The Long Weekend Guide: Best Tips to Plan Long Weekend Trips Near Chennai

Want to plan your weekend getaways after long and tiring hours at work? You have come to the right place. Whether you need a quiet isolation on the beautiful shore, a city break, or just a mountain trek – there are several holiday destinations near Chennai.

When it comes to places to visit around Chennai, it can be hard to choose your destination, especially if you are looking for a nearby travel. Dive into this blog as we explore the places to go near Chennai and plan your weekend getaways.

Choosing the Best Destinations 

Here are some top picks for holiday destinations near Chennai for your weekend getaways.

Mahabalipuram

Mahabalipuram is an hour’s drive from Chennai and is well-known for its rock-cut temples and sculptures. Being one of the best places for nearby travel from Chennai, it was originally built as a monument, Shore Temple should not be missed here, as well as Pancha Rathas and the famous Arjuna’s Penance. Each year, the Palmyra theater remains a massive fairy for those interested in history and arts this site is part of the UNESCO World Heritage, making it one of the best destinations to visit near Chennai. So if you are looking for places to go near Chennai, which is both worth the money and time then Mahabalipuram is the place for you.

Pondicherry

One of the best holiday destinations near Chennai is Pondicherry, a few hours’ drive from Chennai, this place has French colonial structures, a beautiful beachfront, and a lively community. If you are walking on a tour of the French Quarter, visit the Promenade beach, and tour Auroville – a city of the future made in India. The strategic placement, bordered by quaint roads, beautiful structures, and delicious food makes Pondicherry enjoyable and extremely memorable to visit.

Yercaud

When it comes to places to visit around Chennai, Yercaud is an ideal place. A  sweet and chill hill station where you can have a dry and harmonious vacation. The place is famous for coffee estates, seeing points, and favorable climate, therefore giving a peaceful feel from the hustle and bustle of the city. You can’t leave Yercaud without going boating in the Yercaud Lake and do not miss the rising mist covering the hills and valleys. If you are looking for great holiday destinations near Chennai, then Yercaud is the place.

Kanchipuram

Another wonderful and nearby place to visit from Chennai is Kanchipuram. This place has the reputation for being the ‘City of Thousand Temples’ and attracts culture and history lovers. Go through the most famous Ekambareswarar Temple, visit the Kailasanathar Temple, and shop for famous Kanchipuram silk sarees. The town’s culture is enriched by a well-organized schedule of events and activities, along with a thriving textile hub.

Tirupati

Tirupati is a spiritual city where the famous temple of Venkateswara shrine is located. Sharana is a very famous place of worship for many devotees as it is a place of religious tourism where people can find spirituality, and it is one of the most beautiful places to visit around Chennai. Apart from the temple, the place offers other sites like the natural caves and the ever-dazzling complementary gardens.

Chidambaram

Chidambaram is another splendid place for tourists to visit especially if they have an interest in the spiritual and historic sightseeing of Tamil Nadu. This temple is one of the important pilgrim centers that houses lord Shiva as Nataraja – the cosmic dancer and contains beautiful sculptural artworks in architecture. Regarded as one of the places to go near Chennai, visiting Chidambaram should definitely be on your bucket list.

What should I pack for my weeklong trip?

Smart packing is very important especially when one is planning to embark on a one-week trip. Here are some essential items you should consider bringing along.

Travel Documents

Make sure you have all the travel papers such as identification, tickets, accommodation, and any other permits that you may require. Original files should be retained to minimize instances when crucial papers are lost in cases of disasters.

Clothing

Carry clothes appropriate for the weather of the intended place and the events that one intends to undertake while at the place. Pack swimwear if your vacation involves sunning by the sea, heavy woolens if your destination is a hill station, and comfortable walking shoes if you will be sightseeing in the city.

Toiletries

Packaging the basic grooming products such as toothbrush, paste, cream, deodorant, and any other item that you may require. Necessary items should be packed: sunscreen and insect repellent if you and your family are going to spend much time out in the sun/leaves.

Electronics

Remember to pack your phone, charger, power bank, and any other relevant device; for instance, a camera or tablet. A portable Wi-Fi device is also useful in getting connected to the internet.

First Aid Kit

A first-aid kit should be taken, which should comprise bandages, alcoholic wipes, pain relievers, and prescribed medicines. It is also advisable to take along motion sickness tablets if you intend to travel by land or water.

Snacks and Water

Take some food for the journey to ensure that you do not get hungry as well as carry a water bottle for some drinking water. Portion control is simple when it comes to snacks for children to take to school; granola bars, nuts, and dried fruits.

Miscellaneous

Others include a traveling neck pillow, hat, and sunglasses, and good books or magazines for the journey. A small bag for days, tours, and traveling can be a backpack or a daypack.

Conclusion

When you are looking for nearby travel from Chennai, your journey can be fun especially when you are looking for weekend getaways to rejuvenate yourself. When selecting your vacation spots, and what you put in your luggage, you must organize it perfectly so that you end up enjoying your holiday. Make sure to have a checklist for all the items to carry and a proper itinerary at hand before you start your journey.

Frequently Asked Questions 

1. How many days before the trip should one spend a week on the planning of the trip?

A: Ideally, preparation for a nearby travel from Chennai should be done at least one month before the event to book a house, ticket, or any other requirement that may be needed.

2. What are the best budget-friendly weeklong trips?

A: Think about those places that are within driving distance to cut back on expenses. Take low-cost lodgings such as a hostel or a guesthouse, and choose those activities that may not have an entrance fee or are low cost.

3. How to plan weekend getaways?

Make the best use of the time by having a clear schedule, a list of mandatory sights, and bookings for tours and activities. It can also cut down on last-minute stress and ensure a more enjoyable and well-organized trip.