2 Days Trip from Chennai

Chennai, with its rich cultural heritage and bustling urban vibe, is the perfect launchpad for exciting getaways. If you’re yearning for a break from the city life, consider these exhilarating “2 days trip from Chennai” ideas that promise a refreshing escape. Let’s embark on a journey beyond the city limits, exploring destinations that offer a perfect blend of relaxation and exploration.

Plan 1: Pondicherry Delights

Day 1: Explore French Charm

Morning: Depart for Pondicherry (Approx. 3 hours drive)
Afternoon: Check into a cozy guesthouse in the French Quarter.
Evening: Stroll along Promenade Beach, visit Aurobindo Ashram.
Night: Enjoy dinner at a seaside café with French-inspired cuisine.

Day 2: Cultural and Culinary Exploration

Morning: Visit Auroville for a spiritual experience.
Afternoon: Lunch at Auroville’s organic cafes.
Evening: Explore White Town’s vibrant boutiques and art galleries.
Night: Relish a seafood dinner at a beachside restaurant.

Plan 2: Mahabalipuram Heritage Tour

Day 1: Marvels of Mahabalipuram

Morning: Drive to Mahabalipuram (Approx. 1.5 hours)
Afternoon: Visit Shore Temple, Pancha Rathas, and Arjuna’s Penance.
Evening: Relax at Mahabalipuram Beach.
Night: Check into a beachfront resort.

Day 2: Temples and Traditions

Morning: Explore the Descent of the Ganges and Tiger Cave.
Afternoon: Visit the ancient town of Kanchipuram for silk shopping.
Evening: Return to Mahabalipuram for a seafood dinner.

Plan 3: Yelagiri Hills Retreat

Day 1: Nature and Tranquility

Morning: Head to Yelagiri Hills (Approx. 3.5 hours drive).
Afternoon: Check into a hillside resort and enjoy lunch.
Evening: Visit Nilavoor Lake for boating and relax amidst nature.
Night: Savor dinner at a local eatery.

Day 2: Adventure and Relaxation

Morning: Explore Swamimalai Hills, go trekking.
Afternoon: Lunch at a hillside café.
Evening: Unwind at Jalagamparai Waterfalls.
Night: Enjoy a peaceful dinner at your resort.

Plan 4: Kanchipuram Heritage and Spirituality

Day 1: Temples and Traditions

Morning: Depart to Kanchipuram (Approx. 2 hours drive).
Afternoon: Visit Ekambareswarar Temple, Kailasanathar Temple.
Evening: Explore the silk-weaving district.
Night: Check into a heritage guesthouse.

Day 2: Spiritual Retreat

Morning: Visit Varadaraja Perumal Temple.
Afternoon: Lunch at a traditional South Indian eatery.
Evening: Explore Vellore Fort and Golden Temple.
Night: Return to Chennai after a day of spiritual exploration.

Plan 5: Vellore Historical and Spiritual Journey

Day 1: Vellore Fort and Temples

Morning: Drive to Vellore (Approx. 2 hours).
Afternoon: Explore Vellore Fort and its historical museums.
Evening: Visit the Jalakandeswarar Temple.
Night: Check into a hotel near the fort.

Day 2: Spiritual Sojourn

Morning: Visit the Sripuram Golden Temple.
Afternoon: Lunch at a local restaurant.
Evening: Explore the town’s local markets.
Night: Return to Chennai with a heart full of history and spirituality.

Plan 6: Charming Kovalam and Covelong Beach Retreat

Day 1: Beach Bliss

Morning: Drive to Kovalam Beach (Approx. 40 km).
Afternoon: Relax on the sandy shores, indulge in water sports.
Evening: Enjoy a beachfront dinner.
Night: Check into a seaside resort.

Day 2: Cultural and Coastal Fusion

Morning: Visit Mahabalipuram (Approx. 20 km).
Afternoon: Explore Mahabalipuram’s historic sites.
Evening: Return to Covelong Beach for a tranquil sunset.
Night: Conclude the trip with a seaside dinner.

Plan 7: Chennai to Tirupati Temple Trail

Day 1: Spiritual Sojourn

Morning: Depart for Tirupati (Approx. 3 hours drive).
Afternoon: Visit Tirumala Balaji Temple.
Evening: Explore the serene surroundings.
Night: Check into a nearby hotel.

Day 2: Cultural Exploration

Morning: Visit Padmavathi Temple and Kapila Theertham.
Afternoon: Enjoy lunch at a local eatery.
Evening: Return to Chennai, concluding the spiritual journey.

Plan 8: Historical Arcot and Vellore Tour

Day 1: Explore Arcot

Morning: Drive to Arcot (Approx. 95 km).
Afternoon: Explore the historical Arcot Fort.
Evening: Stroll through Arcot’s old town.
Night: Check into a local guesthouse.

Day 2: Vellore Heritage

Morning: Head to Vellore (Approx. 24 km).
Afternoon: Visit Vellore Fort and Government Museum.
Evening: Explore local markets.
Night: Return to Chennai with historical memories.

Plan 9: Pulicat Lake Bird Watching Retreat

Day 1: Lakeside Tranquility

Morning: Drive to Pulicat Lake (Approx. 60 km).
Afternoon: Enjoy a boat ride in Pulicat Lake.
Evening: Explore the Pulicat Bird Sanctuary.
Night: Check into a lakeside resort.

Day 2: Coastal Village Exploration

Morning: Visit the nearby fishing village.
Afternoon: Have lunch at a local seafood eatery.
Evening: Return to Chennai with serene memories.

Plan 10: Thiruvannamalai Spiritual Retreat

Day 1: Spiritual Beginnings

Morning: Depart for Thiruvannamalai (Approx. 195 km).
Afternoon: Visit Annamalaiyar Temple.
Evening: Explore the spiritual vibes of the town.
Night: Check into a local ashram or guesthouse.

Day 2: Nature and Meditation

Morning: Visit Skandashram and Virupaksha Cave.
Afternoon: Meditate on the holy Arunachala Hill.
Evening: Witness the mesmerizing Arunachala Deepam.
Night: Return to Chennai after a spiritual retreat.

Plan 11: Chidambaram and Tranquebar Heritage Tour

Day 1: Chidambaram Temples

Morning: Depart for Chidambaram (Approx. 245 km).
Afternoon: Visit the Nataraja Temple and explore the town.
Evening: Experience the unique Thillai Kali Amman Temple.
Night: Check into a local heritage hotel.

Day 2: Tranquebar Coastal Exploration

Morning: Drive to Tranquebar (Approx. 85 km).
Afternoon: Visit the historic Fort Dansborg and Masilamani Nathar Temple.
Evening: Relax on the tranquil Tranquebar Beach.
Night: Return to Chennai with memories of history and coastal charm.

Plan 12: Vythiri Retreat in Wayanad

Day 1: Drive to Wayanad

Morning: Depart for Wayanad (Approx. 580 km).
Afternoon: Check into a resort in Vythiri.
Evening: Explore the resort’s surroundings.
Night: Enjoy a traditional Kerala dinner.

Day 2: Wayanad Adventures

Morning: Explore Pookode Lake and Lakkidi Viewpoint.
Afternoon: Visit Edakkal Caves for a historical trek.
Evening: Relax at Soochipara Falls.
Night: Return to Chennai with memories of Wayanad’s natural beauty.

Plan 13: Chennai to Mysuru Cultural Trail

Day 1: Mysuru Palace and Art

Morning: Drive to Mysuru (Approx. 480 km).
Afternoon: Explore Mysuru Palace and its opulent architecture.
Evening: Visit the Mysuru Art Gallery.
Night: Check into a heritage hotel in Mysuru.

Day 2: Mysuru Zoo and Chamundi Hills

Morning: Explore the Mysuru Zoo.
Afternoon: Visit Chamundi Hills for panoramic views.
Evening: Stroll through Devaraja Market for local souvenirs.
Night: Return to Chennai with cultural experiences.

Plan 14: Chennai to Hampi Historic Journey

Day 1: Drive to Hampi

Morning: Depart for Hampi (Approx. 350 km).
Afternoon: Explore the ruins of Hampi’s Vijayanagara Empire.
Evening: Sunset at Hemakuta Hill.
Night: Check into a guesthouse in Hampi.

Day 2: Virupaksha Temple and Vittala Temple

Morning: Visit Virupaksha Temple.
Afternoon: Explore the iconic Vittala Temple.
Evening: Stroll through Hampi Bazaar.
Night: Return to Chennai with the echoes of history.

Plan 15: Chettinad Heritage and Culinary Trail

Day 1: Chettinad Mansions

Morning: Drive to Chettinad (Approx. 300 km).
Afternoon: Explore the grand Chettinad mansions.
Evening: Enjoy a traditional Chettinad cuisine dinner.
Night: Check into a heritage hotel.

Day 2: Chettinad Crafts and Temples

Morning: Visit the Chettinad Crafts Museum.
Afternoon: Explore Athangudi Palace.
Evening: Visit the ancient Kamban Mani Mandapam.
Night: Return to Chennai with a taste of Chettinad heritage.

Plan 16: Puducherry and Auroville Cultural Retreat

Day 1: Puducherry’s French Flair

Morning: Depart for Puducherry (Approx. 160 km).
Afternoon: Explore the French Quarter and White Town.
Evening: Visit the iconic Rock Beach.
Night: Check into a boutique guesthouse.

Day 2: Auroville Spiritual Experience

Morning: Explore Auroville and Matrimandir.
Afternoon: Lunch at Auroville’s organic cafes.
Evening: Visit Serenity Beach for a tranquil sunset.
Night: Return to Chennai with a blend of culture and spirituality.

Plan 17: Yercaud Hill Station Getaway

Day 1: Drive to Yercaud

Morning: Depart for Yercaud (Approx. 360 km).
Afternoon: Check into a hillside resort.
Evening: Explore Yercaud Lake and nearby parks.
Night: Enjoy a cozy dinner at a local eatery.

Day 2: Nature and Serenity

Morning: Visit Lady’s Seat and Gent’s Seat for panoramic views.
Afternoon: Lunch at a hilltop restaurant.
Evening: Relax at Pagoda Point.
Night: Return to Chennai with memories of Yercaud’s tranquility.

Plan 18: Kumbakonam and Thanjavur Temple Trail

Day 1: Explore Kumbakonam Temples

Morning: Drive to Kumbakonam (Approx. 290 km).
Afternoon: Visit Adi Kumbeswarar Temple and Sarangapani Temple.
Evening: Explore the Mahamaham Tank.
Night: Check into a heritage stay.

Day 2: Thanjavur’s Architectural Marvels

Morning: Visit Brihadeeswarar Temple in Thanjavur.
Afternoon: Explore Thanjavur Palace and Art Gallery.
Evening: Stroll through the local markets.
Night: Return to Chennai with temple town memories.

Plan 19: Coonoor Tea Gardens and Nilgiri Charm

Day 1: Drive to Coonoor

Morning: Depart for Coonoor (Approx. 540 km).
Afternoon: Check into a tea estate resort.
Evening: Explore Sim’s Park and Lamb’s Rock.
Night: Enjoy a dinner with a view.

Day 2: Tea Estate Experience

Morning: Visit tea gardens and factories.
Afternoon: Lunch at a colonial-era tea estate.
Evening: Explore Dolphin’s Nose viewpoint.
Night: Return to Chennai with the aroma of Nilgiri tea.

Plan 20: Varkala Beach and Backwaters Retreat

Day 1: Varkala Cliff and Beach

Morning: Fly to Trivandrum and drive to Varkala (Approx. 220 km).
Afternoon: Check into a cliffside resort.
Evening: Explore Varkala Beach and the cliff area.
Night: Enjoy a beachside dinner.

Day 2: Backwaters Boat Ride

Morning: Visit Kappil Beach and Estuary.
Afternoon: Lunch at a seaside restaurant.
Evening: Take a boat ride in the backwaters.
Night: Return to Chennai with memories of coastal Kerala.

Plan 21: Rameswaram Spiritual Sojourn

Day 1: Explore Rameswaram Temples

Morning: Drive to Rameswaram (Approx. 600 km).
Afternoon: Visit Ramanathaswamy Temple and Agni Teertham.
Evening: Explore Dhanushkodi and its scenic beauty.
Night: Check into a local guesthouse.

Day 2: Dhanushkodi Sunrise and Relaxation

Early Morning: Witness the sunrise at Dhanushkodi.
Morning: Explore local markets and have breakfast.
Afternoon: Relax at the beaches of Rameswaram.
Evening: Return to Chennai with spiritual experiences.

Plan 22: Nagapattinam and Velankanni Pilgrimage

Day 1: Nagapattinam Temples

Morning: Drive to Nagapattinam (Approx. 330 km).
Afternoon: Visit Nagapattinam temples – Nellukadai Mariamman Temple, Soundararaja Perumal Temple.
Evening: Explore Nagapattinam Beach.
Night: Check into a local hotel.

Day 2: Velankanni Basilica and Beach

Morning: Visit Basilica of Our Lady of Good Health in Velankanni.
Afternoon: Relax at Velankanni Beach.
Evening: Attend the evening prayer service.
Night: Return to Chennai with spiritual reflections.

Plan 23: Ooty and Coonoor Retreat

Day 1: Ooty Gardens and Lake

Morning: Drive to Ooty (Approx. 550 km).
Afternoon: Explore Ooty Botanical Gardens and Ooty Lake.
Evening: Stroll through Charring Cross.
Night: Check into a cozy hillside hotel.

Day 2: Coonoor Nilgiri Experience

Morning: Visit Sim’s Park and Lamb’s Rock in Coonoor.
Afternoon: Enjoy a scenic toy train ride.
Evening: Explore tea estates and shop for local tea.
Night: Return to Chennai with memories of the Nilgiris.

Plan 24: Nandi Hills Nature Retreat

Day 1: Nandi Hills Sunrise

Morning: Drive to Nandi Hills (Approx. 370 km).
Early Morning: Witness the sunrise from Nandi Hills.
Morning: Visit Tipu Sultan’s Summer Palace.
Afternoon: Enjoy lunch at a local eatery.
Evening: Explore the Nandi Hills Vineyard.
Night: Check into a local resort.

Day 2: Bhoga Nandeeshwara Temple

Morning: Visit Bhoga Nandeeshwara Temple.
Afternoon: Explore local markets for traditional crafts.
Evening: Return to Chennai with hill station memories.

Plan 25: Chunchi Falls and Mekedatu Adventure

Day 1: Drive to Chunchi Falls

Morning: Depart for Chunchi Falls (Approx. 100 km).
Afternoon: Explore and relax by Chunchi Falls.
Evening: Drive to Sangama for a riverside view.
Night: Check into a riverside guesthouse.

Day 2: Mekedatu Gorge Exploration

Morning: Visit Mekedatu Gorge and experience the confluence.
Afternoon: Enjoy a riverside picnic.
Evening: Return to Chennai with memories of nature’s beauty.