Explore the Hills Near Chennai for the Perfect Weekend Break

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Chennai is full of beautiful beaches and a lot of other exciting places to explore. But a short weekend getaway doesn’t hurt, does it? Especially when it is in the hills. To make your work easier, we’ve shortlisted the best hill stations around Chennai and here’s the platter for you. Pick what you like!

1. Yercaud 

If you’re in the mood for some downtime, away from the mundane big city life, a weekend spent in the hills is just what you need. Make your way to the serene hills of Yercaud, the ideal weekend getaway from Chennai. Trekking is a major activity in Yercaud with many expeditions organised by the Chennai Trekking club. As you trek your way through the hilly expanse, enjoy scenes of the Yercaud Lake along with the Killiyur Falls. Pagoda Point and Bear’s Cave are other prominent spots to visit. While in Yercaud, also sample some local food. The capsicum fries are highly recommended. For something more filling, try the Egg Bonda (Mutta Bonda) and the green chilli fries with some chutney available at most roadside vendors.

How to get there: The closest airport is at Coimbatore and Salem junction is the nearest rail head to Yercaud. Cabs and buses to Yercaud are easily available at both.

Where to stay: Choose from these hotels in Yercaud

​Distance from Chennai: 368 kilometres, 6.5 hours

​2. Yelagiri 

A drive past hairpin bends and the green country side leads you to the mini hill station of Yelagiri. Yelagiri is ideal for nature lovers or those looking to spend some tranquil moments with friends and family. thus serving as a perfect pick if planning a quick getaway near Chennai. Boating in the man-made Punganur Lake and trekking through the beautiful nature trails are some activities to indulge in here. For tourists on the lookout for adventure, there is an option of paragliding and rock climbing. The hills are ideal for these sports and quite a few paragliding events and festivals happen here. The YASA (Yelagiri Association of Adventure Sports) also organizes regular classes.

How to get there: Frequent buses operate between Chennai and Yelagiri. However, driving your own car or going by train is recommended as the journey will be more comfortable. Jolarpettai Junction is the nearest railhead.

Where to stay: Marigold Ridge, Hotel Landmark and Hotel Kumararraja Palace are recommended for the comfortable stay and good quality services they offer.

Distance from Chennai: 229 kilometres, 5 hours

3. Horsley Hills

One of the best reasons to head to Horsley Hills is to enjoy the great weather and spend a lovely time amidst the flora and fauna of Andhra Pradesh’s hills. At an elevation of 4100 ft, Horsley Hills are dotted with dense forests, abundant plant and animal life, and a number of small temples across its many hillocks. Exotic trees and dense vegetation make for some soothing sights, and you can feel the fresh air of the pristine hills as you drive by. Adventure sports, trekking and bird watching are some other activities that travellers can indulge in here. Horsley Hills is one of the few places in India where you can enjoy zorbing. A number of adventure activies like these makes this place a perfect weekend getaway near Chennai.

How to get there: Bengaluru International Airport, which is 144 kilometres is the closest to Horsley Hills. The nearest railhead is at Madanapalle, 27 kilometres away. If you wish to take a road trip to Horsley Hills, you’re in for some really beautiful mountain scenery via NH 48 and NH 42.

Distance from Chennai: 280 kilometres, 6 hours

4. Nandi Hills

Chennai to Nandi Hills is a long drive but once you reach here, you will surely not regret it. Perched at a height of 4,851 feet above sea level, Nandi Hills is an idyllic weekend escape from Chennai. The former summer retreat of Tipu Sultan, this ancient hill fortress is scattered with monuments and shrines and is a pleasant change from the humdrum of city life. During the Chola period, Nandi Hills was called Ananda Giri, meaning the hill of joy. Today, a lot of cyclists, photographers and trekkers head here for a weekend getaway. What’s more, you can take a guided wine tour at Nandi Hills as well. Take a long and leisurely walk through the thick rows of grape-bearing vines before entering the winery. Inside the winery, you will view the entire wine making process; from the crushing of grapes to the final packaging of wine bottles. The icing on the cake is the wine tasting session in the cellar where you will get to taste a variety of wines. The tour ends with a buffet lunch!

How to get there: No direct flights, trains or buses are available between Chennai and Nandi Hills.The most convenient way is to hire a cab. Alternatively, you can take the train Brindavan Express from Chennai to Bangalore or fly down and then take a taxi from Bengaluru to Nandi Hills.

Distance from Chennai: 349 kilometres, 7 hours

5. Kolli Hills

Verdant and undiscovered, Kolli Hills lie in Namakkal, Tamil Nadu. From Rasipuram, it’s up all the way to the Eastern Ghats; seventy-two hairpin bends later, you’re in Kolli Hills, 1200 metres above sea level serving as the best getaway from Chennai. While you are here, trek to scenic view points like Selur and Seekurai. Enjoy boating on the lake at Vasalurpatti. The Arappaleeswarar Temple, sacred to Lord Shiva has ancient Chola inscriptions. From here, walk down 1000 steps to the Agayagangai Waterfalls, stopping only to inhale fresh, mountain air. What’s more, the evergreen forests here have meandering steams and are interspersed with small tribal-owned tea, coffee, spice farms and fruit orchards (don’t miss the jackfruit, a local speciality).

How to get there: The shortest route from Chennai to Kolli Hills goes via Grand Southern Trunk Road/NH 45 and NH 68. The nearest railway station is Salem, at a distance of 46 kilometres from Kolli Hills.

Where to stay: Check out hotels for Kolli Hills here

Distance from Chennai: 368 kilometres, 6.5 hours

The beauty of these places lies not just in the hills but the fact that they are relatively undiscovered. The verdant greens are sure to win your heart as soon as you set foot in any of these hill stations on your weekend getaway from Chennai.