The best weekend getaways from Chennai by road are Mahabalipuram (58 km), Pulicat (60 km), Kanchipuram (72 km), Nagalapuram and Tada Falls (80–90 km), Tirupati (135 km), Vellore Golden Temple (140 km), Pondicherry (150 km), Gingee (160 km), Tiruvannamalai (190 km) and Yelagiri (230 km).
Quick list with distances
| Place | Approx. distance | Good for |
|---|---|---|
| Mahabalipuram | 58 km | UNESCO shore temples, beach, seafood |
| Pulicat | 60 km | Lake, flamingos (winter), Dutch cemetery |
| Kanchipuram | 72 km | Temples and silk sarees |
| Nagalapuram / Tada Falls | 80–90 km | Trekking and waterfalls (Andhra Pradesh) |
| Tirupati | 135 km | Sri Venkateswara Temple |
| Vellore | 140 km | Fort and Sripuram Golden Temple |
| Pondicherry | 150 km | French Quarter, beaches, Auroville |
| Gingee | 160 km | Hill fort trek |
| Tiruvannamalai | 190 km | Annamalaiyar Temple, Ramana Ashram, Girivalam |
| Yelagiri | 230 km | Small hill station, lake, trekking |
Beach and heritage: Mahabalipuram and Pondicherry
Drive down the East Coast Road to Mahabalipuram for the Shore Temple, Five Rathas and Arjuna’s Penance, then continue to Pondicherry for the French Quarter, Promenade Beach and Auroville. It makes a perfect two-day trip. See our ECR road trip guide.
Temple weekends
Kanchipuram (Ekambareswarar, Kamakshi Amman, Varadharaja Perumal and Kailasanathar temples), Tirupati, the Sripuram Golden Temple at Vellore and Tiruvannamalai each make a calm one or two day trip. Tiruvannamalai is busiest on full moon days for Girivalam, the 14 km walk around the hill.
Nature and adventure
- Pulicat Lake — India’s second-largest brackish lagoon; flamingos usually arrive from November to February.
- Nagalapuram and Tada (Ubbalamadugu) Falls — popular weekend treks in Andhra Pradesh, best after the monsoon.
- Gingee Fort — climb Rajagiri hill for a great view; start early to avoid the heat.
- Yelagiri — Chennai’s closest hill station; see our Yelagiri guide.
Tips
- Leave Chennai before 6 am on weekends to beat city and toll-plaza traffic.
- For Andhra Pradesh trips (Tirupati, Tada, Nagalapuram) an inter-state permit applies to taxis.
- Book a one way drop if you are staying a few days; a round trip if you return the same day.