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Nearby Destinations

Nearby Destinations

Tamil Nadu, India

Mahabalipuram Mamallapuram

A UNESCO World Heritage Site about 60 km south of Chennai, located on the Bay of Bengal coast. This town features 7th- and 8th-century monolithic temples, cave sanctuaries, and bas-reliefs predominantly from the Pallava dynasty.

Transportation is simple by taxi or an organized tour. The East Coast Road (ECR) presents a scenic drive along the coast.

Travel Details

  • Coastal Heritage Site
  • Private Taxi Recommended
  • Organized Tours Available
  • Full Day (6-8 hours)

Further Day Trips

Deepen your exploration with these enriching day trips beyond Chennai.

Kanchipuram: City of Temples & Silk

Known as the "City of a Thousand Temples" and recognized as one of Hinduism's seven sacred cities. Kanchipuram is also famous for its exquisite silk sarees.

Practicalities

  • Ancient Temple City
  • 75 km SW of Chennai
  • Full Day (8-10 hours)

Puducherry: French Colonial Charm

A former French colonial settlement, about 160 km south of Chennai. It is known for its distinct French Quarter with tree-lined streets, colonial villas, and the Sri Aurobindo Ashram.

Travel Tips

  • French Quarter & Beaches
  • 160 km South of Chennai
  • Overnight Stay Recommended

Natural & Cultural Excursions

Natural Escapes

  • Vedanthangal Bird Sanctuary (Oct-Mar)
  • Migratory season (Oct-Mar) for birdwatching
  • Madras Crocodile Bank Trust (educational)
  • Often combined with Mahabalipuram

Cultural Excursions

  • Thiruvannamalai (Spiritual site)
  • Best reached by train or private taxi
  • Gingee Fort ("Troy of the East")
  • Full day for fort exploration

Travel Insights

  • Private Car HireHighly Recommended
  • Public TransportMetro, Buses, Autos
  • Best SeasonOctober - March
  • Local CurrencyIndian Rupee (INR)
  • EnglishWidely Spoken
  • Basic Tamil PhrasesHelpful for locals
  • Credit CardsAccepted Widely
  • Route FlexibilityDay trips offer choices

Pro Tip

For day trips, hiring a private car with a driver offers comfort, flexibility, and local insights, especially for covering multiple sites efficiently.

Multi-Day Extensions

Consider extending your journey to explore more of South India's wonders.

South India Heritage

Thanjavur, Madurai, Rameswaram: UNESCO temples and pilgrimage sites.

Puducherry Overnight

Experience French-Indian charm at a relaxed pace with an overnight stay.

Logical Next Destinations

Well-connected capitals like Bengaluru and Hyderabad offer rich history and culture.

South India Heritage Circuit

Extend your trip to cover some of the iconic temple towns of Tamil Nadu.

Destinations

  • Thanjavur (Brihadeeswarar Temple)
  • Madurai (Meenakshi Amman Temple)
  • Rameswaram (Ramanathaswamy Temple)

Logical Next Destinations

Expand your journey to other Indian cities and regions, easily accessible from Chennai.

Further Exploration

  • Bengaluru (Karnataka's capital)
  • Hyderabad (Charminar & Biryani)
  • Kerala ("God's Own Country")

Longer Regional Travel Routes

Coastal & HeritageChennai - Mahabalipuram - Puducherry
Temple Towns LoopPuducherry - Thanjavur - Madurai
Urban & Scenic SouthChennai - Bengaluru - Mysore - Ooty
Pilgrimage TrailMadurai - Rameswaram - Kanyakumari
Nature & CultureVedanthangal - Kanchipuram - Thiruvannamalai
Forts & HistoryGingee - Vellore - Kanchipuram

Booking & Connectivity

Booking Day Trips

Streamline your adventures with convenient booking options for organized tours and activities.

Seamless Tour Booking

Easy Online Booking

Select from a wide range of curated tours and activities.

Flexible Cancellations

Many tours offer free cancellation up to 24 hours prior.

Instant Confirmation

Receive immediate booking confirmation and e-tickets.

Popular Day Trip Options

  • Mahabalipuram Coastal Tour
  • Kanchipuram Temple Visit
  • Puducherry French Quarter
  • Vedanthangal Bird Watching
  • Madras Crocodile Bank Exploration
  • Gingee Fort Historic Trip

Benefits of Organized Tours

  • Hassle-free transportation
  • Expert local guides
  • Pre-arranged entry tickets
  • Time-saving itineraries
  • Safety and comfort
  • Diverse activity selection

Why Book in Advance?

Secure Availability

Popular tours can sell out quickly, especially in peak season.

Plan with Certainty

Fix your itinerary for a stress-free travel experience.

Special Offers

Access early bird discounts and online promotions.

Plan Ahead

Booking your day trips and excursions in advance through a reputable platform ensures a smooth and enjoyable experience. Explore Day Trips on GetYourGuide.