11 Roadtrips From Chennai That Are Under 8 Hours For An Amazing Weekend

The closest on the list, Pondicherry is every Chennaiite’s favourite watering hole. The booze is cheap and plentiful, additionally, there are loads of great places to eat at like Cafe des Arts, Coromandel Cafe, The Promenade, etc. There are also a bunch of things to do like checking out the rocky beachfront, experiencing White Town and all its French heritage, exploring Auroville and its beautiful sights and checking out the Aurobindo Ashram. As for accommodation, that can be easily taken care of by staying at any one of the large number of guest houses and hotels in Pondicherry. 

Driving time from Chennai: 3 hours

This hill station is a short leisurely drive away from Chennai, thanks to the amazingly wide Chennai-Bangalore highway. Yelagiri is the place to sit back and relax, owing to its amazing weather, beautiful vistas, and lush greenery. The 11 hairpin bends that one has to go up to get to Yelagiri is an experience in and of itself and the view from the top is almost like you’re sitting on a cloud. There’s also a bunch of things to do like farming, camping, and adventure sports thanks to the new outdoor activity centres that have popped up.

Driving time from Chennai: 5 hours

This ancient history-rich city is a must-see if you’re into historical sightseeing. The Vellore Fort is its star attraction and rightly so, as it is a sight to behold. Large walls and massive moats and big gates tell stories of the countless battles the fort has seen and is now well-preserved, thanks to the Archaeological Survey of India. There’s a bunch of other temples to check out too, like the famous Golden Temple. To sweeten the deal, Vellore’s geographical location ensures that it has pleasant weather for most of the year.

Driving time from Chennai: 3 hours

Wildlife enthusiasts, this one’s for you. Did you know the world’s second-largest mangrove forest is just four and a half hours away from Chennai? For those of you that don’t know, the mangroves are unique because of their ability to tolerate saltwater, thanks to their aerial roots. So an otherwise lacklustre coast actually has a lush coastal forest, owing to the mangroves, which over millennia have become a haven for wildlife, like migratory birds. Backwater cruises are aplenty and will take you through waterways that you probably have only seen on National Geographic.

Driving time from Chennai: 5.5 hours

This tiny mountain range just next to the Eastern Ghats is a geo-tourism hotspot. Known primarily for its religious significance, thanks to the pilgrimage site that is the Arapaleeswarar temple, Kolli Hills is also known for its stunning natural beauty such as the Kollimalai Falls and a delight for trekkers and other tourists alike. Don't miss the spectacular view from Selur viewpoint, one of the highest points on the hill a must-see for all. There’s also tons of wildlife to see and admire, owing to the reserve forests that surround Kolli Hills

Driving time from Chennai: 6.5 hours

Similar to Vellore, Thanjavur’s beauty lies in its rich history and heritage. Even if you’re not religious, Thanjavur’s temples are still beautiful to explore because of how architecturally amazing they are to look at. The massive gopurams and intricate carvings on every wall and door tell their own stories. While they are amazing to look at on their own, understanding the history behind each of these relics is best done with a guide. There are also famous Thanjavur paintings to check out. If you’re a foodie who’s into South Indian cuisine then Thanjavur will be a treat for your taste buds. The cuisine is unique and has influences from all around, enough for both vegetarians and carnies. 

Driving time from Chennai: 6.5 hours

The last of the hill stations on this list has arguably the most number of things to see and do. Silk farms, a botanical garden, a 90-foot waterfall, a massive lake, beautiful temples and a picturesque view of the plains from their viewpoint (Lady’s Seat), are just some of the things you can check out. There are more historical and culturally significant places to see too like temples and shrines. If you’re into trekking, there are trails to explore and hills to climb. Rest assured your weekend here will definitely be exciting.

Driving time from Chennai: 6.5 hours

Mahabalipuram, also known as Mamallapuram, is a historic coastal town that boasts a captivating past and cultural heritage, impeccably conserved through time. Explore the iconic Shore Temple, ascend the Beacon for panoramic Mahabs views, and marvel at the intricate stone-carved structures. Indulge in delectable seafood at beachside shacks, along with a refreshing chilled pint to unwind.

Driving time from Chennai: 2 hours

In 1796, soldiers hunting birds prompted local villagers to petition for their protection, leading to the creation of India's first bird sanctuary, Vedanthangal. Now 226 years later, spanning 74 acres in Tamil Nadu, the sanctuary hosts over 40,000 resident and migratory birds annually. Lakes and mangroves attract various species, fostering a symbiotic relationship with locals who appreciate the birds' fertilising effect on agriculture. From Sri Lanka to Canada, Vedanthangal remains a haven for diverse birds, offering a captivating experience for both birders and nature enthusiasts alike. If you’re into bird watching or are ornithophiles without a doubt, make your way there. 

Driving time from Chennai: 2 hours and 30 minutes

Kanchipuram, also known as Kanjeevaram or Kanchi, is a quaint town renowned as a significant spiritual hub of Hinduism and a prominent pilgrimage site, Kanchipuram boasts an array of medieval temples characterised by awe-inspiring architecture. One of the highlights is the Ekambeshwarar Temple, an expansive and remarkable sanctuary spanning 40 acres, dating back to the Pallava era. This temple showcases an abundance of intricately carved stonework and holds utmost significance among Shiva devotees. Another unmissable gem is the Kailasanathar Temple, a pinnacle of architectural excellence that resembles the renowned Mahabalipuram temple. While there, indulge in witnessing the meticulous craft behind Kanchipuram Sarees, and if you have an affinity for these garments, consider acquiring one of the most exquisite pure silk sarees.

Driving time from Chennai: 2 hours 

Nestled by the Bay of Bengal, Velankanni is a charming town renowned for the Basilica of Our Lady of Good Health, also known as Velankanni Church. This white shrine, adorned with Gothic architecture and red roofing, is dedicated to the Virgin Mary, affectionately called Velankanni Matha by devotees. The church conducts Holy Mass in eight languages, and its significance is amplified by miraculous tales. Velankanni's allure extends to its beautiful palm-fringed beach and a unique museum displaying offerings to Mother Mary. It remains a sought-after destination for Christian devotees and tourists seeking solace and spiritual connection.

Driving time from Chennai: 7 hours