3 Day Trips from Chennai

Known For : Green Valley View (Suicide Point) Kodaikanal Lake Bear Shola Falls

Located in the state of Tamil Nadu, Kodaikanal is one of the most famous honeymoon destinations in India. When you think of Kodaikanal, you think of a wonderful climate, cliffs covered in mist, cloud-capped mountains and beautiful lakes and valleys, and once you visit this hill station, you will find that every bit of what you have imagined it to be is true. Nestled amidst the rolling slopes of the Palani Hills in Tamil Nadu, Kodaikanal stands at an altitude of 7200 feet above sea level and has a cool, pleasant climate all year round. Kodaikanal means the gift of the forests.

Distance from Chennai: 524 km

Best Time: September to May

35 Kodaikanal Attractions

Known For : Cubbon Park Lalbagh Bangalore Palace

Having evolved gradually from being the Garden city to the Silicon Valley of India, Bangalore is India's third-largest city. Bangalore is loved for its pleasant weather, beautiful parks and lakes all around the town. When in Bangalore, one can choose to take a long, stroll through the greenery of Cubbon Park, shop in many modern malls or street side markets or hop into one of the several acclaimed craft breweries in the city for a cold and refreshing drink.

Distance from Chennai: 345 km

Best Time: Throughout the year

104 Bangalore Attractions

Known For : Mysore Palace Brindavan Gardens Mysore Zoo

Famously known as The City of Palaces, it wouldn’t be wrong to say that Mysore is one of the most flamboyant places in the country. It is replete with the history of its dazzling royal heritage, intricate architecture, its famed silk sarees, yoga, and sandalwood, to name just a few. Located in the foothills of the Chamundi Hills, Mysore is the third most populated city in the state of Karnataka, and its rich cultural heritage draws millions of tourists all year round.

Distance from Chennai: 480 km

Best Time: Throughout the year

36 Mysore Attractions

Known For : Yaganti Belum Caves Rollapadu Wildlife Sanctuary

A place of much historical value with beautiful surrounding areas, Kurnool, is a small town in Andhra Pradesh where much of history left its imprints. The city also is known as The Gateway of Rayalaseema. Kurnool has in its domain remains of the palace of Gopal Raju (the last Hindu king), ruins of a medieval fort built by Vijaynagar Empire having ancient Persian and Arabic inscriptions and the summer palace built by Kurnool rulers during the 16th century.

Distance from Chennai: 471 km

Best Time: December to February

30 Kurnool Attractions

Known For : Tipu's Drop Bhoga Nandeeshwara Temple Tipu's Summer Residence

It is often said that 'the best places are off the beaten path', and Nandi Hills is a clear testimony to that. Located around 60 kilometres away from Bangalore, Nandi Hills is one such tourist spot that has gradually been discovered by visitors over the years, and has now become a well-known weekend getaway. Situated at a height of 4851 feet above sea level, you can see convoy of weekenders from Bangalore during early hours catching the glimpse of sunrise.

Distance from Chennai: 345 km

Best Time: October to June

12 Nandi Hills Attractions

Known For : Brihadeeswara Temple Saraswathi Mahal Library Shiva Ganga Garden

Also known as Tanjore or the city of temples, Thanjavur has a lot of cultural value and is known for its famous Tanjore paintings, antiques and handicrafts, textiles and saris , its Carnatic music and musical instruments and of course the temples. Thanjavur enjoys a rich historical heritage and holds a very important position in the moulding of ancient as well modern south Indian civilization. Being of religious importance, this place is a must for all pilgrims. There are many religious places in and around the district.

Distance from Chennai: 346 km

Best Time: October to March

15 Thanjevur Attractions

Endearingly known as the ‘Grand Canyon of India’, Gandikota is a twee village in Kadapa district of Andhra Pradesh. Flanked by River Pennar on the right side, the village is popular for the spectacular gorges formed by the river cutting through Erramala Hills. The narrow valleys with streams running between them and the steep rocky walls to give them company remind one of the renowned Grand Canyon in Arizona. It required a walk of almost a kilometre from the main gate to reach the boulder from where you can observe the mesmerising view from the viewpoint near the fort.

Distance from Chennai: 363 km

Best Time: November to February

Known For : Madurai Meenakshi Amman Temple Thirumalai Nayakar Mahal Vaigai Dam

Madurai, the cultural capital of Tamil Nadu, is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities of India. Ruled by Pandya kings for the longest time in its history, Madurai is constructed in the form of a lotus. Madurai is known for Meenakshi Amman Temple, dedicated to the goddess Meenakshi with a sanctum for her consort, Sundareshwarar. There are many other ancient temples in Madurai, including Thiruparankundram. It is one of the important old temples dedicated to Lord Muruga(Karthikeya) and is located on a hillock approximately 8 km from the city.

Distance from Chennai: 461 km

Best Time: October to March

20 Madurai Attractions

Known For : Hogenakkal Falls Mettur Dam Melagiri Hills

Hogenakkal is a waterfall located in Dharmapuri district of Tamil Nadu where the Kaveri river splits into multiple streams of waterfalls. Located at a distance of 180 km from Bangalore, Hogenakkal has water throughout the year. The carbonite rocks, the coracle (basket boat) rides, freshwater fish, oil massages by locals make it a perfect one day trip or a weekend getaway from Bangalore.

Distance from Chennai: 341 km

Best Time: October to March

9 Hogenakkal Attractions

Known For : Emerald Lake, Yercaud Pagoda Point Botanical Garden, Yercaud

Nestled in the Shivaroy Hills of Tamil Nadu, Yercaud is a tranquil hill station in the Eastern Ghats steeped in abundant greenery. Commonly called ‘Ooty of the Poor’, this region has a history dating back to the time of the British. Located at an altitude of 4970 feet, Yercaud is known for its vast expanses of coffee plantations. A paradise for nature lovers, this quaint town is an ideal place to experience nature at its enchanting best.

Distance from Chennai: 364 km

Best Time: October to June

20 Yercaud Attractions

Known For : Vydehi Falls Adiyogi Shiva Statue Kovai Kondattam

One of the largest cities of Tamil Nadu, Coimbatore is a major hub for industry, textiles, and manufacturing, and is also the gateway to several other tourist destinations in South India. However, there is a lot more to Coimbatore than just that. From ancient temples to classy new buildings, from breathtaking mountains to jaw-dropping waterfalls, from a mouth-watering cuisine to pleasant weather all year round, Coimbatore has everything you could possibly need to make for a perfect holiday experience.

Distance from Chennai: 504 km

Best Time: September to March

27 Coimbatore Attractions

Known For : Amareswara Temple, Amaravathi Amravati Museum, Amaravathi Dhyana Buddha Statue

Known as the Capital of Andhra Pradesh, Amaravathi is a planned city on the banks of the River Krishna. Located 32 kilometres north of Guntur District, the city is a prime hub of pilgrimage and sightseeing. Amaravathi is renowned for being a site of a Buddhist Stupa that is a semi-hemispherical structure containing Buddhist relics and often called the Abode of God. The original structure was established during the reign of Emperor Ashoka which is now a meditation site in the city.

Distance from Chennai: 451 km

Best Time: November to March

4 Amaravathi Attractions

Known For : The Borra Hills and Caves Araku Tribal Museum Musi River

Set amid the Eastern Ghats, Ananthagiri Hills is a beautiful retreat 90km away from Hyderabad city. One of the earliest human habitat areas, Ananthagiri is a hill town of ancient caves, temples, medieval fort palaces that showcases the history of the area. The place offers some of the best trekking trails and thus serves as a trekker's paradise. Breathtakingly gorgeous and absolutely scintillating, the town oozes out charm mixed with the whiff of coffee aroma and beauty of exotic flora. With romanticism in every aspect of the region, it is a perfect place for honeymooners as well as family vacationers.

Distance from Chennai: 874 km

Best Time: October to March

10 Ananthagiri Attractions

Known For : Veerabhadra Temple Lepakshi Temple Nandi Bull and Paintings

Lepakshi is a small quaint village with a trail of several great kingdoms that once ruled the area. Located in the Anantpur district of Andhra Pradesh, Lepakshi is located at a distance of 120 km from Bangalore making it a great choice for one day trip. Founded in 1535 AD by Maharaja Aliya Rama Raya of the Vijayanagara empire, Lepakshi is a trove of several fascinating archaeological sites, beautiful ancient temples and rich culture.

Distance from Chennai: 398 km

Best Time: September to February

4 Lepakshi Attractions

Known For : BRT Wildlife Sanctuary Biligiri Rangaswamy Temple Adventure Activities

The Biligiriranga hills, or the BR Hill as they are better known, are a bit of heaven between the Western and the Eastern Ghats, with a wonderful floral diversity and a vast variety of fauna as well. Its rich natural beauty is home to a number of exotic animals and birds, and one can spend the most enjoyable times here spotting these. The places which you must visit while here are the Dodda Sampide Mara which means big Champak tree and is a spiritual site which holds a thousand year old tree, Biligiri Rangaswamy temple, a coffee estate and BRT wildlife sanctuary.

Distance from Chennai: 486 km

Best Time: April to October

5 BR Hills Attractions

Known For : Manginapudi Beach Panduranga Swamy Temple The Lighthouse

The port town of Machelipatnam nestled on the banks of River Krishna is one of the most popular tourist attractions of South India. Steeped in rich historical past, the town still reflects the footprint of several foreign invaders in the country. In fact, Machelipatnam is believed to be one of the first colonial settlements of the British along Coromondal Coast in Indian Subcontinent. Once served as a prominent port town, it later changed hands with several invaders including British, Arab, French and Dutch.

Distance from Chennai: 523 km

Best Time: October to March

10 Machelipatnam Attractions

Known For : Bhavani Island Kanaka Durga Temple Undavalli Caves

Nestled on the banks of River Krishna in the state of Andhra Pradesh, Vijayawada is the second-largest populated city in the state. Known as the ‘commercial, political and media capital of Andhra Pradesh’, the city is one of the most rapidly growing urban cities in India. Covered by hills and canals, Vijayawada is also home to numerous caves and rock-cut temples carved out of these caves.

Distance from Chennai: 456 km

Best Time: September to March

25 Vijayawada Attractions

Known For : Nagarjuna Sagar Dam and Ethipothala Falls Kondaveedu Uppalapadu Nature Conservation

Known as the Land of Chillies, Guntur is famous for its massive chilli market yard in Asia. It is the third most populous town in Andhra Pradesh located at a distance of 30kms from the newly coined capital Amaravathi. With a busy industrial scenario, Guntur forms part of the prominent Vishakhapatnam-Guntur Industrial corridor. It is also renowned as a textile and transport hub in India. Once home to numerous great dynasties, the city also takes credit in housing the only Buddhist pilgrimage site in South India - the Nagarjunakonda, and the captivating relics of Amravati Caves.

Distance from Chennai: 418 km

Best Time: October to March

13 Guntur Attractions

Known For : Ahobilam Temple ISKCON Temple, Anantapur Bugga Ramalingeswara Swami Temple

Anantapuram is the headquarters of Anantapur District in the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh. Anantapuram is not a cosmopolitan city. Neither is it a village. It is one of those towns in transition, that is at the confluence of the past and the future. Anantapuram reverberates with flashes of India's glorious history and the true ethnic traditions and values of India. Interestingly, Anantapur receives the second-lowest rainfall in India.

Distance from Chennai: 489 km

Best Time: November to February

12 Anantapur Attractions

A treasure trove of ancient Dravidian temples, Tiruchirappalli is also known as Trichy, is one of the largest cities in Tamil Nadu. Commonly known as Trichy, it lies 320 kilometres away from the state capital of Chennai. Located on the banks of Cauvery River, this city is an effortless blend of old and new. The oldest living city of Tamil Nadu, Tiruchirappalli has a history dating back to the 3rd century BC. The historic site of Rockfort is the main highlight of this region. Packed with cave temples, it is the most beautiful example of temple architecture.

Distance from Chennai: 330 km

Tumkur is a city located on the hills of Devarayadurga, in the southern state of Karnataka. It is situated at a distance of 69 kilometres from Bangalore. Tumkur is widely appreciated as an educational paradise due to its several prestigious educational institutes, and also relies on its growing manufacturing, agricultural and tourism industries.

Distance from Chennai: 423 km

Best Time: November to March

Known For : Cauvery Fishing Camp Doddamakali Nature Camp Boat Rides in Bheemeshwari

Bheemeshwari, a small town in Karnataka's Mandya district, is popular as a paradise for fishing enthusiasts as it is home to the Mahseer fishes - one of the finest game fish in the world. The tranquil site is the perfect getaway for a short trip from Bangalore, one that is close to nature. Due to its proximity with the Cauvery River and its extensive forest cover with a variety of flora and fauna, Bheemeshwari is visited by adventure enthusiasts for boating, adventure camps, trekking up the hills and bird watching.

Distance from Chennai: 418 km

Best Time: Throughout the year

8 Bheemeshwari Attractions