There are lots of places to plan for weekend getaways from Chennai for 1-2 days trip! The vibrant capital of Tamil Nadu, has an amazing coast and so many places to check out if you want to escape the city for a quick trip. If you enjoy history, nature, or simply want to leave the city behind for a little bit of a break, there truly is something for everyone! Think ancient forts, lush hills, animal experiences, and stunning beaches, just to name a few. You can hardly contain your excitement planning to visit them all on your Chennai trip!
And don’t forget about the spectacular Eastern and Western Ghats with those beautiful cool and misty peaks waiting for you to grab your gear and hit the road. What are you waiting for? Forget about your daily commitments and revel in some weekend adventure.
Where to Go? The Ultimate List of Weekend Escapes from Chennai
There are endless possibilities for short trip locations near Chennai! Really, you will have too many options to choose from! Would you like to trek some of the dramatic cliffs at Gandikota? How about sipping a chai tea while gazing into the infinite greens of Coonoor? If you are craving a beach destination, you can splurge on the golden beaches of Kovalam.
For pulsating adventures or just lazy, sun filled experiences, Chennai offers almost too many choices to meet your weekend satisfaction for family, friends or solo adventurer. Now pick your getaway and get visiting!
1. Kanchipuram
Kanchipuram is just a short 2 hour drive along NH48 from Chennai, and its known as the “City of a Thousand Temples” for a reason. The city and area has a history going all the way back to the Pallavas, then on to the Cholas and beyond, and is filled with lovely temples, sculpted idols, and culture.
However, apart from the temples and spirituality, if you walk around the streets of Kanchi, there are some great South Indian street food options as well. As crispy vadas, filter coffee it gives the city that perfect blend of rich history and tasty food.
Distance from Chennai: 74 km via NH48
Must-visit spots: Kanchi Kailasanathar Temple, Ekambareshwar Temple, Vaikuntha Perumal Temple, Kanchi Kudil Museum, Vedanthangal Bird Sanctuary
2. Tirupati
With countless temples and a vibrant atmosphere, Tirupati is one of South India’s holiest cities that attracts both pilgrims and travellers alike, but there is also large national parks, waterfalls and trekking trails!
During your Tirupati visit, whether you’re heading to a sacred temple at Venkateswara Temple, or chasing waterfalls at Talakona, we can guarantee you’ll leave with lasting memories from the weekend.
Distance from Chennai: 133 km via NH716
Must-visit spots: Sri Venkateswara Temple, Akash Ganga Waterfalls, TTD Gardens, Talakona Waterfalls, Sri Venkateshwara National Park
3. Pondicherry
Spend just three and a half hours getting out of Chennai, and you’ll fly to Pondicherry (or Puducherry), where it’s like a mini-vacation in Europe. Stroll by gorgeous pastel-colour French villas, enjoy espresso at a cafe, snack on buttery croissants, and feel the sea breeze.
If you want adventure, consider surfing and if you want to relax, you can settle in Auroville or at the splendid Promenade Beach. Bon voyage!
Distance from Chennai: 169 km via NH32
Must-visit spots: Auroville, Seaside Promenade, Paradise Beach, Church of the Sacred Heart of Jesus
4. Yelagiri
Seeking a quick getaway in the mountains? Yelagiri is only three and half hours from Chennai and you’ll find misty hills, placid lakes, and a range of adventure sports. Hike Swamimalai, float in a boat over Punganoor Lake , or visit during the noted Summer Festival, where you can absorb cultural performances and food stalls
Distance from Chennai: 229 km via NH48
Must-visit spots: Punganoor Lake, Jalagamparai Waterfalls, Swamimalai Hill
5. Horsley Hills
Horsley Hills, situated in the Eastern Ghats, offers a laid-back atmosphere with forests, weather, and views to enjoy. At 4,100 feet, it is great for trekking, spotting wildlife (hello deer and peacocks!), or reflecting at Gangotri Lake.
Distance from Chennai: 289 km via NH71
Must-visit spots: Kaundinya Wildlife Sanctuary, Mallamma Temple, Horsley Hills Zoo
6. Mysore
It’s hard to imagine a cleaner city than Mysore with history around every corner from times of royalty past. Welcome to a living museum where the Wodeyar dynasty ruled for seven-hundred years; you will be surrounded by palaces, sandalwood, and Mysore pak that will dissolve in your mouth.
Mysore is a half day drive from Chennai (or a quick flight) and you will not be disappointed. The moment you walk into the Mysore Palace during the magical golden hour, royalty will be in your heart.
Distance from Chennai: 482 km via NH48
Don’t Miss: Mysore Palace (lit up on Sundays!), Chamundi Hill Temple, Brindavan Gardens’ musical fountains
7. Yercaud
If you want a mountain experience, but don’t want to deal with the Ooty crowds, try Yercaud -“Lake Forest”. This sleepy little hill station offers misty views, pristine boating on emerald lakes, and spice scented trails for half the cost of its prominent cousins.
With miles of vantage points to enjoy the view, an early dawn will afford you to see the sun surface above the Sheveroy Hills and compliment yourself with a steaming cup of locally grown coffee. Pure bliss under 7 hours from Chennai!
Distance from Chennai: 366 km via NH79
Must-Do: Boating at Yercaud Lake, exploring Silk Farm, sunset at Lady’s Seat
8. Thiruthani
Spiritual heavyweight Thiruthani is a mere 90 km from Chennai, and a city that is certainly worth the time. It is home to the spectacular Thiruthani Murugan Temple which is built on top of a hill. Oh, and that’s not all. You can trek the hill to get the stunning panoramic view; you can sit and meditate or just breathe in the tranquillity at Shantipuri Shrine; and you can take back to the golden age of temple towns transitioning to the nasty fate of mass tourism.
This is a perfect space for a quick time-out and recharge from the city buzz.
Distance from Chennai: 90 km via NH716
Must-visit spots: Thiruthani Hill climb, temple’s golden chariot procession
9. Mahabalipuram
Ever walked through an open-air museum, where artisans of the 7th century left behind magnificent whispering stone giants? That’s Mahabs for you (locals call it!). The Shore Temple, standing majestically with crashing waves in the background; Arjuna’s Penance, with its detailed carvings; and that unforgettable driver on the ECR – all under 2 hours from Chennai.
Beach-goers, history enthusiasts, and Insta-enthusiasts unite! This UNESCO site will not disappoint.
Distance from Chennai: 57 km via ECR
Must-visit spots: Shore Temple at sunrise, Krishna’s Butterball, Five Rathas
Wrapping up
Whether it’s creeping around temples and feeding selfies in Kanchipuram; chasing down waterfalls towards Tirupati; or pretending you’ve been whisked away to Provence while eating a croissant in Pondy – one thing is certain; adventure never ends, it’s usually just a short drive away.
Mysore’s royal history? Yercaud’s incredible mist? Mahabs’ ancient stones telling stories? Whichever gets your vibe, pack your bag (don’t forget your camera and snacks!) and hit the road. Who really cares if it’s a hill station, beachside classroom, or something lovely in between ? Life is way too short for dull weekends – from Chennai’s doorstep, you can have all the taste of crawling out of life and into freedom.
So, tell me – which escape is calling you? The hill station hideout, the beachside history lesson, or something fabulously in between? Share your choice in the comments, then go create those memories. Happy travelling !
(P.S. Pro tip: Always carry water, cash for tolls, and your sense of wonder. The best stories start with a spontaneous detour!)
