10 Places to Visit Near Chennai for a Weekend Getaway

For those who love exploring offbeat destinations, Pulicat is one of the most popular near by places to visit in Chennai. Once a part of Dutch India, Pulicat is home to numerous heritage and historic sites. You must visit places like the Dutch Cemetery, ancient churches, and temples. But that’s not it! Pulicat Lake Bird Sanctuary is another popular attraction where you can enjoy the sight of colourful birds. And if you plan your trip between December and January, the Flamingo festival will offer an otherworldly joy. Needless to say, you can board a flight to Chennai and then come to Pulicat via road.

Home to ancient temples and stone carvings, Mahabalipuram will take you on a walk filled with spirituality and architectural brilliance. Shore temple, Pancha Rathas, the Cave temples, Arjuna’s Penance and Krishna’s Butterball are just some of the marvels situated here. If that’s not enough for you, the Crocodile Farm will entice you to the core. No wonder why Mahabalipuram is one of the most sought-after historic destinations in the country. Also, it is ideal for a one day trip near Chennai in winter as the weather remains incredibly pleasant. The best part - it is very convenient to reach here. All you have to do is take a flight to Chennai and then hit the roads.

Temples, pilgrimage sites and spirituality, if this is what you’re looking for, you are in for a treat in Kanchipuram. The city is home to the most revered temples, including Kamakshi Amman Temple, Ekambareswarar Temple and Kailasanathar Temple. You can also find the remains of Buddhist stupas. After a holy awakening, if you are in the mood for a wildlife tour, head to the Vedanthangal bird sanctuary for an unforgettable experience. And you cannot come back without getting your hands on the famous Kanchivaram sarees. Believe us, a one day trip from Chennai to Kanchipuram will be etched in your memories for years to come. In case you are wondering, you will have to take a flight to Chennai and then avail public or private transport to Kanchipuram.

If you are looking for a spiritually stimulating trip, Tirupati can offer instant respite. The city is home to Tirumala temple – the abode of Balaji. Start your trip by seeking blessings at the Tirumala temple, followed by a visit to the ISKCON Tirupati. After this, you can head to Papavinasam Theertham to take a dip in the holy waters. Also, make sure to include Talakona waterfall in your itinerary. If a peaceful and spiritual vacation is on your agenda, we suggest you take a flight to Tirupati next weekend.

There are a lot of places for you to see and a lot of things for you to do in Vellore. First, let's talk about the sightseeing places! You must visit Sri Lakshmi Golden temple, Sri Varahaswami temple and Science Park. If you have an innate fascination with discovering history and culture, do not miss a tour of the Government museum, Vainu Bappu observatory and the Sri Venkateswara Museum. Wait, there’s a lot more! Periyar Park, a haven for bird watchers is indeed the most popular tourist place here. Plus, the hiking trails of Yelagiri Hills and Swamimalai hills will quench your thirst for an adventurous getaway. If a blend of nature, history, architecture and adventure is what you are looking for, plan a 2 days tour from Chennai to Vellore. By the way, the nearest airport is in Tirupati.

With an intriguing blend of French and Indian cultures, it is one of the best places near Chennai that you shouldn’t miss. Once you land in Pondicherry, you can spend time at Paradise beach and other beautiful promenades. Talking about sightseeing, Aurobindo Ghosh Ashram, Auroville and Sacred Heart Basilica are just some of the top attractions here. And in between sightseeing, relish French cuisine at colonial-style cafes and outdoor restaurants.

If you are seeking peace and serenity, we suggest taking a flight to Chennai and then heading to Nellore. A quaint city known for its pristine beauty and charm, Nellore houses a bunch of historic attractions and untouched beaches. When you are here, you must explore the Udayagiri Fort and Venkatagiri Fort, dive in spirituality at Sri Ranganathaswamy temple, admire the surreal beauty of Mypadu beach and spend time with colourful birds at the Nelapattu Bird Sanctuary. And if you are looking for the nearest picnic spot in Chennai, Nellore got you covered as well.

A destination steeped in history and spirituality, Tiruvannamalai is considered one of the holiest cities in the region. It is popularly known for the Arunchaleshwar temple and Annamalaiyar temple. Besides this, there are three ashrams as well, including Yogi Ram Surat Kumar Ashram, Sri Ramana Ashram and Sri Seshadri Swamigal Ashram. Though they are spiritual centres, they are known for their immense beauty as well. Also, do not miss the opportunity to visit the Sathanur dam, a famous picnic spot. If you have made up your mind to explore this city, book a flight to Chennai and get ready for a memorable holiday.

Combine breathtaking views and pleasant weather with a relaxing environment and mouth-watering food and you get Horsley Hills, a popular hill station near Chennai. Nestled at an elevation of 1290 metres, this destination is a paradise for nature lovers and peace seekers. Here, you can unwind and spend some peaceful hours away from the crowds. Here’s what you need, to reach the spot. A flight to Bangalore followed by a cab ride.

Once you board a flight to Tiruchirapalli and then drive for 3 hours to reach Pichavaram, a village filled with mangrove forests, you will feel like you have entered into a different world. The interconnection of countless small and big canals and islands will allure your senses. Amid the silence of the forests, you can only hear the sounds of paddles and the chirping of birds. Stunning, serene and all things sublime, Pincharvarm is indeed one of the most surreal places for a weekend getaway from Chennai. As we end our list, it is time for you to choose the destination you like the most and prepare your travel guide to Chennai for some truly amazing weekend getaways.