5 Roadtrip Destinations from Chennai

Planning a roadtrip around Chennai? Here are some happening spots!

1. Pondicherry 169 kms from Chennai

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Puducherry, a former French colony is one of the best places to get a glimpse of colonial heritage with its lanes having small yellow walled houses along with French cafes serving delicious steaks.

Pondicherry, now known as Puducherry and commonly referred as just Pondy is one of the seven Union Territories of India. It was under French rule till 1954 and French influence on the culture can be very well felt over here. The older part of Pondicherry is a stark contrast to the surrounding South Indian cities with small houses, hotels, cafes, street-side shops selling an alternate world of French to the Indians. The tourists usually come from the nearby towns of Bangalore and Chennai, whereas foreigners also flock to this town studded with beautiful beaches. The town’s Auroville with the famous Shri Aurobindo Ashram is another prominent reason why people come over here. Pondicherry is a centre to learn the art of yoga, meditation and spirituality. The food, the beer, the beaches, the ashrams, the tranquil in the air, the breezy shores, Pondicherry has a colour for everyone.

2. Mahabalipuram 56 kms from Chennai

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Famous for its intricately carved temples and rock-cut caves, Mahabalipuram also offers beautiful white sand beaches and an exotic shopping experience to the tourists.

The architecture, the serenity, the alluring atmosphere and the impressive setting are all reasons as to why one would want to visit this wonderful town. Beautiful white sandy beaches are plentiful, as are the Casuarinas trees that are found in abundance here. The Crocodile Bank houses some exquisite species of crocodiles and alligators which is fun for children. The Five Rathas provides a tranquil atmosphere and is highly knowledgeable place to be. Kovalam and Sadras are fishing villages which have turned into exotic beach resorts and a must visit when in Mahabalipuram.”

3. Tirupati 133 kms from Chennai

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The holy town of Tirupati is one amongst the 8 most scared places of Lord Mahavishnu and is highly revered, glorified and worshiped.

A temple town, Tirupati is gods abode. The Sri Venkateshwara temple is a must visit in Tirupati and is most often what Tirupati is identified with. With Akasaganga Teertham, and Sri Veda Narayanaswami Temple as the other famous temples of Tirupati, the nearby areas are famous for their beauty and serenity. The area is an essential in the list of pilgrimages and is defined by the religious and spiritual significance it accounts for. The same has made Tirupati a popular tourist spot and perhaps this is where Andhra Pradesh receives its most popular and vibrant side as a religious destination.

4. Nellore 175 kms from Chennai

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Nellore is a beautiful city lying on the banks of River Penna, a Municipal Corporation in the South Indian state of Andhra Pradesh. Anciently known as Vikrama Simhapuri, it derived its name from Nelluru?, a combination of Tamil words Nel? and Ooru where Nel stands for Paddy? and Ooru means Place.

This city, situated on the banks of the Penne River is known for its rich agriculture and has been an exporter of Rice, Sugar cane and cane based products, prawns, shrimps and a varied set of crops. It is the 6th most populous city in Andhra Pradesh, also, holding its position as the administrative headquarter of Sri Potti Sri Ramulu Nellore District. Even though a large percent of its population is rural and dependent on agriculture, it is witnessing an increase in the number of Educational institutions and businesses, helping it gain a new found stature as a city. The city is also home to several significant temples that witness a large number of devotees throughout the year.

5. Kanchipuram 74 kms from Chennai

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Widely known for its ‘Kanchipuram sarees’ and also referred to as the ‘golden city of thousand temples’, Kanchipuram has various temples of religious and cultural importance spread all over the city.

Kanchipuram or just Kanchi also attracts a lot of tourists from all the world who are interested in Hinduism or just want to enjoy the marvel of South Indian architecture and grandeur. It is particularly known for being the seat for bearing culture and philosophy. With such an association being made with this city, it only makes sense that this destination has become such an influential center in these avant-garde times. Kanchi Kamakshi Temple is he highly revered abode of Kamakshi (Goddess Parvathi) – consort of Lord Shiva. One must also visit Kailasanathar Temple to enjoy its magnificent architecture. The highest, largest and most impressive temple in town, spanning 40 acres and dating back to the Pallava period is the Ekambeshwarar Temple. The Kanchi Mutt holds kutcheris, or South Indian classical music concerts in the evenings.

So pack your bags and get ready for a memorable roadtrip!