Chennai, the most popular city in South India, has a distinct ambience compared to other cities in India. The food, the music, the dress code, everything is unique in Chennai. Speaking about the people in Chennai, the Chennaites are fun-loving and are known for their love for travel; however, due to their hectic schedule, most of them miss out on their weekends. We all know life is outside, so travel a lot and recharge yourselves for the upcoming week. After a long, tiring week, you deserve some time off from Chennai, and here are the 5 best places near Chennai for a weekend tour-
Yelagiri Hills
Do you wish to spend some secluded time on top of the hills? I have got just the perfect place you would fall in love with, the “Yelagiri Hills”. The unexplored terrain and pleasant weather year-round are a great mix for you. There are not many specific sightseeing spots at Yelagiri; however, the whole chain of hills and the surrounding landscape is a visual treat. Those adventure-oriented travellers can indulge themselves in highly entertaining treks, of which the most famous is the Swamimalai Hill trek.
Trekking up Swamimalai, the highest point at Yelagiri, 4400 feet above sea level, is a highly rewarding endeavour. You get some stunning views atop Swamimalai. Other popular treks at Yelagiri are Javadi Hills and Palamathi Hills. Other top attractions at Yelagiri include the Jalagamparai Waterfalls and the Punganur Lake. Do try them. Paragliding is the most sought-after adventure activity at Yelagiri, which is seasonal, so tune in for the updates.
Nearly 220 km from Chennai, you can easily access the hills of Yelagiri by road or train. Board a train to the Jolarpettai railway station and grab a taxi to reach Yelagiri, just 21 km away. Enjoy your weekend, kissing the clouds.
Pichavaram
Pichavaram is no less than a heaven for nature lovers. The thick mangrove forest of Pichavaram is the second largest of its kind in the whole world. It provides a surreal experience amidst the wilderness. A 1100-hectare area of thick mangroves awaits you to gift a one-of-a-kind travel experience. Boating is the most exciting way to enjoy the spectacular beauty of Pichavaram.
Float through the serpentine canals and glistening backwaters sandwiched between thick greenery. For bird watchers, boating along the Pichavaram backwaters offers a chance to spot some of the rare species of migratory birds. The wintertime, which is December- February, is the best time for a Pichavaram weekend tour.
To reach Pichavaram, either book a private taxi from Chennai or board a bus to either Chidambaram or Pondicherry and from there catch another bus to Pichavaram. It is 230 km from Chennai.
Nagalapuram
Now, this is a lesser-known spot to many. Packed with hills, waterfalls, trekking, swimming and excitement, Nagalapuram can be thoroughly entertaining for a weekend trip, which is why it grabs the spot in this- 5 best places near Chennai for a weekend tour -list. Unlike the other 4 weekend destinations in this list, Nagalapuram is not in Tamil Nadu, but in Andhra Pradesh. Trekking at Nagalapuram has become a popular activity over the years, and youngsters flock here every weekend.
As you move along the dense woods of Nagalapuram, you would come across small streams, sparkling waterfalls and gorgeous pools. Relax and spend some time by the pool, collect water from the small waterfalls you see to hydrate yourselves while trekking and of course, enjoy some beautiful vistas of nature at this part of the world.
Just 75 km from Chennai, Nagalapuram is easily accessible by road. Hire a private taxi, or you could use the rail or public transport buses.
Pondicherry
Auroville Beach, Pondicherry, well! Pondicherry is not new to anyone. Weekend getaways cannot get better than a trip to the most blissful seaside of Pondicherry. A 170 km journey from Chennai to Pondicherry would make a great weekend for you with your friends or family. The places of interest in Pondicherry are plenty, like the Auroville, the Aurobindo Ashram, the Promenade Beach, the Auroville Beach, the Paradise Beach and much more.
Grab a couple of cocktails, spend time along the seashores, or meditate at the Matrimandir. You have plenty of options to spend your weekend, the way you like it, at Pondicherry.
There are a number of frequent buses from Chennai to Pondicherry. You could easily board in one of them or hire a taxi from Chennai for your weekend trip to Pondicherry.
Mahabalipuram & Kanchipuram
A weekend excursion to Mahabalipuram and Kanchipuram is a perfect getaway for those who are fond of history and ancient architecture. The UNESCO-recognised rock-cut temples at Mahabalipuram and the city of 1000 temples, Kanchipuram, would mesmerise you with their detailed stone carvings and intricate architecture.
Start from Chennai to Mahabalipuram, 60 km away. Grab a taxi, or you could board a bus to Mahabalipuram. After exploring the shore temples of Mahabalipuram, headway to the temple town of Kanchipuram, 70 km away. Again, it is your option to go by a taxi, or there are numerous buses from Mahabalipuram to Kanchipuram, which you could use. So these were the 5 best places near Chennai for a weekend tour. Hope you enjoyed the article. There are more places near Chennai which could be a great weekend getaway, which we will include in our upcoming articles.
