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Living in Chennai means you get to experience non-stop action with the crowd, traffic, and heat — but still, serenity is always just a few kilometres away. The city’s position near the coast and the Eastern Ghats offers great possibilities for quick escapes. Quiet beaches, spiritual retreats, nature trails — each of them has something unique and nice that attracts visitors. Most of these places are accessible from Chennai, and it only takes a day or a short weekend to visit these places. So, pack your bags, go on a trip, and rediscover what lies beyond city limits. Mahabalipuram (60 km) Mahabalipuram, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is renowned for its rock-cut temples and attractive coast. The Shore Temple and Arjuna’s Penance are two attractions that one should not miss if one is interested in history. Moreover, a walk on the beach or some seafood by the shore would make a perfect holiday even better. Pulicat Lake (55 km) Pulicat Lake is the second-biggest brackish water lagoon in India and a paradise for bird watchers. During the period from November to March, the place is filled with flamingos, pelicans, and herons. The most soothing activity to relax would be a boat ride by the serene backwaters here. Kanchipuram (75 km) Kanchipuram, also called the ‘City of a Thousand Temples’, is the perfect combination of spirituality and tradition. One can visit its long-standing temples such as Ekambareswarar and Kailasanathar or dive into the process of making the silk saree, the town’s famous handwoven. The tranquil rhythm of the town is better than the rush of Chennai. Vedanthangal Bird Sanctuary (95 km) Vedanthangal is a paradise for bird lovers and one of the most ancient sanctuaries in India. It houses a huge number of birds that migrate every winter, converting the sky into a living painting. Morning is the right time of the day to take a look at this wetland wonder and listen to the soothing sounds. Covelong (Kovalam) Beach (40 km) Covelong has transformed from a modest fishing village to a vibrant beach destination. Surfing, beach cafes, and yoga retreats are what attract most people here. Calm water and a soft breeze are just what you need for a quick recharge by the sea. Nagalapuram Hills (120 km)Nagalapuram, the Tamil Nadu–Andhra border area, is a great place for lovers of trekking. The trek goes to the waterfalls, natural pools, and forests — a great diversion from urban life. This is one of those places that allows you to forget that you were ever in the middle of traffic. Travel News - Find latest news and tips based on Indian and World travel including top 10 travel destination, tourism information, how to reach visit and more at Times Now.
