Although a busy city, with a bustling life, Chennai is situated amidst a plethora of beautiful places. From seaports, hills, and lakes to natural forests, Chennai is surrounded by a variety of spots for a memorable weekend. It's time to pack your bags but keep your laptop aside. This will most definitely be just the trip that you need to kick start your working life with a new kind of enthusiasm.
7 weekend getaways from Chennai to explore
1. Pondicherry
Commonly referred to as Pondy, Pondicherry or Puducherry is one of the union territories of India, which was a former French Colony. Pondicherry portrays the perfect amalgamation of French and Indian cultures. Also known as the French capital of India, it is home to several French-style architecture. From houses, and churches to even French-style shops, cafes and restaurants, Pondicherry is sure to mesmerise you with its unique character. There are several beaches, botanical gardens, and of course Sri Aurobindo Ashram at Auroville if you wish to bring about a certain aspect of spirituality in your life, Pondicherry has a lot to offer to the curious traveller. There is also an amazing nightlife that the city has which can be explored through numerous clubs. To get a slice of the French lifestyle as you sip on delicious cocktails, by the beach, Pondicherry is a must-visit destination.
Distance from Chennai: 155 km
Places to visit: Serenity Beach, Rock Beach, Sri Aurobindo Ashram, Eglise De Notre Dame Des Anges, French War Memorial, Botanical Garden, Pondicherry Beach, Pondicherry Museum.
Best time to visit: The best time to visit Pondicherry is during the winter season. The months of October to March are the ideal months for travellers who wish to visit the place.
2. Kanchipuram
Also known as the Golden City of Temples, Kanchipuram is a popular site for Hindu pilgrimage. The perfect destination for spiritual travellers, Kanchipuram attracts several tourists from all over the world. Considered a cultural and philosophical hub, Kanchipuram is also the second-holiest city in the country after Varanasi. From remains of Buddhist stupas, and beautiful gardens to stunning lakes, Kanchipuram will definitely be a breather for your senses. The city is also famous for its beautiful ‘Kanchipuram sarees’, so don't forget to get one!
Distance from Chennai: 69 km
Places to visit: Kamakshi Amman Temple, Varadharaja Perumal Temple, Devarajaswami Temple, Kailasanathar Temple, Kanchi Kamakoti Peetam, Kanchi Kudil, Ekambaranathar Temple, Vedanthangal Bird Sanctuary.
Best time to visit: October- March are the ideal months to visit Kanchipuram
3. Tirupati
Known as the home of Lord Venkateswara Temple, situated in the Chittoor district of Andhra Pradesh, Tirupati is among the important pilgrimage destinations. Tirupati is also one of the oldest cities in India and derives its name from the ancient Hindu texts. Tirupati is the main city, while Tirumala Hills consists of seven peaks, and is also where the Tirupati Balaji Temple is situated. Tirupati also has a unique geological structure called the Silathoranam, which is a natural arch formed by the rocks of the Tirumala Hills. The famous Tirupati laddu is a popular ritualistic offering and has also received the Geographical Indication Tag. If you are a spiritual traveller from the heart, Tirupati is a destination you cannot miss.
Distance from Chennai: 135 km
Places to visit: Sri Venkateswara Temple, Akasaganga Teertham, Silathoranam, Swami Pushkarini Lake, Vedadri Narasimha Swamy Temple, TTD Gardens
Best time to visit: The months from September to March are the best time to visit Tirupati.
4. Pichavaram Mangrove Forest
The Pichavaram Mangrove Forest is the largest forest in the world. It is located near the temple town of Chidambaram and is among the underrated travel destinations. Away from the bustle of the regular tourist trails, Pichavaram Mangrove Forest is a conglomeration of river systems and canal networks. The Forest offers you an astounding scenic beauty, with rich biodiversity. Boat rides can be enjoyed along the Pichavaram which are a good way of relaxation and refreshment. Surrounded by amazing life forms, a weekend spent at the Pichavaram Mangrove Forest is sure to fill you up with new energy to dive right back into your daily work once again.
Distance from Chennai: 227 km
Places to visit: Nataraja Temple, Natyanjali Dance Festival, Sirkazhi, Kali Temple
Best time to visit: Since Pichavaram Mangrove Forest is situated in Chidambaram, which is located near the Bay of Bengal, monsoon may not be the best time to visit this place. Winter is the ideal season to visit Pichavaram Mangrove Forest.
5. Yelagiri
A hill station situated in the Vellore district of Tamil Nadu, Vellagiri is a beautiful offbeat destination for travelling. Placed at a height of 1100 metres above sea level, Yelagiri offers its visitors a breathtaking scenic beauty. Surrounded by lush green valleys, lovely orchards, rose gardens, and the stunning Jalagamparai Falls, Yelagiri is the perfect destination for all nature lovers. A seemingly quaint hill station, there is a lot more to discover, from sunset points, lakes, and parks, to indulging in adventure sports such as trekking and climbing. Rarely overcrowded, Yelagiri is sure to mesmerise you with its unexplored charm.
Distance from Chennai: 227 km
Places to visit: Punganur Lake, Nature Park, Jalagamparai Falls, Telescope Observatory, Velavan Temple, Swamimalai Hill.
Best time to visit: Yelagiri can be visited all year round because of its pleasant climate.
6. Pulicat Lake
Situated on the boundary of Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu, Pulicat Lake is among the top weekend getaway destinations from Chennai. The second largest lagoon in the country, Pulicat Lake is surrounded by stunning natural beauty from every corner. The seashore serves as a wonderful habitat for birds, the Pulicat Bird Sanctuary is also situated here. From flamingos, open-billed storks, and grey pelicans, to name a few, a wide variety of birds are found here in and around the month of October. This place is a nature lover's dream.
Distance from Chennai: 55 km
Places to visit: Attending the Flamingo festival, and boating at the Pulicat Lake are among the top activities.
Best time to visit: The best time to visit Pulicat is during the months of October to March.
7. Kolli Hills
Kolli Hills is a mountain range located in the Namakkal district of Tamil Nadu. With a menacing name which translates as ‘Mountain of Death’, Kolli Hills has a charming beauty quite contrary to its name. Among the relatively unexplored destinations, Kolli Hills hasn't yet been threatened by commercial tourism. Kolli Hills also has its religious significance because of the Arappaleeswarar Temple which is situated here, dedicated to Lord Shiva. The peak of the hills can be accessed through a road, which is full of twists and turns and several winding paths. The beauty witnessed after reaching is however unparalleled and worth the trouble.
Distance from Chennai: 360.4 km
Places to visit: Agaya Gangai Waterfalls, Arappaleeswarar Temple, Siddhar Caves, Tampcol Medicinal Farm.
Best time to visit: The best time to visit Kolli Hills is between the months of March to June and from August to December.