After a long and hectic week at work, we all look forward to the weekend! Won’t the weekend be even more excited if there is short trip waiting for you? Chennai is a traveller’s paradise and is close to a lot of destinations that would make an ideal weekend getaway. Here are the best weekend getaways from Chennai you must explore:
Pondicherry
If you are looking to sit back and relax by the beach, then Pondicherry is the ideal destination for you. Just three hours away from Chennai, Pondicherry is one of the best and most romantic getaways from Chennai. The former French colony is quiet and calm and is filled with colonial buildings and churches. Visit the Sri Aurobindo Ashram, which is the most popular attraction in the quaint town.
Best time to visit: October to February
Distance from Chennai: 160 Kms
Mahabalipuram
Rich in history, Mahabalipuram is an architectural marvel. It ranks amongst the World Heritage Sites and is a treat to the traveller’s eyes. From the shore temple to the Five Rathas and Arjun’s Penance, this town has plenty of monuments worth visiting.
Best time to visit: December to March
Distance from Chennai: 50 Kms
Kanchipuram
A small temple town located outside Chennai, Kanchipuram is known for its handcrafted silk saris. Kanchipuram is home to a thousand temples, and these temples are known for its architecture and history. Apart from visiting temples and getting some shopping done, you can also explore the Vedanthangla Bird Sanctuary, which is a bird watcher’s paradise.
Best time to visit: September to March
Distance from Chennai: 70 Kms
Kolli Hills
Relatively undiscovered locale, Kolli Hills is located in Namakkal. Reaching these hills is an adventure by itself as it is 1200m above sea level and you would have to pass through seventy-two hairpin bends to get there. From trekking to boating and just enjoying the fresh mountain air, Kolli hills is ideal for all kinds of travellers.
Best time to visit: August to February
Distance from Chennai: 368 kilometres
Tranquebar
If your idea of a holiday is checking out heritage buildings, rich in cultural history, then Tranquebar should be on your list. The beach town has plenty to offer – Fort Dansborg famous for Danish manuscripts and sculptures, Zion Church, Danish Museum, Jerusalem Church and Jerusalem church.
Best time to visit: February to August
Distance from Chennai: 283 kilometres
Pulicat
A small beach town, Pulicat is one the best destinations for a short trip from Chennai. If you visit between December and January, you will also be able to see Flamingos. It also has several beaches close by and is known for water sports.
Best Time to Visit: October to March
Distance from Chennai: 55 km
Yelagiri
A quiet hill station, Yelagiri is an ideal spot for nature lovers. Trekking and boating are some of the most popular activities here. If you are looking for a relaxed holiday, Yelagiri is the best bet. If you do want some adventure to go with your relaxing holiday, then you can explore Yelagiri Adventure Sports Association (YASA), which offers many exciting activities.
Best time to visit: November – February
Distance from Chennai: 227 Km
Yercaud
Known for its coffee plantations and orange groves, Yercaud is an extremely popular destination amongst travellers. Rich in flora and fauna, you will be in for a visual treat as the hill station presents breath-taking views of the mountains.
Best time to visit: October – June
Distance from Chennai: 367 Km
Inspired to travel? Let us know, which destination you are likely to pick!
