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September 17, 2025
When the bustle of city life starts to feel overwhelming, nothing feels more refreshing than escaping for a short trip that blends relaxation with discovery. Chennai is surrounded by countless places that can be explored in just a few hours’ drive. From serene beaches to lush green hill stations, from historical marvels to hidden cultural treasures, the options for weekend getaways near Chennai are endless.
Whether you are planning a quiet retreat to recharge or seeking adventure and exploration, several weekend destinations from Chennai suit every mood. What makes these trips special is the ease of access. You do not have to plan weeks in advance.
For those who love variety, the best places to visit in Tamil Nadu include coastal towns, ancient temples, wildlife sanctuaries, and misty hills, all waiting to be explored. So, pack your bags, hit the road, and discover how a simple weekend can feel like a complete vacation.
The best escapes are sometimes those that are nearest to home. When you need to treat yourself to a relaxing stay without driving too far, weekend getaways near Chennai within 100 km have many options that would give you the best of both unwinding and travelling.
It can be a family outing or just a casual weekend outing near Chennai, but these places are sure to be memorable.
One of the most favoured weekend destinations from Chennai is Mahabalipuram, which is a combination of history, culture and natural beauty. Mahabalipuram is a perfect place near Chennai for weekend for travellers visiting Chennai who want to explore to have the right mix of relaxation, exploration, and cultural enrichment.
It is one of the popular beaches in India where a person can easily take a walk or have a taste of fresh seafood.
Kanchipuram is a fantastic weekend destination near Chennai for historians and spiritual people. The town is known to have great old temples in Dravidian style. It gives the town its glory due to the might of the Tamil Nadu culture.
Kanchipuram is renowned for its exquisite silk sarees, which are a place to visit for shopping for traditional wear. This colourful city is often part of the Tamil Nadu tour packages and is the ideal destination to visit with devotion, art and heritage.
Another weekend spots in Chennai that can be easily reached by car is Pulicat Lake. It provides a picturesque getaway with migratory birds such as flamingos in winter.
Families will have an opportunity to have boat rides and observe the gorgeous sunset on the lagoon. It is one of the best places to visit in India with family, as it offers all three components of relaxation, photography, and memorable experiences in a single location.
Nagalapuram is a hidden gem for adventure seekers looking for exciting weekend spots near Chennai. It is situated in the Eastern Ghat and is known to have scenic trekking tracks, glittering waterfalls and natural pools that promise to be thrilling and relaxing.
This destination is ideal to people who enjoy outdoor adventure and can be used as an alternative to the conventional city escapes. Nagalapuram is a weekend getaway near Chennai and is ideal for trekking, nature lovers, and anyone wishing to get a refreshing adventure.
Krishnagiri is a good option for a weekend trip near Chennai. It is located within the rocky terrain of hills and the fertile greenery. This picturesque town boasts of historical forts, lakes and mango orchards. This makes it a blend of nature and heritage.
The area is even more pleasant during the mango season, when fresh products are also available. Krishnagiri is often considered among the best places to visit in South India. It is an easy but satisfying vacation spot featuring families, history lovers and lovers of nature to experience a quiet yet rewarding vacation.
If you are ready to go a little farther from the city, there are many charming weekend destinations from Chennai within 200 km that promise a refreshing escape. Misty hills and calm beaches are just as different as historic towns and nature reserves. Each of them has its own version of relaxing.
Most of these locations are also listed as the best places to visit in winter in India and will be ideal for short breaks.
Pondicherry is a well-liked vacation spot for travellers who wish to relax and take in the culture due to its French elegance and sea charm. If you are wondering how to reach Pondicherry, the town is well-connected by road from Chennai via the scenic East Coast Road, making the journey as delightful as the destination.
A Pondicherry tour package is also preferred by many travellers in order to get a well-organised experience that includes heritage walks, cafe hopping, beach visits, and a stay at the popular Sri Aurobindo Ashram.
From serene beaches to colonial streets, the best places to visit in Pondicherry perfectly blend relaxation with cultural charm.
Many travellers also count Vellore as among the best weekend getaways near Chennai. It is a historical and relaxing place to enjoy. The greatest attraction in the city is the magnificent Vellore Fort. This is an architectural marvel and is enclosed by a moat.
Punganur Lake offers boating and scenic views for a relaxing touch. Vellore is a short vacation near Chennai, as it is both old and new at the same Time.
Tirupati is among the most sacred spiritual centres in India, making it a weekend getaway near Chennai. It is also home to the renowned Tirumala Venkateswara Temple that attracts millions of believers to find peace and blessings.
Tirupati is also known as a divine atmosphere, but it is even better in cooler seasons, as it is in the list of the best places to visit in India in January. It is a place that is well integrated in terms of spirituality, nature and tradition.
The Gingee Fort is considered one of the most interesting getaway places near Chennai that history lovers and adventure tourists must visit. The fort has massive stone walls, temples, granaries and watchtowers that tell about a glorious past.
A hike to the summit is a reward to the visitor with spectacular views of the rugged landscape. Gingee Fort is often featured in some of the best tour packages in India. It presents a combination of heritage and nature.
Nellore is a delightful choice for those seeking peaceful places around Chennai for weekend relaxation, combined with cultural experiences. The city has plenty to offer, including ancient temples, tranquil beaches, and natural reserves, which make it a destination for all travellers.
The trip adds a spiritual touch with the grand Ranganatha Temple. Nellore is considered a refreshing getaway near Chennai and is a perfect place to spend Time with the family, pilgrims and nature lovers.
There are several exciting weekend destinations from Chennai within 300 km that promise a mix of relaxation, adventure, and culture for those willing to travel a little further. These are the ideal locations to have a vacation away from the city.
The best honeymoon tour packages are also featured with many of them, as they offer romantic landscapes and peaceful settings. These places are suitable not only to couples, but also to families and solo travellers.
Chidambaram is an interesting town and a combination of spiritualism, history and nature. It is one of the great places near Chennai for weekend trip. The most notable one is the legendary Nataraja Temple, which is devoted to Lord Shiva and features the outstanding Chola style and cultural richness.
Among the budget-friendly places to visit in India, Chidambaram is a very informative tourist destination that provides pilgrims and nature lovers with a refreshing experience without spending too much money.
Tranquebar or Tharangambadi is a peaceful seaside resort that is one of the rare places to go near Chennai for weekend. The Dansborg Fort and historic, centuries-old churches are reminders of its colonial charm. It is rich in history and was once a Danish settlement.
Tranquebar is counted as one of the most tranquil weekend getaways around Chennai, and offers a refreshing blend of history and culture, as well as coastal beauties to make it a memorable short trip.
Yelagiri is a small mountain station in the Eastern Ghats, which is popular as a hill station weekend trips from Chennai. It is known to have a cool climate and green vegetation that provide a refreshing holiday amidst the heat in the city.
Yelagiri is one of the hill stations in South India, with its serene location and adventure games. This place offers the ideal short getaway for those seeking leisure or even adventure.
Horsley Hills, a charming hill station, is perfect for a peaceful escape from the city. Nestled amidst lush greenery, it offers stunning panoramic views, cool weather, and serene landscapes. Visitors can enjoy trekking, nature walks, and visit attractions like Horsley Hills Lake, Sunset Point, and the Deer Park.
Ideal for families and couples, this destination provides a refreshing break and a chance to reconnect with nature. Horsley Hills is undoubtedly one of the most scenic weekend getaways near Chennai.
There are numerous weekend getaways near Chennai located over 300 km that promise unforgettable experiences for travellers willing to venture a bit further. These are the best places to have adventure and relax.
These are the perfect weekend tours from Chennai, since these are lengthy tours that give you a chance to immerse yourself in nature, heritage, and local flavours.
One of the well-known places to visit near Chennai for weekend will be Thanjavur, also referred to as the cultural capital of Tamil Nadu. The city is famous with the magnificent Brihadeeswarar Temple, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site and provides a profound insight into South Indian art and history.
It is an ideal short trip near Chennai and a mix of heritage and culture. This makes it a complete getaway experience.
Kolli Hills, nestled in the Eastern Ghats, is an idyllic choice for romantic getaways near Chennai. Its scenic beauty in the form of misty hilly topography, curvy roads and thick foliage provides the couple with an idyllic escape out of urban life.
Kolli Hills is one of the best hill stations in India to have a refreshing experience because of its natural beauty and serene environment. This place is an ideal place to have a memorable and personal weekend getaway.
Yercaud is a calm hill station in the Shevaroy hills and an ideal short trip around Chennai. It is a cool and refreshing retreat to the city heat with its coffee plantations, foggy landscapes, and good climate.
Yercaud is one of the popular weekend destinations from Chennai, which ideally suits nature lovers and peace seekers. It has a peaceful atmosphere and picturesque nature that makes it a refreshing destination to families and individual travellers.
Hogenakkal Falls are commonly known as the Niagara of India, and that is a spectacular place to consider in the list of weekend destinations from Chennai. The falls are situated along the Kaveri River.
There are also local fish foods that are delicious in the region. This will serve as a culinary delight to the adventure. Hogenakkal Falls is a great place to visit as it offers an exciting and refreshing adventure to nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts as a way of escaping city life.
Velankanni, a serene coastal town, is one of the most spiritual places near Chennai for weekend trip getaways. Well known because of the Basilica of Our Lady of Health, it is a destination for pilgrims all over the country in search of peace and blessings.
The beautiful streets and the local markets of the town provide the quaint appearance of the place, which makes it perfect to take a brief vacation. Velankanni offers a serene retreat to any traveller who desires to have a valuable weekend outing.
Kodaikanal, commonly referred to as the Princess of Hill Stations, is a place to be visited by visitors who want to see nature and adventure. Among the top places to visit in Kodaikanal are the stunning Bear Shola Falls, Bryant Park, Kodaikanal Lake, and the Coaker Walk, which offers stunning views.
Tourists will have access to boating, walking, and sightseeing of lush gardens and taking in the fresh and cool climate. Most of the travellers prefer to choose Kodaikanal tour packages that are organised to visit the beautiful sites and recreational facilities to ensure that they get the best of their visit.
Booking a trip through experienced professionals can make travel seamless and enjoyable. Best trip planners in India offer curated itineraries, transportation, and accommodation arrangements that save Time and reduce stress. Whether you are planning a family vacation, romantic getaway, or adventure journey, Trip Planners India planners ensure every detail is handled, from sightseeing to local experiences.
With our expertise, travellers can discover hidden gems, enjoy hassle-free transfers, and make the most of their itinerary. Opting for a reliable travel service guarantees convenience, safety, and memorable experiences, making it the go-to choice for anyone seeking well-organised trips across India.
