Chennai, the capital city of Tamil Nadu, is among the most attractive cities to visit in South India, and although it has a lot to offer the locals and travelers, it is always crowded. Don’t worry because there are a lot of places around Chennai that are moreover attractive and easy to get to, offering plenty of adventure, traveling around, sightseeing and food. So are you living in Chennai and searching for some fun and exciting places nearby, TourismChennai handpicked the best places of 15 weekend getaways from Chennai check out these scrolls down.
Weekend Places in Chennai Within 100 Kms
1. Pulicat
The road will take you to Pulicat, a quiet little seaside city in Tiruvallur district it takes less than two hours north of Chennai. Without a doubt, this is the best weekend getaways around Chennai. Famous for the country’s second-largest saltwater lake, this place is a haven for weekend travelers or family and friends who are out for a romantic weekend or day outing in the local wildlife sanctuary.
Distance: 54 km from Chennai
Places to visit in Pulicat:
- Pulicat Lake
- Pulicat Bird Sanctuary
- Dutch Fort
- Dutch Cemetery
Suggested Read: Top 10 Best Places to Visit in Chennai
2. Mahabalipuram
Mahabalipuram, also called Mamallapuram, is an ancient city steeped in antique history, culture, tradition, and architecture. That is 60 km away from Chennai that is the popular weekend trips from Chennai. It is a museum of historical temples, monolithic statues and antique artifacts that were found in great glory built by the Pallava dynasty in the period of the 7th century. A great route has traveled within a two-hour drive long in the East Coast Road a lot to see besides the way.
Distance: 57 km via East Coast Road
Best places to visit in Mahabalipuram:
- Shore Temple
- Pancha Ratha
- Varaha
- Mahishasurmardini
- Krishna Cave Temples
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3. Nagalapuram
Nagalapuram, situated in Andhra Pradesh state is a popular trekking place in Chennai for adventurers from all over India. Approximately two hours travel by road from Chennai.
You can trek in the lush green mountains dive into one of the waterfalls which are not dried throughout the year, and natural pools, or camp over the mountains overnight – these are a few adventure things to do. Or just relax for a spot of sightseeing, pilgrimage and, for sure you can get some excellent and spicy food in Andhra style.
Distance: 70 km via the NH16
Places to visit in Nagalapuram:
- Sri Veda Narayana Perumal Temple
- Nagalapuram Falls
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4. Kanchipuram
Two hour’s drive from Chennai via NH48 road, the place is called the City of Thousand Temples for a valuable reason. Densely populated with religious architecture and culture, the place has been a center of pilgrimage for the Pallava dynasty.
Thousands of temples, holy places, statues, and structures are a must-visit spot if you want to be in Chennai; there are a lot of street foods available in every corner, tasty and real the flavor of South Indian cuisine to locals and visitors alike, make for various fun city exploration.
Distance: 74 km from Chennai via NH48
Places to visit in Kanchipuram:
- Kanchi Kailasanathar Temple
- kambareshwar Temple
- Vaikuntha Perumal Temple
- Kanchi Kudil Museum
- Vedanthangal Bird Sanctuary
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5. Thiruthani
Thiruthani is a city that has great religious importance, is about 80 kilometers away from Chennai. There are many places of worship in ancient religious sites such as the 2000-year-old Thiruthani Murugan Temple was surrounded by natural beauty.
This place is famous and visited place for the devotees of Lord Murugan on top of tourists from neighboring states searching to spend a picnic spot away from the city.
Distance: 90 km from Chennai via the NH716 and Salai Street
Places to visit in Thiruthani:
- Thiruthani Murugan Temple
- Thiruthani Hill
- Shantipuri Shrine
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Weekend Trips from Chennai Within 200 Kms
6. Tirupati
One of the holiest places in South India, Tirupati is not only famous for thousands of pilgrims as well as tourists who want to discover the city’s culture, heritage and magnificent ancient temples.
As the homeland of some of the world’s richest religious institutions, the place is a pack of all fun things to entertain the travelers; nature parks, waterfalls, hill station, camping, trekking, and tasty food make for the best weekend getaways from Chennai.
Distance: 133 km from Chennai via the NH716
Places to visit in Tirupati:
- Sri Venkateswara Swamy Temple
- Swami Pushkarini Lake
- Akash Ganga Waterfalls
- Sri Venkateswara Dhyana Vignan Mandiram
- Govindaraja Swamy Temple
- Deer Park
- TTD Gardens
- Sri Venkateshwara National Park
- Talakona Waterfalls
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7. Vellore
Vellore, among the richest cultural and historical cities of South India, is a mixture of the various dynasties that lined it for centuries. Earlier the place is ruled by the famous people of Pandyas, Cholas, Vijayanagara kings, Carnatic Nawabs, and the British Raj are seen throughout the city in its very rich architectural, cultural, and cuisine. Just take a 3 hours travel from west of Chennai, the place is the most visited weekend destinations from Chennai for anyone nearby.
Distance: 139 km from Chennai via the NH48
Places to visit in Vellore:
- Palar River
- Vellore Fort
- Jalakanteshwara Temple
- John’s Church
- Golden Temple
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8. Chandragiri
Within a four-hour journey from Chennai, the place is more frequently visited place by the people as well as the best weekend trips from Chennai because of its close to Tirupati. Moreover, if you take place to be in the capital city of Tamil Nadu, don’t forget to spend a vacation or holiday here as there are many benefits to Chandragiri; Forts, palaces, national parks, lakes, waterfalls, temples, museums, and fine dining all make the South a wonderful and interesting place to be.
Distance: 145 km from Chennai via the NH716
Places to visit in Chandragiri:
- Chandragiri Fort
- Chandragiri Lake
- Raja Mahal Palace and Museum
- Rani Mahal
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9. Pondicherry
Pondicherry, aptly known the French Riviera of the East, the place is must visited by whom visiting the South India. If you plan to be in Chennai, there is no reason why the road is only 3 and half hours away.
With French influences in all aspects of architecture, culture, heritage, language, and cuisine, the place offers an amazing travel experience. Don’t miss such a wonderful tourist places near Chennai. Adventure sports and exploration means you can take part or enjoy a peaceful ambiance and delicious dishes, both French and South Indian type in general.
Distance: 169 km from Chennai via the NH32
Places to visit in Pondicherry:
- Auroville
- Ousteri Lake
- Church of the Sacred Heart of Jesus
- Seaside Promenade
- Puducherry Museum
- War Memorial
- Mangrove Forest
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10. Nellore
With its natural atmosphere and ambiance, Nellore is the best place for wildlife, mainly for bird lovers. There are many nature parks and sanctuaries that offer guided tours and trek through the forest where you can find the numerous native species and migratory birds.
Popular around these areas are the forts scattered throughout the city, producing some of the finest sights and explorations. The village of Paturu is renowned for its handicrafts and serves some grand shopping.
Distance: 175 km from Chennai via the NH16
Places to visit in Nellore:
- Udayagiri Fort
- Venkatagiri Fort
- Nelapattu Bird Sanctuary
- Mypadu Beach
- Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple
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Weekend Destinations near Chennai Around 500 Kms
11. Yelagiri
Just three and a half hours down the road from Chennai, Yelagiri is a small hill station well-known for its gorgeous scenery and adventure game. This is an ideal hill stations near Chennai. Go here for a weekend of fun-filled activities like hiking, paragliding, and boat riding.
While the entire city is in a festive mood also a great time to plan in the period of Yelagiri Summer Festival, the place is bustling with activities including food shows, musical concerts, and a lot of cultural events.
Distance: 229 km from Chennai via the NH48
Places to visit in Yelagiri:
- Punganoor Lake
- Jalagamparai Waterfalls
- Jalagandeeswarar Temple
- Velavan Temple
- Swamimalai Hill
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12. Tharangambadi
The place having been ruled by the Danish almost 200 years, it is not surprising that Trangambadi is a village unlike any other in the state; the influences of previous rulers are evident everywhere, together with architecture and cuisine.
Located on the Coromandel Coast of the Bay of Bengal, this fishing town is a hot place for visitors from proximity areas, particularly those who live or visit Chennai. Architecture, historical, heritage, museums, religious spots, fine food and more create it a great weekend getaways from Chennai.
Distance: 284 km from Chennai via the NH32
Places to visit in Tharangambadi:
- Town Gate
- King Street
- Rehlings House
- Fort Dansborg
- Masilamani Temple
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13. Horsley Hills
Situated in the picturesque Eastern Andhra Pradesh Mountains at an elevation of 41000 feet, Horsley Hills is a haven for nature lovers; the lush green environment, rolling hills and good weather conditions make it a breathtaking weekend trips from Chennai.
About 6 and a half hour’s drive from Chennai, this place offers a variety of activities such as hiking and camping, with a lot of resorts to stay. Don’t miss to visit the place of a local wildlife sanctuary.
Distance: 289 km from Chennai via the NH71
Places to visit in Horsley Hills:
- Mallamma Temple
- Kaundinya Wildlife Sanctuary
- Horsley Hills Zoo
- Gangotri Lake
- Gali Bandalu
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14. Yercaud
Yercaud, which means Lake Forest is not only a hot place for nature lovers also a perfect weekend getaways from Chennai for anyone searching for tranquility and peace. This hill station offers a cost-effective way to spend a couple of days away from home and some fun entertainments.
You can boat in the beautiful places of Yercaud Lake, trek by the lush greenery forest, and try out the wonderful local food. With a 7-hour journey from Chennai, there are a lot of budget-friendly hotels around the city for the weekend.
Distance: 366 km from Chennai via the NH79
Places to visit in Yercaud:
- Yercaud Lake
- Shevaroy Temple
- Shevaroy Hills
- Silk Farm
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15. Mysore
One of the purest cities in the country, the place has a wealthy and wonderful history. Everyone at least once in your life visit the best tourist places near Chennai. The place ruled by the prosperous Wodeyar dynasty for seven centuries, the city is surrounded by wonderful palaces, elegant gardens, magnificent temples, and delicacies.
Stimulating the tourists from all around the world, are you live in Chennai, consider you’re lucky and have nothing but a half-day trip to this wonderful city.
Distance: 482 km from Chennai via the NH48
Places to visit in Mysore:
- Mysore Palace
- Chamundeshwari Temple
Since there is so much to see all over the city, plan a great weekend getaways from Chennai is a must for anyone accompanying or visiting.
