Mahabalipuram
Breathtaking rock-cut temples, sculptures, and a roaring sea, Mahabs, as Chennaiites call it, is 58 km from Chennai. It is an ancient seaport on the shores of the Bay of Bengal, built by the Pallava King Narasimhavarman 1, way back in the 7th Century AD. Do look out for:
- Arjuna's Penance - relief sculpture on a massive scale extolling stories from Hindu mythology.
- The pancha rathas (five chariots)
- The Shore Temple - a structural temple along the Bay of Bengal with the entrance from the Western side away from the sea, is a favourite shopping haunt for South Indian artifacts, both wooden and granite based.
If you are visiting Mahabalipuram make sure to set out early in the morning so that you reach there by 7am. The scorching sun would otherwise leave you too tired to see around.

Vedanthangal
This is one of India’s most spectacular bird sanctuaries and is located about 85 kms south west of Chennai. It is a marshy 30-hectare park around a lake, which is visited by many species of migratory birds between December and February, when the lake is flooded. These birds generally leave during the dry season - post April for wetter regions. Early mornings and evenings when the birds return after the days feed are the best time to watch them from the path on the waters edge or from a watchtower. Binoculars and a good book on birds will be handy.

Yercaud
An overnight journey on the Yercaud Express from Chennai takes you to Salem, which connects to Yercaud (32 kms away), a quite hill station on the Servaroyar Hills. Mild temperate climate throughout the year, considerably cooler than the plains makes it a choice location for tourists from all over Tamil Nadu. It has many scenic views and is perfect for long walks. The Yercaud Lake, one of its main sight seeing spots, has water rides and boating facilities. The hill town should be avoided during summer when it is crammed with tourists making it no different from the cities that they are trying to get away from. Taxis and auto rickshaws are available to move around the town.

Muttukadu
Some 36 km from Chennai, on the ECR, is this idyllic backwater retreat. You can try your hand at oarsmanship here.

Crocodile Bank
A 44-km drive from Chennai, the croc bank has over 3,000 gharials, crocodiles and lizards.

Pondicherry
Some 170 km from Chennai is the former French colony of Pondicherry. Temples, churches, Aurobindo's Ashram, Auroville, and the rocky beach, there is plenty to see and do in Pondicherry. Visit www.auroville.org for more on Auroville in Pondy, which is a main attraction for tourists here.

Tirupati
The famous abode of Lord Balaji, known by its seven hills, is about 152 km from Chennai and a favourite religious destination with the city dwellers.