25 Weekend Getaways From Chennai
- Mahabalipuram (50 km, 1½ hr)
A UNESCO World Heritage site on the Coromandel Coast, Mahabalipuram is famed for its 7th-century rock-cut temples and sculptures. Don’t miss the Shore Temple at sunrise, the giant “Butter Ball” boulder, and the intricate relief of Arjuna’s Penance. Surf lessons with local fishermen, fresh seafood thalis, and the December dance festival add cultural flavor. - Yelagiri (227 km, 5–6 hr)
Nestled in the Punganoor Hills, Yelagiri offers gentle treks through pine-forested slopes, waterfalls like Jalagamparai, and a quirky bird park. Adventure parks on Fern Hill provide zip-lining, ATVs, and camping under starlit skies. Cool evenings and homemade tea pakoras make for a perfect hill retreat. - Pulicat & Sriharikota (65 km, 2½ hr)
This coastal duo combines Asia’s second-largest brackish lagoon with India’s rocket launch center. Watch flamingos and pelicans on the Pulicat Lake bird sanctuary, explore Dutch Fort Geldria gravesite, then swing by Sriharikota’s Space Museum and glance skywards at ISRO’s launchpads. Ideal Oct–Mar for migratory birds. - Valparai (590 km, 11 hr)
Set amid the Anaimalai Hills, Valparai is blanketed by tea and coffee estates, interspersed with wildlife corridors. Take a dawn safari in Anamalai Tiger Reserve, stroll the Karamalai Tea Estate and temple, and gaze over Aliyar Dam’s misty waters. October–March brings pleasant weather and blooming forests. - Pondicherry (150 km, 3–3½ hr)
France meets South India in this pastel-hued seaside town. Wander cobblestone White Town lanes, sip espresso at Le Café on the Promenade, and kayak to Paradise Beach. Spiritual seekers will love Sri Aurobindo Ashram and the circular Matrimandir in Auroville. Best October–March to avoid summer heat. - Kodaikanal (510 km, 9½ hr or via Madurai)
“The Princess of Hill Stations” boasts misty cliffs and pine forests. Row on Kodaikanal Lake at dawn, marvel at the Pillar Rocks viewpoint, and hike to Bear Shola and Silver Cascade Falls. Bryant Park’s flower displays and homemade momos in town capture both nature and nostalgia. - Pichavaram Mangrove Forest (225 km, 5–6 hr)
Board a traditional canoe through 11 km² of winding mangrove channels alive with kingfishers and herons. Guided eco-tours reveal coastal ecology; the nearby Chidambaram temple town offers ancient temples and local curries. November–February is prime bird-watching season. - Ooty (539 km, 11 hr or Nilgiri Express)
Queen of the Nilgiris invites you to Rose and Botanical Gardens, boat on Ooty Lake, and steam-train rides to Coonoor. Doddabetta Peak’s panorama, tea factory tours, and homemade chocolates top the itinerary. March–May and September–November offer the clearest skies. - Horsley Hills (277 km, 6½ hr)
A lesser-known Andhra retreat with Kaigal Falls’ cascades, Gangotri Lake strolls, and Elephant Camp encounters. Whisper Winds and Sunrise viewpoints reward trekkers, while the Freakouts Adventure Zone caters to zip-lining and camping thrill-seekers. December–March is the cool season. - Yercaud (350 km, 7½ hr)
Emerald Lake boating, Kiliyur Falls treks, and Pagoda Point’s overlook define this Salem-district gem. Adventure parks offer ziplines and paintball. Grand Palace Hotel’s garden views and local milagai vadai complete the experience. Visit October–June. - Coonoor (522 km, via Ooty or Coimbatore)
Lush tea gardens, Sim’s Park’s rose bowers, and Lamb’s Rock vistas await. Droog Fort’s ruins and Law’s Falls’ serenity make for peaceful exploration. Best October–March, with easy access by toy train from Ooty. - Kanchipuram (68 km, 2 hr)
India’s “City of a Thousand Temples” shines with Kailasanathar’s sandstone carvings and Kamakshi Amman’s sacred halls. Shop for silk sarees in bustling bazaars, then sample local rasam sadam served on banana leaves. September–March is most pleasant. - Mysore (474 km, 8½ hr or flight)
Raja’s Palace glows at sunset, while Chamundi Hill and Brindavan Gardens offer hilltop views and illuminated fountains. Don’t skip Mylari’s soft dosas and the Devaraja Market’s flower stalls. October–February brings ideal weather. - Sri Ramachandra Medical Centre Weekend Wellness (Porur, 14 km)
Combine a health check-up or wellness retreat with nearby beach escapes. SRMC’s JCI-accredited facilities pair preventive screenings with stress-relief yoga at local studios. A unique blend of health and leisure just outside the city. - Medway & CTS Hospitals Wellness Tours (Kodambakkam/Thousand Lights)
Transform a routine health visit into a rejuvenating weekend: specialized check-ups alongside spa-hotel packages on Mount Road. Enjoy city-center comforts with post-treatment beach or temple tours. Ideal for senior travelers seeking combined care and leisure. - Tirupati (147 km, 4 hr)
Pilgrims ascend 3,550 steps to Lord Venkateswara’s shrine or opt for the shorter Srivari Mettu path. After darshan, explore Kapila Teertham’s waterfalls and the Serene Deer Park. November–February offers cooler temple climbs. - Madurai (440 km, 9 hr or flight)
Historic Madurai dazzles with Meenakshi Temple’s gopurams, Nayakkar Palace’s colonnades, and traditional jigardhanda coolers. Boat on Vandiyur Teppakulam’s water tank and wander colorful street markets. November–February is festival season. - Masinagudi & Mudumalai (580 km, via Ooty)
Wildlife safaris in Mudumalai Tiger Reserve bring elephants, gaurs, and perhaps tigers into view. Theppakadu’s elephant camp and Moyar Dam excursions round out a nature-immersive weekend. October–March optimal for animal sightings. - Chikmagalur (567 km, 11 hr or train)
Known as the “Coffee Land,” Chikmagalur’s rolling plantations host Coffee Yatra tours and 4D coffee walls. Trek Baba Budangiri and admire Hebbe Falls. September–May offers lush green landscapes and cool mornings. - Vellore (136 km, 3½ hr)
Vellore Fort’s ramparts and palatial precincts evoke Tipu Sultan’s era. Visit the golden Lakshmi Narayani Temple and climb Palamathi Hills for panoramic views. November–February is most comfortable. - Bengaluru Day Trip (350 km, 6 hr)
Break the routine with tech-city tours of Lalbagh’s glasshouse, Cubbon Park’s greenery, and Brigade Road’s cafes. Add a science museum or art gallery visit, then return by evening AC bus. Avoid Bangalore’s peak weekdays—weekends are lively but crowded. - Ongole & Mopidevi (350 km, 6½ hr)
Combine coastal Ongole’s bull-ranch heritage with Mopidevi’s temple pilgrimage. Relax on Chirala Beach and dine on Andhra specialties. A less-traveled route blending culture with seaside calm. - Mahendra Hills Ayurveda Retreat (180 km, 4 hr)
Rejuvenate in a hillside ayurveda resort near Kundrathur, offering personalized panchakarma therapies. Guided herbal walks, yoga at dawn, and traditional South Indian meals complete a healing weekend just outside the city. - Poompuhar & Tranquebar (320 km, 6 hr)
Explore Poompuhar’s archaeological park of an ancient port, then cross into Tamil Nadu’s Danish colonial outpost at Tranquebar. Climb the red-and-white lighthouse, stroll beachside promenades, and sample coastal rasam and fried fish. October–March recommended. - Yercaud Lake Island Retreat (350 km, 7 hr)
Stay on a small island in Yercaud Lake’s middle, accessible by coracle. Wake to mist-shrouded waters, row around hidden coves, and trek to nearby Pagoda Point. A romantic, offbeat twist on the classic Yercaud weekend.
