9. Immaculate Conception Cathedral | 151 km from Chennai
Immaculate Conception Cathedral is a 300 years old church in Pondicherry and a top-rated tourist attraction near Chennai. The main aspect of this church is its beautiful colour combination and eclectic architecture of French, Herrian and Portuguese styles.
- Best Time to Visit: October to March.
- Entry Fee: No Entry Fee.
- Timings: 7 AM to 12 PM and 3 PM to 8:30 PM.
- How to Reach: Bus or car via East Coast Rd and NH332A.
- Things to do: Exploring Church architecture and interior, indulging in spiritual activities.
- Nearby Places to Visit: Reis Magos Fort, Divar Island, Dr. Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary, Miramar Beach.
10. Arulmigu Manakula Vinayagar Temple | 151 km from Chennai
Arulmigu Manakula Vinayagar Temple is an ancient architectural excellence dedicated to Lord Ganesha. The temple is a famous spot among devotees, especially during festivals. Apart from this, the temple is a great place to explore intricate architecture, and one can also visit nearby attractions.
- Best Time to Visit: October to March.
- Entry Fee: No Entry Fee.
- Timings: 5:45 AM to 12:30 PM and 4 PM to 9:30 PM.
- How to Reach: Bus or car via East Coast Rd and NH332A.
- Things to do: Exploring temple architecture, giant elephant blessing, religious activities.
- Nearby Places to Visit: Sri Aurobindo Ashram, French Institute, Bharathi Government Park, Seaside Promenade.
11. Sri Aurobindo Ashram | 151 km from Chennai
Sri Aurobindo Ashram is a great place for relaxing near Chennai. This place is perfect for exploring the history and knowledge about Sri Aurobindo. The library of the Ashram is another attraction for tourists. After visiting this place, you can also take a stroll to the nearby beaches.
- Best Time to Visit: October to March.
- Entry Fee: No Entry Fee.
- Timings: 8 AM to 12 PM and 2 PM to 6 PM.
- How to Reach: Bus or car via East Coast Road and NH 332A.
- Things to do: Relaxing, watching a short movie on the Ashram's history, visiting the library, buying books.
- Nearby Places to Visit: Paradise Beach, Seaside Promenade, Serenity Beach, Chunnambar Boat House, Arulmigu Manakula Vianyagar Temple.
12. Bharathi Government Park | 151 km from Chennai
Located in Pondicherry, Bharathi Government Park is a must-include in one day tour package from Chennai. Amidst this well-maintained natural abundance of this park, there are several important government buildings, a children's park, eateries and Pondicherry Private Club.
- Best Time to Visit: October to March.
- Entry Fee: No Entry Fee.
- Timings: 6 AM to 8 AM and 5 PM to 7 PM.
- How to Reach: Bus or car via East Coast Road and NH 332A.
- Things to do: Enjoying nature, exploring architecture and stone statues.
- Nearby Places to Visit: Sri Aurobindo Ashram, Promenade Beach, Fench War Memorial, Rock Beach.
13. Temple Adventure | 152 km from Chennai
Temple Adventure is a marvellous tourist attraction in Pondicherry, where you can unleash your spirit with lively water sports. The place is famous for exploring different water animals. Further, the lip-smacking coastal food of this region is another attraction of this place. Further, there are some visiting spots nearby where you can spend relaxing hours.
- Best Time to Visit: February to April.
- Entry Fee: Depends on the package.
- Timings: 6 AM to 8:30 PM.
- How to Reach: Bus or car via East Coast Road and NH332A.
- Things to do: Staying in the boat house, enjoying nature, enjoying beach sports, enjoying coastal food.
- Nearby Places to Visit: Rock Beach, Matrimandir, Puducherry Museum, Sadhana Forest, Sri Aurobindo Ashram.
14. Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus | 152 km from Chennai
The Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus is one of the most sacred places near Chennai and is extremely popular among tourists. This church is the perfect representation of Gothic art and architecture. During the Christian festivals, the place becomes heavenly.
- Best Time to Visit: October to March.
- Entry Fee: No Entry Fee.
- Timings: 5:30 AM to 8 PM.
- How to Reach: Bus or car via East Coast Road and NH 332A.
- Things to do: Exploring history and architecture, doing prayers.
- Nearby Places to Visit: Rock Beach, Mahatma Gandhi Statue, Sri Aurobindo Ashram, Bharathi Park.
15. Gingee Fort | 157 km from Chennai
Gingee Fort is one of the most formidable ancient forts in Tamil Nadu. Due to the amazing natural setting of this place, this is also called the "Troy of the East." Besides, this site is also a haven for photography lovers. There are some other forts in the surrounding area that tourists can also add to their itinerary.
- Best Time to Visit: December to March.
- Entry Fee: Adults- ₹ 5 (Indians), ₹ 100 (Foreigners).
- Timings: 9 AM to 4:30 PM.
- How to Reach: Bus or car via NH 32.
- Things to do: Exploring fort architecture, history and heritage, fort trekking, visiting exquisite interiors, photography.
- Nearby Places to Visit: Senji Fort, Rajagiri Fort, Queen's Fort, Arignar Anna Zoological Park.
16. Tirumal Tirupati Balaji Temple | 158 km from Chennai
Located in the Chittoor district of Andhra Pradesh, Tirupati Balaji Temple is a highly popular religious place among pilgrims all over the country. The continuous chanting of 'Om Namo Venkatesaya' and high spiritual activities are the main features of this temple.
- Best Time to Visit: September to February.
- Entry Fee: No Entry Fee.
- Timings: 2:30 AM to 12:30 AM (General pilgrim darshan starts from 8 AM and closing time may extend to 1:30 AM).
- How to Reach: Bus or car via NH716A.
- Things to do: Spiritual activities, exploring architecture.
- Nearby Places to Visit: Akasa Ganga, Sri Venkateswara Museum of Temple Art, Srivari Mettu, Rock Garden, Silathoranam.
17. Chunnambar Boat House | 158 km from Chennai
Spending a day in a boat house amidst the serene nature is something that tourists want to rejuvenate them. For them, Chunnambar Boat House near Chennai is a perfect option. The place is on Paradise Beach near Chennai, where you can indulge in exciting beach activities and water sports and spend a day cheerfully.
- Best Time to Visit: October to March.
- Entry Fee: Adults- ₹ 10. Children- ₹ 5.
- Timings: 9 AM to 6 PM.
- How to Reach: Bus or car via NH32.
- Things to do: Staying in the boat house, enjoying nature, enjoying beach sports, enjoying coastal food.
- Nearby Places to Visit: Rock Beach, Puducherry Museum, Paradise Island, Sadhana Forest, Sita Cultural Centre.
18. Varasiddhi Vinayaka Temple | 159 km from Chennai
Varasiddhi Vinayaka Temple is a famous temple near Chennai to visit on a one day trip. This 11th-century temple is an excellent example of rich Indian history and culture. It has been said that the idol of Lord Vinayaka grows every year, which is a mystery and attracts tourists.
- Best Time to Visit: September to February.
- Entry Fee: No Entry Fee.
- Timings: 4 AM to 9:30 PM.
- How to Reach: Bus or car via SH50B.
- Things to do: Exploring architecture, spiritual and religious activities.
- Nearby Places to Visit: Pandava Theertham, Indastroguru, Swami Pushkarini Lake, Sanaka Sanadana Theertham, Kaundinya Wildlife Sanctuary.
19. Yelagiri Nature Park | 226 km from Chennai
Yelagiri Nature Park is an excellent artificial nature spot near Chennai. This place is notable for its clean arrangement of lush greenery, fountains and many more. Here tourists can spend a nice relaxing time and also explore diverse flora, musical fountains, artificial waterfalls and children's playing areas.
- Best Time to Visit: November to February.
- Entry Fee:Adults- ₹ 15. Children- ₹ 5.
- Timings: 7 AM to 8 PM.
- How to Reach: Bus or car via NH48.
- Things to do: Watching flower displays, enjoying natural beauty and musical fountain, photography.
- Nearby Places to Visit: Velavan Temple, Swamimalai Hill, Jalagamparai Falls, Punganoor Lake.
20. Gangai Konda Cholpuram | 252 km from Chennai
Gangai Konda Cholpuram is one of the excellent historical places near Chennai for one day trip. The place is notable for its enthralling architectural beauty and ancient engineering of the Chola Period. Thus, tourists can explore history and architecture here and also go to the surrounding villages to know about the local lifestyle.
- Best Time to Visit: November to January.
- Entry Fee: No Entry Fee.
- Timings: 6 AM to 12 PM and 4 PM to 8 PM.
- How to Reach: Bus or car via NH332A.
- Things to do: Exploring history, architecture and sculptures, religious activities, photography.
- Nearby Places to Visit: Pillayar Kovil, Vinayagar Temple, Angala Parameswari Temple, Veera Narayana Perumal Temple, Sri Periyanayaki Amman Temple.