Feeling low after a tiring week at work? Want to relax over the weekend? Worry not! We have the perfect solution for this. Here is the list of 8 popular tourist destinations near Chennai where you can plan your weekend escapade alone or with your loved ones. These places offer the ideal respite from Chennai’s bustling traffic and scorching heat. We are sure that you will feel rejuvenated after the trip!

Mahabalipuram
Snuggle in the southeastern part of Tamil Nadu, Mahabalipuram is a small and beautiful town that stretches between the Bay of Bengal and the Great Salt Lake. It is one of the acclaimed World Heritage Sites in India and is famous among travelers for its rich culture and heritage monuments. It is majorly a seaport and is located at just 58 km from Chennai making it an ideal spot to spend the weekend with your beloved ones. Pancha Rathas, Krishna's Butter Ball, Shore Temple, Arjuna's Penance, and Tiger Caves are some of the most sought-after tourist spots in Mahabalipuram. Though the climate remains cool throughout the year, the best time to visit it is between October and March.

Pondicherry
Pondicherry is one of the most popular tourist spots in South India. It is set at just 161 km from Chennai and is one of the iconic historical places to explore near Chennai. It is flocked by the tourist crows all around the year for its sparkling beaches, bohemian vibes, tranquil backdrop, French architectural marvels, and balmy climate. It is a perfect place to spend the weekend with amazing food and vibes. This place has a lot to offer; you can indulge in a bug of adrenaline piping sports or you can treat yourself to a relaxing spa treatment. The must-visit attraction spots in Pondicherry are Sri Aurobindo Ashram, Notre Dame des Anges, Paradise Beach, Auroville, and Gingee Fort.

Kanchipuram
If you are looking forward to a spiritual escapade, then there is no other better place than Kanchipuram. Situated at just 72 km from the capital city of Tamil Nadu, Kanchipuram is one of the famous tourist places near Chennai. It is fondly called the "Silk City" or the "Golden City of A Thousand Temples" by travelers. This ancient capital of the Pallavas is a melting pot of culture, religion, heritage, and history. It is popular across the world for its silk sarees and awe-inspiring temples. Thousands of visitors visit this spiritual city all around the year to seek spiritual bliss and solace. Kamakshi Amman Temple, Ekambareswarar Temple, Sankara Mutt, and Varadarajaswamy Temple are the top places to visit here.

Tirupathi
Located in the Chittoor district of Andhra Pradesh, Tirupati is one of the most popular and important pilgrim destinations in the country. Also, it is one of the oldest cities in India and is even mentioned in the ancient Puranas and Vedas. It is situated at just 133 km from Chennai and is a great place to spend the weekend away from hustle-bustle city life. It is the home to the iconic Venkateshwara Temple, which was constructed as a tribute to Lord Venkateshwara. You will never feel bored here as this beautiful city has a plethora of magnificent historical wonders to explore. Simply put, this place has the perfect blend of spirituality and nature to revive and revitalize your body and soul.

Nellore
Nellore has situated around 177 km from Chennai and is one of the best places you can plan a weekend vacation near Chennai. It is nestled on the banks of the Penna River and is popular all around the country for its rich agricultural produce. It is the home to some culturally and religiously significant ancient temples and receives a solid religious crowd all through the year. Pulicat Lake, Nelapattu Bird Sanctuary, Somasila Dam, Udayagiri Fort, and Satish Dhawan Space Centre are some of the key attraction spots in Nellore. Though there are a lot of things to try here, bird watching and sightseeing are the prominent activities enjoyed by vacationers here.

Yelagiri
If you are a fan of majestic peaks, stunning vista, and chilly weather, then you will definitely enjoy a weekend trip to Yelagiri. This breathtaking hilly retreat is perched at a height of 1,110.6 m in the Tirupattur district of Tamil Nadu. With its awe-inspiring orchards, beautiful rose gardens, and a flourishing green valley, it is a haven on earth for nature lovers. It is situated at about 227 km from Chennai and is loved by vacationers for its mesmerizing vistas and tranquil backdrop. SwamiMalai Hills, Jalagamparai Falls, and Velavan Temple are the must-visit places here. On the whole, it is the perfect spot for those looking for a slow-paced vacation away from the madness of city life.

Horsley Hills
Nestled at an altitude of 41000 ft amid the serene environs of the Eastern Ghats in Andhra Pradesh, Horsley Hills is a beautiful small offbeat tourist destination that is located at just 260 km from Chennai. It is named after the renowned British collector, WD Horsley, and is a paradise for nature enthusiasts with its towering hills, salubrious climate, and flourishing greenery. The mist-covered hills, blooming orchards, aromatic Eucalyptus, and Sandal plantations will surely hypnotize you and make you feel fresh and alive. The prime attractions in this quaint town are Malamma Temple, Kaundinya Wildlife Sanctuary, and Kaigal Falls. If you are an adventurous soul, you can also try activities like hiking, trekking, zorbing, and rappelling here. We hope that this list will help you to plan a fantastic weekend!


Happy Journey!