Chennai is the capital city of Tamil Nadu. It offers more than spiritual and heritage sites. You will find crystal-clear beaches, hill stations, and peaceful getaways if you are thinking about the best road trips from Chennai by car. All of them are only a few hours away. Due to its vibrant culture, coastal charm, and scenic surroundings, Chennai is an ideal starting point for unforgettable road journeys.
If you drive a little further with a car rental in Chennai, you will reach places where you cannot help but get close to nature and enjoy adventurous activities. The journey can take you to hill stations, natural greenery, and attractive water bodies.
Why A Car Rental for a Road Trip from Chennai?
For a road trip, you have good access to public transport from all significant points in Chennai. However, when it comes to a convenient and safe journey, many of you choose to hire a car rental in Chennai. Here is more on why you should go with it:
- Flexibility: With a rented taxi, you can make stops at your convenience. You can stop to have coconut water at a roadside stall, stretch your body under a shady tree, or enjoy local delicacies at dhabas. You are not bound to follow schedules or fixed stops.
- Convenient Travel: The taxi comes to your doorstep to pick you up and drop you off at the designated location. You do not need to go anywhere to get inside a vehicle.
- Safe Journey: Compared to public transport, a rented car is safer for travel in and around Chennai. Except for a professional chauffeur, there is no one inside the taxi. The driver knows local routes well and how to drive to avoid jerks and traffic.
- Local Experience: Hiring a chauffeur-driven car in Chennai lets you explore places like a local, not as a tourist. The driver acts as a friendly companion throughout the road trip from Chennai. Apart from driving the vehicle, he points out local attractions, explains what’s coming up along the way, and guides on where to stop and dine.
Top Getaways with A Car Rental in Chennai
Chennai is surrounded by numerous natural, spiritual, cultural, and scenic attractions. Here are some of them for your assistance:
1. Mahabalipuram
Mahabalipuram is the right place if you are looking for a short trip from Chennai that can take you back in time. It is a coastal town and is well known for its rock-cut sculptures and temples. So, it offers a good mix of history, religion, and sea breeze.
Things to Do in Mahabalipuram
- Learn about Pancha Rathas
- Explore Shore Temple
- Visit Arjuna’s penance
- Buy handmade stone sculptures
Information for Visitors
- Distance from Chennai: About 60 km based on the route taken
- Best time to visit Mahabalipuram: November to February
- Fastest route: Chennai → Thiruvanmiyur → ECR → Mahabalipuram
- Tip: Start your journey early in the morning to enjoy monuments and temples in soft natural light
2. Covelong Beach
Featuring sand, water sports, and sun, the Covelong Beach (Kovalam Beach) is the right place to explore with a car rental in Chennai. Counted among the best places to visit in Chennai, it is a breezy coastal escape. You will find it as you expect if you are fond of calm beaches with cafes and surf schools.
Things to Do at the Kovalam Beach
- Kayaking
- Beach walks
- Surfing
Visitor Information
- Distance from Chennai: Approximately 40 km
- Best Time to Explore: November to February
- Fastest Route: East Coast Road
- Tip: Hire a private taxi to witness breathtaking views
3. Pulicat Lake
Do you love going into nature’s lap? The Pulicat Lake is the perfect place, as it creates pure magic. From calm waters to early morning peace and bird chirpings, you will get everything that could make you feel like you are in a haven.
Things to Do at the Pulicat Lake
- Visit the Dutch Cemetery
- Enjoy boating in the lagoon
- Watch migratory birds like pelicans and flamingos
Information for Tourists
- Distance from Chennai: Around 60 km
- Best time to visit it: November to February
- Fastest route: Via NH 16
- Tip: Carry a painting board or a good camera to capture the natural scenery
4. Kanchipuram
Kanchipuram is a good place if you love exploring temples, learning about history, and shopping. Famous for silk sarees and ancient temples, Kanchipuram offers a true combination of craft and culture. It is a good place to explore through a road trip from Chennai.
Things to Do in Kanchipuram
- Buy silk sarees
- Explore Kailasanathar Temple
- Enjoy local dishes like idlis
Visitor Information
- Distance from Chennai: About 75 km
- Fastest route: Via NH 48
- Best time to visit: October to February
- Tip: Have a polite bargain if you buy sarees or local crafts
5. Yelagiri Hills
For winter road trips around Chennai, Yelagiri is a blessing. Surrounded by lush greenery and hills, it features cool air and is completely captivating. This hill station offers numerous adventurous activities to make your trip meaningful.
Things to Do in and around Yelagiri Hills
- Enjoy boating on serene lakes
- Trek to viewpoints
- Visit Fundera Park for birdwatching
Visitor Information
- Distance from Chennai: About 230 km
- Fastest route: Via NH 48
- Best time to visit: November to February
- Tip: Stay away from strangers or people behaving differently
6. Vedanthangal Bird Sanctuary
The Vedanthangal Bird Sanctuary is the right place to explore with a car rental in Chennai, especially if you love watching a lot of birds at a single place. It is home to more than 40K birds during peak seasons.
Things to Do
- Watch a large number of migratory birds
- Stroll along the paths inside the sanctuary
- Rent binoculars
- Click images using your camera
Visitor Information
- Distance from Chennai: About 90 km
- Fastest route: Chennai – Villupuram – Trichy – Kanyakumari Rd
- Best time to visit: November to March from 6:00 am to 4:00/6:00 pm
- Ideal exploration time: 2 to 3 hours
- Tip: Carry water bottles and put on comfortable shoes for walking
7. Tirupati
Located in Andhra Pradesh, Tirupati is famous for its Sri Venkateswara Temple, which sits atop the Tirumala Hills. It combines clean roads, heavenly vibrations, devotion, and culture. For Sunday pilgrimages or spiritual resets, it is ideal for religious people.
Things to Do in Tirupati
- Visit Sri Venkateswara Temple
- Explore Padmavati Temple
- Trek to Talakona Waterfalls
- Tour to Chandragiri Fort
Visitor Information
- Distance from Chennai: About 135 km
- Fastest route: Via NH 716
- Best time to visit: October to March
8. Crocodile Bank
Fond of something educational and exciting? If yes, the Crocodile Bank is the place you should visit with your kids. As its name suggests, it is home to numerous crocodiles, snakes, and turtles. A road trip from Chennai to it will be worth it for your entire family, particularly children.
Things to Do at the Crocodile Bank
- Enjoy a guided tour
- Watch feeding sessions
- Visit the area of turtles and snakes
Visitor Information
- Distance from Chennai: About 45 km
- Fastest route: East Coast Road
- Best time to visit: November to February, from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm
- Closed: On Monday
- Tip: Keep a close eye on kids, especially in the crocodile and turtle areas
Conclusion
Chennai has numerous tourist places in and around it. Hiring a car rental in Chennai is the easiest and safest way to explore all of them, particularly the places mentioned above. It will be an enjoyable weekend trip, whether you travel solo, with friends, or with your family.
At Cholan Tours, we can help you plan your best road trips from Chennai by car and enjoy it hassle-free. With our team, you can choose the right vehicle, start your trip, make stops as you wish, and return safely. Call, email, or send a WhatsApp message today to disclose your travel needs and book the right trip.
FAQ’s for Best Road Trips from Chennai by Car
Q1. What are the places I can visit through a road trip from Chennai?
You can visit places such as Mahabalipuram, Crocodile Bank, Kanchipuram, Tirupati, and the Yealgiri Hills.
Q2. What hill stations can I visit near Chennai?
You can visit Yelagiri, Mahabalipuram, and Covelong from Chennai. These places are within 100 km of Chennai.
Q3. Which is the nearest hill station to Chennai?
Yelagiri Hills is the nearest hill station to Chennai.
Q4. Is it safe to visit places with a car rental in Chennai?
Yes, it is. Our chauffeurs have sound driving skills, particularly in hilly areas. They ensure a safe and smooth tarvelling experience.
