Top 10 Unique One Day Trip from Chennai
Are you looking for a fresh one day break from Chennai? These distinctive day trips from Chennai are ideal for a short getaway, regardless of your passion for beaches, hills, history, or adventure. Start early, take a comfortable one way taxi ride, and return by nightfall with priceless memories.
1. Mudaliarkuppam (Backwater & Water Sports)
Distance: 100 km
Travel Time: 2 hrs
Entry Fee: ₹10 per person
Best Time to Start: 6:00 – 7:00 AM
A water sports haven close to Chennai is Mudaliarkuppam. Take pleasure in jet skiing, speed boats, kayaking, and banana boat trips. You may take a quick boat journey to the serene Rain Drop Island, where TTDC even delivers food—perfect for get-togethers and picnics.
Nearby Places: Alamparai Fort (20 mins)
When to Return: By 4:00 PM
Suggested Itinerary: Start at 6:30 AM, reach by 8:30 AM, enjoy boating and island time, lunch on the island, return by evening.
2. Alamparai Fort (Seaside Heritage Spot)
Distance: 105 km
Travel Time: 2.5 hrs
Entry Fee: Free
Best Time to Start: 6:00 AM
A hidden treasure is this historic fort with a view of the Bay of Bengal. It’s a serene historical getaway with ruins, a sea wind, and beautiful photo locations.
Nearby Places: Mudaliarkuppam Backwaters
When to Return: By 5:00 PM
3. Gingee Fort (The Troy of the East)
Distance: 160 km
Travel Time: 4 hrs
Entry Fee: ₹25 per person
Best Time to Start: 5:30 AM
After a satisfying climb, Gingee Fort offers expansive views, making it ideal for hikers and history buffs. Among the best hill forts in South India.
Nearby Places: Melmalayanur Temple
When to Return: By 6:00 PM
4. Yelagiri Hills (Nature & Easy Trekking)
Distance: 230 km
Travel Time: 5 hrs
Entry Fee: Free
Best Time to Start: 5:00 AM
Yelagiri is perfect for leisurely hill experiences, hikes in the outdoors, and overlooks. Take a trip to Punganoor Lake and breathe in the clean mountain air.
Nearby Places: Jalagamparai Waterfalls
When to Return: By 7:00 PM
5. Pulicat Lake & Bird Sanctuary
Distance: 60 km
Travel Time: 1.5 hrs
Entry Fee: Free
Best Time to Start: 6:00 AM
A paradise for bird watchers, Pulicat Lake is home to flamingos and migratory birds during winter months.
Nearby Places: Pulicat Lighthouse
When to Return: By 3:30 PM
6. Tiruttani (Spiritual One Day Trip)
Distance: 90 km
Travel Time: 2.5 hrs
Entry Fee: Free
Best Time to Start: 5:30 AM
One of the six abodes of Lord Murugan, Tiruttani offers spiritual calm and hilltop views.
Nearby Places: Tiruvallur Veera Raghava Perumal Temple
When to Return: By 4:00 PM
7. Vedanthangal Bird Sanctuary
Distance: 75 km
Travel Time: 2 hrs
Entry Fee: ₹25 per person
Best Time to Start: 6:00 AM
One of India’s oldest bird sanctuaries, best visited early morning to spot nesting birds.
Nearby Places: Madurantakam Temple
When to Return: By 2:30 PM
8. Chidambaram (Temple & Heritage Trip)
Distance: 240 km
Travel Time: 5.5 hrs
Entry Fee: Free
Best Time to Start: 4:30 AM
Famous for the Nataraja Temple, Chidambaram is ideal for a spiritually enriching day trip.
Nearby Places: Pichavaram Mangrove Forest
When to Return: By 8:00 PM
9. Pichavaram Mangrove Forest
Distance: 235 km
Travel Time: 5.5 hrs
Entry Fee: ₹200 (boating)
Best Time to Start: 5:00 AM
Enjoy serene boat rides through dense mangrove tunnels—one of the most unique eco-destinations near Chennai.
Nearby Places: Chidambaram Temple
When to Return: By 7:30 PM
10. Kanchipuram (City of Thousand Temples)
Distance: 75 km
Travel Time: 2 hrs
Entry Fee: Free
Best Time to Start: 6:00 AM
Explore ancient temples, silk saree weaving streets, and rich South Indian culture.
Nearby Places: Ekambareswarar Temple, Kamakshi Amman Temple
When to Return: By 5:00 PM
Tip: Book a One Way Taxi Chennai with One Pay Taxi for a comfortable, affordable, and hassle-free one-day trip experience 