GoRoam

Short trips from Chennai

Best getaways from Chennai.

Chennai is the gateway to the temple towns of Tamil Nadu, the French streets of Pondicherry, the Nilgiris and the Andaman Islands.

Plan a trip from Chennai
  1. 01

    Tamil Nadu

    Mahabalipuram

    Seventh-century stone temples on a beach an hour from Chennai.

    Cooler winter days are best for walking the monuments, and the Mamallapuram Dance Festival runs from about late December to January against the rock carvings.

    About 1 hour along the East Coast Road Nov – Feb2 days · from ₹1,800/day
    See the 2-day plan
  2. 02

    Puducherry

    Pondicherry

    Bougainvillea, French villas and croissants on the Bay of Bengal.

    Once the northeast monsoon eases in December, the weather is perfect into March, and the Christmas and New Year season in White Town is lovely.

    About 3 hours by road Dec – Mar3 days · from ₹2,000/day
    See the 3-day plan
  3. 03

    Tamil Nadu

    Madurai

    A 2,500-year-old temple city that never sleeps.

    The heat eases from November to February, making the temple corridors and the night ceremony far more comfortable.

    Overnight train or a 1-hour flight Oct – Mar2 days · from ₹1,500/day
    See the 2-day plan
  4. 04

    Tamil Nadu

    Kodaikanal

    A star-shaped lake, pine forests and cliffs above the clouds.

    Cool, misty winter days and fewer crowds than the summer rush; it's a classic honeymoon escape.

    Overnight train to Kodai Road, then by road Oct – May2 days · from ₹1,800/day
    See the 2-day plan
  5. 05

    Tamil Nadu

    Ooty

    The toy train through tea country to the Queen of Hill Stations.

    Crisp, clear winter days are perfect for the Nilgiri Mountain Railway and the tea estates; frost on the grass in December and January.

    Overnight train to Mettupalayam, then the toy train Oct – May3 days · from ₹1,800/day
    See the 3-day plan
  6. 06

    Andaman & Nicobar

    Andaman Islands

    Powder-white beaches, glass-clear water and coral reefs, without a passport.

    November to April is dry, calm and sunny: the ferries run on time and diving visibility is at its best.

    About 2 hours by flight to Port Blair Nov – Apr5 days · from ₹3,500/day
    See the 5-day plan
  7. 07

    Tamil Nadu

    Kanyakumari

    India's southern tip, where three seas meet and the sun rises and sets over water.

    Winter's clear skies give the best sunrises and sunsets, and the ferry to the rock memorial runs reliably.

    Overnight train Oct – Mar2 days · from ₹1,500/day
    See the 2-day plan

Good questions

What are the best weekend getaways from Chennai?

Mahabalipuram, Pondicherry, Madurai, Kodaikanal, Ooty are the most popular short trips from Chennai right now.

What is the cheapest trip from Chennai?

Madurai, from about ₹1,500 a day per person on a budget, plus travel (Overnight train or a 1-hour flight).

How do I plan a trip from Chennai?

Pick a place below, then tell GoRoam your dates, budget and who's going; it plans every day with timings, costs, stays and how to get there from Chennai.