Welcome to Weekend Getaways, a 10-part HorizonDesk series of short trips you can take from India's major cities with just a Friday night and two days. We start with Chennai, which is surrounded by beaches, temple towns and quiet hills.
1. Puducherry
Distance: about 150 km (3 to 3.5 hours by East Coast Road) · Best for: couples, friends, foodies
Stroll through the White Town's colourful French-era streets, cycle along the Promenade, visit Auroville and its Matrimandir viewing point, and end the day at a beachside cafe. Paradise Beach, reached by boat from Chunnambar, is a great half-day trip.
2. Mahabalipuram (Mamallapuram)
Distance: about 60 km (about 1.5 hours) · Best for: history lovers, families
A UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for the Shore Temple, Pancha Rathas and the giant open-air rock relief known as Arjuna's Penance. Combine it with seafood shacks and a sunset on the beach. It also works as a relaxed day trip.
3. Yelagiri
Distance: about 230 km (4 to 4.5 hours) · Best for: families, nature lovers
A small, peaceful hill station with 14 hairpin bends, boating on Punganoor Lake, short treks to Swamimalai Hill and paragliding in season. It is cooler than the plains and far less crowded than Ooty or Kodaikanal.
4. Kanchipuram
Distance: about 75 km (about 2 hours) · Best for: temple trails, shopping
The "city of a thousand temples", with the grand Ekambareswarar, Kailasanathar and Varadaraja Perumal temples. Do not leave without visiting a silk weaving centre to see how Kanchipuram silk sarees are made.
5. Pulicat
Distance: about 60 km (about 1.5 hours) · Best for: birdwatchers, photographers
A lagoon on the Tamil Nadu–Andhra border with a Dutch cemetery, quiet fishing villages and, in winter, flocks of flamingos and other migratory birds. Hire a local boat to explore the lake.
6. Tada (Ubbalamadugu) Falls
Distance: about 90 km (about 2 hours) · Best for: trekkers, young groups
A forest waterfall just across the Andhra border, reached by a short trek through the Sidhulaiah Kona area. Best after the monsoon, when the water flow is strong. Wear good shoes and start early.
Quick comparison
| Getaway | Approx. distance | Ideal trip | Vibe |
|---|---|---|---|
| Puducherry | 150 km | 2 days | Cafes, beaches, culture |
| Mahabalipuram | 60 km | 1 day or overnight | Heritage and beach |
| Yelagiri | 230 km | 2 days | Quiet hills |
| Kanchipuram | 75 km | 1 day | Temples and silk |
| Pulicat | 60 km | 1 day | Lagoon and birds |
| Tada Falls | 90 km | 1 day | Forest trek |
Tips
- Leave early on Saturday to beat ECR and city traffic.
- November to February is the most pleasant season for most of these places.
- Book Puducherry stays early for long weekends; prices rise sharply.
- Dress modestly for temple visits and check temple timings, which usually include an afternoon closure.
Weekend Getaways: the full series
- Part 1: From Chennai (you are here)
- Part 2: From Bengaluru
- Part 3: From Hyderabad
- Part 4: From Mumbai and Pune
- Part 5: From Delhi
- Part 6: From Kolkata
- Part 7: From Kochi
- Part 8: From Coimbatore and Madurai
- Part 9: From Ahmedabad
- Part 10: How to Plan a Budget Weekend Trip
Travel times, distances and prices are approximate and can change with season, traffic and local rules. Check weather, road conditions, entry permits and timings before you travel.
