One-Day Road Trip from Chennai

Have you ever felt the need to escape the city buzz? Chennai is a vibrant city known for bustling streets and a rich cultural heritage. In addition, it offers plenty of options as the perfect launchpad for incredible destinations within a short distance. 

With smooth roads, scenic coastal routes, and diverse destinations just a short drive away, a quick getaway is easier than you think. How about checking out the best one-day road trips from Chennai? Let us explore a few of these great options for a perfect road trip.

Best One-Day Road Trips from Chennai you should explore

We will check out the best road trips based on the distance slabs. 

Within 50 km

• Marina Beach – It is the longest urban beach in India. It should be the best getaway option from Chennai. You can try a serene morning walk along the coast and a few local snacks. 

How to reach there: The beach is just 6 km from Chennai Central, and it takes just under 20 minutes to reach it.

• Eliot’s Beach – One of the quietest beaches, it is quite peaceful. It should be the perfect spot for a relaxed evening. You can also visit the nearby cafes. 

How to get there: It is 12 km from the city center. You should reach it in under 30 minutes.

• Tiger Caves, Mahabalipuram – It features intricate rock carvings and is a great spot for history buffs. 

How to get there – It is located 50 km from Chennai. You can reach here on an hour-long, smooth drive. 

• Valluvar Kottam—This monument is dedicated to the popular Tamil poet Thiruvalluvar. If you want to learn more about Tamil culture and literature, this is the best option. 

How to get there – The monument is located in Nungambakkam – 6 km from Chennai. 

• Kapaleeshwarar Temple – This one is an architectural marvel by every standard. The ancient temple is a spiritual retreat and something that history lovers would find exciting. 

How to get there – Located in Mylapore, you will find it 8 km from Chennai. 

Within 100 km

• Pulicat Lake—This serene lake is a paradise for bird watchers. It should be an excellent option for nature lovers. 

How to get there: It is located 60 km from Chennai. You can reach it in under 1.5 hours' drive. 

• Nagalapuram—It is known for its trekking trails and waterfalls, making it the best choice for adventure seekers. 

How to get there: Located 70 km from Chennai, it takes a two-hour drive to reach. 

• Kamakshi Amman Temple – It is a renowned temple in Kanchipuram. It attracts devotees and tourists alike. 

How to get there: It is around 75 km from Chennai. It should take 2 hours to drive there. 

• Vedanthangal Bird Sanctuary – If you are a birdwatcher, this one should be an excellent pick for you. You will find it a great option in migratory seasons. 

How to get there: Located around 85 km from Chennai, it should take no more than 2 hours to reach here. 

• Varadharaja Perumal Temple – Are you into enjoying architectural wonders? This one should be the perfect choice for you. You would find the intricate carvings to be an excellent option here. 

How to get there – It is just 90 km from Chennai. 

Within 150 km

• Auroville - Are you into spirituality? It offers a global community known for its peaceful ambiance and the iconic Matrimandir.

How to get there - You can reach here after a smooth three-hour drive. The venue is located around 150-160 km from Chennai.

• Paradise Beach - This secluded and pristine beach is quite close to Puducheri and can be accessed only by boat. 

How to get there – The place is around 150-170 km from Chennai. 

• Venkateswara National Park - If you're looking for the best biodiversity, this one can prove to be a great option. It can be the right option for wildlife enthusiasts. 

How to get there  - The location is around 140 km from Chennai. 

• Sri Kalahasti Temple - It is a renowned pilgrimage site known best for the Rahu Ketu temple.

How to get there – You will find the location around 120 km from Chennai. 

• Vellore Fort - The fort is known for its historic importance. It offers a blend of Moghal and Dravidian architectural styles. 

How to get there – You can reach around 140 km from Chennai.

Within 200 km

• Punganur Lake - The lake is definitely quite serene. You can even enjoy paddle boating and nature walks here. 

How to get there - You can find it around 190-210 km from Chennai. 

• Nature Park, Yalagiri - Want to get away from the city's buzz? This peaceful retreat offers plenty of gardens and musical fountains.

How to get there - You can reach around 200-210 km from the city.

• Gingee Fort - This fort should be a perfect option if you are into history. It is known to be the Troy of the East. 

How to get there - The place is around 160 km from Chennai.

• Chandragiri Palace and Fort - Want to get a glimpse into the rich history of the Vijayanagara Empire? This fort offers the best peek into history.

How to get there - Roughly 145-160 km from Chennai, you can reach it in around 4 hours' drive. 

• Virupaksha Cave - It is an excellent pick for the best spiritual destination near Chennai. The location is known for its association with Sri Ramana Maharshi. 

How to get there - It is just around 190 km from Chennai, and you can reach it in under 5 hours. 

How to Travel to These Locations?

There are several ways to travel to these destinations. Based on your specific needs and preferences, you can choose the right one. 

• Public Transport - Buses and trains connect Chennai to most nearby destinations. However, they can be crowded and may not offer the flexibility you’d want for a quick trip.

• Private transport - If you own a vehicle, hitting the road is simple. Chennai’s roads are well-maintained, making driving a pleasant experience.

• Rental cars- It should be an excellent option for comfort and convenience. You will not experience any discomfort when using public and private transport. 

IndusGo, promoted by Indus Motors  - India’s top Maruti dealership  - offers reliable and affordable car rental services in Chennai. Whether you need a compact car for a solo trip or a spacious SUV for a family outing, IndusGo has you covered.

Ready to Hit the Road?

Chennai’s roads lead to adventure, tranquility, history, and spirituality — all within a few hours' drive. Whether you crave a coastal breeze, a temple's peace, or nature's embrace, these destinations promise unforgettable memories. So, pick your spot, book a car with IndusGo, and set off on a road trip you’ll cherish forever. Safe travels!