Yelagiri
Located in Vellore district, Yelagiri is a beautiful hill station which is at a distance of 227km from the city. Counted among the best weekend getaways from Chennai, it is an ideal hilly hamlet. Offering nature lovers peace and solitude, visitors can easily spend two days here. The most beautiful picnic spot on this weekend getaway from Chennai is Punganoor artificial lake and park where visitors can enjoy picnics and boating.
One of the most visited weekend getaways from Chennai, Yelagiri is also home to the stunning Swami Malai Hills which offers stunning views of the Jalagamparai Falls. For those who would like to visit tea estates and learn more about the tea-making process – Yelagiri offers a treat.
Pondicherry
Pondicherry is perhaps one of the most popular weekend getaways from Chennai. An erstwhile French colony, Pondicherry is a dreamy city with a laid-back vibe. Full of quirky cafes serving world-cuisines, one can still observe the French culture in Pondicherry along with the spiritual vibe of Sri Aurobindo Ashram in Auroville.
The first thing that greets visitors in Pondicherry is cobbled streets, picturesque doors and quaint houses. Visitors can spend hours at the beach watching the myriad hues of the sky or spend an evening in a restaurant with live music and great seafood.
There are tons of homestays, resorts and hostels in Pondicherry which will enhance your visit and you will be glad that you picked Pondicherry as one of your weekend getaways from Chennai.
Mahabalipuram
Located only 55km away is one of the most beautiful weekend getaways from Chennai and perhaps the most popular. Known for its archaeological wonders and historical relevance, Mahabalipuram is also known as Mamallapuram. A laid-back town, it is most visited during the Mamallapuram Dance Festival and the most visited site is Shore Temple, which is a spellbinding sight along the gushing waters.
Among other places of religious importance, the Trimurti Cave Temple, Ganesh Ratha and Draupadi Ratha are the most visited and history lovers must also head to the Sculpture Museum where they can explore old paintings and relics. If you have two days to spare, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is certainly one of the most visited weekend getaways from Chennai.
Pulicat
If you want to enjoy natural beauty, history and architecture in one vacation then Pulicat is one of the best weekend getaways from Chennai for you. Located in Thiruvallur district, Pulicat is a small seashore township and makes for a unique vacation.
Travellers can enjoy various local sightseeing tours here and the best places to visit are the Dutch Cemetery, Perumal Temple, Pulicat Bird Sanctuary and the stunning beach.
If this is your choice among weekend getaways from Chennai, you can plan a trip around December and January when the tourism board organises the vibrant Flamingo festival. It is a great time for bird watchers to admire numerous bird species which come together around Pulicat Lake. Another reason why visitors enjoy coming here is that it is the second-largest saltwater lagoon in the country.
Kanchipuram
Kanchipuram is considered to be one of the most visited weekend getaways from Chennai. Better known as the Silk City, it is popular across the world for its beautifully crafted silk sarees. Visitors will notice how intricately intertwined culture is with craft in Kanchipuram which will make exploring the city more delightful.
Another reason why Kanchipuram is one of the best weekend getaways from Chennai is that it is the city of thousand temples. Standing tall as a testament of Dravidian legacy, some of the most visited temples here are Kamakshi Amman, Ekambareswarar and Kailasanathar.
Nagalapuram
One of the most exciting weekend getaways from Chennai, Nagalapuram is 70km from the city. Promising a world of experiences for nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts, one can easily spend two to three wonderful days here.
What attracts travellers to Nagalapuram and makes it one of the most visited weekend getaways from Chennai is the exciting trek which begins from Arai village. Taking you through dense and lush forests, the trek promises spellbinding views and a memorable experience amidst nature. One can also stay here overnight and explore the area at their own pace.
It's highly recommended that travellers take a permit from the forest authorities and also make them aware of the scheduled itinerary. This not only ensures that you have proper permissions but also enables one to have a great time without worrying about security and safety. Do remember that there isn't any network in the forest and you will have a chance to truly disconnect. Travellers who aren't in the mood to trek can spend time in gorgeous resorts which serve as splendid natural retreats
Among must-visit places in Nagalapuram, Shiva temple waterfalls and Ubbalamadugu Falls are big reasons why Nagalapuram is one of the most preferred weekend getaways near Chennai.
Tirupati
Tirupati is one of the few weekend getaways from Chennai which doesn't need an introduction. Situated in Chittoor district of Andhra Pradesh, it is one of the most visited places in India. A famous and revered religious spot, Tirupati has immense mythological, cultural importance and is mentioned in umpteen religious texts.
If you'd like to explore one of the oldest cities in the country then Tirupati should be a part of your list of weekend getaways from Chennai. The most important and unmissable attraction here is the Sri Venkateswara Temple. Visited by thousands of pilgrims every day, it is one of the wealthiest temples in India. One can witness the glory of this beautiful temple which is spread across 26km and supports an eight feet tall idol of the main dirty - Lord Venkateshwara.
The temple is also referred to as the Temple of the Seven Hills and is situated in the quaint town of Tirumala. Among other revered temples, visitors much seek blessings at ISKON temple, Sri Kalahasti temple and the Kodandarama Temple.
Nellore
At a distance of around 180km lies a world which is far removed from the chaos of cities. One of the most stunning weekend getaways from Chennai, Nellore is a haven for bird lovers and wildlife enthusiasts. An old town, it was a part of the Mauryan Empire and there are umpteen references of the town in old texts.
Nellore also makes it on the list of top weekend getaways from Chennai owing to the stunning and lush Nelapattu Bird Sanctuary and the Pulicat Lake. Some other attractions here are the beautiful Somasila Dam, Udaygiri Fort and Paturu Village. The village is a delight for artists and shoppers since it offers a variety of handicrafts which make for perfect gifts.
Vellore
Vellore is counted among the most beautiful weekend getaways from Chennai since it offers travellers the perfect combination of natural beauty and architecture. One can admire man-made marvels amid abundant natural beauty which makes for a great two-day break. A part of the ancient Dravidian civilisation, Vellore is often counted among the most beautiful hill stations in South India.
Vellore Fort is the most popular tourist attraction here and a landmark for the town. The fort is home to the archaic Jalakanteswara Temple which is thronged by pilgrims and also the enlightening State Government Museum which is a delight for history lovers. Travellers also visit the glorious Srilakshmi Golden Temple which is adorned with gold and is one of the most striking temples in India.
For those who’d like to pick Vellore as one of the weekend getaways near Chennai, we recommend booking hotels and buses a little in advance to avoid last-minute price hikes and tourist rush.
Tranquebar
A quaint town in Tamil Nadu, Tranquebar is perhaps one of the least-known weekend getaways from Chennai making it an ideal choice for some travellers. Also known as Tharangambadi, the town takes you back into a bygone era where one feels part of history. Marked by picture-perfect views of the sea, heritage buildings and a simple way of life – no wonder that the town is often referred to as the ‘village of the dancing waves’.
Tranquebar is also among the preferred weekend getaways from Chennai since one can cover all popular churches and forts within a couple of days. We recommend visiting Zion Church, Danish Museum, Dansborg and The New Jerusalem Church.
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