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9 Best Weekend Getaways from Chennai | Within 100-200-300 Km

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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 NH48Must-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 NH716Must-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 NH32Must-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 NH48Must-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 NH71Must-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 NH79Must-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 … Read more

5 Fun things to do in Chennai in monsoon in 2025

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What’s more fun than discovering Chennai when the monsoon arrives, beautifying the city with vibrant greens? Think of spending time around the sun-kissed beaches where you can indulge in many fun frolic activities. From sunset viewing to horse riding to watching the waves crashing, there’s no shortage of fun things to do in Chennai in monsoon.  We know that rainy weather isn’t for staying indoors; it is for stepping right into the heart of the city. As the capital of Tamil Nadu, and formerly Madras, the city features an incredible mix of culture, holy places, and things to do. Monsoon is one of the affordable time of the year to explore Chennai as you can brag discounts on staycations.  5 Fun Activities to Do in Chennai During Monsson Even if you are coming for the weekend or longer, the monsoon will give you that dreamy vibe everywhere you go. From taking leisure walks on the misty beach to indulging in crazy rides, this city has it all. Don’t let gloomy rain deter your spirits – Chennai is most lively when it pours. So, put on your jackets, grab an umbrella, and get excited for these relaxing monsoon activities that are sure to make every trip unforgettable! Elliot’s Beach Want to know how to make the most of the monsoon atmosphere in Chennai? Bookmark Elliot’s Beach in Besant Nagar for lush green photogenic views. It is the place to be for 100% relaxed indulgence with friends. Tourists label this attraction as one of Chennai’s coolest locations for lazing about with friends, family, or on your own. When you are here, take a leisurely walk along the walking path with local stands serving hot dosas and chai on a rainy morning. With churches, temples and cool monuments, you could be entertained for hours.  You can’t miss the Karl Schmidt Memorial because it is as cool as it sounds when it’s alongside the sea. Kicking back with the crashing monsoon waves and the fresh misty air is just the right vibe to pull out your adventurous spirit, maybe even squeeze in some water sports! Honestly, Elliot’s Beach is where you will find your Chennai feel this monsoon. Highlight: Early sunrise stroll  Activity Cost/Ticket Fee: Free Timings: Open all day Location: Besant Nagar, Chennai Temple Hopping in Chennai Can you think of anything cooler than experiencing ancient temples in Chennai while the monsoon rain provides a little magic to the atmosphere? To your surprise, Chennai boosts India’s most significant temples. For example; seek blessings at  Kapaleeswarar Temple · Marundheeswarar Temple and similar.  With the rain all around me, I entered the temple to view the gopuram and carved details behind the cloudy sky—it was just like a fairy tale. In this remarkable atmosphere, I imagined all of the life and energy around me—maamis in their multi-color sarees, maamas chanting the shlokas, and the fragrance of jasmine, native rain water and delicious breakfast wafting through my nose.  There was an unmistakable feeling of divine presence, where locals tell you that you can approach the divine Kailasa. If you want a combination of culture and feel good experience during monsoon, this is it. Highlight: Vibrant Dravidian architecture and a lively, spiritual vibe Activity Cost/Ticket Fee: Free (special darshan may have a fee) Timings: 5 AM–12:30 PM, 4 PM–8 PM. Location: Ramakrishna Mutt Rd, Vinayaka Nagar Colony, Mylapore Queensland Exploring Want entertainment during your time in Chennai during the monsoon season? I’ll share my favorite spot- Queensland Amusement Park! It is a riot and one of the best venues to be in Chennai! The 70-acre park is like a Disneyland for everyone, with 51 rides to enjoy that will have you laughing and screaming. No doubt that bonding with friends and family while taking shelter from the rain at Queensland is one of the top things to do in Chennai.  You can participate in exhilarating water activities like zooming down water slides, splashing through twisters, or blasting around in bumper cars, and I promise the rain provides the extra excitement. The lush rainforests offer lots of color with coral, fish and turtles, making you think you’re in a tropical paradise. It’s a great place for a day of bonding with friends, family or just a big group of people. If you are searching for a wild and enjoyable weekend during Chennai’s monsoon season, Queensland is quite possibly the best destination! Highlight: 51 epic rides, from water slides to land adventures, in a vibrant, rainforest setting. Activity Cost/Ticket Fee: INR 600-800 (approx). Timings: Usually 10 AM–6 PM, (close on monday) Location: Chennai-Bengaluru Highway Palanjur Sembarambakkam Birla Planetarium Searching for an exciting indoor adventure in Chennai this monsoon? Look no further than Birla Planetarium! It is certainly one of the best places for kids (and kids at heart) to witness something special! This planetarium is one of the best in India with a high-tech projector that displays planets, stars and galaxies onto a giant dome. You will be glued to your seat during their exciting audiovisual shows, as you see constellations and space missions deconstructed in the most entertaining way.  Next door, the Periyar Science and Technology Museum is an added bonus for science lovers as it houses interactive exhibits galore. Whether it is a quirky date night or you just want to escape into a visual starry wonderland, Birla Planetarium is your ticket to a cosmic vibe! Trust me, you’ll be starry-eyed! Highlight: Mind-blowing sky shows and astronomy-themed adventures. Activity Cost/Ticket Fee: Around INR 30–50  Timings: 10 AM–5:45 PM (shows at specific intervals) Location: Gandhi Mandapam Rd, Duraisamy Nagar, Kotturpuram.  Visiting Santhome Church Santhome Church is one of those places that can feel like a warm embrace for your soul. This beautiful basilica is located on the coast. Besides being a memorial and mausoleum, it is one of only three churches in the world built over the tomb of one of the disciples of Christ, Saint Thomas. Santhome Church is a place where anyone and everyone flock … Read more