Travel from Chennai
Chennai is the gateway to South India. From UNESCO World Heritage Sites an hour away to hill stations and French colonial towns, there's no shortage of destinations.
Day Trips
Destinations within a few hours of Chennai, perfect for a day out.
Mahabalipuram (Mamallapuram)
A UNESCO World Heritage Site with 7th-century Pallava rock-cut temples and sculptures along the Coromandel Coast.
Best time: October to March (cooler months)
Kanchipuram
The "City of Thousand Temples" and one of the seven sacred cities of Hinduism, also famous for handwoven silk sarees.
Best time: October to March
Pulicat Lake
India's second largest brackish water lagoon, home to thousands of flamingos during winter migration.
Best time: November to February (flamingo migration)
Vedanthangal Bird Sanctuary
One of India's oldest bird sanctuaries, where thousands of migratory birds nest in a shallow lake from November to March.
Best time: November to March
Auroville
An experimental township near Pondicherry dedicated to human unity, home to the golden Matrimandir and residents from over 50 countries.
Best time: October to March
Vellore Fort & Golden Temple
A massive 16th-century Vijayanagara fort with a moat, and the ornate Sripuram Golden Temple covered in 1,500 kg of gold.
Best time: October to March
Weekend Trips
Longer getaways ideal for a two-day escape from the city.
Pondicherry (Puducherry)
A former French colonial town with colourful streets, a serene promenade, Auroville, and excellent cafés.
Best time: October to March
Yelagiri Hills
A quiet hill station in the Eastern Ghats, offering cool weather, trekking trails, and a serene lake.
Best time: October to March
Tirupati & Tirumala
Home to the Tirumala Venkateswara Temple, the most visited religious site in the world.
Best time: September to March (avoid festival rush if possible)
Yercaud
The "Jewel of the South," a hill station in the Shevaroy Hills of Salem district with coffee plantations, a serene lake, and cool climate.
Best time: October to June (pleasant year-round except monsoon)
Road Trips
Epic drives from Chennai through scenic routes and hidden gems.
