Chennai is the bustling metropolis on the southeastern coast of India and it is not just a city but a gateway to numerous beautiful destinations waiting to be explored. If you’re seeking a quick escape from the city’s hustle and bustle there are several delightful places near Chennai for one day trip that make for perfect one-day trip. In this guide, we’ll take you on a tour of these destinations by providing all the essential information you need to plan your day trip effectively.
Mahabalipuram Best Near Place Chennai For One Day Trip
Mahabalipuram best places near Chennai for one day trip is also known as Mamallapuram and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its ancient rock-cut temples, intricately carved sculptures and the iconic Shore Temple overlooking the Bay of Bengal.
Location: Mahabalipuram, Kanchipuram District, Tamil Nadu, India.
How to Get Here: Mahabalipuram is approximately 58 km away from Chennai and can be reached by car or bus only taking around 1.5 to 2 hours.
Best Time to Visit: The best time to visit Mahabalipuram is from November to February when the weather is pleasant.
Minimum Cost per Day: ₹500 – ₹1000.
Accommodations: There are budget-friendly guesthouses and resorts in Mahabalipuram. It’s advisable to book in advance, especially during weekends and holidays.
Things to Do or See: Explore the Shore Temple, Arjuna’s Penance, Five Rathas and relax on the pristine Mahabalipuram Beach.
Kanchipuram Best Near Place Chennai For One Day Trip
Known as the City of Thousand Temples Kanchipuram best places near Chennai for one day trip is one of the seven Moksha-puris in India and is revered for its temples, silk sarees and vibrant culture.
Location: Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu, India.
How to Get Here: Kanchipuram is around 75 km away from Chennai and accessible by bus or taxi. The journey takes approximately 2 hours.
Best Time to Visit: Visit Kanchipuram during the winter months, from November to February, for a pleasant experience.
Minimum Cost per Day: ₹500 – ₹1000.
Accommodations: Kanchipuram offers various budget and mid-range hotels. It’s advisable to book accommodation in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons.
Things to Do or See: Explore the Ekambareswarar Temple, Kailasanathar Temple, Varadharaja Perumal Temple, and shop for exquisite Kanchipuram silk sarees.
Pondicherry (Puducherry) Best Near Place Chennai For One Day Trip
Pondicherry best places near Chennai for one day trip also known as Puducherry is a charming coastal town known for its French colonial architecture, serene beaches and spiritual atmosphere.
Location: Puducherry, Tamil Nadu, India.
How to Get Here: Pondicherry is approximately 170 km away from Chennai. The most convenient way to reach Pondicherry is by bus or car, which takes around 3 to 4 hours.
Best Time to Visit: Visit Pondicherry during the winter months, from October to March, to enjoy pleasant weather.
Minimum Cost per Day: ₹1000 – ₹2000.
Accommodations: Pondicherry offers a range of accommodations, including budget guesthouses, boutique hotels, and beach resorts.
Things to Do or See: Explore the French Quarter, Auroville, Sri Aurobindo Ashram, Promenade Beach and indulge in French cuisine at local cafes.
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Vedanthangal Bird Sanctuary Best Near Place Chennai For One Day Trip
Vedanthangal Bird Sanctuary best places near Chennai for one day trip is one of the oldest bird sanctuaries in India, home to migratory birds like herons, egrets and pelicans making it a paradise for birdwatchers.
Location: Vedanthangal, Kanchipuram District, Tamil Nadu, India.
How to Get Here: Vedanthangal is approximately 82 km away from Chennai. It’s accessible by car or bus, taking around 2 hours.
Best Time to Visit: The best time to visit Vedanthangal is from November to February when migratory birds are abundant.
Minimum Cost per Day: ₹300 – ₹500 (excluding travel expenses).
Accommodations: While there are no accommodations within the sanctuary, you can find budget hotels in nearby towns like Chengalpattu.
Things to Do or See: Birdwatching, photography, and exploring the serene surroundings of the sanctuary.
VGP Universal Kingdom Best Near Place Chennai For One Day Trip
VGP Universal Kingdom best places near Chennai for one day trip is a popular amusement park in Chennai offering thrilling rides, water slides, entertainment shows and a vibrant carnival atmosphere.
Location: East Coast Road (ECR), Injambakkam, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India.
How to Get Here: VGP Universal Kingdom is approximately 20 km away from Chennai. It can be reached by car or taxi, taking around 45 minutes to 1 hour.
Best Time to Visit: Visit on weekends or during holidays for a lively atmosphere and special events.
Minimum Cost per Day: ₹1000 – ₹1500 (including entry fees and rides).
Accommodations: While there are no accommodations within the park, Chennai offers a wide range of hotels for travelers.
Things to Do or See: Enjoy thrilling rides, explore the Water Park, attend live shows, and indulge in delicious snacks at the carnival area.
Kovalam Beach Best Near Place Chennai For One Day Trip
Kovalam Beach best places near Chennai for one day trip is a beautiful and less crowded beach near Chennai, known for its golden sands, clear waters and picturesque surroundings.
Location: Kovalam, East Coast Road (ECR), Tamil Nadu, India.
How to Get Here: Kovalam Beach is approximately 40 km away from Chennai. It can be reached by car or bus, taking around 1 to 1.5 hours.
Best Time to Visit: Visit during the early morning or evening to enjoy the calm atmosphere and beautiful sunrise or sunset views.
Minimum Cost per Day: ₹300 – ₹500.
Accommodations: While there are no accommodations directly on the beach, there are resorts and guesthouses nearby for overnight stays.
Things to Do or See: Relax on the beach, take a dip in the sea, enjoy beachside snacks, and capture scenic photographs.
Covelong Beach Best Near Place Chennai For One Day Trip
Covelong Beach best places near Chennai for one day trip is also known as Kovalam Beach and it is a pristine stretch of coastline offering water sports, beachfront resorts, and a tranquil ambiance.
Location: Covelong (Kovalam), East Coast Road (ECR), Tamil Nadu, India.
How to Get Here: Covelong Beach is approximately 40 km away from Chennai and can be reached by car or bus, taking around 1 to 1.5 hours.
Best Time to Visit: Visit during the winter months, from November to February, for pleasant weather and ideal conditions for water sports.
Minimum Cost per Day: ₹500 – ₹1000 (excluding travel expenses and water sports activities).
Accommodations: Covelong Beach offers beach resorts and hotels with scenic views of the sea.
Things to Do or See: Enjoy water sports like windsurfing and jet skiing, relax on the beach, and savor seafood delicacies at beachside shacks.
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Crocodile Bank Best Near Place Chennai For One Day Trip
The Madras Crocodile Bank Trust and Centre for Herpetology also commonly known as Crocodile Bank best places near Chennai for one day trip is a reptile zoo and research center that has various species of crocodiles and other reptiles.
Location: Vadanemmeli, near Mamallapuram, Tamil Nadu, India.
How to Get Here: Crocodile Bank is approximately 44 km away from Chennai. It can be reached by car or bus, taking around 1.5 to 2 hours.
Best Time to Visit: Visit during the morning hours to catch the feeding sessions and learn about reptiles from expert guides.
Minimum Cost per Day: ₹200 – ₹300 (excluding travel expenses and guided tours).
Accommodations: While there are no accommodations within the Crocodile Bank, you can find hotels and resorts in nearby towns.
Things to Do or See: Explore the various enclosures, attend educational talks, and witness thrilling feeding sessions of crocodiles.
Muttukadu Boat House Best Near Place Chennai For One Day Trip
Muttukadu Boat House best places near Chennai for one day trip is a picturesque spot offering boating, water sports and serene backwaters making it an ideal destination for nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts.
Location: Muttukadu, East Coast Road (ECR), Tamil Nadu, India.
How to Get Here: Muttukadu Boat House is approximately 35 km away from Chennai. It can be reached by car or bus, taking around 1 to 1.5 hours.
Best Time to Visit: Visit during the morning or evening hours to enjoy pleasant weather and a peaceful boating experience.
Minimum Cost per Day: ₹500 – ₹1000 (excluding travel expenses and boating charges).
Accommodations: While there are no accommodations at the boat house, there are resorts and guesthouses nearby for overnight stays.
Things to Do or See: Enjoy boating, kayaking, jet skiing, and explore the scenic backwaters of Muttukadu.
Pulicat Lake and Bird Sanctuary Best Near Place Chennai For One Day Trip
Pulicat Lake best places near Chennai for one day trip is the second largest lagoon in India and is home to a diverse range of migratory birds making it a paradise for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts.
Location: Pulicat, Tamil Nadu, India.
How to Get Here: Pulicat Lake is approximately 60 km away from Chennai. It can be reached by car or bus, taking around 1.5 to 2 hours.
Best Time to Visit: Visit during the winter months, from November to February, when migratory birds are abundant.
Minimum Cost per Day: ₹500 – ₹1000 excluding travel expenses.
Accommodations: While there are limited accommodations near Pulicat Lake, you can find resorts and hotels in nearby towns like Sulurpet.
Things to Do or See: Birdwatching, boat rides in the lake, explore the nearby Dutch Fort and enjoy the serene ambiance of the lake.
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Conclusion
Chennai and its nearby areas offer a diverse range of options for one-day trips, catering to various interests and preferences. Whether you’re interested in exploring historical sites, relaxing on pristine beaches, indulging in water sports or immersing yourself in nature these destinations provide a perfect escape from the city’s hustle and bustle. Plan your day trips wisely, consider the weather and enjoy the beauty and tranquility these places near Chennai have to offer.
Places Near Chennai for One Day Trip helpful FAQ number wise
How far are these places from Chennai?
The distances vary but on average, these places are between 40 to 170 km away from Chennai. For example, Mahabalipuram is approximately 58 km away and Pondicherry is around 170 km away.
What is the best way to reach these destinations from Chennai?
The best way to reach these destinations is by car or bus. Most of these places are accessible via well-maintained roads. For those without personal transport, there are also tour operators and buses that offer day trip packages.
Are there any accommodations available for overnight stays?
While most of these places are suitable for day trips accommodations are available near places like Mahabalipuram, Pondicherry and Covelong Beach for those who wish to extend their stay.
What activities can visitors enjoy at these destinations?
Visitors can enjoy a variety of activities such as sightseeing, exploring historical monuments, beach activities, water sports, birdwatching, amusement park rides and cultural experiences in places like Kanchipuram and Pondicherry.
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