5 Best Places to Visit Near Chennai

The daily grind of city life can get very mundane after a while. Everyone needs the occasional escape. Are you on the lookout for some quick weekend getaways from Chennai? Let us help you out with our list of the best places to visit near Chennai.

Coorg: Coorg is well known as one of the best Chennai weekend getaways. The land of coffee and spices, Coorg is covered with vast, lush, green plantations. The region is also home to some beautiful structures such as the Madikeri Fort. Nature enthusiasts can find plenty to get excited about at the Nagarhole National Park, Pushpagiri Wildlife Sanctuary and Dubare Elephant Camp.

Mahabalipuram: One of the most beautiful tourist places around Chennai, Mahabalipuram is a great option for travellers on a budget. It is located 60 km south of Chennai. Must see places here include Mahabalipuram Beach along the Bay of Bengal, and Shore Temple, which dates back to the 8th century AD. Also don’t miss the Pancha Rathas, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The temple features five rathas, all cut from one piece of rock.

Puducherry: If you are looking for peace of mind, Puducherry is easily one of the best places to visit around Chennai. Fondly known as Pondy, Puducherry is a traveller’s dream come true. With a large number of colonial buildings, churches and statues, the French influence can be clearly felt here. Don’t miss a visit to Auroville, the experimental township 8 km north-west of Puducherry.

Pulicat: This tourist place near Chennai is a small township on the seashore, 55 km away from the city. Must visit places here include the beach, where you can try a variety of water sports, the Dutch cemetery and fort. Bird watchers will have a great time at the bird sanctuary where a number of migratory birds can be spotted, especially during the winter months.

Kanchipuram: A visit to Kanchipuram makes for one of the best weekend breaks from Chennai. The city is located 72 km from Chennai. Not only is Kanchipuram famous for its gorgeous silk saris, it is also known as the city of a thousand temples. Some of the better known names among these include Ekambareswarar, Kamakshi Amman, Devarajaswami and Kailasanathar. Also don’t miss a visit to the Vedanthangla Bird Sanctuary, home to a variety of bird species.

That’s it from us. Happy exploring!