Weekend Getaways From Chennai

1. Sriperumbudur : 40 Kms from Chennai. Sriperumbudur is infamous for being the place where former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi was assassinated. You can visit Rajiv Gandhi memorial set amidst lush green gardens. One of the main attractions of the town is the Madras Sports Club which is home to many races and rallies. Formula II races are held in the sports club and are one of the most famous racing tracks in the State. There are dirt tracks that are also available for off road racing. 

2. Mahabalipuram : It is known for its historical monuments, sculptures, scenic beauty, culture and tradition. Mahabalipuram is placed along the Coromandel Coast facing the Bay of Bengal. It is a magnificent place to watch and an attractive tourist spot as well. Mahabalipuram is considered to be an architectural paradise

3. Pulikat Lake: Located 60 kilometers north of Chennai, the Pulicat Lake is a breeding ground for rare birds. A good place to introduce your kids to the exciting world of birds, the Pulicat Lake is home to large species of bird of which the flamingo and heron are common. You can also visit Vedanthangal Bird Sanctuary about 82 kms from Chennai

4. Dakshinachitra: 21 Kms from Chennai. It is an amusing open-air, real-time museum as well as a well known cultural center. It shows you the amazing antiquities depicting the peculiarity of South India. It gives you a glimpse of art and craft, lifestyle, music and dance of Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala and Tamil Nadu.

5. Vedanthangal - 80 KM from Chennai The bird life (resident & visitors) includes Cormorants, Darters, Herons, Egrets, Open billed Stork, Spoonbill and White Ibis, Little Grebe, Indian Moorhen, Black Winged Stilts, a few migratory ducks and occasionally Grey Pelicans. November to February is the season to visit the sanctuary. 

6. Pichavaram Mangrove Forest : 248 Kms from Chennai. Pichavaram the second largest Mangrove forest in the world situated near the temple town of Chidambaram. It is one of the unique Eco-tourism spots in South India. The backwaters, inter connected by the Vellar and Coleroon river systems, offer abundant scope for water sports, rowing, Kayak and canoeing. 

7. Sadras: 70 Kms from Chennai. Sadras was Dutch colony from the 17th century. Sadras is a fort town and one of the first naval battles was fought off the shores of this town. Beaches in the town are relatively untouched by tourism and are among the cleanest along the coast. There are many small fishing villages that can be seen along the coast.

8. Kanchipuram : Kanchipuram is located on the Palar River, about 75 kms from Chennai. Kanchipuram is regarded as one of the oldest cities in South India and among the seven sacred cities in India. It is well known for its architecturally designed temples and its beautiful hand woven silk saris.

9. Thiruthani :  is one of the six abodes of Lord Muruga and is located in the District of Tiruvallur of Tamil Nadu State. The famous Subramanya Swami Kovil (temple) in Thiruthani attracts thousands of Hindu devotees to this abode. The temple is perched on a hilltop approachable through 365 steps, representing each day in a year. A small holy river known as Nandi river flows through the town in its northern part. 

10. Shrikalahasthi : 120 Kms from Chennai.  This also considered as one of the Pancha Butha sthalams signfying 5 elements out which Vayu is attributed to this place.Kalahasthishwar temple built during 8th Century is situated here.The temple is surrounded by 3 hills and there is a river on the fourth side. People come here to perform Rahu Sarpa Dosh Nivarana pooja.

11. Tirupati : 258 Kms from Chennai.  Lord Venkateswara shrine at Tirupati - One of the most scared Hindu temple

12. Pondicherry : 160 Kms from Chennai. French connection,the tree lined boulevards,stretches of unspoilt virgin beaches and Auroville. Auroville is spiritula city based based on the vision of Sri Aurobindo

13. Nellore : The city is famous for its various temples that are located in the vicinity. Some of the main temples that are located in the city are the Penchala Kola, Ayyapa Temple and Narasimha Swami Konda. There are other temples that can be visited in the city as well, they are the Jonnavada, Kamahshi Amavari Temple, Rajarajesjwari Temple and the Golgamundi Venkaya Swamy Temple. 

14. Yalagiri : 200 Kms from Chennai. Yelagiri Hills  is located in the Jawadh Hill ranges of the Eastern Ghats in Vellore District of Tamil Nadu. It is a cluster of fourteen small villages spread around 4 surrounding hills. Yelagiri Hills is a popular weekend getaway from Bangalore and Chennai.

15. Covelong :Covelong, on the east coast bordering the route to Mahabalipuram and nearly 40 km south of Chennai,  is an ideal destination for a quick getaway. Covelong is better known for its fishing activities and the calm and serene beaches. Besides nature, Covelong also has some historical places near the beautiful beaches. There is an ancient Dutch fort nearby with a few walls remaining. An ancient Catholic Church is amongst the most famous of many religious monuments at Covelong

16. Chidambaram : Located 58 km south of Pondicherry, the town of Chidambaram is known for its Nataraja Temple. This pilgrimage is also famous for being the centre of the divine Hindus called the Shaivites and Vaishnavites