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Weekend Gateways » Chennai
Chennai Travel India
Chennai, the capital city of the state of Tamil Nadu, was a
tiny fisherman's village in 1639. With the passage of time, it grew up to
become an enormous city, absorbing surrounding towns and villages. Today
Chennai boasts a number of cultural theatres that showcase the Indian
traditional dance forms. This is the very city where the south Indian film
industry is located.
Chennai is conveviently located, close to some of the finest
destinations, that can prove to be fantastic weekend getaways. Set out on
your weekend trips to revitalise your mind, body and spirit. There are
some fine options like Kanchipuram, Mahabalipuram, Pondicherry, Vellore,
Coimbatore, Tirupati etc.
Chennai – Kanchipuram (64 km) – Chennai
Escape
to Kanchipuram which was the capital of the erstwhile Pallava dynasty.
Today, it is counted among some of the most sacred cities in India. It is
due to the great number of temples that the city has come to be known as
the 'City of Temples'. Besides these religious treasures, the city has
achieved an important place on the world map on account of the Kanchipuram
Silk. This pure mulberry silk is known for its cool texture and feel and
is used to create worldly renowned Kanchipuram Silk sarees.
Chennai – Mahabalipuram (58 km) – Chennai
Move on to the wonderful coastal town of Mahabalipuram and spend some
valuable moments of your life. Now known as Mamallapuram, the city has a
number of myths and legends associated to it. There are attractions like
the Arjuna's Penance, the Panch Pandava Rathas, the mandapams and the
Shore Temple.
Chennai – Madurai (444 km) – Chennai
Set out on your tour to the city of Madurai and get ready to pay your
tributes to the lords at the Meenakshi Temple. The temple claims a huge
area of 6 hectares right in the middle of the city, pulling in hordes of
tourists and travellers from all parts of the globe. There are other
popular attractions like the Moriamman Teppakulam, the Tirumalai Nayak
Palace, the Gandhi Museum and the Koodol Azhagar.
Chennai – Ooty / Udagamandalam (535 km) – Chennai
Getting to the scenic hill station of Ooty is an excellent way to spend
your weekends. Located in the Nilgiri ditrict of Tamil Nadu, the hill
station is famous as the 'Queen of Hill Stations', and this queen seems to
cast a spell on the visitors. Don't forget to enjoy the Dodabetta, the
highest peak in the Nilgris.
Chennai – Pondicherry (162 km) – Chennai
The erstwhile French colony of Pondicherry is yet another fabulous
option. The Aurobindo Ashram and the Pondicherry beach are some popular
attractions. Besides, there are a number of temples, museums and churches
to visit.
Chennai- Vellore (145 km) – Chennai
One can also plan a trip to the city of Vellore, well known for its rural
bazaars, bullock carts and street markets. The Vijayanagar Fort is one the
most popular attractions here. The Jalakanteshwara Temple is a brilliant
example of the Vijayanagar architecture.
