Hill Stations To Beaches: 10 Places Near Chennai Perfect For A Weekend Getaway

Pondicherry, also known as Puducherry, is a coastal Union Territory in Tamil Nadu, blending the influences of French and Indian cultures. A French settlement until 1954, today, its streets are adorned with charming French-style houses, churches, and modern establishments like French-style shops, vibrant cafes, and restaurants. This fusion gives Pondicherry a unique and elegant character that never fails to captivate. Pondicherry surprises with its distinctive flair, offering a delightful culinary experience. The town boasts several cafes and restaurants serving delectable French cuisine alongside a variety of global dishes. Being a popular beach destination, Pondicherry also offers a vibrant nightlife scene with numerous clubs and beach parties featuring great music and delicious cocktails. A favourite destination for college kids and young professionals, Pondicherry is a great place to relax with a bunch of cocktails and friends by your side.

Must-Visit Places: Rock Beach, Pondicherry Beach, Serenity Beach or the Botanical Gardens, Auroville, Sri Aurobindo Ashram, Cafe des Arts, Indianostrum

Distance from the city: 150.8 km

Yelagiri, a picturesque hill station in Tamil Nadu's Vellore district, is surrounded by enchanting orchards, rose gardens, and lush green valleys. Comprising a cluster of 14 hamlets, with Athanavur as its primary town, Yelagiri is renowned for trekking, climbing, and various adventure activities as it has some beautiful hills and mountains. The highest point in the village of Yelagiri is the Swamimalai Hill, which is 4,388 ft and has mesmerising views, making treks unforgettable. During the summer months, the Tamil Nadu Tourism Department hosts the Summer Festival in Yelagiri, showcasing diverse cultural heritage and arts from around the country.

Must-Visit Places: Fundera Park, Swamimalai Hills, Nilavoor Lake, Vainu Bappu Observatory, Nature Park, Cloud Forest Entertainment Park, Punganoor Lake, Jalagamparai Waterfalls, Yelagiri Forest Hill, Yelagiri Adventure Camp

Distance from the city: 226.3 km

If you're not a fan of hill stations and beaches and prefer a weekend in a vibrant city, consider heading to Bangalore. This city beautifully blends tradition and modernity, with various ethnicities celebrating their cultural festivals while embracing the thriving café culture and pub scene. Surrounding Bangalore, you'll find lush greenery, waterfalls, wildlife sanctuaries, and rivers, all waiting to be explored. Thanks to its abundant gardens and pastoral landscapes, Bangalore has earned its reputation as the 'Garden City of India.' Moreover, the city offers picturesque sites for trekking and hiking enthusiasts to explore.

Must-Visit Places: Lal Bagh Botanical Garden, Brigade Road, Bannerghatta National Park, Nandi Hills, Cubbon Park, Bangalore Palace, Vidhana Soudha, Ramanagra, Kanakpura, Skandagiri, Tipu Sultan's Summer Palace, Iskcon Temple, Lumbini Gardens, Devanahalli Fort, Bangalore Fort

Distance from the city: 346.9 km

Mysore is a beautiful city located in Karnataka and is known for its rich history, culture and heritage. The city is renowned for its stunning beauty, with lush green parks, elegant palaces, and stunning temples. The most famous of these is the Mysore Palace, which is considered to be one of the most magnificent and largest palaces in India. Another popular leisure spot is the Brindavan Gardens, which is located on the banks of the Kaveri River and is renowned for its beautiful fountains and colourful lights. There are many activities to enjoy in Mysore, from exploring the local markets and shops to taking a leisurely walk in the beautiful parks. Mysore's cool and breezy weather, particularly during the winter months, makes it an ideal destination for tourists, especially those looking to escape the scorching heat of Chennai.

Must-Visit Places: Mysore Palace, Brindavan Gardens, Chamundeshwari Temple, Mysore Zoo, Somnathpur Temple, Folklore Museum, Jayachamaraja Wadiyar Art Galler, Shuka Vana, St. Philomena's Church, Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary, Jaganmohan Palace

Distance from the city: 481.2 km

Nestled in the picturesque hills of Tamil Nadu's Dindigul district, this idyllic haven offers an abundance of natural splendour, leaving visitors captivated and brimming with cherished memories. The name translates to the 'Gift of the Forest', reflecting its lush landscapes, dense woodlands, captivating waterfalls, and rock formations. It has rich history as a retreat and a sought-after tourist hotspot for Chennaites because of its beautiful lakes and hills, and when you visit, you'll experience cooler weather and stunning views. Kodaikanal offers a wide range of adventures and attractions waiting to be explored. This town never fails to evoke a sense of wonder with its unspoiled natural beauty, drawing in a vast number of domestic tourists year after year.

Must-Visit Places: Coakers Walk, Bryant Park, Kodaikanal Lake, Dolphin's Nose, The Pine Forest*,* Berijam Lake, Guna Caves, and Bear Shola Falls

Distance from the city: 525.4 km

Coonoor, situated in the Nilgiris district of Tamil Nadu, India, is a charming municipality and Taluk on the western edge of the state. It's the second-largest hill station in the Nilgiris after Ooty, offering ample grounds for exploration. Coonoor is an ideal base for numerous trekking expeditions into the Nilgiri Hills, and its tourist attractions are truly captivating. With a sparse population, Coonoor provides a serene and tranquil environment not often found in other hill stations. It boasts a subtropical highland climate, ensuring cool summers and pleasantly mild winters.

Must-Visit Places: Sim's Park, Dolphin's Nose Viewpoint, Catherine Falls (visited via trekking from Lady Canning's Seat to Dolphin's Nose), Lamb's Rock, and Droog Fort

Distance from the city: 538.3 km

Ooty, often called 'India's Switzerland', is a domestic tourist gem that rejuvenates weary souls with its captivating beauty. Once the summer capital of the Madras Presidency during British rule, Ooty earned its Switzerland comparison from John Sullivan in the nineteenth century. Post-Independence, it has flourished as a prominent tourist destination, known for its remarkable climate, stunning landscapes, local charm, rich biodiversity, and delightful teas and coffees. Ooty is also an ecological hotspot, part of the UNESCO World Heritage. It offers a rare blend of human and natural coexistence, exemplifying sustainable resource use. The botanical and rose gardens showcase the region's treasures, leaving visitors in awe of nature's beauty.

Must-Visit Places: Botanical Gardens, Doddabetta Peak, Ooty Lake, Rose Gardens, Tea Museum, Deer Park, Kalhatty Waterfalls, Ooty Toy Train, Toda Huts

Distance from the city: 555 km

Boasting unspoiled forests and a rich flora and fauna, Thekkady is a nature lover’s paradise situated in Kerala, God’s own country. Thekkady is a beautiful little city, which is home to the largest tiger reserve in India, and also boasts a pleasant and cool climate throughout the year. It offers tourists a laid-back vacation with the opportunity to enjoy nature at its absolute best. Having greenery all around, Thekkady has numerous cardamom, tea and coffee plantations, several magnificent mountains, waterfalls as well and pristine rivers. Tourists can enjoy many different adventure activities including trekking, rafting, jeep safaris, bamboo rafting and many more. One of the best activities you can enjoy here is exploring the dense forests on an elephant safari.

Must-Visit Places: Periyar Tiger Reserve, Mangla Devi Temple, Odamade, Murukkady, Vellaramkunnu, Chellarkovil, Kadathanadan Kalari Center, Vandanmedu, Pandikuzhi, Chellarkovil Viewpoint, Kumily, Abraham’s Spice Garden, Periyar Lake, Ramakkalmedu, and Parunthumpara Hill Viewpoint

Distance from the city: 568.8 km

Awaken your senses to the aroma of soothing coffee and immerse yourself in the breathtaking landscapes of Coorg. Nestled in the Western Ghats, this renowned coffee-producing hill station captivates with its stunning scenery and luxurious offerings. Beyond its natural beauty, Coorg boasts a rich cultural heritage with popular festivals, such as Keil Poldu (worship of weapons), Cauvery Shankaramana (return of the river goddess) and the Huttari (harvest). Whether you seek scenic beauty, challenging treks, cultural immersion, or culinary delights, Coorg offers it all. Embark on a beautiful ride on the misty roads to Coorg.

Must-Visit Places: Dubare Elephant Camp, Abbey Falls, Kotebetta Trek, Madikeri Fort, Mandalpatti Trek, Raja's Seat, Kushalnagar

Distance from the city: 579.8 km

Munnar, nestled in the Western Ghats of Kerala, is a charming hill station perched at an elevation of 6,000 feet in the Idukki district. Once a favoured summer retreat for British rulers during colonial times, Munnar is renowned for its lush forests, vast tea estates, and the presence of endangered species like Neelakurinji and Nilgiri Tahr. It stands as a highly coveted domestic tourist destination celebrated for its pristine valleys, mountains, and diverse flora and fauna. Numerous viewpoints offer breathtaking vistas of the valleys, hills, and rivers, making it a trekking and camping paradise.

Must-Visit Places: Echo Point, Attukal Waterfalls, Pothamedu View Point, Eravikulam National Park, Kundala Lake, Carmelagiri Elephant Park, Anamudi, Blossom Park, Pothamedu View Point, History Of Tea at TATA Tea Museum, Lakkam Waterfalls, Photo Point, Kolukkumalai Tea Estate, Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary, Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary, and Kollengode Palace Munnar

Distance from the city: 588.9 km