After a long week of work, we all crave a break to rejuvenate our spirits. Luckily, Chennai offers numerous weekend getaway options that cater to every type of traveler. Whether you seek adventure, delicious cuisine, or serene landscapes, these destinations near Chennai promise a refreshing escape.
Here’s a curated list of the best weekend getaways from Chennai, ranging from picturesque beaches and charming hill stations to ancient towns and serene locales. Let’s dive in!
Top Weekend Getaways From Chennai
Within 100 km
- Pulicat – 55 km
Discover Pulicat, a serene seaside town in the Thiruvallur district, known for its vast saltwater lagoon and tranquil Pulicat Lake. Enjoy the Pulicat Bird Sanctuary and the Dutch heritage sites.
- How to Reach: Via SH 104
- Highlights: Pulicat Sanctuary, Pulicat Lake, Dutch Cemetery, Dutch Fort
- Average Cost: ₹2,000 to ₹3,000 per person
- Best Time to Visit: October to March
- Mahabalipuram – 57 km
Step back in time with Mahabalipuram’s ancient monuments and rock-cut temples. This historic town showcases the architectural marvels of the Pallava Dynasty.
- How to Reach: Via East Coast Road
- Highlights: Pancha Ratha, Shore Temple, Krishna Cave Temple, Mahishasumardini, Varaha
- Average Cost: ₹3,500 to ₹5,000 per person
- Best Time to Visit: November to February
- Kanchipuram – 83 km
Known as the “Golden City of Temples,” Kanchipuram is a major pilgrimage site with a rich collection of temples and vibrant street food.
- How to Reach: Via NH 48
- Highlights: Kanchi Kudil Museum, Vaikuntha Perumal Temple, Ekambareshwar Temple, Kanchi Kailasanathar Temple, Vedanthangal Bird Sanctuary
- Average Cost: ₹8,000 to ₹10,000 per person
- Best Time to Visit: October to March
Within 100-200 km
- Tirupati – 133 km
A spiritual haven in Andhra Pradesh, Tirupati is renowned for its ancient temples and natural beauty, including waterfalls and trekking spots.
- How to Reach: Via NH 716A
- Highlights: Akasaganaga Teertham, Sri Venkateswara Temple, Swami Pushkarini Lake, Silathoranam, Chittoor
- Average Cost: ₹3,000 to ₹7,000 per person
- Best Time to Visit: September to March
- Vellore – 139 km
Immerse yourself in the historical and cultural heritage of Vellore. Explore remnants of various dynasties and enjoy the local cuisine.
- How to Reach: Via NH 48
- Highlights: Golden Temple, Palar River, St. John’s Church, Jalakanteshwara Temple, Vellore Fort
- Average Cost: ₹7,000 to ₹10,000 per person
- Best Time to Visit: November to February
- Chandragiri – 146 km
This historic destination offers lush greenery, majestic forts, and picturesque bridges. Ideal for a tranquil weekend retreat.
- How to Reach: Via NH 716
- Highlights: Rani Mahal, Chandragiri Fort, Raja Mahal Palace, Museum, Chandragiri Fort, Thekkil Bridge
- Average Cost: ₹7,000 to ₹10,000 per person
- Best Time to Visit: October to February
- Pondicherry – 151 km
Experience French colonial charm in Pondicherry with its vibrant streets, quaint cafes, and scenic coastal views.
- How to Reach: Via East Coast Road
- Highlights: Ousteri Lake, Auroville, Seaside Promenade, Church of the Sacred Heart of Jesus
- Average Cost: ₹7,000 to ₹8,000 per person
- Best Time to Visit: October to March
- Nellore – 152 km
A picturesque city on the banks of the Penna River, Nellore offers a mix of natural beauty, historical sites, and local handicrafts.
- How to Reach: NH 16
- Highlights: Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple, Mypadu Beach, Nelapattu Bird Sanctuary, Udayagiri Fort, Venkatagiri Fort
- Average Cost: ₹7,000 to ₹8,000 per person
- Best Time to Visit: October to April
Within 200-300 km
- Yelagiri – 226 km
For a hill station escape, Yelagiri’s lush green hills and tranquil environment offer a refreshing retreat. Enjoy its natural beauty and outdoor activities.
- How to Reach: Via SH 116 and NH 48
- Highlights: Jalagamparai Waterfalls, Punganoor Lake, Velavan Temple, Jalagandeeswarar Temple, Swamimalai Hill
- Average Cost: ₹6,000 to ₹9,000 per person
- Best Time to Visit: Throughout the Year
- Horsley Hills – 261 km
A nature lover’s paradise, Horsley Hills offers rolling hills, scenic beauty, and adventure activities like trekking and zorbing.- How to Reach: NH 71
- Highlights: Gangotri Lake, Gali Bandalu, Horsley Hills Zoo, Kaundinya Wildlife Sanctuary, Mallamma Temple
- Average Cost: ₹6,000 to ₹7,000 per person
- Best Time to Visit: March to May
- Tharangambadi – 270 km
Also known as Tranquebar, this former Danish colony offers a unique cultural experience with its Danish-influenced architecture and fishing village charm.- How to Reach: Via NH 32
- Highlights: King Street, Town Gate, Fort Dansborg, Masilamani Temple, Rehlings House
- Average Cost: ₹1,000 to ₹2,000 per person
- Best Time to Visit: November to March
Within 300-400 km
- Yercaud – 363 km
Known as the “Lake Forest,” Yercaud is perfect for those seeking peace amidst panoramic views, with options for boating and trekking.- How to Reach: Via NH 79
- Highlights: Shevaroy Temple, Yercaud Lake, Silk Farm, Shevaroy Hills
- Average Cost: ₹9,000 to ₹10,000 per person
- Best Time to Visit: May to June
- Kolli Hills – 363 km
Kolli Hills, with its emerald valleys and cool weather, provides a serene escape from the city. Explore coffee and spice plantations along with its natural beauty.- How to Reach: Via NH 45
- Highlights: Arapaleeswarar Temple, Botanical Garden, Tampcol Medicinal Farm, Mesilla Falls, Bogar Caves, Selur Viewpoint
- Average Cost: ₹3,000 to ₹4,000 per person
- Best Time to Visit: March to June
Within 400-600 km
- Mysore – 473 km
Discover the regal heritage of Mysore with its grand palaces, temples, and gardens. The city’s rich history and culture make it a fascinating destination.- How to Reach: Via NH 48 or direct train from Chennai; alternatively, fly to Bengaluru International Airport
- Highlights: Chamundeshwari Temple, Mysuru Palace, Namdroling Monastery, Devaraja Market, Brindavan Garden, Sri Nandi Temple
- Average Cost: ₹13,000 to ₹14,000 per person
- Best Time to Visit: October to February
- Ooty – 555 km
Known as the “Queen of the Hills,” Ooty offers breathtaking views, lush green landscapes, and a tranquil environment perfect for a rejuvenating getaway.- How to Reach: Nearest airport is Coimbatore; nearest railway station is Nilgiri Mountain Railway
- Highlights: Emerald Lake, Deer Park, Rose Garden, Doddabetta Peak, Avalanche Lake, Pykara Lake and Waterfall
- Average Cost: ₹10,000 to ₹12,000 per person
- Best Time to Visit: October to February
- Rameswaram – 558 km
A sacred site among Hindu devotees, Rameswaram features historic temples, picturesque beaches, and the iconic Pamban Bridge connecting to Sri Lanka.- How to Reach: Train from Chennai Egmore or fly to Madurai Airport
- Highlights: Pamban Bridge, Arulmigu Ramanathaswamy Temple, Dhanushkodi Beach Point, Annai Indira Gandhi Road Bridge, Ariyaman Beach, Agnitheertham
- Average Cost: ₹9,000 to ₹10,000 per person
- Best Time to Visit: October to February
List of best Weekend Getaways Places from Chennai
| Places | Distance From Chennai |
| Pulicat | 55 kms |
| Mahabalipuram | 57 kms |
| Kanchipuram | 83 kms |
| Tirupati | 133 kms |
| Vellore | 139 kms |
| Chandragiri | 146 kms |
| Pondicherry | 151 kms |
| Nellore | 152 kms |
| Yelagiri | 226 kms |
| Horsley Hills | 261 kms |
| Tharangambadi | 270 kms |
| Yercaud | 363 kms |
| Kolli Hills | 363 kms |
| Mysore | 473 kms |
| Ooty | 555 kms |
| Rameswaram | 558 kms |
| Coorg | 585 kms |
