If you are looking for some quality time with your family or friends, Chennai would be a good option for its brilliant beaches, beautiful temples and post card pretty tourist places. The best part is that you can extend your holiday to some of the places nearby that are easily accessible to make your holiday in Chennai different from the regular fare. Here are some of the tourist places that are worth exploring in and around Chennai. explore 10 Picnic Spots Around Chennai:-
1.Mahabalipuram
The famous rock cut temples of Mahabalipuram is only 53 km. from Chennai and is nestled along the Coromandel Coast next to the Bay of Bengal. A renowned sea port during the reign of the Pallava, Mahabalipuram stands testimony of the exquisite temple architectural styles that thrived during that time. The pretty sandy beaches dotted with casuarinas trees add up to the dramatic beauty of these structures.
2.Kanchipuram
Only 71 km. from Chennai, Kanchipuram is one of the seven sacred cities in India that is famous for its many ancient temples. Situated on the banks of Palar River, Kanchipuram is equally famous for its traditional silk sarees with pure gold thread work and spectacular colour combinations.
3.Thiruvannamalai
One of the most Sacred pilgrim centres in Tamilnadu, it is well known as the place where Lord Shiva is believed to have appeared as a column of fire to assert his supremacy over Lord Brahma and Lord Vishnu. Arunachaleshvara Temple, which is one of the five elemental shrines of Lord Shiva has a gold Shivalinga which represents fire. Spreading over a vast area of 10-ha, this 11th century temple is also one of the largest temple complexes in India.
4.Vedanthangal
A haven for birdwatchers, Vedanthangal is an idyllic tourist place as well where you can have a laid back day out. Home to one of the oldest and the biggest bird sanctuaries in the country, Vedanthangal is about 89 km. away from Chennai. Dating back to over 200 years, this bird sanctuary is a perfect place to visit especially during the winter season when flocks of migratory birds make a stopover here.
5.Covelong Beach
A quiet fishing village and a secluded beach located at a distance of 40 kilometres South of Chennai. The erstwhile Dutch Fort, which has been made the Taj Fisherman’s Cove, a private luxury beach resortis the main attraction here. You can enjoy wind surfing at the East Coast of this beach.
6.Tirupati
Located at a distance of 150 kilometres from Chennai, Tirupati is in theChittoor District of Andhra Pradesh. One of the richest temples in the worlddedicated to Lord Venkateswara, this temple is perched on the verdant TirumalaHills at an elevation of 853 metres. The annual festival of Brahmotsavam celebrated during September is the most important festival in Tirumala when millions of devotees visit this temple.
7.Sadras
The beautiful little city of Sadras, which is 69 km. from Chennai, is a popular tourist destination. An erstwhile Dutch colony of the 17th century, Sadrasis famous for its historic remnants, forts and naval battle fields.
8.Srikalahasti
The sacred town of Srikalahasti in the Chittoor district of Andhra Pradesh is at a distance of 118 km. from Chennai. Nestled on the banks of the River Swarnamukhi, it is popularly known as “DakshinaKaashi”. One of the most sacred and ancient Shiva temples in South India, Srikalahasti is also one of the PanchaboothaLingas. The temple sits in a picturesque area of DakshinaKailasam between the embankments of the river and hills. This town is also home to the popular textile painting art called kalamkari.
9.Silver Beach, Cudallore
Located at a distance of 183 km.from Chennai, Silver Beach is in Cuddalore. Though Silver beach is second longest beach on the Coromandel Coast and one of the longest beaches in Asia, it still remains free from the mass tourism trails and is blissfully quiet and secluded for a perfect beach holiday. The backwaters separate the main beach, which makes it safe for water sports including speed boat rides. The lush green mangrove forests with diverse bird population and the old light house that is hundred years old are the other attractions of the beach. On the beach stands Fort St. David, one of the three important forts built by the British Empire. The summer festivals held in Silver Beach every year during April or May attract many tourists.
10.Pulicat
An erstwhile seaport, Pulicat is a popular tourist destination near Chennai, which is at a distance of 55 km. from Chennai. The most popular tourist attractions here include the Pulicat Lake,which is the second biggest brackish water body in India and Pulicat Bird Sanctuary, which is home to many native and migratory birds. Some of the other tourist attractions in Pulicat include the Dutch Church and Cemetery, lighthouse, and Chintamaneeswarar Temple among others.
Easily accessible from Chennai and only a short drive to all the above tourist destinations make excellent day trips to these weekend getaways with family or friends. Take some time off to explore and experience these less crowded and touristy places around Chennai to string up innovative holiday plans.
