The Ayudha Pooja preparations are going strong, and the festival weekend that everyone has been eagerly waiting for is just around the corner. After a hectic week, everyone deserves a rejuvenating long weekend getaway with their loved ones. October month is always exciting and full of happiness, and this long weekend is just what everyone needs.

If you haven’t got time to come up with a Pooja holiday plan, don’t worry, we have got you covered. These destinations are close to Chennai, making them ideal destinations to escape and enjoy your much-awaited Vijayadashami holiday.

Pondicherry
This quaint French town is the epitome of French history with its vintage-style colonial buildings, narrow roads, and stunning shrines. Pondy is one of the best places to plan a budget family holiday near Chennai as this place has so much to see, and almost every spot is just a hop skip, and a jump away from one other. You don't have to break your bank to have a lovely weekend with your family and friends. Even though there are many ways to reach Pondicherry, we recommend you to plan a drive down to Pondicherry from Chennai using the picturesque ECR as the vista along the way will be truly magical. Sri Aurobindo Ashram, Arulmigu Manakula Vinayagar Temple, Promenade Beach, Auroville, and Paradise Beach are some of the iconic tourist spots here.

Kolli Hills
Want to spend a relaxing weekend away from the general tourist crowd? Wish granted! Kolli Hills is one of the most stunning and less-explored tourist destinations of the South. As it is a non-commercialized place, you can enjoy peaceful and serene family time with just your loved ones. With its lush coffee and spice plantations, emerald valleys, mesmerizing viewpoints, dark hills, and chill weather, it is the perfect place to unwind after a hectic week. The must-see tourist spots are Agaya Gangai Falls, Arappaleeswarar Temple, Botanical Garden, Tampcol Medicinal Farm, and Vasalurpatty Boat House. The best thing about this place is its unadulterated beauty, making sure you leave feeling rejuvenated and fresh.

Mysore
This princely state is an embodiment of the cultural and royal abundance of Karnataka. Mysore is fondly called the “Cultural Capital of Karnataka” and is well-renowned for its palaces, fantabulous climate, silk sarees, sandalwood, yoga, and Mysore paintings. It is the right place to plan your Ayudha Pooja holidays as it is a budget-friendly destination. You can experience a lot of new and good things here. If you have a sweet tooth, you should definitely try out the famous sweet delicacies of Mysore. Mysore Palace, Brindavan Garden, Somanathapura Temple, Mysore Zoo, and Chamundeshwari Temple are some of the best places to explore in this beautiful city. This dazzling city dazzles even more during the Ayudha Pooja celebrations as the palaces here are wonderfully lit up once dusk falls.

Chandragiri
Chandragiri is a beautiful town, which is located very near to Chennai. This place is often overlooked as a weekend getaway destination due to its proximity to the temple town of Tirupati. But, if you are in Chennai, then you should definitely plan a trip to Chandragiri, especially this Vijayadashami holiday. This marvelous place has a lot to offer like palaces, forts, waterfalls, lakes, museums, and lip-smacking food. If you want to spend a lovely weekend away from the rush, then there is no other destination as exciting and interesting as Chandragiri. Chandragiri Lake, Chandragiri Fort, Rani Mahal, Raja Mahal Palace, and Museum are some of the must-visit tourist spots.

Yelagiri
Yelagiri is a small hilly retreat, which is famous for its awe-inspiring scenery and adventure sports. It is nestled at an altitude of 1,110.6 meters above sea level in the Vellore district of Tamil Nadu. The entire landscape is filled with eye-catching orchards, lush green valleys, and rose gardens adding a magical touch to this beautiful place. Swamimalai Hills, Jalagamparai Waterfalls, Punganoor Lake, Jalagandeeswarar Temple, and Velavan Temple are some of the popular tourist spots in Yelagiri. If you are into adventure sports, you will definitely fall in love with this place as it offers endless fun-filled activities like camping, rock climbing, trekking, paragliding, and boating.

What are you waiting for? Plan an impromptu getaway to these stunning destinations for the Ayudha Pooja festival weekend and create memories with your loved ones!

Happy Vacation!