Weekend getaways from Chennai

Best Weekend Getaways from Chennai

Chennai is a place known for it’s filtered coffee and long stretch beaches but these ain’t the only few things Chennai should be known as. The modern Chennai has luxe resorts, quirky cafes, swanky bars and clubs so much more to do on yours weekends. Speaking of weekends, Chennai is a place which is geographically tropical yet gorgeous, surrounded by Beaches and hills both at the same time. So one gets more than a hand full of options to choose from in terms of weekend getaways from Chennai, required to their choice, be it beach destination or hill-station.

 

1) Pondicherry

Pondicherry is such an urban city of the southern part of India. It’s mustard colored bougainvillea wrapped French villas and modern boutiques takes breathe away of every bohemian minded traveller. Speaking of Pondicherry also known as Puducherry has another famous thing apart from it’s buildings, Pondicherry Beach, also known as promenade beach. There are many other beaches in Puducherry to enjoy your evening, double the enjoyment by hiring a scooty or visiting a local french café along with freshly brewed coffee.

 

2) Kodaikanal

Kodaikanal is mostly referred as the “ Princess of hill station”, it is best visited during summer. This quaint hill-station is basically all in one destination for honeymoon trip, adventure packages or maybe for a nature loving relaxing trip. It is the most popular honeymoon destination hill station filled with budget and luxurious resorts in South India. This hill station is 7200 feet above from sea level and situated in upper Palani hills of the western-ghats near Madurai in Tamil Nadu.

Kodaikanal has a cool Misty weather along with scenic beauty of the rolling hills and wooden forests, row in the lake, taking bath in one of the splashing waterfalls or if you are a adventure junkie go for horse riding, cycling simply by the lake to fall in love with the nature.

 

3) Ooty

Ooty is originally a tribal land occupied by today. Ooty served as the summer capital of the Madras presidency and other small kingdoms. It’s Famous for it’s pleasant weather, Ooty lake, sightseeing places, toy train. Ooty is a world heritage site and a must place to explore. Taking a train ride in Ooty is magnificent, Train paths covering scenic curves with magnificent view to witness once in a lifetime.

 

4) Tirupati

Tirupati is the most popular ancient and sacred pilgrimage sites in India. Tirumala the home of Lord Venkateswara is at a distance of 22 km from Tirupathi. Tirupati offers majestic view and natural delight to all the devotees coming from all over the South and other parts of India.

Apart from Lord venkateswara temple in Tirumala, Varahaswami temple, goddess Padmavati, Govindaraja temple, Srinivasa Mangapuram, Avanaksharma temple, ISKCON Lord Krishna temple etc. Chandragiri fort, Kanipakam Srikalahasti and Talakona falls are the famous tourist attractions in Tirupati.

 

5) Mysore

Mysore is the most historically royal, glittering city with magnificently done architecture monuments and buildings. The world heritage listed Mysore palace brings most of the travellers here. This city is historically rich and filled with various spice stores and pop up stalls of food. Ashtanga yoga is another drawcard and there are several acclaimed school which attracts most of the visitors after Mysore palace.

 

6) Yercaud

Yercaud town got it’s name from Yercaud lake by which the whole town is surrounded around. Yeri means lake and Kaadu means forest. Some of the greatest place to visit in Yercaud is emerald lake, Anna park, lady’s seat. Shervaroy temple, small lake, bear’s point, Pagoda point, Killiyur falls and botanical garden. It is a picturesque hill station on the Eastern-ghats appropriate for trekking lovers and adventure seekers. In Yercaud majority of place has coffee plantation and orange, jackfruit, guava cardamom, black paper in the local region are easily witnessed.

 

7) Horsley Hills

Horsley hills is a summer retreat destination with plenty bungalows and homestays to stay at. The major spots of Horsley is lake Gangotri, view points, Gali Banda, environmental park and Horsley museum. This destination also offers adventure sports and trekking like other listed destination above. The most interesting fact of Horsley is the weather is very pleasant all round the year though the peak season is mostly from February to may but one can see tourist through out the year in Horsley hills.

 

8) Tharangambadi

Tharangambadi is also known as Tranquebar by natives of southern India. If you are some one who likes his own coffee a book and a peaceful environment to recharge yourself then this place is going to be your favorite soon. Se yourself in a former Danish colony with long Sandy Beach along with delicious, fresh fish of your choice right from the fishing boats. In local language Tharangambadi means singing waves, it’s beaches will prove it’s significance in every waves for sure.

 

9) Yelagiri

Yelagiri is the highest point of Swamimalai hill, at 4338 ft with spectacular view and famous among trekkers since it has large number of trekking trails through the forest. The Punganur lake is a man-made lake and one of the popular attractions of the region. Paragliding is another strong reason for tourist attraction.

Jalagamparai waterfall and nature park are the 2nd attraction. During summer Yelagiri hosts a festival organized by Tamil Nadu tourism department. Pop up stall from different departments, flower show, cultural programs and even one dog show is held every year in May people from different state can easily participate in this festival. It is nothing but to increase the number of tourist in this place in an unique way.

 

By Sriparna Baidya

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