soothing atmosphere of the Sacred Heart Church are not to be missed, whether you pursue an escapade through trekking or a peaceful retreat enclosed by nature. For those craving more, Yercaud provides various prospects for outdoor activities, from boating to horse riding and bird watching. So, give yourself a much-desirable break and unwind your thoughts with the trip from Chennai.

Distance from Chennai: 358 km
Best time to visit: Jan-December

 This tourist spot has gradually become a well-known weekend getaway, thanks to visitors who have discovered it recently. Featuring attractively carved arches and pillars with intricately painted walls, Nandi Hills has shrines and monuments and is enclosed by enthralling views, making this place a hidden paradise.  Situated at 4851 feet, you can see a convoy of people from Bangalore catching a glimpse of sunrise throughout the early hours.
 

Distance from Chennai: 480 Km
Best time to visit: Sept - Mar

The City of Palaces, Mysore, is the most important place in the country regarding ancient reigns. Located in Chamundi Hills, it is the third most inhabited city in Karnataka, and its rich heritage draws tourists. The Mysore Palace is a must-visit location. It is an enthralling example of Indo-Saracenic architecture, with intricate details, elaborate architecture, attractive paintings, colours, and stained-glass windows. The Ashtanga School of Yoga draws practitioners from around the world to participate in the yoga that originated in Mysore.  
 

Distance from Chennai: 515 km
Best time to visit: Jun - Nov

BR Hills, or the Billigiriranga Hills, is a hill range. It has the Billigiri Rangaaswamy Temple and BRT Wildlife Sanctuary. This range is a conjuncture of the Eastern and Western Ghats, opening many opportunities for forest adventures and sports. 
BRT Wildlife Sanctuary is a paradise for wildlife photographers because of its rich biodiversity. The Billigiri Rangaswamy temple is at the pinnacle of the hills and offers a remarkable bird’s eye view of the entire region. The champak tree is another attraction here. This tree is 34 metres tall and has yellow flowers in spring. Here, you can also indulge in trekking, river rafting and fishing.
 

Distance from Chennai: 518 Km
Best time to visit: Sept-May

 Kodaikanal is a famous honeymoon destination in the country. It is known for its beautiful climate, mist-covered cliffs, and waterfalls, which combine to form the perfect setting for a gala time. The name Kodaikanal stands for 'the gift of the forests'. Snuggled among the Palani Hills, Kodaikanal is at an altitude of 7200 feet above sea level. It is suitable for taking a break from daily city life, and you can connect with nature by biking, trekking trails, or strolling through the forests.
 

Distance from Chennai: 535 km
Best time to visit: Apr to Jun and Sep to Oct

Ooty has lakes surrounded by hills, making the perfect ambience for the wind to hit your face and pull you into the excitement of being one with nature. Adventurists need not worry, as lakes offer speedboat rides. 
The Ooty Botanical Gardens, located right in the city's heart, is a beautifully scenic location. These gardens have diverse varieties of plants and flowers, making for a delightfully scenic delight for the senses. The city has a few temples on hilltops, and the views from the temples are ethereally beautiful than the temples themselves

Distance from Chennai: 553 Km
Best time to visit: Jan-December

Rameswaram is a living account of the Ramayana. A lovely island in the Indian Ocean, it attracts numerous tourists for its beauty and religious importance. While the multiple temples instil our belief in the stories of the Ramayana heard in childhood, the Indian Ocean and the mysterious atmosphere of this coastal town turn on the explorer in us.