Chennai is the capital of India’s state of Tamil Nadu and it is located on the Bay of Bengal in the eastern part of the country. It is one of the top metro cities in India with access to gorgeous sea beaches. The city is an IT hub as well as a heaven for foodies. Chennai is a critical city of India in many aspects. It is a major hub for sports activities. It also houses the Madras Regiment of Indian Army. The city is a perfect blend of ancient culture, traditions and modern-day technological advancements. Chennai has numerous religious places, amusement parks, stadiums etc.
Just like any other metro city of the country, there’s a lot to visit in and around the city. Chennai also holds a significance in the history of India. Chennai was called Madras during the British rule and hence there’s a lot to learn about the city’s and the country’s history in Chennai. While there are hundreds of places to visit in a and around the city, we’ve compiled a list of 8 such places.
VGP Golden Beach
VGP Golden Beach is a combo of beach and an amusement park. It is located at a distance of nearly 23 km from the main city. Thousands of visitors visit the beach during the weekend. The park near the beach has a Jurassic park that has been specially prepared for kids. The beach is popular due to the resort in the region that goes by the same name. You can enjoy a wonderful stay there with your family.
Mahabalipuram
Mahabalipuram is a town in Chengalpattu district that is also known as Mamallapuram. The place is very popular for the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Hindu monuments that were built between the 7th and the 8th century. If you are a history buff, this place will certainly excite you as it used to be one of the two major port cities during the Pallava kingdom. The place is located at a distance of just 58 km from Mahabalipuram.
Nagalapuram
Nagalapuram, a Mandal headquarter in Chittoor district of Andhra Pradesh, houses the iconic Vedanarayana temple. It is one of the best places in the region for adventure lovers. Apart from religious places, the place has several popular trekking spots. The trekking routes are enriched with several waterfalls that will steal your heart. Adventure-junkies from all over the state visit Nagalapuram for trekking purposes. It is located just 70.4 km from Chennai.
Kanchipuram
If you want to know about the traditions and religious history of the southern part of India, Kanchipuram is one of the best places to visit. Kanchipuram, also known as Kanchi, is a temple city in Tamil Nadu. The city houses numerous important temples including the Kailasanathar temple. The city is also known as Silk City. Located at a distance of just 75 km from Chennai, Kanchipuram boasts of its rich history and cultural heritage. It is a perfect place for photography lovers.
Pulicat Lake
The lake that is made from backwaters from the Bay of Bengal is the second largest brackish water lagoon in India. If you are looking for a relaxing and peaceful spot to enjoy your holiday, Pulicat lake is one of the best places to head to. The gorgeous location is just 93.2 km away from Chennai. You can try your hands at activities like boating and bird watching and enjoy camping with your friends and loved ones at the lake.
Also Read, Visit These 8 Places In India To Celebrate A Memorable Holi
Vellore
Vellore is another marvellous city in the state of Tamil Nadu. Located on the banks of the Palar River, Vellore is popularly known as the fort city. The city is a perfect combination of natural beauty and breathtaking architecture. There are numerous picturesque locations in the city to capture in your lenses and your memory. The gigantic Vellore Fort, Assumption Cathedral, Jalakandeswarar Temple and Srilakshmi Golden Temple are some of the best places to visit in the city. It is also a famous spot for activities like paragliding. Vellore is just 136 km away from Chennai.
Tirupati
Tirupati is one of the most popular religious places in the entire country and people from different parts of the country and world arrive here in huge numbers to seek the blessings of Lord Balaji and enjoy the unmatchable natural beauty of the place. There are several zoological parks in the region as well. Tirupati temple is located in one of the seven Tirumala hills and the journey up the peak is breathtaking in itself.
Pondicherry
It’s time to shift from tradition and temples to adventure and party and Pondicherry is the best place to head to. Pondicherry is located just 160 km away from Chennai. You’ll see a blend of Indian and French architecture in the city as it was a former French colony. There are numerous quirky cafes and clubs in the union territory. It is also a very popular destination for activities like scuba diving. The place has some of the most picturesque streets in the country. Pondicherry or Puducherry is home to some of the most serene beaches in the country.
