2 Day Trips from Chennai

Known For : Lalbagh Church Street

Having evolved gradually from being the Garden City to the Silicon Valley of India, Bengaluru is the third largest and one of the most livable cities in India. Bangalore is loved for its pleasant weather, beautiful parks and lakes all around town. When in Bangalore, one can choose to take a long stroll through the greenery of Cubbon Park, shop in the sprawling malls,street side markets or hop into one of the buzzing craft breweries in the city for a cold and refreshing drink.

Distance from Chennai: 345 km

Best Time: Throughout the year

104 Bangalore Attractions

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

Madurai, the cultural capital of Tamil Nadu, is one of the oldest cities of India. Ruled by Pandya kings for the longest time in its history, Madurai is constructed in the form of a lotus. Madurai is known for the Meenakshi Amman Temple, dedicated to the goddess Meenakshi with a sanctum for her consort, Sundareshwarar. There are many other ancient temples in Madurai, including Thiruparankundram. It is one of the important old temples dedicated to Lord Muruga(Karthikeya) and is located on a hillock approximately 8 km from the city.

Distance from Chennai: 461 km

Best Time: October to March

20 Madurai Attractions

Known For : Mysore Palace Brindavan Gardens Mysore Zoo

Famously known as The City of Palaces, it wouldn’t be wrong to say that Mysore is one of the most flamboyant places in the country. It is replete with the history of its dazzling royal heritage, intricate architecture, its famed silk sarees, yoga, and sandalwood to name just a few. Located in the foothills of the Chamundi Hills, Mysore is the third most populated city in the state of Karnataka, and its rich cultural heritage draws millions of tourists all year round.

Distance from Chennai: 480 km

Best Time: Throughout the year

36 Mysore Attractions

Known For : Nilgiri Mountain Railway Ooty Lake Emerald Lake, Ooty

The Blue Mountains have always been shrouded in mysticism, and Ooty is no exception to that. For every mountain lover, the very idea of travelling to the city known as the Queen of the Hills holds an allure like no other. Once regarded as the summer headquarters of the East India Company (and for a very good reason), Ooty, also known as Udagamandalam, is a hill station in Tamil Nadu which serves as a very popular tourist destination for anyone looking for a picturesque retreat to relax and unwind.

Distance from Chennai: 553 km

Best Time: Throughout the year

43 Ooty 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 raw natural beauty, this peak is adorned with verdant grassland, rugged rocks, and a good trek path is also quite popular among adventure lovers. Mullayanagiri is also known for coffee plantations that are situated nearby.

Distance from Chennai: 616 km

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

Anantapuram is the headquarters of Anantapur District in the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh. Anantapuram is not a cosmopolitan city. Neither is it a village. It is one of those towns in transition, that is at the confluence of the past and the future. Anantapuram reverberates with flashes of India's glorious history,it's ethnic traditions and values. Interestingly, Anantapur receives the second-lowest rainfall in India.

Distance from Chennai: 465 km

Best Time: November to February

12 Anantapur Attractions

The Silent Valley National Park, with its lush green forests and beautiful views of the rich flora and fauna, is a popular destination for 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. With its lenghty detailed history and lush greenery, this national park is indeed a sight to visit.

Distance from Chennai: 631 km

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 for sore eyes. The scenery of the rich local vegetation and mesmerizing landscape, coupled with the colourful variety of wildlife makes it a unique experience.

Distance from Chennai: 465 km

A wildlife sanctuary spread across an area of 614 sq 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. Established in 1988, Rollapadu is especially known for being the home to the endangered species of The Great Indian Bustard and Lesser Florican. The wildlife sanctuary is spread across a vast area and is home to over 60 species of birds and reptiles.

Distance from Chennai: 447 km

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

Known as the Land of Chillies, Guntur is famous for its massive chilli market yard in Asia. It is the third most populous town in Andhra Pradesh located at a distance of 30kms from the newly coined capital Amaravathi. With a busy industrial scenario, Guntur forms part of the prominent Vishakhapatnam-Guntur Industrial corridor. It is also renowned as a textile and transport hub in India. Once home to numerous great dynasties, the city also takes credit in housing the only Buddhist pilgrimage site in South India - the Nagarjunakonda, and the captivating relics of Amravati Caves.

Distance from Chennai: 418 km

Best Time: October to March

13 Guntur Attractions

Known For : Pathala Ganga Srisailam Tiger Reserve Mallikarjuna Swamy Temple

Srisailam, a hill town in Kurnool district of Andhra Pradesh is home to the holy Malikarjuna Jyotirlinga and also as one of the eighteen Shakti Peethas of goddess Parvati. Situated on the banks of river Krishna, Srisailam is identified with a wildlife sanctuary and a dam. You could seek the blessings of the almighty by visiting the many majestic temples in the city such as the one dedicated to Lord Shiva (it is renowned as Sikhareswara Swamy temple) or the famous Bhramaramba Mallikarjunaswamy Temple which is located at a height of around 457m from sea level.

Distance from Chennai: 480 km

Best Time: October to February

16 Srisailam Attractions

Known For : Ethipothala Waterfall Nagarjunasagar Dam Nagarjunasagar Wildlife Sanctuary

Nagarjunasagar is a site of spectacular man-made marvel flanked by equally enchanting panoramic vistas of lush green surroundings. Lying in the Nalgonda District of Andhra Pradesh, the most popular landmark of the town is world's tallest masonry dam Nagarjunasagar dam built over Krishna River. With the capacity of irrigating over 10 acres of land, this modern architectural grandeur is a sight to behold. Other than that, the town is also renowned for the much talked about excavation of Buddhist Civilization.

Distance from Chennai: 493 km

Best Time: October to March

5 Nagarjunsagar Attractions

Nestled on the banks of the Kaveri, the town of Talakadu in Karnataka is a mystic place with a 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. Just a 3 hour drive from Bangalore, this is an ideal place for history buffs and for the devotees of Lord Shiva.

Distance from Chennai: 447 km

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

Bheemeshwari, a small town in Karnataka's Mandya district, is a paradise for fishing enthusiasts as it is home to the Mahseer fishes - one of the finest game fish in the world. This tranquil site is the perfect getaway for a short trip from Bangalore, one that is close to nature. Due to its proximity to the Cauvery River and its extensive forest cover with a variety of flora and fauna, Bheemeshwari is visited by adventure enthusiasts for boating, adventure camps, trekking up the hills and bird watching.

Distance from Chennai: 418 km

Best Time: Throughout the year

8 Bheemeshwari Attractions

Known For : BRT Wildlife Sanctuary Biligiri Rangaswamy Temple Adventure Activities

The Biligiriranga hills, or the BR Hill as it is more well known, is a slice of heaven between the Western and the Eastern Ghats. Its rich natural beauty is home to a number of exotic animals and birds, and one can spend the most enjoyable times here spotting these. Dodda Sampide Mara meaning 'Big Champak Tree',a thousand year old is a must visit along with the Biligiri Rangaswamy temple and BRT wildlife sanctuary.

Distance from Chennai: 486 km

Best Time: April to October

5 BR Hills 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, handicrafts, textiles and saris. Tanjore is also known for it's Carnatic music and of course the temples. Thanjavur enjoys a rich historical heritage and holds a very important position in the moulding of ancient as well as modern South Indian civilization. Being of religious importance, this place is a must visit for all pilgrims.

Distance from Chennai: 346 km

Best Time: October to March

15 Thanjevur Attractions

Known For : Emerald Lake, Yercaud Pagoda Point Botanical Garden, Yercaud

Nestled in the Shivaroy Hills of Tamil Nadu, Yercaud is a tranquil hill station in the Eastern Ghats steeped in abundant greenery. Commonly called ‘Ooty of the Poor’, this region has a history dating back to the time of the British. Located at an altitude of 4970 feet, Yercaud is known for its vast expanses of coffee plantations. A paradise for nature lovers, this quaint town is an ideal place to experience nature at its enchanting best.

Distance from Chennai: 364 km

Best Time: October to June

20 Yercaud Attractions

Known For : Green Valley View (Suicide Point) Kodaikanal Lake Bear Shola Falls

Located in the state of Tamil Nadu, Kodaikanal is one of the most famous honeymoon destinations in India. Kodaikanal means the 'Gift of the Forest', and this hill station is most certainly a gift with it's wonderful climate, cliffs shrouded in mist, cloud-capped mountains, beautiful lakes and valleys. Nestled amidst the rolling slopes of the Palani Hills in Tamil Nadu, Kodaikanal stands at an altitude of 7200 feet above sea level and has a cool, pleasant climate all year round.

Distance from Chennai: 524 km

Best Time: September to May

35 Kodaikanal Attractions