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Destinations 10 Places Near Chennai To Visit Within 150km For Your Next Weekend Getaway
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10 Places Near Chennai To Visit Within 150km For Your Next Weekend Getaway

From serene lakes to birdwatching havens to temple towns, these places near Chennai within 150km make for great weekend getaways.

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By: Karan Kaushik Published: Feb 28, 2022 04:39 PM IST

10 Places Near Chennai To Visit Within 150km For Your Next Weekend Getaway

Nothing matches the charm of those short driving trips we take to unwind after a week’s hard work. If you are looking for a much-needed break from your everyday city life, these places near Chennai are highly recommended. From appreciating temple architecture to getting refreshed at waterfalls to enjoying birdwatching, these places near Chennai have a lot of wonderful surprises in store for you. By Karan Kaushik

Places near Chennai that should be on your weekend bucket list

Muthukadu (32km)

 

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If you are too fatigued to drive a long stretch but still wish to head out to someplace peaceful, Muthukadu could be a good option. A short drive from the city will take you to this tranquil spot, known for its charming sunsets. Located on the East Coast Road, the Muthukadu Boat House offers water sports facilities. You can enjoy a relaxed boat ride or indulge in windsurfing and water skiing. The Muthukadu Lake is the backwater area of the Bay of Bengal. The boathouse provides 15 row boats, 27 speedboats, and 9 pedal boats. You can also rent a high-speed aqua scooter. The place serves as a popular picnic spot among locals, who come here on weekends to treat their eyes to multi-hued sunsets.

Pulicat (54km)

 

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The historic seashore town of Pulicat is known for its old-world charm and birding opportunities. Located in the Thiruvallur district, Pulicat is home to the Pulicat Lake, which serves as a birdwatching haven between the months of October and March. Flamingos are the main lure at the swampland attached to the lake. The town once served as a settlement for the Dutch during the early 17th century. Even though the fort that the Dutch built here does not exist anymore, the colonial charm can be experienced at the lighthouse here. Pulicat is also famous for its palm leave handicrafts made by local women. Seafood lovers can expect a rewarding gastronomical experience.

Mahabalipuram (56km)

 

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Also known as Mamallapuram, the historic town of Mahabalipuram sits along the Coromandel Coast of the Bay of Bengal. The town is said to have been established by Pallava King Narasimhavarman, who ruled during the 7th century CE. Tourists flock here for its iconic temples and heritage monuments. The sculpted cave temples of Mahabalipuram are world-famous for their incredible architecture and exquisite carvings. Mahabalipuram’s monolithic temples pride themselves on being a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The most striking of them all is the Shore Temple. Apart from its rich heritage, Mahabalipuram is also blessed with silvery sandy beaches, which serve as a great spot to unwind after a hectic heritage spree.

Nagalapuram (70km)

 

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A paradise for nature lovers and trekkers, Nagalapuram is in Andhra Pradesh’s Chittoor district. At the much-revered Vedanarayana Temple here, Lord Vishnu is worshipped in the form of his first incarnation Matsya. But it’s Nagalapuram’s enchanting waterfall that draws visitors to the town. Reaching the waterfall is an experience every adventurist would love. A boat ride takes you to the base of the Nagalapuram Trek. You can camp overnight at the serene Nagalapuram Lake. The trek takes you through dense forests and rocky terrains before you make it to the waterfall. During this trek, you can visit three waterfalls, each with a plunge pool perfect for a refreshing sunny day bath.

Kanchipuram (75km)

How about adding some more silk sarees to your wardrobe? If embarking on a shopping spree for some retail therapy is your idea of fun, Kanchipuram beckons you. Apart from the famous kanjivaram sarees, the town is dotted with majestic temples from the Pallava dynasty. The ones that you must visit include Ekambareswarar Temple, Sri Vaikunta Perimal Temple, Kailasnatha Temple, Sri Varadaraja Perumal Temple, and Sri Kamakshi Temple. You can also visit the Kanchipuram Monastery to soak in some zen vibes. If birding interests you, it’s a great idea to club your trip with a visit to the Vedanthangal Bird Sanctuary. As far as saree shopping goes, visit the cooperative societies and shops on Gandhi Road and Mettu Street.

Thiruthani (92km)

 

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The birthplace of India’s first Vice-President Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, Thiruthani, is a beautiful lush spiritual town. The prime attraction here is the Thiruthani Murugan Temple. Perched atop the Thiruttani Hill, the temple is reached after climbing 365 steps. Each step represents each day of the year. The temple is among the Arupadaiveedus, the six sacred abodes of Lord Muruga. The temple boasts a colourful five-tiered gopuram. Inside the complex, there are peaceful water bodies where you can unwind after the climb. The temple complex has two main shrines. While the first is dedicated to Lord Murugan, the other two shrines honour Valli and Deivayanai.

Srikalahasti (120km)

Another beautiful temple town you can make a day journey from Chennai to is Srikalahasti. Popularly called Kalahasti, the town is in Andhra Pradesh’s Chittoor. The charming little town is home to numerous temples which were constructed by the rulers of the Pallava, Chola, and Vijayanagara dynasties. The most famous of them all is the Srikalahasteeswara Temple. Carved out of the side of a mammoth stone hill, the temple stands on the banks of river Swarnamukhi. The temple’s main gopuram is 120 feet high and accompanies three other gopurams. The temple town is dedicated to an ardent Shiva devotee Bhakta Kannappa, who had offered his eyes to Lord Shiva. Srikalahasti is also famous for its handcrafted traditional Kalamkari paintings. From here, you can visit the Veyilingala Kona Waterfall.

Tirupati (133km)

Nestled in the verdant Thirumala Hills, Tirupati is home to the world’s richest temple. One of the holiest sites in India, Tirupati is visited by millions of devotees every year. The ancient town is home to the revered Sri Venkateswara Swamy or Tirupati Balaji temple. Other popular shrines include Sri Govindaraja Swamy Temple, Srivari Padala Mandapam, and Sri Padmavathi Ammavari Temple. Swami Pushkarini Lake near Sri Venkateshwara Temple offers soulful vibes. Nature lovers will love visiting the Talakona Waterfalls, TTD Gardens, and Papavinasanam Dam. If you like visiting museums, you may plan a visit to the Srivari Museum.

Vellore (137km)

Being one of the most popular towns in southern India, Vellore has a lot in store. The most important attraction here is the 16th century Vellore Fort. Built by King Bommu Nayakar and his brother during 1526-1595 AD, the fort served as the place where the first mutiny against the British in India broke. The palaces inside the fort have been named after revolutionary freedom fighters like Tippu Sultan, Hyder Ali, and Begam Hazrat. The fort also houses Jalakanteswara Temple and St. John’s Church. Right next to the fort is the Archaeological Survey of India Museum, which showcases statues, stone carvings, and coins along with other exhibits. The Sripuram Golden Temple, covered with 1500kg gold is another stunning attraction in Vellore, which can’t be missed.

Chandragiri (145km)

If you love walking through the pages of history at magnificent forts and palaces, look no further than Chandragiri. The town’s glorious history is associated with the Aravidu dynasty of Vijayanagar. The Chandragiri Fort is flocked by history and architecture lovers throughout the year. Perched atop a 180-metre-high rock, the fort is guarded by a long walled enclosure. Inside the fort are the Raja and Rani mahals or palaces. The Raja Mahal now serves as a museum, displaying bronze and stone artefacts. Also showcased here are models of the fort and the main temple. The erstwhile fort is home to a number of ancient temples that stand as a reminder of the glorious past of Chandragiri.

Also Read: 13 Beautiful Places Near Kolkata Within 150km Every Traveller Must Visit

Written By

Karan Kaushik

Karan Kaushik

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