Weekend Getaways from Chennai: Where to Go, by Distance
Chennai's weekends run south down the coast or west into the hills. The ECR to Pondicherry is the easiest drive out of any Indian metro, and the hill options start about four hours away.
Distances are approximate road distances from central Chennai.
Under 100 km: a Saturday out
- Mahabalipuram, about 55 km. Shore temple, rock carvings and beach resorts.
- Pulicat, about 60 km. Lagoon and birdlife, flamingos in winter.
- Kanchipuram, about 70 km. Temple town and silk weaving.
- Tada Falls, about 90 km. Gorge trek, best after the monsoon.
100 to 250 km: a two-night weekend
- Tirupati, about 135 km. Temple visit; darshan needs booking ahead.
- Vellore, about 140 km. The Golden Temple and the fort.
- Pondicherry, about 150 km. French quarter, cafes and Auroville.
- Yelagiri, about 230 km. Small, uncrowded hill station.
250 km and beyond: a long weekend
- Tranquebar, about 285 km. Danish fort town on the coast, very quiet.
- Hogenakkal, about 350 km. Falls and coracle rides on the Kaveri.
- Yercaud, about 360 km. Coffee hills, gentler than Kodaikanal.
When to go
| Season | What works |
|---|---|
| November to February | The best season. Cool, dry, and the right time for the coast. |
| March to June | Very hot. Head to Yelagiri or Yercaud, or travel at night. |
| July to September | Pleasant enough inland; the coast stays humid. |
| October to December | The northeast monsoon brings the heaviest rain. Coastal drives and Tada Falls are best avoided at its peak. |
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Planning notes
- The ECR is the scenic route to Pondicherry, the GST road the faster one.
- Tirupati darshan slots book up online well before travel; don't turn up expecting entry.
- Pondicherry's heritage hotels are small and fill up on weekends and long weekends.
- Tada Falls needs water to be worth the trek, so go after rain rather than in summer.
Frequently asked questions
What are the best weekend getaways from Chennai?
Mahabalipuram for a day, Pondicherry for two nights, and Yelagiri or Yercaud if you want hills.
Where can I go from Chennai within 100 km?
Mahabalipuram, Pulicat, Kanchipuram and Tada Falls.
Which hill station is closest to Chennai?
Yelagiri at about 230 km, followed by Yercaud at about 360 km.