Weekend Getaways From Chennai You Should Not Miss

Monday morning rituals in office start with the usual question, “How was your weekend?”. During one such morning in the Urban Company‘s Chennai office I found an interesting answer. My colleague told me he wanted some time alone and relaxed in Yercaud the weekend. “But you don’t know how to drive”, I said. “I just booked a driver from Urban Company who took me in my dad’s car.”

And it got me wondering. I had been on my visit to the Chennai office intermetitently and spent many a weekends wondering what to do. Booking a cab and travelling alone seemed like a questionable proposition, but borrowing a friend’s car and booking a trusted Urban Company driver who comes with the promise of a thorough quality check, did not!

https://youtube.com/watch?v=vZUof36xHqI

For all those in (or visiting) Chennai, here are some places that you should definitely visit. Even if you know how to drive, why spend all those hours cursing traffic and bad roads, when you can sit back and relax?

1. Kodaikanal – In Tamil, Kodaikanal literally translates to “the gift of the forest”. It was a refuge town, built to get away from the high temperature and the tropical diseases of the surrounding plains. Kodaikanal is located at about 500 Km from Chennai and is a refreshing mix of mystical waterfalls, lush green covers, the scent of homemade chocolates, peaceful lakes and quaint churches. This is one place whose economy largely depends on tourism. Once you visit this place you will know why.

   

2. Pondicherry – The French (British and Portuguese) colonial town of Pondicherry. If I had to describe the place myself, I would say that it looks like neatly stacked colourful cardboard like buildings that are lined on a clean slate of a road with the gushing sea on the side. About 170 Km away from Chennai, Pondicherry has vast stretches of beaches, great food joints, cycle-able and trek-able places and of course Auroville. Auroville or the city of dawn is an experimental township just 8 km from Pondicherry. A town that was established with the philosophy of many people from different parts of the world residing together as a community following a common religion. Check out the place if this has instigated your curiosity.

   

3. Mahabalipuram – The place where my parents got married. Against the cerulean blue backdrop lies this temple town known for its marvellous architecture. Located just 60 Km south of Chennai, this place was a must visit on my list for personal reasons. But this place has featured in the wish list of many travellers for its beautiful group of monuments (the shore temple, the sculptures of Lord Shiva and the giant open rock reliefs) that make it a UNESCO World heritage site.

   

4. Yercaud – A hill station located at a height of 1515m in the Salem district of Tamil Nadu, Yercaud is about 365 Km from Chennai. Yercaud means ‘lake forest’ and is named after the abundance of luscious green cover beside serene lakes. Its popularity as a tourist destination has earned it the name Jewel of south. The place has several tourist spots such as the Yercaud lake, Killiyur falls, Servaroyan temple and the silk farms, among others.

   

5. Vellore – Located just 140 km from Chennai, Vellore is situated in the banks of Palar river. A quaint city that was once ruled by prominent dynasties, Vellore now serves as a popular tourist spot. The city with its glorious past is now a renowned historical place. The well-known Vellore Fort is considered to be the most influential fortress of its time and was constructed in the 16th century. The other major Vellore attractions are the Jalakanteshwara Temple, Muthu Mandapam or the Pearl Palace and the Government Museum.

Travelling is one of the most enriching and life changing experience that one can have. While we suggest the ‘must packs’ and the ‘must visit places’ for you, we also wish for a safe travel. Book a certified driver and hop in the vehicle of your choice. Happy Journey from all of us!