Looking to swap traffic jams for temple towns or beachside serenity this Independence Day weekend? You’re in luck. 🤩
With Independence Day falling on Friday, August 15, 2025, Chennaites are in for a rare long weekend stretching through Sunday, August 17. This means three glorious days to break free from the city’s bustle, switch off work mode, and explore some of South India’s most captivating destinations – all just a short drive or bus ride away!
From ancient temples and French colonial boulevards to misty hills and golden sands, there’s something for every kind of traveller. Whether you’re craving history, spirituality, nature, or just a change of scenery, these weekend getaways from Chennai are calling.
The best part? With easy bus connectivity and great hotel options on Paytm, your mini vacation is just a few taps away.
Top Destinations for your Chennai Weekend Escape:
1. Mahabalipuram – Rock Sculptures & Shore Temples 🌊
Distance from Chennai: ~60 km
Perfect for: Culture lovers, couples, and day-trippers
Just an hour from Chennai, Mahabalipuram (Mamallapuram) is a UNESCO World Heritage Site filled with ancient rock-cut temples, peaceful beaches, and a calming sea breeze. It’s the ideal blend of spirituality, history, and coastal relaxation.
Top things to do:
- Marvel at the Shore Temple by the Bay of Bengal
- Explore Arjuna’s Penance and Pancha Rathas
- Try seafood at the ocean-facing shacks.
- Enjoy sunset beach walks.
- Visit the Seashell Museum
How to Reach Mahabalipuram by Bus:
Frequent buses run from Chennai’s Koyambedu and Thiruvanmiyur Bus Terminus.
🚌 Travel Time: 1.5–2 hours
Check out the stays in Mahabalipuram
2. Pondicherry – French Charm, Beaches & Boho Cafes 🏖️
Distance from Chennai: ~160 km
Perfect for: Couples, foodies, solo travellers
A slice of France in South India, Pondicherry is perfect for those who love European vibes, quirky cafes, art, yoga, and beautiful coastlines. Ideal for a relaxing, cultural, and Instagram-worthy weekend.
Top things to do:
- Walk or cycle through the French Quarter
- Lounge at Rock Beach & Serenity Beach
- Visit Auroville & Sri Aurobindo Ashram
- Shop handmade candles, leather goods, and local textiles.
- Sip coffee at bohemian cafes.
How to Reach Pondicherry by Bus:
Multiple AC, sleeper, and Volvo buses depart from Koyambedu, Egmore, and T Nagar.
🚌 Travel Time: 3.5–4.5 hours
Check out the stays in Pondicherry
3. Yelagiri – Hills, Hikes & Paragliding Adventures 🌿
Distance from Chennai: ~230 km
Perfect for: Nature lovers, adventure seekers
Craving cool air and green views? Yelagiri is a lesser-known hill station that offers a peaceful escape with just the right dash of adventure. Think treks, paragliding, and valley views — minus the crowds.
Top things to do:
- Hike to Swamimalai Hills for panoramic views.
- Try paragliding for an adrenaline rush.
- Enjoy boating at Punganoor Lake.
- Visit the Nature Park & Telescope Observatory.
How to Reach Yelagiri by Bus:
Take a bus to Jolarpettai (nearest major town), then a cab or local bus to Yelagiri Hills.
🚌 Travel Time: 5–6 hours
Check out the stays in Yelagiri
4. Kanchipuram – Temples, Silk & Spiritual Sojourn 🛕
Distance from Chennai: ~75 km
Perfect for: Heritage buffs, families, spiritual seekers
One of the oldest cities in South India, Kanchipuram, is known for its magnificent Dravidian temples and handwoven silk sarees. It’s an easy day trip or an overnight getaway that immerses you in ancient traditions and architecture.
Top things to do:
- Visit the iconic Ekambareswarar & Kailasanathar Temples
- Explore ancient temple corridors & intricate carvings.
- Shop for authentic Kanchipuram silk sarees
- Enjoy South Indian temple cuisine
How to Reach Kanchipuram by Bus:
Regular government and private buses run from Koyambedu and Tambaram.
🚌 Travel Time: 2–2.5 hours
Check out the stays in Kanchipuram
5. Vellore – Forts, Golden Temples & Church Trails 🏰
Distance from Chennai: ~135 km
Perfect for: History lovers, spiritual travellers
Vellore is often overlooked but offers a mix of grand history, religious significance, and architectural beauty. A quick trip here covers a 16th-century fort, a golden temple, and some of the oldest churches in the region.
Top things to do:
- Explore the massive Vellore Fort with a moat & temple inside
- Visit the opulent Sripuram Golden Temple.
- Check out the Jalakandeswarar Temple inside the fort.
- Walk through St. John’s Church & other colonial structures.
How to Reach Vellore by Bus:
Frequent buses are available from Chennai to Vellore.
🚌 Travel Time: 3–4 hours
Check out the stays in Vellore
🎒 Book Your Stay on Paytm & Travel Stress-Free!
Whether it’s a beachside nap in Pondicherry, temple hopping in Kanchipuram, or sipping chai in Yelagiri’s hills, your dream weekend is just a few taps away on Paytm.
🛡️ Thousands of verified hotels, resorts & homestays
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📍 Flexible filters – location, budget, ratings & more
✅ Secure booking & easy cancellations
👉 Pro tip: Book early! Independence Day weekends are peak travel periods, and hotels fill up fast.
🔗 Explore hotels near Chennai’s top weekend getaways on Paytm now!
🏁 Conclusion: Celebrate Freedom with a Mini-Vacation
This 15–17 August, take a well-earned break from the daily grind and indulge in a soulful, scenic, or spiritual escape. Whether you want to walk barefoot on a beach, explore ancient rock art, sip coffee in a French café, or hike a forest trail, the perfect destination is closer than you think.
So, pack your bags, grab your bus tickets, and lock in your hotel stay on Paytm.
Because true freedom is found in the journeys we take and the memories we make.
Book hotels on Paytm now.
