Road Trips from Chennai: Know Some Perfect Christmas Getaways Near Chennai

As Christmas is around the corner, this can be the right time for Chennai residents to plan road trips. Read this post to know some perfect Christmas getaways you can visit by taking a road trip from Chennai.  

Chennai, the capital of Tamil Nadu and a major Indian mega-city, is well-connected to many exciting places by road. While it has a thriving Christmas vibe, one of the many things to do near Chennai during Christmas is to take a road trip with your family.

Following are some beautiful road trips from Chennai you can consider exploring this Christmas.  

• Mahabalipuram

• Pulicat

• Kanchipuram

• Nagalapuram

• Vedanthangal Bird Sanctuary

• Puducherry

• Ooty 

Mahabalipuram

Situated in Tamil Nadu’s Chengalpattu district, the town of Mahabalipuram is famous for the group of ancient temples from the 7th and 8th centuries. These majestic temples are UNESCO World Heritage sites and can serve as a perfect Christmas Gateway from Chennai at a distance of 52 km. 

Mahabalipuram has some picturesque white sand beaches perfect for a lazy evening stroll. The town is also one of the popular surfing destinations in Tami Nadu. 

Pulicat

Pulicat is a historic seashore town known for Fort Geldria, the first Dutch fort in India. Today, the town is a part of the Chennai Metropolitan Area and is about 55 km away from Chennai. The town is situated on the southern periphery of Pulicat Lake, a large and beautiful brackish water lagoon. 

You can reach Pulicat from Chennai within 1- 2 hours by driving through SH104 and later Erukkancheri High Road to Pulicat. 

Kanchipuram

Once the capital of the powerful Pallava dynasty, Kanchipuram is well known today for its famous Kanchipuram silk sarees. The town also has ancient temples like Varadharaja Perumal Temple, Kamakshi Amman Temple, Kanchi Kudhil, etc., making it one of the most frequented weekend getaways from Chennai for history buffs. 

Kanchipuram is just 72 km from Chennai and can be reached in about 2 hours by taking the NH 48.

Nagalapuram

People from Chennai are often left astonished on reaching Nagalapuram for the first time. After all, a natural beauty punctuated with waterfalls and camping locations at a mere 80 km from Chennai sounds too good to be true. 

Take the Poonamallee high road and reach Nagalapuram, 80 km from Chennai, in less than 2 hours and 30 minutes to enjoy the serene surroundings of Nagalapuram. The place is also a hot favorite among trekking and hiking enthusiasts. 

Vedanthangal Bird Sanctuary

Take the NH 32 and stay on it for the next 86.3 km to reach Vedanthangal Bird sanctuary in less than 2 hours. However, quick routes are typically not recommended for road-trip lovers. 

So, why not take the scenic East Coast Road? Of course, the distance would stretch to more than 100 km. But you'll get to drive alongside the Arabian sea for most of your journey. Situated on the Vedanthangal lake, this bird sanctuary can be one of the best places to visit near Chennai during Christmas, as this is the time when migratory birds flock to the place.  

Puducherry (Pondicherry)-175 Km

The former French colony in India still preserves its reminiscence of French history. Pondicherry is dotted with historic buildings, colossal churches, and some mouthwatering delicacies. The town is located about 175 km away from Chennai.

A 3 to 4-hour road trip from Chennai to Pondicherry via the East Coast Road is considered one of the most scenic routes in the country. Pondicherry can be one of the best places to visit near Chennai for Christmas with your family. You can also attend the famous midnight mass at the Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. 

Check into a resort in Puducherry by Club Mahindra and explore Pondicherry at your own leisurely pace. 

Ooty 

If you’re planning a Christmas vacation of 3-7 days, the hill station of Ooty can be your perfect Christmas getaway. The erstwhile summer capital of Madras Presidency is located in the lap of Nilgiri Hills. The hill station is one of the most popular tourist destinations in India.  

The lofty hills covered with the misty blue haze of the sunlight make you feel like heaven. However, the city is about 600 km from Chennai. So, if you're planning a road trip, make sure to start early in the morning to reach Ooty by the Evening.  

Both Club Mahindra Danish Villa and Club Mahindra Derby Green are among the best resorts in Ooty. So, check into any of these resorts to have a memorable Christmas in the hills. 

There is no shortage of road trip destinations from Chennai. The above destinations can be a good start for road trip options and are also safe for visits with family. Make sure to get your car serviced thoroughly before you begin your journey.