Mahabalipuram
- Travel time: 1.5 hours
- Distance: 60 km
- Famous for its temples and UNESCO World Heritage site
One of the top places to visit near Chennai is Mahabalipuram.
This coastal town is famous for its ancient rock-cut temples and monuments.
Some must-visit attractions in Mahabalipuram include the Shore Temple, Pancha Rathas, and the serene Mahabalipuram Beach.
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Pondicherry (Puducherry)
- Travel time: 3 hours
- Distance: 160 km
- Known for its French architecture and serene beaches
The charming town of Pondicherry.
Also known as Puducherry, this former French colony boasts a unique blend of Indian and French cultures.
Visitors can explore the French Quarter, visit the experimental township of Auroville, and unwind at the picturesque Paradise Beach.
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Kanchipuram
- Travel time: 1.5 hours
- Distance: 75 km
- Renowned for its temples and silk sarees
Kanchipuram is a historical city renowned for its temples and silk sarees.
Some of the must-visit temples in Kanchipuram include the Kamakshi Amman Temple, Kanchi Kudil, and Ekambareswarar Temple.
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Vellore
- Travel time: 2.5 hours
- Distance: 140 km
- Home to the historical Vellore Fort and Golden Temple
The city is home to the imposing Vellore Fort, a 16th-century fortress known for its architectural grandeur.
Visitors can also explore the Golden Temple (Sripuram), a spiritual complex adorned with intricate gold work.
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Yelagiri
- Travel time: 5 hours
- Distance: 230 km
- A hill station known for its pleasant climate and trekking spots
Hill station known for its lush greenery and scenic beauty.
Some of the top attractions in Yelagiri include Punganur Lake, Jalagamparai Waterfalls, and the challenging trek to Swamimalai Hills.
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Tirupati
- Travel time: Around 3.5 to 4 hours
- Distance: Approximately 130 km
- Sri Venkateswara Temple
For a spiritual getaway near Chennai, Tirupati is an ideal destination .
This pilgrimage town is famous for the Sri Venkateswara Temple, one of the richest and most visited temples in the world.
Visitors can also explore the majestic Talakona Waterfalls and the serene Deer Park.
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Pulicat Lake
- Travel time: 2 hours
- Distance: 55 km
- Ideal for bird watching and boat rides
Pulicat Lake is a haven for bird watchers, with over 100 different species of birds calling the lake home.
From majestic flamingos to graceful pelicans, the lake is teeming with avian life throughout the year.Â
The best time for bird watching at Pulicat Lake is during the winter months when migratory birds flock to the area in search of warmer climates.
Also Read : Â Â Budget-Friendly Places in Chennai
