Residents of Chennai are currently enjoying weather that is on its best behaviour. Chilly mornings give way to bright sunny days, and breezy evenings. Starting around Deepavali - when the city's skyscape and weather becomes more pleasant - and through Christmas, there are plenty of holidays in store, with New Year's Eve followed by Pongal.
This is probably the best time for residents to take a breather from the milling crowds and enjoy a holiday in the hills, or a family picnic at a seaside resort or at a dam. Contrary to the popular perception that holidayers have to travel overnight to hill stations like Ooty and Kodaikanal, there are lovely places closer to Chennai that one, leaving after sunrise, can reach shortly after breakfast.
Make the best of the extended weekend and the holidays this festival season, and head to getaway spots just a few hours drive away from Chennai. There are hill stations, lagoons, mangrove forests, springs and waterfalls, parks and lush green meadows not very far from the city. Here, we present a few places where a day can be spent and other locations that require a couple of days of travel. Most of the places listed here are well connected by train and buses. For people travelling by personal transport, it is easier, with the option of visiting other interesting locations on the way
Ginjee fort–Sathanur dam: (Distance: 155 kms)
Located 160 kilometres from the city, one of the most popular destinations in Villupuram district is Ginjee fort. The massive, awe-inspiring facade of the fort is at the same time beautiful. Not very far away from Ginjee, is Sathanur dam in Tiruvannamalai district.
The dam, built across Pennaiyar river, is a delight for children, and an ideal picnic spot for families. There is a crocodile farm on the dam. There are buses throughout the day to Tindivanam and Villupuram, from where travellers can hop onto connecting buses. There are a good number of hotels offering decent accommodation and quality food in Tindivanam, Villupuram and Tiruvannamalai.
Yelagiri – Jamunamarathur – Jalagamparai: (Distance: 220 kms)
Yelagiri in Vellore district is experienced at its best between monsoon and the onset of summer. There is a children’s park, a boathouse and a garden, where families can spend a delightful evening. Do not forget to buy the hill produce — honey, herbs and spices—- procured and sold by government-authorised women self-help groups. The Jalagamparai waterfalls are located near Thirupathur in the district, and are worth a visit. Travellers should not miss the piping hot kuzhi puniyaram served with spicy chutneys.
The Beeman falls in Jamunamarathur is probably the best kept secret of Tiruvannamalai district. It can be reached from Vaniyambadi, from where the ascent begins, passing through Kavalur observatory and Alangayam. There are hotels in Yelagiri, and one can also find accommodation in Vellore or Thirupathur.
Tada falls – Pulicat: (Distance: 70 kms)
If you are looking to trek in a serene environment, the Tada or Ubbalamadugu falls, across the border in neighbouring Chittoor district, Andhra Pradesh, is the ideal choice. A two-and-a-half-hour drive on NH5 towards Tada leads to Varadaiahpalem. After Gummidipoondi, mango orchards and green fields dot the sides of the highway, before the turn into Varadaiahpalem.
Ubbalamadugu is another six km away. One has to trek a few kilometres to reach the crystal-clear waterfalls. The Nagala and Koney falls, all situated on the Tamil Nadu–Andhra Pradesh border are also must-visits. Pulicat in Tiruvallur district is a visual treat for travellers, especially bird-lovers. Thousands of birds arrive here between October and March. The brackish water lagoon here is dotted with a number of villages.
Hogenakkal: (Distance: 330 kms)
Best known as the place where Cauvery enters Tamil Nadu from Karnataka, the river passes through gorges-like rock formations. The drive through Pennagaram to Hogenakkal is a mesmerising experience, though slightly risky for those uninitiated in driving on hill roads.
Tourists can reach early in the morning and purchase provisions and food, including fresh fish caught in the river. Cooks can be hired to prepare meals, be it for a small group or big gathering. In the meantime, you can hire coracles for the famous swirling rides in the Cauvery and land on the small river islands for an oil massage. There are direct buses to Hogenakkal from Koyambedu, and plenty of accommodation on offer.
Horsley hills: (Distance: 270 kms)
Cruising from Chennai city towards west for nearly six hours can take you to what seems like paradise. Horsley hills, known as the Ooty of Andhra Pradesh, will surely be a soothing experience for travellers who want to spend a memorable weekend. A little over 250 kilometres from Chennai, the scenic hill resort with views of misty mountains guarantees a relaxed time and, for those who enjoy a trek, moments of adventure.
Make sure you book your stay at Horsley hills in advance, as weekends can be crowded, especially during the holidays, with people from nearby towns and cities flocking to enjoy the nippy weather. For motorcycle riders, a trip through the rough terrain could prove a challenging and enjoyable experience. In addition to private accommodation, the Andhra Pradesh tourism department runs a property for rent.
Puducherry: (Distance: 160 kms)
A scenic drive down East Coast Road leads to the idyllic town of Puducherry. For people who do not want to spend the entire weekend exploring the beaches of Puducherry and Auroville, there are places such as Oussudu bird sanctuary (Ousteri) to visit outside the town. For heritage-lovers, a walk with INTACH around Puducherry, followed by a trip to Thiruvakkarai’s National Fossil Wood Park, around 30 km away, is a good option. The Pitchavaram mangrove forest is a two-hour drive away, and is home to a number of exotic bird species. You can also plan a trip to Cuddalore’s Silver Beach, or even a ride down to Chidambaram to visit the Nataraja Temple. People driving down ECR should not miss a meal at the shacks in Vennangupattu.
