ROAD TRIPS
The best way to beat the midweek blues is by planning a fun road trip! A quick trip can kill the monotony of day-to-day life and you come back so rejuvenated. Which is why it is important to take short vacations at frequent intervals.
If you have a weekend at hand then don’t let it simply slip away – Go hit the road!
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A beautiful beach town with historical precedents, which dates back to the 1st Century, Mahabalipuram also known as Mamallapuram, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Shore Temple built in the 8th Century is the main tourist attraction in Mahabalipuram. The setting sun, the roguish sea, and an intrinsically carved ancient temple in the background, make the ideal frame for a photography enthusiast!
Pancha Rathas, Descent of Ganges, Tiger Cave and a few others are worth visiting for their historical and mythological relevance, while you appreciate the awe-inspiring carving of that time. Wrap up your day with a bottle of chilled beer and fresh seafood at any of the sea-facing shacks after getting a relaxing Ayurvedic massage.
Where to stay: Radisson Resort Temple Bay (Rs 7200/night, approximately), Indeco Mahabalipuram Hotel (Rs 4500/night)
Approximate distance: 56 km
Book Your Stay at Radisson Resort Temple Bay
You must be familiar with Kanjeevaram sarees but what you might not know is that there is a small town in Tamil Nadu, Kanchipuram where lies the origin of this world famous fabric. Kanjeevaram sarees are not just sarees; they are stories of rich historical, socio-economic and cultural lives of people of this region woven together in six yards. Here, you can see artisans at work, a few of them highly praised and even Padma Bhushan awardees.
Get a sneak peek into their lifestyle, which is simple and heart-warming. There are a few ancient temples to see. However, the highlight of a Kanchipuram trip is Kanjeevaram saree shopping! One can end up buying sarees worth 50k in one visit. It is addictive! Take your call before picking this destination. Maybe, the first weekend after you receive your salary, is the best time to go to Kanchipuram!
Where to stay: Regency Kanchipuram by GRT (Rs.4794/night, approximately)
Approximate distance: 72 km
Book Your Stay at Regency Kanchipuram By GRT
Tada falls, also known as Ubbalamadugu Falls, is an exciting trekking route scattered with streams, rocks and a jungle along with a massive waterfall at the end of it. There is a Shiva temple on the way. If you feel lost somewhere or can’t see the signs around then just follow the stream.
A little difficult trek, however, the view on top is breathtakingly beautiful and a jump into the water is revitalizing. Pitch your tent and stay overnight.
Where to stay: Pitch a tent!
Approximate distance: 90 km
Tirupati needs no introduction! The famous temple of Lord Vishnu is a favourite weekend destination for residents of Chennai. Apart from its religious importance, its spiritual aura lifts your mood and fills you with positive energy.
Did you know that the yummy ladoo prasad of Tirupati is completely untouched by human hands! The amount of hair that people shave and donate as a mark of gratitude is astounding. There are many stories of mythology and miracles to surprise you in Tirupati!
Where to stay: Fortune Select Grand Ridge (approximately, Rs 3535/night), Marasa Sarovar Premiere (approximately, Rs 3962/night)
Approximate distance: 133 km
Book Your Stay at Fortune Select Grand Ridge
Free and international community living is the basic concept on which Auroville, a small township was built under the guidance of Sri Aurobindo and Mother (Mirra Alfassa) to showcase how an ideal society should live. When you stay in Auroville you experience an alternate world where organic, sustainable and conscious living is a day-to-day reality. Solar kitchens, organic cafes, open shops and numerous NGOs working on organic products and other concepts to facilitate a better and empowered living- is unprecedented and inspiring.
Stay here and spend a few days living consciously. Do sit inside Matrimandir, the golden globe, for reflective moments. The food is experimental with international flavour. Try the wheat based thin crust pizza baked in a wood fired oven!
Where to stay: Grand Serenaa (approximately, Rs 2350/night), Auro Mandir (approximately, Rs 1727/night)
Approximate distance: 165 km
Book Your Stay at Grand Serenna
The uniqueness of Pondicherry from a traveller’s perspective lies in its French colonial flavours. The architecture of the old houses, many of which are now restaurants and home stays, the soft brick roads, cafes serving dishes inspired by the French cuisine and the residing French population are symbolic to the spirit of Pondicherry! Walk on the seaside promenade, watch the sunset at Serenity Beach, shop for jewelleries in the main market and then end your day with some wine and a French dinner at one of the many authentic French restaurants.
Villa Shanti, all done up in pristine white with a laid-back seating arrangement and a handpicked menu, is a must-try! This is perfect spot where you can just sit for hours and appreciate life.
Where to stay: Ginger Hotel (approximately, Rs 1528/night), Le Chateau (approximately, Rs 3600/night)
Approximate distance: 171 km
Tranquebar, popularly known as Tarangambadi, is a beachside Dutch colonial town that used to be an important port town of the yesteryears. A beautiful countryside drive from Chennai takes you to Tranquebar. On entering this small town, a stately town gate, a remnant from Dutch civilization, will greet you.
Beyond the gate, it is a different world all together! A 14th century Shiva temple right on the beach, a dilapidated Danish fort that has numerous historical stories to reminiscence, and a Danish Church which proudly boasts of introducing a lot of things to India- are a few of the things to see here. However, the main attraction of Tranquebar is the militant sea. There are hardly any people here so you can stay on the beach until late in the night, dancing, singing, running, collecting shells, and clicking pictures under moon light. In addition, a royal English breakfast overlooking the sea will soak you into the aura of the bygone colonial era.
Where to stay: Neemrana Gate House (Rs 4500/night)
Approximate distance: 286 km
Book Your Stay at Neemrana Gate House
Yercaud is an offbeat hill station in Tamil Nadu that offers the right balance of touristy fun and ‘me-time’. The awesome weather makes Yercaud a desirable destination to visit over a weekend, away from the sultry heat of Chennai. Here, life comes to a standstill.
If one has to sum up Yercaud in one adjective, then it would be “peaceful”. Yercaud Lake, Pagoda Point, Kiliyur Falls, Shevaroy Hills are a few of the top places to see. The winding road up to Yercaud is scenic and makes for an unforgettable drive.
Where to stay: Lake Forest Hotel (approximately, Rs 3352/night), Clifton Resort (approximately, Rs 1316/night)
Approximate distance: 392 km
Book Your Stay at Clifton Resort
Formerly known as Tanjore, this place is an epitome of art, architecture, religion and most importantly, its paintings. In Thanjavur, you must visit the UNESCO World Heritage Sites especially the Great Living Chola Temples There is a temple with stories of mythology and history at every corner here.
Just roam around at your pace and explore. You must buy a Tanjore painting as a souvenir from Thanjavur!
Where to stay: Hotel Yagappa (approximately, Rs 1880/night), Hotel Raks (approximately, Rs 1608/night)
Approximate distance: 346 km
Book Your Stay at Neemrana Fort Palace
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You probably know about Ooty. Therefore, I am not going to state the obvious. However, I will tell you about a place 40 kilometres ahead of Ooty, a lesser-known place called Ooty Avalanche Lake.
If you have seen enough of the commercial Ooty, then this is your go-to place. Panoramic landscapes, photogenic blooming flora, fauna, and a massive lake create the beauty of this place. Simply walking on the winding rounds around the lake amidst nature’s loveliness is so romantic! Camping, fishing and boating are a few of the activities you can indulge in.
Where to stay: The Kurumba Village Resort (approximately, Rs 11,000/night), Nahar Nilgiris Hotel (approximately, Rs 3000/night)
Approximate distance: 536 km (add another 21 km to reach the lake)
Book Your Stay at Kurumba Village Resort
With this pre-sorted list of weekend destinations from Chennai, we have taken care of the r job of research for a perfect getaway! Pick any destination from the above list and hit that highway already.
Did we miss anything? Hit up the comment section to let us know!
Gitanjali is passionate about blogging for it is the best way to reach out to the world, touch lives and make a difference!
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