With two long weekends coming up next month, you might already have planned your vacations out of Chennai. But if you haven’t had the chance to do so owing to poor planning skills or just plain laziness, we genuinely believe there are quite a few places to just chill around the city.

Pulicat

Pulicat (Img: travelbharat.in)

Pulicat is a small seashore township which offers an invigorating and thrilling experience of expedition as it is a great combination of natural beauty and has historical relics. Sited on the barricade island of Sriharikota which divides the Pulicat Lake from the Bay of Bengal, it is located at a distance of 60 km from Chennai. The major attractions of Pulicat are the beach, the Dutch cemetery and, particularly, the bird sanctuary. Every year between October and March, thousands of migratory birds can be observed here which turns into their dwelling place. Perfect place to plan a picnic is by the lake!

Mudaliarkuppam backwaters

Mudaliarkuppam backwaters (Img: tamilnadu-favtourism.blogspot.in)

If a quiet boat ride in the brackish lagoon is your idea of relaxing, then this is the place to be. Also called as Rain Drop Boat house , maintained and operated by the TTDC, is 90 kms from the city of Chennai and 30 kms South of Mamallapuram on the East Coast Road. This boat house has varieties of boats and speed boats to suit the taste of the visitors. Boating trip is also arranged to the nearest beach island in the Odiyur Lake. And if water sports is your idea of a day-out, then again you should head to Mudaliarkuppam. The place offers banana boat rides, kayaking and so on.

Alamparai Fort

View from Alamparai Fort

The ruins of Alamparai Fort (also called Alampara) lie near Kadappakkam, a village 50 km from Mamallapuram on the land overlooking the sea. Once living its life full-fledged during Mughal empire, Alamparai fort was influenced by the French culture whose main centre have been Pondicherry, almost 50 Kms from there. It was gifted by the Mughal Nawab to the French Government. However later, a war between the British and the French was the reason of the destruction of the fort. With lovely view and backdrop, it is the perfect place for spreading out the mat and placing your picnic basket.

Paradise Beach (Chunnamber River)

This beach is famous for golden sand-beaches with deep blue waters creating a magnificent sight for the visitors. It is 7 km from Puducherry city centre. After a long sunbath, you can also rest in the cool shades of the palm trees. Walking on the soft sand and the waves washing out the sands under your feet is an experience to be enjoyed. It can be reached by taking a boat from Chunnamber boat house. This beach forms an island away from the main land separated by the backwater which is used for water- sports recreation and for fishing by the local fisherman.

Tada Falls

Surrounded by hillocks and waterfalls and situated on TN-Andhra Pradesh border, Tada Falls or Ubbalamdugu Falls is a beautiful place to spend quality time with family. It is located about 95 km away from Chennai. If you love trekking, then this is the place to be. But we warn you it will take a bit of effort. There are three base camps (three levels). Vehicles are allowed only till the first base camp. It takes around 20km from Tara to reach this first base camp. Travellers should move further on foot to cover the rest of the distance till the falls. The dense forest, small streams, big rocks and the waterfall here is a total package for adventure enthusiasts.