Weekend Getaways from Chennai for the Beach Bum

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Let’s be honest, there’s no getaway like a beach getaway. The crash of surf upon the shore, your toes wriggling in the warm sand and the sea breeze ruffling your hair, amazing isn’t it! So if you’re in Chennai and are craving a lovely beach getaway, here are some places you can go and be a complete beach bum.  

1. Tranquebar

A quaint little beach side town, Tranquebar is located at a distance of 270 kilometres from Chennai and is perfect for a weekend getaway by the beach. A tiny enough town to explore on foot, or on a bicycle some of the points of interest in Tranquebar are The Town Gate, Fort Dansborg, The Zion Church and the The Ziegenbalg Museum Complex to name a few. Head to The Bungalow on The Beach for a delicious continental meal.

How to Get There

Route Recommendations from Chennai to Tranquebar

Where to Stay: Accommodation in Tranquebar begins at Rs. 3000 per night.

2. Mahabalipuram

Just 60 kilometres from Chennai, Mahabalipuram does full justice to its UNESCO World Heritage site title courtesy the magnificent line of ancient stone carvings that both impress and intrigue. With its historical monuments, architectural stories, mysterious caves, cycling tours, beach side shopping, Ayurveda massages and delicious seafood, the place packs in the punch of a great beach getaway for the weekend.

How to Get There

Chennai to Mahabalipuram

Where to Stay: Hotel Sea Breeze (Rs. 2,700 per night), Ideal Beach resort (Rs. 7,700 per night) and Esthelle Village Resort (Rs. 5000 per night)

3. Pondicherry

A former French colony, this quaint little town has retained its old-world French charm. Fondly called Pondi, this “French Riviera of the East” is known for its large boulevards, brightly painted houses with high compound walls laden with bougainvillea, clean, well-laid streets with French name plates, colonial buildings, gothic churches, classic heritage monuments, pristine beaches, serene backwaters, expansive gardens and of course delicious authentic French cuisine. Just perfect for a relaxing weekend by the beach.

How to Get There

Chennai to Pondicherry

Where to Stay: Le Pondy (Rs. 10, 067 per night) and The Promenade (Rs. 5733 per night).

4. Rameswaram

An important site of pilgrimage in India, Rameswaram is also one of the Char Dhams that witnesses millions of devotees year after year. According to the Ramayana this is the spot where Lord Ramas monkey army built the Ram Setu to reach Lanka. Some of the popular attractions in this beach town are the Floating Stone Bridge and the Ramanathaswamy Temple. While you’re there don’t forget to take a dip in the Agnitheertham, which is believed to cleanse one of their sins.

How to Get There

Chennai to Rameshwaram

Where to Stay: Jiwan Residency (Rs. 2700 per night), Daiwik Hotel (Rs. 2600 per night)

5. Kovalam

A popular beach getaway from Chennai, Kovalam was originally a small fishing village that has now become one of the most famous beach resorts in South India. Laze around at the beach, explore the old sea port, or watch the Olive Ridley Turtles travel to this beach to hatch their eggs.

How to Get There

Chennai to Kovalam

Where to Stay: Accommodation in Kovalam begins at Rs. 3000 per night.

6. Sadras Beach Resort

A popular beach side getaway near Chennai, The beaches of Sadras are known for the beautiful casuarinas groves that surround them. Other places of interest in Sadras are a ruined Dutch Fort and a Dutch Cemetary with beautifully carved ancient headstones.

How to Get There

Chennai to Sadras Beach Resort

Where to Stay: Hotels in Sadras begin at Rs. 2500 per night.

So what are you waiting for? Get out of that cubicle and hit the beach now!