Like any other coastal city, upon arrival, Chennai greets you with all its heated glory. Previously known as Madras, Chennai is a melting pot of various cultures which are reminiscent of the past and also embraces modernism with open arms. Though Chennai has its fair share of tourist sites, for those who are locals, summer time escape from the metropolitan city offer some much needed respite. So here is a list of the top 10 weekend getaways from Chennai for those who want to go a little light on their pocket this summer.
The French left the country but what they delivered in the process was the quaint town of Pondicherry. Popularly referred to as “Pondy”, Pondicherry is divided into two parts, the French quarters, displaying vintage style colonial buildings mostly painted in white and mustard and the Tamil quarters, representing an older vibe with its customary air of gajras and mogra flowers, elaborate Nagada style temples and it’s smaller and more populated roads. Pondicherry is recognised for the existence of the Sri Aurobindo and Mother’s Ashram which are characterised by the colour grey, in the French quarters. Pondy serves as a great holiday for budget travellers because there is so much to see, and almost everything is just a hop skip and a jump away from each other.
How to Get There: There are 42 trains from Chennai to Pondy in maximum 4 hours. But we’d suggest you drive down to Pondicherry from Chennai using the scenic ECR (East coast road) even if it does take longer, the beautiful vistas along the way are completely worth it.
Where to Stay: Pondicherry has a plethora of mid- range and hotels and guest houses such as Hotel Green palace, Hotel Citi Business and Hotel Annamalai International offer good service and facilities on an average rate of Rs.1000-3000 per night.
Yercaud Meaning “Lake Forest” is a popular hill station located in the Eastern Ghats. When one thinks of Yercaud, all that comes to mind are the mountains of verdant green upon which one can take numerous treks to find hidden natural treasures. Speaking of natural treasures, the Yercaud Lake is another noteworthy tourist destination along with the Killiyur falls and Lady’s seat which is one of the many viewpoints that provide panoramic views of the surrounding undulating hills. This small town is also a major source of Coffee (first grown in Grange estate, another place worth visiting) various fruits, spices and wood.
How to Get There: Yercaud is situated in Salem district. The nearest airports are Salem Airport at a distance of 38 km. The nearest railway station is Salem – 38 km.
Where to Stay: Wellington Hill Resort, Sri Durga Residency and Grange resort allow the budget traveller to stay in Yercaud at an average price of Rs.1000-3500 per night. Or you could opt to stay in a camp set up like Truenature Wilderness Stay which falls into a similar price bracket.
Much like its other hilly counterpart (Yercaud), all you see is green all around. Green dew-kissed hills going on all the way till the eyes can see. Coorg serves as one of the most popular hill stations of India and it’s probably because of its tranquil environs, amalgamated with an element of adventure- read trekking across the verdant never ending hills. Thinking about trekking in Coorg? Thadiyandamol, the district’s highest peak with its surrounding vistas is where you must go for sure.
How to Get There: Coorg is easily accessible by road from most cities in southern and coastal Karnataka, and northern Kerala. Virajpet, approximately 30km from Kakkabe, is a larger town with good bus connectivity. Mangalore and Kozhikode (both around 165km), and Mysore (about 110km), are the nearest airports.
Where to Stay: There are many great hotels and guesthouses such as Stay Simple Vista Madikeri, Capitol Village Resort and Yedamakky Cottage give every kind of basic amenity within Rs.1500-2500 per night.
Thekkady is located on the Tamil Nadu- Kerala Border, is considered a heaven for coffee and natural spices. Thekkady is also known for its proximity to Chellar Kovil which has a lot of picturesque waterfalls and cascades. Thekkady is however more popularly as the location of Periyar National park. The wildlife sanctuary was declared a tiger reserve in 1978. The greatest attractions of Periyar are the herds of wild elephants, deer and bison that come down to drink in the Mullaperiyar Lake. The sanctuary can be accessed through a trekking, boating or jeep safari.
How to Get There: The nearest railway station to Thekkady is in Kottayam, located 114 kilometres away. You can hire a cab from Kottayam to get to Thekkady, or even board a government or private run bus.
Where to Stay: Budget travellers would be happy to find good facilities and services in Periyar Nest Resort, Seasons Thekkady, Michael’s Inn and Coffee Routes where the average price is Rs.1000-3000 per night.
Rameshwaram is considered one of holiest sites of pilgrimage in India and is a part of the Char Dham Yatra(Badrinath, Puri, Dwarka, Rameshwaram). Legend says that Rameshwaram was the point of conjunction where Lord Ram built a bridge to Sri Lanka to save Sita. In modern times, Rameshwaram is known for the esteemed Ramanathaswamy temple which has the largest temple corridor in India. When driving across the Pamban Bridge to Rameshwaram, one must stop just to enjoy the cool sea breeze which is sure to re-energise you to return to the city after a much needed holiday.
How to Get There: Rameshwaram is connected with all major cities like Chennai, Coimbatore, Madurai, Trichy and Tirunelveli. City Buses are also available including night services for those who wish to travel during the night and maximise their day.
Where to Stay: For a destination like Rameshwaram that is frequented by tourists in massive numbers hotels are geared to give all basic amenities for low rates. Hotel Queen Plaza, Jiwan Residency and Daiwik Hotel operate within the Rs.1500-3000 window within which they guarantee complete customer satisfaction.
Another colonial favourite, Udhamangalam or Ooty is one of the most popular holiday destinations in the country and you will see why. Cradled in the Nilgiri Hills, Ooty renders the viewer breathless with spectacular green vistas as far as the eyes can see, while the cool breeze is a refreshing change from the city’s dust and smog. This previously British town still carries constant reminders of the inhabitants of the past. Said to be the Birthplace of Snooker, Ooty offers travellers plenty of recreational activities such as horse-riding, cricket and an array of adventure sports including hang-gliding and trekking. There are many tourist sites to visit but rest assured, if it’s a peaceful, relaxing holiday you want, that is what you’ll get in Ooty.
How To Get There: 535 kilometres from Chennai, Ooty is well connected by road. The nearest airport is Coimbatore (96 kilometres). However The Nilgiri Mountain Railway (NMR) is one of the oldest mountain railways in India, operates from Coonoor, travelling by which is an opportunity of a lifetime.
Where To Stay: The Nahar Nilgiris Hotel, United-21 Paradise, Greenyards Cottage and Vinayaga Inn offers exceptional service at Rs. 1000-3000 approximately per night along with free WiFi (In select hotels). These hotels also come with the added advantage of stunning views.
The legendary city of Chidambaram is a melting pot of various cultures and the city sure looks it. Most popularly known for the Chidambaram temple in the heart of the city, it’s a testament to the glory of the Chola dynasty. Few of the fifty maths (monasteries) that once stood here remain, but the temple itself is still a hive of activity and hosts numerous festivals. Chidambaram revolves around the Chidambaram Temple and the busy market area that surrounds it. The town also has a large student population, because of the Annamalai University, a centre of Tamil studies. Decked with grand temples which display sculptural and architectural splendour, this town perfectly captures the colours and the vibrancy of South India.
How To Get There: There are daily express trains to and from Chennai. Chidambaram is a long-ish drive away from Chennai (335km), but you will find that the destination and the drive are totally worth it.
Where To Stay: Hotel Grand Palace Stay, Rk Residency and Arudhra residency are all available between 1000-1500 rupees average per night. Book at the earliest as crowds are always thronging this holy destination.
Haven’t heard of it? Well that’s because it’s one of the most beautiful and untouched places of the South. The lack of commercialisation ensures that travellers get a taste of peace and serenity, away from the crowd. Kolli hills is replete with all things characteristically south Indian, from the coffee and spice plantations to the emerald valleys accompanied by the dark hills and the cool weather. A must-see tourist spot is the Agaya-Gangai Falls near the Arappaleeswarar Temple, a walk to which is pretty steep – 1000 steps steep to be precise! But it is totally worth the effort. Kolli Hills thrives on its unexploited beauty that ensures you leave feeling fresh and rejuvenated.
How To Get There: There are 70 hairpin bends on the road to Kolli hills which is a definite attraction for thrill-seekers! NH45 from Chennai leads to Kolli Hills after a change of route from Salem. The nearest railway station is Salem, 100kms from Kolli Hills, which is easily connected to Chennai.
Where To Stay: Due to the lack of civilization in Kolli Hills, there are few stay options available, hence book in advance to avoid problems with accommodation later. Kolli Hills Resort is one of few hotels in the region providing services with options for budget travellers everywhere.
Previously a princely state, Mysore still embodies the royal and cultural abundance of Karnataka, earning it the title of the “Cultural Capital of Karnataka”. Mysore is known for its palaces, the most famous being the Mysore palace, the residence of the erstwhile emperor of Mysore. Palaces aren’t all this city has to offer in terms of tourist attractions. Mysore is the home of Mysore paintings which are an elaborate representation of Mysore’s cultured royalty. Those with a sweet tooth will especially enjoy what Mysore has to offer in terms of mithai. The Mysore Pak is a famous sweet dish that will leave you wanting more with each ghee and jaggery filled bite. For those on a budget, there’s a lot to experience in Mysore.
How To Get There: There’s a direct train between Chennai and Mysore. It’s best to take the Shatabdi Express from Chennai to Mysore that takes 7 hours to get you there. Or you could save further by taking the direct bus that takes you to Mysore from Chennai in 11hrs, leaving you with a bigger budget to spend from while shopping in Mysore.
Where To Stay: Aishwarya Suites, Sunflower Hotel, Hotel Roopa and Hotel KVC International are available at Rs. 1000-2000 at an average per night which make sure you have a good experience while staying in Mysore.
Munnar meaning “three rivers” is quite literally cradled between the rivers, Kundala, Mudrapuzha and Nallathanni, ensuring it is a splendidly refreshing little hill station on the Western Ghats. Munnar serves as a popular centre of adventure sports like trekking, paragliding, rock-climbing and hang-gliding. Don’t be surprised if on one of your nature walks you happen to come across some wildlife. Nothing dangerous but Munnar is home to various endemic species like the Sambhar Deer, Nilgiri Langur, Nilgiri Tahr and the Wood-Pigeon, making it a haven for bird-watchers as well. Munnar and its lush environs prove to be a brilliant weekend destination from Chennai. Even though Munnar is at a slight distance from Chennai but that just ensures more space for you to spread out and relax in the verdant greens of Munnar.
How To Get There: There is no direct train between Chennai and Munnar . So it’s best to take Vaigai Express from Chennai to Madurai then take a cab from Madurai to Munnar. However there is a direct bus between Chennai and Munnar. You can opt for Kpn Travels from Chennai to Munnar that gets you there in around 12 hours.
Where To Stay: Munnar being a popular tourist destination, provides travellers with a large range of hotels and facilities to choose from. For you budget travellers out there, iCloud Resort, Leisure Inn and the Green ridge cover all facilities for Rs. 1000-2000 approximately per night.
Chennai is a gateway to an array of beautiful and breath-taking destinations. So you choose, what’s better, staying in over the weekend, or going on the adventure of a lifetime? And no, a light pocket should never hold you back!
*The above mentioned prices are subject to change.
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