Chennai, the bustling capital of Tamil Nadu, is a gateway to many beautiful and culturally rich destinations across South India. Whether you’re looking for serene beaches, historic temples, vibrant cities, or picturesque hill stations, the options are endless. Here’s a comprehensive guide to 20 famous tourist destination cities that you can travel to from Chennai, making each journey an unforgettable experience.
1. Pondicherry
Pondicherry, also known as Puducherry, is a charming coastal town that was once a French colony. It’s known for its beautiful beaches, colonial architecture, and tranquil atmosphere. Key attractions include the Aurobindo Ashram, Auroville, Paradise Beach, and the French Quarter.
2. Mahabalipuram
Mahabalipuram, or Mamallapuram, is renowned for its ancient rock-cut temples and sculptures. The Shore Temple, Pancha Rathas, Arjuna’s Penance, and Krishna’s Butter Ball are must-visit sites that showcase the artistic prowess of the Pallava dynasty.
3. Kanchipuram
Kanchipuram, known as the “City of Thousand Temples,” is a historic city famous for its temples and silk sarees. Major temples include Kamakshi Amman Temple, Ekambareswarar Temple, and Kailasanathar Temple. The city is also a great place to shop for exquisite Kanchipuram silk sarees.
4. Tirupati
Tirupati is a major pilgrimage city in Andhra Pradesh, home to the famous Tirumala Venkateswara Temple. The temple attracts millions of devotees each year. Other notable sites include the Sri Kapileswara Swamy Temple and the Chandragiri Fort.
5. Vellore
Vellore is known for its historic Vellore Fort, which houses the Jalakandeswarar Temple. The city is also home to the renowned Christian Medical College (CMC) and the Sripuram Golden Temple, a stunning temple with gold-covered architecture.
6. Madurai
Madurai, one of the oldest cities in India, is famous for the Meenakshi Amman Temple, a masterpiece of Dravidian architecture. Other attractions include the Thirumalai Nayakkar Mahal, Gandhi Memorial Museum, and the vibrant local markets.
7. Trichy (Tiruchirappalli)
Trichy, located on the banks of the Cauvery River, is known for its rich history and cultural heritage. Key attractions include the Rockfort Temple, Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple in Srirangam, and the Jambukeswarar Temple.
8. Rameswaram
Rameswaram is a significant pilgrimage destination, famous for the Ramanathaswamy Temple, which has one of the longest corridors in the world. The city is also known for its beautiful beaches, the Pamban Bridge, and the Dhanushkodi ruins.
9. Coimbatore
Coimbatore, known as the “Manchester of South India,” is a bustling city with a blend of modernity and tradition. Key attractions include the Marudhamalai Temple, Perur Pateeswarar Temple, and the G.D. Naidu Museum. The city also serves as a gateway to the scenic hill station of Ooty.
10. Ooty (Udhagamandalam)
Ooty, also known as Udhagamandalam, is a picturesque hill station in the Nilgiri Hills. It’s famous for its tea gardens, the Nilgiri Mountain Railway, Ooty Lake, Botanical Gardens, and Doddabetta Peak. The pleasant climate and scenic beauty make it a popular summer retreat.
11. Kodaikanal
Kodaikanal, often referred to as the “Princess of Hill Stations,” is a serene destination with lush forests, waterfalls, and lakes. Key attractions include the Kodai Lake, Coaker’s Walk, Bryant Park, and the Pillar Rocks. It’s an ideal spot for nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts.
12. Yercaud
Yercaud is a lesser-known hill station in Tamil Nadu, known for its coffee plantations, pleasant climate, and beautiful landscapes. Major attractions include the Yercaud Lake, Lady’s Seat, Shevaroy Temple, and the Anna Park.
13. Thanjavur
Thanjavur, also known as Tanjore, is famous for its grand Brihadeeswarar Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The city is also known for its Tanjore paintings, the Thanjavur Palace, and the Saraswathi Mahal Library.
14. Chidambaram
Chidambaram is known for the Thillai Nataraja Temple, a major pilgrimage site dedicated to Lord Shiva in his Nataraja form. The city also hosts the annual Natyanjali Dance Festival, which attracts classical dancers from all over the country.
15. Varkala
Varkala, located in Kerala, is known for its stunning cliffs adjacent to the Arabian Sea. Key attractions include the Varkala Beach, Janardhana Swamy Temple, Sivagiri Mutt, and the natural springs. It’s a great place for beach lovers and those seeking a tranquil retreat.
16. Alleppey (Alappuzha)
Alleppey, often called the “Venice of the East,” is famous for its backwaters and houseboat cruises. The city is known for the annual Nehru Trophy Boat Race and the beautiful Alappuzha Beach. A houseboat cruise through the backwaters is a must-do experience.
17. Munnar
Munnar, a hill station in Kerala, is known for its tea gardens, rolling hills, and pleasant climate. Major attractions include the Eravikulam National Park, Mattupetty Dam, Anamudi Peak, and the Tea Museum. Munnar is a paradise for nature lovers and trekkers.
18. Kochi (Cochin)
Kochi, a major port city in Kerala, offers a blend of cultural heritage and modernity. Key attractions include the Fort Kochi area, Chinese Fishing Nets, Mattancherry Palace, and the Jewish Synagogue. The city is also known for its vibrant art scene and delicious seafood.
19. Mysore
Mysore, known as the “City of Palaces,” is famous for its grand Mysore Palace, which is a blend of Indo-Saracenic architecture. Other attractions include the Chamundi Hill, Brindavan Gardens, and the Mysore Zoo. The city is also known for its Dasara festival, which is celebrated with great pomp and show.
20. Bangalore (Bengaluru)
Bangalore, the capital of Karnataka, is a bustling metropolis known for its pleasant climate, IT industry, and vibrant nightlife. The Bangalore Palace, Lalbagh Botanical Garden, Cubbon Park, and the Vidhana Soudha are key attractions. The city is also a great base for exploring nearby hill stations like Nandi Hills.
Book a Bus Ticket on redBus
To make your journey from Chennai to any of these wonderful destinations hassle-free, consider booking your bus tickets on redBus. Here’s a simple guide on how to book your tickets:
- Visit the redBus Website or App: Open the redBus website or download the app on your smartphone.
- Enter Your Travel Details: Input your departure city (Chennai), destination city, travel date, and the number of passengers.
- Choose Your Bus: Browse through the list of available buses. You can filter by bus type, operator, and amenities.
- Select Your Seats: Pick your preferred seats based on your comfort and budget.
- Fill in Passenger Details: Enter the necessary details of all passengers traveling.
- Make Payment: Choose your preferred payment method and complete the transaction.
- Receive Confirmation: Once the payment is successful, you’ll receive an e-ticket via email and SMS.
Conclusion
From serene beaches and ancient temples to lush hill stations and bustling cities, the travel options from Chennai are diverse and exciting. Each destination offers unique experiences, making every journey memorable. Whether you’re seeking spiritual solace, historical insights, or a nature retreat, these 20 cities provide the perfect escape from the daily grind. So pack your bags and get ready to explore the vibrant culture and scenic beauty that awaits you.
Booking your bus ticket on redBus ensures a convenient and reliable travel experience, allowing you to focus on enjoying your trip to these fantastic destinations from Chennai.