Chennai, the capital city of the southern state of Tamil Nadu is popular for different reasons – be it the scrumptious street food, breathtaking beaches, or the numerous Colonial-Era architectural marvels dotting the city's landscape. There are a plethora of amazing sightseeing places to explore near Chennai where you can plan a peaceful weekend getaway to escape your hustle-bustle daily life. From waterfalls, beaches to caves, we bring you a brief list of 8 cool places to see near Chennai.

Pulicat Lake Set in the Nellore district in Andhra Pradesh, Pulicat Lake is a picturesque spot for nature enthusiasts and bird watchers. It is one of the most tranquil sightseeing places around Chennai and is the second-largest lagoon in India. This gorgeous ‘brackish water’ lake extends over an area of 600 sq km and is the home to diverse bird populations like flamingos, storks, kingfishers, and pelicans. Watching the sunrise and sunset from the shore is truly a spectacular experience. It is renowned for its Flamingo Festival that takes place every December for 3 days.

Covelong Beach
Also known as Kovalam Beach, Covelong Beach is one of the most pristine beaches in India. Snuggled on the Coromandel Coast between luscious palm trees and white sand, it is a perfect place to plan an escapade for couples who long for a peaceful weekend. You can indulge in different adventure activities on the beach like jet skiing, windsurfing, fishing, and swimming. If you are a history buff, you will surely love to explore the old fort that is located near the beach. The best time to visit this beach is from November to March when the weather is pleasant.

Tada Falls
Nestled amid the flourishing jungle of Siddaiah Kona, Tada Falls is a famous spot for trekking and climbing near Chennai. If you are a nature enthusiast, then you should definitely explore this place. It is a wonderful place for people who want to spend some peaceful time amidst nature. There is a belief among people that the waters of Tada Falls have healing power and taking a bath in this water can free them from their bad karma. Watching the clear waters of the tumbling waterfalls is truly a rejuvenating and relaxing experience.

Dakshinachitra
If you are a history aficionado, you will definitely enjoy visiting Dakshinachitra. It is one of the most popular museums near Chennai that holds a special place in the history of our country. It houses endless Indian artifacts and works of lifestyle, architecture, performing arts, art, and crafts. The museum was established in 1996 to promote South Indian culture worldwide. You can gain huge exposure and in-depth knowledge of our legacy by exploring the 18 different galleries here. If you want to make the most out of the trip, October to February is the perfect time for that.

Gudiyam Caves
If ancient stone age sites are your scene, then you should surely plan a trip to Gudiyam Caves. Located in the Goonipalayam village of Tiruvallur, it is a series of awe-inspiring caves that are set at just 75 km from Chennai. This rock shelter is popular for housing prehistoric stone tools and culture. This archaeological marvel is situated amidst the Allikudi forest range and is perfect for an isolated getaway with your friends. Though the trek to the cave can be a bit tiring on a warm day, the vista inside the cave is worth the effort. You can trek back in time and get lost in the ancient wonders!

Sadras Fort
Situated at the Coromandel Coast in Kanchipuram district, Sadras Fort aka Sadurangapattinam Fort is a stunning fort, which is set at just 15 km from Mahabalipuram. It was built by the Dutch East India Company as the center for trade in spices, muslin cloths, etc. Though Sadras Fort is partially ruined, the Government has taken several steps to restore it to its former beauty. For a long time, this spectacular fort remained unknown to travelers, but now vacationers from different parts of the world are flocking here to explore this century-old marvel.

Vedanthangal Bird Sanctuary
Covering an area of 74 acres, Vedanthangal Bird Sanctuary is one of the oldest and smallest bird sanctuaries in the country. Vedanthangal means "Village of the Hunter" in Tamil. The British Government understood its ornithological and ecological importance so they established it as a sanctuary for birds in 1798. The entire landscape consists of small lakes and other land bodies that have a rich ecosystem. It is flocked by 40,000+ migratory birds all around the year to nest, feed, and breed. November to March is the best time for sighting birds or photography.

Mudaliarkuppam Boat House
Popularly known as Raindrop Boat House, Mudaliarkuppam Boat House is a water sports facility that is situated 92 km from Chennai. It is one of the 8 boathouses under Tamil Nadu Tourism Development Corporation. It is popular for kayaking, cruising, rowing, water scooting, banana boating, and speed boating facilities. It attracts tourists from all parts of India for its serene waters and alluring backdrop. People love to travel here to camp on an island that is approximately 4 km from the boathouse. Going on a boat ride in these idyllic surroundings will relax and rejuvenate your mind, body, and soul. Planning a weekend getaway near Chennai anytime soon? Don't forget to explore these stunning sightseeing places!