There are various best places to visit near Chennai that are worth considering. The circuit of Chennai, Kanchipuram, and Mammallapuram is usually regarded as the Golden Triangle of Tamil Nadu. These destinations are undoubtedly visited as regular day tours from Chennai.
If you’ve heard about the perks of going to these places, you might know how much fun you can do here. Different places near this city have amazing perks and activities to do that take the experience of tourists to the next level.
Today, we’ve curated a top-notch list of the best places to visit near Chennai that can incredibly serve as an ideal getaway, especially during the monsoon season. So, let’s get started!
Vellore
Vellore is an ancient city in India that is situated along the Palar River’s river banks. In the past, it has been ruled by different royal dynasties. People love to visit this destination due to the culture, old traditions, and customers it has. Comprising oodles of historical monuments and pilgrimage sites, this region accounts for the most highly sought-after tourist spots of Nadu. Even today, the city contains numerous forts, temples, an observatory, as well as a big zoological park. Apart from being one of the awe-inspiring cultural hubs, this city is also popular for its incredible shopping activities. This means that you can also shop a lot here while roaming around.
Kanchipuram
Also called the Golden City of Temples, Kanchipuram is one of the most crucial Hindu pilgrimage spots in the whole world. No doubt, this is the jewel of Tamil Nadu as it perfectly offers respite to the amazing spiritual souls with the gorgeous temples that are famous for their great architectural splendor. In addition, it is also referred to as the second biggest and holiest city, right after Varanasi. Therefore, thousands of tourists come to this city to seek spiritual bliss and solace. You can pick this option if you’re looking for a place that has the best accommodations and luxurious hotels.
Arignar Anna Zoological Park
Another worthwhile option on our list of best tourist places near Chennai within 100 km is the Arignar Anna Zoological Park, which is perfect for 1-day trips. This is home to a huge variety of fauna and flora in the region. Plus, there are more than 138 distinct organism species you can explore here. Being the biggest zoo in Southeast Asia, it is a very famous picnic spot, too. In a nutshell, this is a must-visit destination for every kind of nature lover. In this spot, different safari rides are also offered, including gaur safari, deer safari, elephant safari, and lion safari.
Nandi Hills
Are you a crazy lover of green high hills? If yes, Nandi Hills can be your final destination to pick for your vacation. If you are searching for some peace and having a fun day filled with thrilling activities, this is the right spot. You can get engaged in biking, trekking, camping, cycling, and whatnot – it has this all! Not only this, but you’ll also be able to enjoy the beautiful sunrise and sunset views for ultimate fun. And believe me, this place will incredibly wrap you up in its scenic views and welcoming beauty. Here, you can easily stay at reputable hotels for a comfortable stay, like Mount Palazzo and KSTDC Hotel Mayura Pine. The best part is that it is only 350km away from Chennai, so you can simply get there through a taxi or bus.
Yercaud
Yercaud is also among the best places to visit near Chennai and for a good reason. When you’re here, you can escape into the range of fauna and flora of this little sleepy getaway. Here, you can catch fascinating views of the town and relish some natural gems of this place, including Lady’s Seat, Rose Garden, Anna Park, Kottachdu Teak Forest, Deer Park, Silk Farm, Bears Cave, Kiliyur Waterfalls, and much more. All in all, the lake in Yercaud, which is incredibly surrounded by woods and fresh gardens, is something you should never miss. What’s more, during your stay, you can also relish some high-end activities, like sightseeing, camping, and trekking in the hills while discovering little natural treasures.
Talakona Waterfalls
49 km away from Bakarapet, Talakona Waterfalls is a stunning spot to fall deep into the valley efficiently from a height of almost 270 feet. And this makes it one of the highest, most loved waterfalls in Andhra Pradesh. You’ll also find it the highly well-known waterfall near Bangalore. Moreover, this waterfall area is placed amidst the forest, completely surrounded by greenery and natural beauty all around. It is also believed that Talakona Falls’ water is enriched with the healing powers of herbs. In this forest, tourists can find various endangered species, such as cheetah, Indian giant squirrel, sambar, golden gecko, porcupine, mouse deer, panther, slender loris, etc.
Coorg
Known as India’s Scotland, this fantastic location has so much to offer, from natural beauty to engaging activities and yummy cuisine. The Coorgi Chicken curry, in fact, is like delicious, heavenly food on the amazing taste palette, and the historians literally find fuel over here. The best time to go to this destination is from September to May. The perfect things you can do in this place are trekking to Tadianamol Peak, Mallalli Falls, Raja’s Seat, Talakaveri Temple, and Iruppu Falls. Overall, one will find it one of the places to visit near Chennai for weekend.
Conclusion
That’s all about the tourist places near Chennai within 200 kms and 300 kms! Plan your weekend enjoyment journey to fit in some great and best places to visit near Chennai. If you are searching for some short destinations to escape from the busy city life, the spots on our list can be the best bet to start with. Above all, they’re an excellent combination of architecture, leisure, fun, and history.