Want to escape the city stress and indulge in a weekend retreat? Chennai offers a variety of options to just refresh and rejuvenate with serene beaches, hills, historic places and much more. Here is a list of top weekend getaways from Chennai for a perfect weekend escape.

1. Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu

Glorified as the ‘Manchester of South India’, Coimbatore is a beautiful town that sets a gateway to the Nilgiri hills. Nestled at the foothills of the Western Ghats, this place is also a major hub for textiles. 

• Distance from Chennai: Approximately 500 km
• Highlights: Marudamalai Temple, Siruvani Waterfalls, VOC Park and Zoo, Adiyogi Shiva Statue, Monkey Falls, Kodiveri Dam

2. Hyderabad, Telangana

Want to escape to the city of pearls and Nizams? Hyderabad welcomes you with a rich history and a culture that defines royalty at its best. Known for its Hyderabadi biryani and vibrant markets, the city is iconic in every way. 

• Distance from Chennai: Approximately 625 km, nearest airport is Hyderabad Airport
• Major Highlights: Charminar, Golconda Fort, Chowmahalla Palace, Laad Bazaar, Rayalseema Ruchulu, Shah Ghouse

3. Pondicherry (Puducherry)

The former French colony, Puducherry is the perfect amalgamation of Indian and French cultures. This charming coastal town is known for its serene beaches, vibrant streets, and religious retreats. 

• Distance from Chennai: Approximately 160 km
• Highlights: Paradise beach, colonial architecture, Auroville, French cuisine, shopping streets.

4. Bengaluru, Karnataka

Bengaluru is one of the most stunning cities of India and should be on every traveller’s bucket list. It is evolving from being a ‘Garden City’ to the ‘Silicon Valley of India.’ The city is very lively, extremely vibrant, and always bustling with people. 

• Distance from Chennai: Approximately 350 km
• Highlights: Bangalore Palace, Lalbagh Botanical Garden, UB City Mall, diverse food scene, numerous pubs.

5. Kochi (Cochin), Kerala

Kerala, commonly referred to as God’s own Country, is among the most beautiful Indian states. Hop on a houseboat, traverse across the backwaters and watch life at its most idyllic pace. Let your camera have a date with the elephants at the Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary or bask in the hippie glory of Varkala.

• Distance from Chennai: Approximately 675 km
• Highlights: Fort Kochi, St. Francis Church, Jew Town, delicious seafood, the famous Kochi-Muziris Biennale.

6. Visakhapatnam (Vizag), Andhra Pradesh

Located on the coast of Bay of Bengal, Visakhapatnam is the largest city in the state of Andhra Pradesh. It is also known as ‘The Jewel of the East Coast’ and is flanked by the Bay of Bengal. The port city of Visakhapatnam exhibits a tropical climate with hot summers, humid monsoons and delightful winters.

• Distance from Chennai: Approximately 800 km, nearest airport is Visakhapatnam Airport
• Highlights: Rishikonda Beach, INS Kurusura Submarine Museum, Araku Valley, adventure sports, delicious Andhra cuisine.