Top 7 OffBeat Places Near Chennai for Your Next Vacation

Bored with the same old destinations and the same old attractions? Getaways are precious, and no one wants them to be repetitive. After some repeated vacations, you may have visited all the best places in Chennai, and visiting the same spot may be less attractive. After enjoying all the best places to visit near Chennai, it’s about time you tried out these unorthodox tourist spots. These places are known to only a handful of people, so there will be no crowds and high-end amenities, so get ready for the time of your life at these quirky destinations.

You might want to read: 11 Best Tourist Places Near Chennai within 200 Km.

OffBeat Locals Near Chennai For Your Next Vacation

1. Nagalapuram

Nagalapuram is one of the most visited places near Chennai by those who love trekking. The long 15 km walk tiers down most of the visitors, preventing the heavy tourist flow that should be expected of this hidden gem of the Eastern Ghats. 

It is one of the best places in Chennai for couples who love trekking. This beautiful place is situated almost 80 km from Chennai; you can always ask the Upar Hotels reception to point you toward this gem of a place.

Distance from Chennai: 75 km

Driving Time: 2 hours

Things to Do: Trekking, boating, camping, nature walks

Best Time to Visit: October to February

2. Tada Falls

Water has always been connected to purity and cleanliness, not just of your body but of your mind too. Tada Falls encompasses this idea on a whole new level. Within 100 kilometres, it is one of the best places to visit in Chennai. 

Located in the eastern Ghats, it is filled with vibrant flora and a variety of fauna that attracts many visitors. But the long 10km trek prevents most visitors from reaching these magnificent waterfalls. For couples searching for a tranquil atmosphere, it has been recommended as one of the best places near Chennai to spend some alone time.

Distance from Chennai: 90 km

Driving Time: 2 hours 30 minutes

Things to Do: Hiking, photography, birdwatching, and swimming

Best Time to Visit: October to February

3. Vedanthangal Bird Sanctuary

Vendanthagal Bird Sanctuary is an excellent place for bored visitors to plan a one-day trip near Chennai. It’s a great place for bird watchers and an even better place for wildlife photographers. You can revel in the natural beauty that attracts birds from around the globe and enjoy your time with friends and family.

It is one of the best places to visit near Chennai with family and friends. Make sure you carry a hat or an umbrella because you never know what drops from the sky when birds surround you. Our staff at Upar Hotels, Chennai, can guide you toward all other necessities needed during your visit to this sanctuary. Book your stay and connect with the staff for a pleasant travelling experience.

Distance from Chennai: 85 km

Driving Time: 2 hours

Things to Do: Birdwatching and Photography

Best Time to Visit: November to March

4. Pichavaram Mangrove Forest

Everyone knows about the first, but no one remembers the second. It’s the same for Pichavaram Mangrove Forest, the second-largest mangrove forest in India. A green and vibrant forest filled with various flora and fauna, just 5 hours’ travel from Chennai. 

To reach the wilderness, you will have to travel to the Pichavaram village, where you can hire boats and ferries to take you through the mangroves on narrow canals. It will be one of the most unique travel experiences in your life, so don’t forget your cameras and friends during your trip into the wild.

Distance from Chennai: 215 km

Driving Time: 5 hours

Things to Do: Boating, ferry rides, kayaking, canoeing, rowing, fishing, photography, birdwatching

Boating Time: 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Boating Charges: ₹200 onwards

Best Time to Visit: October to February

5. Yelagiri

Hill stations are a place of appeal for all kinds of travellers. While Kodaikanal and Ooty attract most visitors, this quiet and remote hill station draws those seeking peace and solitude. Yelagiri is filled with hills, waterbodies, greenery, blue skies, and various activities that attract a lot of couples searching for romantic escapades near Chennai.

Distance from Chennai: 230 km

Driving Time: 4 hours 25 minutes

Places to Visit: Punganoor Lake, nature park, Jalagamparai Waterfalls, telescope observatory, Swamimalai Hills, government herbal farm, Nilavoor Lake

Best Time to Visit: October to February

6. Horsley Hills

Horsely Hills is one of the lesser-known travel destinations near Chennai, but it is not a remote destination. It receives many visitors yearly, but not as many as other popular tourist destinations nearby. It is known for its peaceful and calm green meadows and viewpoints where you can try various adventure sports and hiking. It’s a bit far from central Chennai, but people take short stops in Chennai before moving on to this fantastic destination.

Distance from Chennai: 260 km

Driving Time: 6 hours

Things to Do: Hiking, photography, wildlife tours, adventure sports

Best Time to Visit: October to February

7. Covelong Beach

Located a bit farther from proper Chennai, Covelong Beach is as famous as Marina Beach. It is ideal for tourists looking for a day out on the beach. With its various water sports, adventure activities, and more during peak tourist seasons, it is heaven for those with a drive for adventure. Tourists go swimming or hire a beach bed to get a tan while enjoying the cool sea breeze at this trusted beach.

A 15 min drive from the beach, you can easily locate Upar Hotels Uthandi, where you can rest your tired bones and rejuvenate yourselves.

Distance from Chennai: 40 km

Driving Time: 1 hour 30 minutes

Things to Do: Swimming, surfing, parasailing, paragliding, scuba diving, and water sports

Best time to Visit: October to March

Conclusion 

While Chennai has a lot to offer its incessant visitors, its visitors sometimes wish to escape into quiet and serene destinations away from the rush of common tourist spots. During your stay at Upar Hotels in Chennai, you can refresh yourself on various destinations not commonly mentioned in “Best Places to Visit in Chennai.”

Read our other blogs to know everything about hotels, travel, and things to do in Chennai, Bangalore and Goa.