Places to Visit near Chennai Within 500 kms

Known For : Paradise Beach, Pondicherry Aurobindo Ashram Auroville

Puducherry was the largest French colony in India and the French influence on the city can still be seen.

Distance from Chennai: 151 km

Best Time: October to March

48 Pondicherry Attractions

Known For : Lalbagh Cubbon Park Bangalore Palace

Having evolved gradually from being the Garden city to the Silicon Valley of India, Bengaluru is India's third largest city. It is one of the most sought after destinations for travel and livelihood in the country.

Distance from Chennai: 345 km

Best Time: Throughout the year

107 Bangalore Attractions

Known For : Mysore Palace Brindavan Gardens Mysore Zoo

The third largest city in Karnataka, Mysore has a royal history, a rich and regal heritage and an important center of art and culture.

Distance from Chennai: 480 km

Best Time: Throughout the year

36 Mysore Attractions

Known For : Hogenakkal Falls Mettur Dam Melagiri Hills

Hogenakkal is the small village that is known because of Kaveri river that splits into multiple streams of waterfalls over here, making it arguably the most heavenly place in the state.

Distance from Chennai: 341 km

Best Time: October to March

9 Hogenakkal Attractions

Bellikkal is one of those places where you can completely relax, without having to worry about a 'to-do' list for your vacations and yet experience mountains that will steal your breath away.

Distance from Chennai: 566 km

Best Time: Throughout the year

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

Madurai is one of the oldest cities of India and was ruled by Pandya kings over most of its history. The city is constructed in the form of a lotus and is known as lotus city too.

Distance from Chennai: 461 km

Best Time: October to March

20 Madurai Attractions

Known For : Shore Temple Mahabalipuram Beach Five Rathas

Famous for its intricately carved temples and rock-cut caves, Mahabalipuram also offers beautiful white sand beaches and an exotic shopping experience to the tourists.

Distance from Chennai: 52 km

Best Time: November to February

23 Mahabalipuram Attractions

Perched at an altitude of 1930 m above the sea level, Mullayanagiri peak is located in the Baba Budan Giri Range of Western Ghats. It serves as the highest peak between the Nilgiris and the Himalayas offering its visitors a relaxed environment with temperature ranging between 20 - 25 degrees Celsius. Known for its peaceful ambience and nature's raw beauty, this peak is adorned with verdant grassland, rugged rocks, and a good trek path.

Distance from Chennai: 617 km

The Silent Valley National Park, with its lush green forests and beautiful views of the rich flora and fauna, is a popular destination for nature as well as wildlife lovers all across the globe. Spread across an area of 89 square kilometres, the Silent Valley National Park is located in the Kundali Hills of the Western Ghats in Kerala in southern India. 

Distance from Chennai: 640 km

Known For : Kamakshi Amman Temple Varadharaja Perumal Temple Devarajaswami Temple

Widely known for its 'Kanchipuram sarees' and also referred to as the 'golden city of thousand temples', Kanchipuram has various temples of religious and cultural importance spread all over the city.

Distance from Chennai: 72 km

Best Time: October to May

16 Kanchipuram 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, its Carnatic music and musical instruments and of course the temples.

Distance from Chennai: 346 km

Best Time: October to March

15 Thanjevur Attractions

Located in the picturesque state of Karnataka, the Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary in Srirangapatna is a haven for a wide array of bird species. It is the largest bird sanctuary in the state and comprises of six small islands on the banks of the river Kaveri. The beauty that finds a place here in Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary is a sight to sore eyes. 

Distance from Chennai: 465 km

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

A culturally diversified and enriched with spirituality and heritage, Guntur is a civil center of Andhra Pradesh.

Distance from Chennai: 418 km

Best Time: October to March

13 Guntur Attractions

Known For : Trekking in Shivagange Temples in Shivagange

Shivagange, a hillock situated 56 km from Bangalore, is a combination of temples and scenic beauty that makes it both a pilgrimage as well as an adventure spot.

Distance from Chennai: 366 km

Best Time: October to March

2 Shivagange Attractions

Hogenakkal Falls is a scintillating waterfall that is located on river Kaveri in the Dharmapuri district of Tamil Nadu. The place gets its name from Hogenakkal, which means 'smoking rocks', owing to the unique rock arrangement that exists around it. The gushing beauty of this cascade is one of a kind and is often quoted as being the "Niagara falls of India". 

Distance from Chennai: 342 km

A wildlife sanctuary spread across an area of 614sq kms in the Kurnool district of Andhra Pradesh, Rollapadu offers its visitors a journey into the wild, close to nature, amidst a number of diverse species of flora and fauna.

Distance from Chennai: 447 km

Known For : Veerabhadra Temple Lepakshi Temple Nandi Bull and Paintings

Lepakshi is a small quaint village with several fascinating archeological sites and beautiful ancient temples.

Distance from Chennai: 404 km

Best Time: September to February

4 Lepakshi Attractions

Known For : Pathala Ganga Srisailam Tiger Reserve Mallikarjuna Swamy Temple

Srisailam is a celebrated hill town set on a lofty natural setting on the banks of the River Krishna, identified with its many ancient temples including a Jyotirlinga, a wildlife sanctuary and a dam.

Distance from Chennai: 480 km

Best Time: October to February

16 Srisailam Attractions

Known For : Ethipothala Waterfall Nagarjunasagar Dam Nagarjunasagar Wildlife Sanctuary

Nagarjunasagar is known by the world's tallest masonry dam Nagarjunasagar dam built over Krishna River, that the town houses.

Distance from Chennai: 493 km

Best Time: October to March

5 Nagarjunsagar Attractions

Situated 60 kms to the west of Bangalore, Savandurga, considered to be one of the largest single rock formation in the whole of Asia.

Distance from Chennai: 384 km

Best Time: November to May

3 Savandurga Attractions

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

Small mounds near Bengaluru, Nandi hills serve as a great trekking destination and a weekend getaway for people in the metro.

Distance from Chennai: 340 km

Best Time: October to June

12 Nandi Hills Attractions

Also known as Pushpagiri, Kumara Parvatha is the highest peak in Pushpagiri Wildlife Sanctuary. It is 6th highest peak of Karnataka. Spanning over two days, the Kumarparvatha trek is one of the most challenging treks in the South. In a stretch of approximately 13 kilometers you will attain an appalling height of 4000 feet.

Distance from Chennai: 610 km

Located close to the bumbling town of Meppady and just 8 km south of the beautiful town, Kalpetta, stands the highest peak of the Wayanad Hill Range- the Chembra Peak at an altitude of 2100 meters above sea level. The Chembra peak offers a panoramic view of not only the entire Wayanad district but also a large chunk of Kozhikode, Malappuram and Niligiri districts. 

Distance from Chennai: 628 km

Known For : Matrimandir Marc's Cafe Arka

Situated in the union territory of Pondicherry, this township is wholly and solely based on the principles of peace, harmony, sustainable living and 'divine consciousness' which was the brainchild of the Mother of Sri Aurobindo Society, Mirra Alfassa.

Distance from Chennai: 147 km

Best Time: November to March

21 Auroville Attractions

Bhavani Island is one of the largest islands on a river and is located on the Krishna river at Vijayawada. The vast expanse of the island proves to be the perfect place for a relaxing weekend. If you are one for adventure sports and water slides, this is an exhilarating place to visit! It is named after the Goddess Bhavani or Kanaka Durga whose temple is on the Indrakeeladri hill close to the island. Bhavani island can be reached by boat from the banks of Krishna river.

Distance from Chennai: 458 km

Nestled on the banks of River Kaveri, the town of Talakadu in Karnataka is a mystic place submerged in the sand of extremely fine quality. Steeped with rich past and heritage, it is famous for its Vaidyanatheshwara Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. The place derives its name from two local chieftains Tala and Kada and thus is called Talakadu. 

Distance from Chennai: 446 km

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

This small town near Bangalore city is a perfect getaway for a nature lover and in its seclusion is a good break from the hustle and bustle of the city.

Distance from Chennai: 417 km

Best Time: Throughout the year

8 Bheemeshwari Attractions

Known For : Yaganti Belum Caves Rollapadu Wildlife Sanctuary

A town of much historical value with beautiful surrounding areas, Kurnool adjures as the sole witness of an era long gone.

Distance from Chennai: 471 km

Best Time: December to February

30 Kurnool Attractions

Known For : Vivekanand Falls Ranganathaswamy Temple Kaivara

Located about 57km from Bangalore, Chikballapur is a place close to Nandi Hills, Vivekanand falls and many other small small attractions making it a good one day getaway from Bangalore.

Distance from Chennai: 322 km

Best Time: Throughout the year

9 Chikballapur 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.

Distance from Chennai: 523 km

Best Time: October to March

10 Machelipatnam Attractions

Known For : Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple Nimishambha Temple Dariya Daulat Bagh

Located near Mysore, Srirangapatna is a religious city with cultural and historic importance, famous for its Ranganatha temple.

Distance from Chennai: 461 km

Best Time: July to March

16 Srirangapatna Attractions

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

Anantapur glows with Indian History and those peculiar things that make India one of the greatest countries in the world.

Distance from Chennai: 495 km

Best Time: November to February

12 Anantapur Attractions

Known For : Sri Venkateshwara National Park Srikalahasti Temple Nagalapuram

Steeped in religion, devotion and architecture, Chittoor is a place that everyone should visit at least once in their lifetime.

Distance from Chennai: 158 km

Best Time: September to February

11 Chittoor Attractions

Known For : Jungle Safari, Kabini Boating in Kabini

Once a private hunting are for the British, this famous wildlife destination has a rich variety of flora and fauna making it a gorgeous tourist spot.

Distance from Chennai: 506 km

Best Time: Throughout the year

5 Kabini Attractions

Known For : Adi Kumbeshwara Temple Nageswaran Temple Shopping in Kumbakonam

Kumbakonam is a gorgeous temple town in the heart of the Thanjavur district of Tamil Nadu.

Distance from Chennai: 281 km

Best Time: November to February

25 Kumbakonam Attractions

Known For : Ramalingeswara Temple Narasimhaswamy Temple Patu Ru

Nellore is a beautiful city lying on the banks of River Penna and a Municipal Corporation in the South Indian state of Andhra Pradesh.

Distance from Chennai: 174 km

Best Time: October to February

7 Nellore Attractions

Known For : Chaitanya Jyoti Museum Sathya Sai Ashram Wish Fullfilling Tree

The holy abode of the apocryphal figure, Saythya Sai Baba, Puttaparthi is a town which takes you back to the days of ashrams and the ways of living in those times.

Distance from Chennai: 435 km

Best Time: September to February

13 Puttaparthi Attractions

Known For : Chettinad Palace Chettinad Museum Chettinadu Mansion

Chettinad is often touted as a temple town, but it is one of those holiday getaways where you will be glad you are burning all those calories from all the walking- It has mouth watering cuisines!

Distance from Chennai: 301 km

Best Time: November to March

13 Chettinad Attractions

Nrityagram is a dance village is located near Hesarghatta in Bangalore rural district. The village was conceptualized by the well known Odissi dancer Protima Bedi.

Distance from Chennai: 386 km

Best Time: February to Apr, October to December

4 Nrityagram Attractions

Known For : Somanathapura Panchalinga Darshana Mallikarjuna Temple

Talakad is a small mystical town steeped in the glorious past and heritage nestled on the left banks of River Kaveri.

Distance from Chennai: 446 km

Best Time: November to March

9 Talakadu Attractions

Known For : Nagarjunakonda Caves/ Museum Dhamma Nagajjuna Kaman Bazaar

Nagarjunakonda or Nagajuna Hills is located 150 km from Hyderabad. It lies near the Nagarjuna Sagar Reservoir in the Nalgonda District of Andhra Pradesh.

Best Time: October to March

5 Nagarjunakonda Attractions

Known For : Srikalahasteeswara Temple Veyilingala Kona Waterfall Sri Subrahmanya Swamy Temple

Overflowing with a rich and vivacious yesteryears, this place has showcased its potential to allure the visitors with its extravagant shrines and pristine beauty.

Distance from Chennai: 120 km

Best Time: July to March

9 Srikalahasti Attractions

Known For : Pichavaram Mangrove Forests Shopping in Chidambaram The Nataraja Temple

A beautiful temple town in the eastern part of Tamil Nadu, Chidambaram is famous for housing the marvelous Lord Nataraja Temple and a few others which highlight its importance as a special place of pilgrim.

Distance from Chennai: 212 km

Best Time: October to January

10 Chidambram Attractions

Known For : Dutch Fort Archaeological Museum Sikkal Singaravelar Temple

Nagapattinam is a town on the coastline of Bay of Bengal with major historical significance which is also a renowned pilgrim center with many temples, churches and mosques spread all over.

Distance from Chennai: 297 km

Best Time: October to March

8 Nagapattinam Attractions

Known For : Ramadevara Betta Ramnagara Hills Ramdevara Temple

Set amidst the challenging rocky hillocks and lush green surroundings, Ramnagaram is a popular weekend getaway for Bengaluru folks.

Distance from Chennai: 383 km

Best Time: November to February

7 Ramanagaram Attractions

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

Amaravathi serves as a familiar name for the Buddhists in India and is a prime hub for pilgrimage and sightseeing for tourists.

Distance from Chennai: 451 km

Best Time: November to March

4 Amaravathi Attractions

Situated on the banks of river Kaveri, Shivanasamundram is essentially a hydropower project location but is more commonly known for its waterfalls.

Distance from Chennai: 440 km

Best Time: August to February

3 Shivanasamudra Attractions

Known For : Gomateshwara Statue Chandragiri Hill Temple Bhandari Basadi Temple

Located near Bengaluru, Sravanbelagola is an important Jain pilgrimage center with a 17 m tall sculpture of Lord Gomateswara called Bahubali statue as its prime attraction.

Distance from Chennai: 495 km

Best Time: October to Apr

8 Shravanbelagola Attractions

Nestled on the banks of River Yagachi in Hassan District of Karnataka, the town of Belur along with its twin town of Halebid located 16 km away, houses exquisite temples reflecting the exemplary artistic taste and technique of temple builders of the yore. This small town was the capital of the mighty Hoysala empire and their engineering genius can still be witnessed in the temples that stand here today. 

Distance from Chennai: 573 km

The perfect stop over in-between a long journey, these silver cascade falls demand your attention while you travel from Kodaikanal till Madurai. The Silver Cascade Falls formed as a result of the over flowing of the famous man-made Kodai Lake, are the perfect way to have a break while on a long road trip. One can also take a swim in the waters of the waterfall provided the temperature is right.

Distance from Chennai: 517 km

There are a few ordinary landscapes in Kurnool. One fascinating stretch is a park with igneous rock formations. Find here a restaurant, small ponds, boating facilities and a cave museum. A less ordinary hiking area and a bit unusual picnic spot, this one, is a must visit area in Kurnool.

Distance from Chennai: 450 km