15 Exciting Weekend Getaways From Chennai For A Quick Break
Chennai is a metropolis and is loaded with a plethora of options for tourists. There are many amazing places to visit in and around Chennai including Scuba Diving Sites, Restaurants, Hill Station, Bars, Churches, Beaches, and more. But, often you want to get away from the hustle and bustle of Chennai for a while and take a see great weekend places in Chennai and around it. There are a variety of options to choose from when it comes to weekend getaway from Chennai. These places include Historical Sites, Spiritual Places, Adventure Hubs, Resorts, Beaches, Waterfalls, and more. So, if you are looking to get away from the heat and ruckus of everyday life, here are 15 exciting weekend getaways from Chennai for a quick and relaxing break.
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15 Exciting Weekend Getaways from Chennai
1. Horsley Hills
Horsley Hills is about 275 km away from Chennai. If you are a hill person, Horsey hills are certainly one of the places if you want to take short trips from Chennai. It is a place with breathtaking views. It is known for its biodiversity. Banyan tree and Eucalyptus trees are all part of the treats, along with multiple places to stay in this beautiful place.
2. Kanchipuram
Apart from being a great place and a temple town, it is also called a Golden City for a thousand temples. The city is widely known for its hand-woven silk sarees. The Kanchipuram Sarees are famous across the nation. Getting a tour of the makers of the Kanchipuram sarees is a treat in itself and comes with its share of its beauty. It is one of those once in a lifetime experience, to see how the sarees are made. It is less than 80 km from Chennai.
3. Hogenakkal falls
Less than 350 km away, this is a breathtaking view of the waterfalls. From a distance, it is good enough to want you to come back for more and more. The stunning view of the Kaveri rivers free fall is best viewed during monsoons. See the mettur dam, and enjoy watching how the beautiful river splits in multiple ways and routes. Go trekking, or take a boat ride and have the time of your life away from Chennai.
Read Also: 20 Best Waterfalls Near Chennai That Should Be On Your Travel Itinerary In 2020
4. Gandikota
Under 400 km from Chennai, it is a historic village. Gandikota is on the bank of the River Penna. The magnificent views in this place are mesmerizing. If you are into photography and are a nature lover, you are certainly up for a treat in Gandikota. Some of the places to visit include Belum Caves, Owk Reservoir, Pennar river, Mylavaram Dam, Rayalacheruvu Lake, Charminar and Jail of Gandikota Fort. It comes packed with beauty and history alike.
5. Kolli Hills
Kolli Hills signifies ‘Mountain of Death’ and is just over 360 km away. It is one of those places that showcase its natural beauty and you should visit to experience it. Pristine and mostly untouched, it is an awesome weekend getaway from Chennai. You can go to the Siddhar Caves, Agaya Gangai Waterfalls and more. Apart from other things you can go trekking, go boating, and just explore the place with an open mind.
6. Mahabalipuram
Just 60 km away from Chennai, this is an ideal and easy to access spot to relax and look around the town. It has a rich heritage and has seen a lot of glory from the Pallava Dynasty in the 7th century. We can easily say most of the town is like a museum. Most of the monuments in Mahabalipuram have joined the prestigious UNESCO World Heritage list in 1984. There are also a lot of artisans on almost every street corner that shows you what sheer talent is. Go there if you want to grab a piece of history as you enjoy a weekend trip away from Chennai.
7. Yercaud
Lies in the Shevaroy Hills, Yercaud is a beautiful hill station near Chennai known for its awe-inspiring views. This hill is about 5000 feet above sea level and is a perfect place to kick back and relax. There are many attractions of Yercaud such as Yercaud lake, Pagoda Point, Rose Garden, Bears Cave, Kottachedu Teak Forest, Kiliyu Waterfall, Tipperary View Point and more. Whether you are vacationing alone or with family and friends, there is no dearth of amazing scenic wonders in Yercaud.
Read Also: 20 Best Waterfalls Near Chennai That Should Be On Your Travel Itinerary In 2020
8. Nellor
This beautiful place is perfect for people who are bird lovers or lovers of wildlife. They are great for people that like to take treks to see nature parks and want to visit sanctuaries. What you can also visit are their forts like Udayagiri and Venkatagiri that can give you a piece of history that Nelloor has gone through. Nellore is under 180 km away from Chennai. It promises to be a great place to see for anyone that just loves nature.
9. Pondicherry
Certainly a wholesome trip with beaches and heritage that makes for a great weekend getaway from Chennai. It is a union territory that has everything for everyone. Be it the beaches, the long walks on different lanes, the food or the great nightlife. The French influence is very evident right after you wander around the streets of pondy (fondly called by locals). Go there if you even want to enjoy some adventure sports in Pondicherry. It is about 170 km away from Chennai.
Read Also: Road Trip From Chennai to Pondicherry – An Amazing Experience
10. Pulicat
About 60 km away from the City, Pulicat is an excellent spot to spend time with family and friends. Its saltwater lagoon is a treat for the eyes and considered the second largest in the country. Pulicat is ideal if you want to be part of a visit to a wildlife sanctuary. If you are looking for weekend trips from Chennai, do consider Pulicat. An added treat is migratory bird watching if you are into that kind of thing.
11. Munnar
Certainly a longer ride than most places, this hill on the Western Ghats is worth the trip when travelling away from Chennai. This beautiful place is perfect if you like forests, tea estates, and more. The wonderful valleys, mountains and awesome flora and fauna, this place is for those that love the hills. They are the host to bird sanctuaries, the Atukkad waterfalls, Nilgiri Tahr and more. If you want a mountain getaway to get to Munnar.
Read Also: 10 Hill Stations Near Chennai For The Perfect Summer Vacation
12. Nagalapuram
Just 70 km away from Chennai, Nagalapuram is a great trekking destination. It is in Andhra Pradesh and is about two hours away from Chennai. There are so many waterfalls, places you can take a dip in, camp and do many things. Nagalapuram is also a great place for foodies alike. Some of the best places serve up awesome Andhra food. Also, if you just want to sit around and look at the beauty, Nagalapuram is one of those great short trips from Chennai to take.
13. Tharangambadi
This beautiful place is also known as Tranquebar, because of the influence of the Danish rule for over 200 years. There are many Danish influences in this place. Some of the places that you must visit, are King Street, Fort Dansborg, Rehlings House, Town Gate, amongst other places. You must take time to sightsee and also see the Danish Museum see how the place has transformed. Tharangambadi is about 280 km away from Chennai.
14. Vellore
Located about two and a half hours away from Chennai, this is a getaway if you are interested in forts and historical tours. It does become a little warm during the summer, so do plan your trip around the winters. The Vellore Fort is a famous place that you can go to. It is one of the weekend getaways from Chennai. It has a rich history from the Chola dynasty to the British raj.
15. Yelagiri Hills
Yelagiri hills is a famous hill station that is a perfect weekend getaway from Chennai. Located about 200 km away from Chennai, it is a little over 4-hour drive from Chennai. There are many places to see in Yelagiri including Punganoor Lake Park, the Nature Park, Jalagamparai Waterfalls, Telescope Observatory, and more. They also have Yelagiri Adventure Camp for those that are looking for something interesting to do amongst other things.
There are many more places to see around Chennai. Of course, it boils down to what you want to do, how you want to explore the places, and how much you are willing to travel. However, if you are looking for weekend trips from Chennai, be rest assured you are sure to get a treat.
About The Author
Gulshan Bafna
Gulshan Bafna is one of the luxury travelers in India. He, along with his wife, has traveled to many exotic places that one could dream. With their travel journey, they bring us the best face of those places. He compiles all of his travel journeys to give the taste of traveling to his readers. In his writing, he jots down the best things to do in all those places that he has visited. Reading these would help one know better about the place. He is also a seeker who loves exploring and discovering new places and share his experiences with everyone.