Chennai in Tamil Nadu is an industrious mega-polis. With hundreds of years of history, colonial heritage, and numerous allures, the city is the largest hub of South India. The capital city is not just, all work and no play. Weekends in Chennai offer exhilarating breaks.
The city is well connected to various nature blessed locales where weekends can be enjoyed with relaxation and thrilling activities. From the sandy coastline along the Bay of Bengal to the misty hills of Eastern Ghats, from historical villages to the cluster of world heritage sites, from divine faith to wild fun, weekends can be whatever you want them to be.
Top 10 places to visit near Chennai in 2024
- Horsley Hills
- Mudumalai National Park
- Madurai
- Karaikudi
- Mahabalipuram
- Puducherry
- Havelock Island
- Colombo
- Tirupati
- Tranquebar
1. Horsley Hills
- Distance From Chennai: 275.8 km
Horsley Hill named after, W.D. Horsley, the collector of Cuddapah district is a charming hamlet in the state of Andhra Pradesh. Snuggled at the heights of 4000 feet in the Eastern Ghats, the hills are scenic, thrilling and relaxing. The hill slopes are covered in a lush carpet of Eucalyptus and Gulmohar trees. The soothing climate of the hills is a pleasant change from the hot and humid temperatures of Chennai.
The weather is the major allure for tourists to explore the blessed environs. The quaint hill resort is a short driving distance from Chennai. Explore the local sights of the famous Mallamma temple, animal sanctuary and hill viewpoints.
There are also well-known adventure sports camps that offer trekking, bungee jumping, zorbing, rappelling, rock climbing and rope adventures. Relax in the scenic environs of the hill station or indulge in adrenaline-gushing sports. The serene location revitalizes your body, mind and soul.
How to Reach Horsley Hills from Chennai
Horsley hills is 275 kilometers away from Chennai. The distance can be covered easily by a road trip. Buses, private vehicles and hired cabs commute easily.
2. Mudumalai National Park
- Mudumalai National Park to Chennai Distance: 555.2 km
Mudumalai National Park in Tamil Nadu is nestled in the North Eastern Slopes of the Nilgiris part of the Western Ghats descending to the Mysore Plateau. The 62 sq. km. area premises was a game reserve before being declared the sheltered wilderness in early 1940 by the then Madras Presidency. The national park region is a viable habitat for a varied range of wildlife and is a part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve.
The national park is surrounded by other sanctuaries like Bandipur and Wayanad. The main attraction of Mudumalai happens to be the elephant camp called Theppakadu. For plant lovers, there are a ton of medicinal herbs to observe. Unique wildlife species call the sanctuary their home. Rare and endemic species thrive in blessed environs.
Enjoy bird watching, camping, treehouse stay, visit to nearby waterfalls, water hole visit, village tour, safari, swimming, etc. A laid-back weekend can be spent in the nature blessed environs.
How to Reach Mudumalai National Park from Chennai
The distance between Mudumalai National Park and Chennai is almost 575 kilometers. The nearest airport is Coimbatore International Airport. From the airport, the national park is connected through Tamil Nadu State Road Transport Corporation (TNSRTC) and some private travel services.
Read more about the best time to visit Chennai and how to reach Chennai.
3. Madurai
- Madurai to Chennai Distance: 462.5 km
Madurai is the city with the soul of Tamil Nadu. Located on the banks of the Vaigai River, the city is a treasure historically, artistically and culturally. The 2500 years of history and rich heritage are the greatest allure of the south Indian state.
“The city that never sleeps” is buzzing with tourists all seasons of the year. Temple culture is the oldest tradition of the city. Observe the architectural brilliance of the 1000 pillared beautiful Meenakshi Amman Temple.
The other splendors of Madurai are Thirupparankundram Murugan Temple, Thirumalai Nayak Mahal, Vandiyur Mariamman Teppakulam, Koodal Alagar temple, etc. Spend a leisure weekend sighting the attractions. The gastronomical delights of the city and the shopping pleasures have also made their name.
Relish the flavors of the local food. For shopping the beautiful Sungudi sarees, Tanjore paintings and brass work are the best souvenirs. The city is a pleasant weekend break from Chennai.
Also, read about the best time to visit Madurai.
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Madurai is 464 kilometers from Chennai. Both the major cities of Tamil Nadu are connected by air, rail and road. Frequent flights are available with major domestic airlines. Trains are also regular. Tamil Nadu State Road Transport Corporation (TNSRTC) has good connectivity to the city. Private vehicles and taxis are also a good way to commute.
[ Browse through our collection of Madurai tour packages. ]
4. Karaikudi
- Karaikudi To Chennai Distance: 417.8 km
Karaikadu in the Sivagangai district of the state of Tamil Nadu is a pleasant change from the chaos of Chennai. The sleepy town and 74 more villages collectively are called Chettinad. The name of the place was begotten as this was the historical region of the Chettiar community.
The Chettiars were prosperous bankers and businessmen of the 19th and 20th centuries with trade all over South East Asia. They spent their wealth in prospering the region.
Their style of houses became architectural marvels. The community also lent some delightful tricks to gastronomy. The Chettinad-style houses are famous for their constructions using the limestone called ‘karai veedu”‘ in the local language.
Spend a weekend in a Chettinad-style home built with teak wood pillars and handmade tiles. Tantalize your taste buds with the spicy Chettinad cuisine, locally called Aachi Samayal which translates to grandmother’s cooking. The delicious dish to try is the famous chicken Chettinad.
Pay a visit to the Pillayarpatti cave temple. The leisurely time in the traditional village setup is a soothing break making it one of the off-the-beaten-track weekend getaways near Chennai.
How to Reach Karaikudi from Chennai
The distance between Chennai and Karaikadu is 420 kilometers. Tiruchirapalli International Airport in Trichy is the nearest airport. From the airport, private vehicles, taxis and the Tamil Nadu State Road Transport Corporation (TNSRTC) buses connect it frequently.
5. Mahabalipuram
- Mahabalipuram to Chennai Distance: 56.4 km
Mahabalipuram with its collection of UNESCO World Heritage Sites is one of the popular places to visit near Chennai. Snuggled on the Coromandel Coast along the Bay of Bengal in Tamil Nadu, the town is famous for the rock-cut temples, mythological tales recited through sculptures, rathas (temples in the structures of chariots), mandapas (cave sanctuaries) and massive open-air reliefs.
Dated back to the 7-9th Century during the rule of Pallava King Narsimha Varman, the archaeological wonders have survived the ravages of time.
Check out the famous attractions of “Descent of the Ganges”/ “Arjuna Penance”, the Shore Temple, the Pancha Rathas and Temple of Rivage with innumerable splendid sculptures of Lord Siva. Spend time walking on the sandy shores with the melody of waves for company. The Cholamandal Artists’ Village is a pleasant place to check out remarkable sculptures and paintings.
Dakshina Chitra, a living museum is a good place to learn about the bygone days. The peaceful town is the perfect recipe for a relaxing weekend break from Chennai. Plan a weekend holiday during the Mamallapuram Dance Festival where traditional dance forms from all over India are performed.
Read more about the best time to visit Mahabalipuram here.
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Mahabalipuram is 58 kilometers from Chennai. The easiest way to reach is by road. Tamil Nadu State Road Transport Corporation (TNSRTC) buses are frequently available. Private cabs or vehicles are also available.
[ Browse through our collection of Mahabalipuram tour packages. ]
6. Puducherry
- Puducherry to Chennai Distance: 166.4 km
One of the most popular places to visit near Chennai, Puducherry, a Union Territory of India was a French Colony till the 1950s. The town has now gained fame for the splendid beaches, azure waters, seafood, colonial architecture and relaxed ambiance. The coastal colony along the Bay of Bengal has the nickname of the ‘French Riviera of the East.
A short distance from Chennai here is the place to soothe all worries and get lost in the charm of the colonial vestige still surviving. The beaches are pleasant and fun. Sunbathe or indulge in water sports. Try out surfing at the beach when the waves are just right. Treat yourself to the French delicacies of the town bakeries. The other gastronomical delights equally tantalize your senses. The drinks are also pocket-friendly.
The Aurobindo Ashram is a good place to forget all tensions. Indulge in yoga, meditation or relaxing. Exploring the town on foot or a two-wheeler is fun. Shop for knick-knacks. The languid coastal town serves as the pleasant weekend getaway from Chennai.
How to reach Puducherry from Chennai
Puducherry is 148 kilometers from Chennai. The best way to commute is by road. Buses frequent the Union Territory from the capital city. Private cabs and personal vehicles can also make their way. The drive is around 3 hours.
7. Havelock Island, Andaman Islands
Havelock Island to Chennai Distance: 1486.6 km
Havelock Island, Andaman is the tourist hub of the archipelago. The beautiful island is blessed with picturesque silvery sands, teal waters of the Bay of Bengal, thrilling adventures and relaxation. The island has the famous Radhanagar beach which was voted the ‘Best Beach in Asia’ in 2004. For weekend breaks from Chennai, Havelock is a dream come true.
Far from the mainland, the beautiful haven makes you forget all hassles of the cities. The ambiance of the island will provide cherished memories. Spend time relaxing on the beach enjoying views of the crystal clear waters.
Explore the waters with snorkeling or scuba diving. Para-sailing and surfing are also available. Trekking and beach exploring are thrilling. Relish sunsets with walks on beaches. The bonfire evenings are also charming.
Enjoy the delight of camping on the beach or a luxury stay on the island. The island is the perfect recipe of a dream weekend.
Read complete details about the best time to visit Andaman Island.
How to reach the Andaman Islands from Chennai
The offshore Havelock Island in Andaman is 1258 kilometers away from Chennai. The best way to reach the paradisiacal island is to reach Port Blair by flight. Chennai has frequent flight options. From Port Blair, government ferries, speedboats and seaplanes make the journey to the island.
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8. Colombo
- Colombo to Chennai Distance: 1208.4
Sri Lanka’s capital, Colombo is a beautiful port city with a rich colonial heritage. A vibrant city is a good option for a weekend break from Chennai. An international holiday for a weekend is surely an amazing experience. Snuggled on the Western coast of the country along the Bay of Bengal, the metropolis is a potpourri of races, religions and cultures.
Check out the beaches. Though Sri Lanka boasts of better options of sand, sea and sun, they are no less fun. Days can be well indulged in the museums, colonial mansions, art galleries and gardens. A city tour is a good way to explore. The Buddhist temples and monasteries are soothing oases. Evenings are well spent in nightclubs. The nightlife is impressive.
The dining scene of the city is a multi-cultural gamut of delightful options. Try out local delicacies; seafood is an absolute pleasure. Shop at the thriving street markets or the trendy designer malls. The city is an exciting break. A weekend in an international locale cannot be better than this.
How to reach Colombo from Chennai
Colombo is 686 kilometers from Chennai. The best way to reach is a flight. Cruises and boat services are available but are time taking. From Chennai, frequent flight options land at Bandaranaike International Airport, Colombo.
[Browse through our collection of Sri Lanka tour packages]
9. Tirupati
Tirupati to Chennai Distance: 135.7 km
Tirupati is the city of the richest God’s abode in India. The temple town is spread on the seven hill ranges of the Tirumala hills. The Sri Venkateshwara temple is the holy allure making it one of the best places to visit near Chennai especially on weekends. The glorified form of Lord Vishnu is visited by crowds from all over the world.
From Chennai, Tirupati is a pleasant weekend break. The divinity is felt the moment you step into the town. The holy pilgrimage place soothes and relaxes visitors. There are many other temples in the complex to be explored.
Not only is the town drenched in spirituality, but there are also many nature blessed places to check out. The Chandragiri Fort is a beautiful place to explore.
The 11th-century fort was once the capital of the Vijayanagara Empire. Converted into a museum, treasures are sheltered on the premises. Spend time exploring the remnants of a powerful dynasty. Weekends in the town of divine faith are a lovely change.
Read more about the best time to visit Tirupati here.
How to reach Tirupati from Chennai
Tirupati is at a distance of 146 kilometers from Chennai. One can reach the holy town by road and rail from the capital city. Tamil Nadu State Road Transport Corporation (TNSRTC) buses are frequently available to the holy town. Daily direct trains also cover the route. The Tirupati-Chennai Express is the best option.
10. Tranquebar
- Tranquebar to Chennai Distance: 285 km
Tranquebar is a beautiful coastal town with multi-ethnic roots. Known as Tharangambadi meaning ‘Land of the Singing Waves’, this small Coromandel town is timeless. Nestled at the confluence of the Kaveri River and the Bay of Bengal, Tranquebar is scenic. The town is a mix of the Danish, British, German and French.
The bygone colonies may have been vacated but their presence lingers. The town has witnessed the colonial powers at their peak. Imprints of almost two centuries of colonial rule can be witnessed everywhere in the town. The chief attractions are the aquamarine waters of the ocean, the military Dansborg fort, elegant churches, colonial-era homes and serenity.
The melody of singing waves needs to be enjoyed at leisure. The delicious gastronomy comprises the mix of fresh catch of the sea and the flavors of Danish, Portuguese and French delights. Walk around the town for a better feel. The languid pace of the coastal town is a pleasant change from Chennai. Weekends here are relaxing.
How to reach Tranquebar from Chennai
Tranquebar is located at a distance of 280 kilometers from Chennai. The easiest way to get to the coastal town is to drive from Chennai, on the smooth East Coast Road. The journey takes five to six hours. Tamil Nadu State Road Transport Corporation (TNSRTC) buses also run on the route.
Also Read:
- Top 21 Weekend Getaways from Delhi
- Popular Weekend Getaways near Mumbai
- Best Places for Weekend Getaways near Bengaluru
- 26 Best Resort Near Delhi for a Quick Getaway
Browse through our collection of Chennai tour packages to plan your trip.
Debashree Chakraborty
A travel writer by profession and self-professed addict to literature and travelling. Go through her penned down travel experiences on indianholiday.com
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