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Top Road Trip Routes from Chennai for Weekend Getaways
Tamil Nadu’s vivacious capital, Chennai, has also developed from a city with a rich cultural legacy to one experiencing rapid industrial growth. It has also developed into a starting point for many of South India’s most picturesque and diverse travel destinations. In a city where there are plenty of opportunities to escape the daily grind, road trips are the ideal choice for weekend getaways. The main routes for an amazing weekend road trip from Chennai are shared ahead of time.
1. Chennai to Mahabalipuram
Distance: 60 km
Travel Time: 1.5 hours
Route: Chennai – East Coast Road (ECR) – Mahabalipuram
Mamallapuram, also known as Mahabalipuram, is a UNESCO World Heritage site that is well-known for its sculptures and rock-cut temples. The East Coast Road itself is a picturesque drive, with views of the Bay of Bengal on one side. To experience South Indian culture and heritage, make sure to stop by the Dakshina Chitra museum while you’re on your way. Don’t miss the Shore Temple, Arjuna’s Penance, and the Five Rathas when you visit Mahabalipuram. This seaside town is ideal for a laid-back weekend filled with historical exploration.
2. Chennai to Pondicherry
Distance: 150 km
Travel Time: 3 hours
Route: Chennai – East Coast Road (ECR) – Pondicherry
A road trip from Chennai to Puducherry, or as most people call Pondicherry, feels like traveling to a different planet. The streets, colonial architecture, and serene beaches of this former French colony are charming. There are multiple opportunities to pause and take in the breathtaking coastal scenery along the charming East Coast Road. You can see Auroville, visit Puducherry’s French Quarter, and relax at Promenade Beach. This weekend escape is unique due to the tranquility of the location and the lively cafe culture of the area.
3. Chennai to Yelagiri
Distance: 230 km
Travel Time: 4.5 hours
Route: Chennai – Vellore – Yelagiri
Yelagiri is a serene hill station in the district of Vellore. Yelagiri itself is a beautiful drive, with winding roads and verdant surroundings. Yelagiri’s pleasant climate makes it an ideal getaway from the heat of the city. The Punganoor Lake, the Nature Park, and the trekking-friendly Swamimalai Hills are additional points of interest. And don’t overlook the Jalagamparai Falls. With its serene setting and breathtaking scenery, it’s the ideal weekend getaway.
4. Chennai to Kanchipuram
Distance: 75 km
Travel Time: 1.5 hours
Route: Chennai – NH48 – Kanchipuram
A short drive from Chennai is the city of a thousand temples, Kanchipuram. For those who enjoy history and shopping, this city is a veritable paradise with its historic temples and silk sarees. The Ekambareswarar Temple, the Kailasanathar Temple, and the Varadharaja Perumal Temple are the locations that have to be seen. Don’t miss out on shopping for these exquisite items because it is also well-known for its handwoven silk sarees. Kanchipuram is a spiritually uplifting and culturally rich weekend getaway destination.
5. Chennai to Tirupati
Distance: 135 km
Travel Time: 3.5 hours
Route: Chennai – NH716 – Tirupati
Known for the Venkateswara Temple, Tirupati is a popular pilgrimage destination in India. One can have a spiritually enlightening experience on the easy drive to Tirupati. In addition to the main temple, there’s the Sri Kapileswara Swamy Temple, Chandragiri Fort, and Talakona Waterfalls. Tirupati is a rewarding weekend trip destination because of its serene atmosphere and religious significance.
6. Chennai to Vedanthangal
Distance: 85 km
Travel Time: 2 hours
Route: Chennai – NH32 – Vedanthangal
For those who love the outdoors, Vedanthangal Bird Sanctuary is a fantastic choice. Hundreds of migratory birds spend the season at this, one of the nation’s oldest sanctuaries. It’s a pleasant drive to Vedanthangal itself. The location provides a peaceful get-away from the city. Several species, such as storks, herons, and pelicans, are visible to birdwatchers. The best time to visit this location is from November through March, when all of the birds will be nesting there.
7. Chennai to Vellore
Distance: 140 km
Travel Time: 3 hours
Route: Chennai – NH48 – Vellore
The city of Vellore is rich in culture and history. One imagines picturesque roads and charming little towns along the way during the drive to Vellore. Visit the Vellore Fort, which has a church, a mosque, and a temple inside its walls that illustrate the city’s diverse cultural heritage. There is no need to introduce the Golden Temple in Sripuram with its magnificent architecture and meditative ambience. Vellore is ideal for a quick, enlightening trip and offers a sense of the rich heritage of the area.
8. Chennai to Nagalapuram
Distance: 85 km
Travel Time: 2 hours
Route: Chennai – NH16 – Nagalapuram
For those who are addicted to adventure, Nagalapuram is a hidden gem. The hiking trails and waterfalls in this small town are well-known. Nagalapuram is a short and simple drive away. Following your arrival, hike through verdant forests to reach Nagalapuram Falls. The breathtaking vistas and revitalizing waterfalls make the moderately difficult hike worthwhile. It’s the perfect weekend escape for some adventure.
9. Chennai to Pulicat
Distance: 55 km
Travel Time: 1.5 hours
Route: Chennai – NH16 – Pulicat
The town of Pulicat is an ancient seaside settlement that is home to India’s second-largest brackish water lagoon. Pulicat is only a short drive away, making it an ideal short getaway. The Pulicat Bird Sanctuary, a lighthouse, and the Dutch Cemetery are a few noteworthy sites of interest. At Pulicat Lake, boating provides a variety of experiences, including the possibility to see flamingos and other migratory birds. Pulicat will be a fascinating and calming place because of its history and serene surroundings.
10. Chennai to Kovalam (Covelong)
Distance: 40 km
Travel Time: 1 hour
Route: Chennai – East Coast Road (ECR) – Kovalam
Kovalam, which goes by Covelong, is a tiny fishing village. To get to this beach, take a quick drive through the ECR. Kovalam is well-known for its water sports, spotless beaches, and relaxed vibe. You can visit the Covelong Fort, learn to surf, or just relax on the beach here. Nearby, the Taj Fisherman’s Cove offers upscale dining and accommodations in a comfortable setting. Kovalam is the ideal location for a brief beach getaway from Chennai.
Conclusion
Whatever your interests—history, exploration, leisure, or spirituality—Chennai offers a wide range of stunning and diverse locations that make for ideal weekend road trip routes. Plan your next road trip with Sage GFX to ensure amazing experiences. In a few hours, you can leave town and travel into quaint countryside and cultural treasure troves. So pack your bags and get going.
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