The 7 Best Day Trips to Take From Chennai, India

Pack your bags now because we’re headed towards the historic ancient sea-port, Mahabalipuram. Located at 60 kilometers (37 miles) from the south of the city, Mahabalipuram has some of the most scenic architectural marvels in Asia like the Shore Temple, Descent of the Ganges, Arjuna’s Penance and Pancha Rathas. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this place also offers interesting activities in addition to history lessons. Try your hand with a surf board at Mumu Surf School, just a few minutes from the Shore Temple. On your way to Mahabalipuram you could also drop in at the Dakshinachitra Museum, a place that has plenty of interesting displays on Indian heritage and culture.

At about 60 kilometers (37 miles) north of Chennai, on the Tamil Nadu–Andhra Pradesh border, lies a beautiful brackish lagoon known as Pulicat Lake. Known as the second largest brackish lagoon in the country, the place has a rich biodiverse environment with unique and exciting wildlife to spot. There’s also the Pulicat Lake Bird Sanctuary for avid bird watchers who can bask in the array of unique wildlife that is on offer. On sultry summer afternoons, this spot is ideal to kick-back, relax and spend some time with nature. Spanning across a length of 70kms, the lake has 16 island villages and 30 villages adjoining it. These townspeople depend on the lake for their livelihood.

Explore the Medieval Kingdom of Kānchipuram where you’ll find historically and architecturally significant 7th-century temples. It is located about 72 kilometres (45 miles) southwest from the city of Chennai. Imposing Dravidian architecture is abundant in this town and makes it ideal for heritage and architecture enthusiasts. The structures you’ll find at Kanchipuram document more than 1,000 years of Indian history. It continues to be a vibrant reli­gious, cultural and spiritual hub. The town is renowned for its silk-sarees which you will find being celebrated on the streets.

Not only is Tiruvannamalai a culturally and spiritually significant Temple Town, but it is also a mountainous town cocooned in beautiful scenery and landscapes. Tiruvannamalai lies close to 200 kilometers (124 miles) southwest of the city of Chennai, in the foothills of the Anamalai hills. The town also has a good number of Ashrams like Sri Ramanasramam and Skandasramam that are visited by many spiritual seekers. To immerse yourself in the beautiful nature and landscapes of Tiruvannamalai, you could also take a short trek up the hills of Anamalai. Or for an equally impactful adventure, spend some time visiting the many temples of the town. This is a town with lots of culture and history to offer, you’ll leave having learned and felt a lot of new, significant findings of India’s heritage.

Experience a taste of France in this quiet, coastal hamlet and a former french colony. Pondicherry, an Indo-French town is the perfect getaway from the chaos of the city. With popular attractions including the Sri Aurobindo Ashram and the seaside Promenade, there is plenty to enjoy in this town. If you fancy a bit of meditation you can visit the Auroville- an experimental township and community best known for its gold-hued meditation dome. The array of pristine beaches, gives Pondy a whole new meaning to laid back.

If you’re up for a short trek, then this is a place you’ll want to go for a natural adventure. Nagalapuram Falls, located at about 80 kilometers (50 miles) north of the city, gives you a stunning and serene view away from the bustle of the city and is also a great camping spot for those who want to immerse themselves in the nature of it all. Also famous for Sri Vedanarayana Swamy Temple, the small town is the perfect place for a day trip that offers a mix of hiking, exploring, architecture and cultural significance.

The Ubbalamadugu Falls, also known as Tada falls, is a 95 kilometers (59 miles) drive north of Chennai. The drive up will take you to the most enchanting waterfalls close to the city, a stunning introduction for the spectacular falls that are to come. If you walk down a well-beaten trekking trail for 20 kilometers (12 miles) you will come to the Ubbalamadugu Falls. Located in the dense woods of Siddulaiah Kona, surrounded by limitless natural beauty. This is the location is perfect for camping and hiking.