An old town less than three-hours from Chennai, Pulicat presents itself as a serene getaway destination. You can see thousands of migratory birds at the bird sanctuary including flamingos, ducks, herons and storks! The other attraction is the Dutch cemetery. Discovered in 2007, archaeologists claim that it was used before the year 1656 and there is a belief that a Dutch businessman imprisoned by the Portuguese here was actually responsible for starting the Dutch East India Company.
Make sure to see the old tombstones as well as the ruins of Dutch fort and church at this cemetery!
Driving time from Chennai: Less than 2 hours