Today is National Tourism Day. Which are the tourist places that can be visited in a day from Chennai? Here we provide detailed information about them.
Tada Falls
The first place that comes to the mind of those who want to get away from the hustle and bustle of Chennai is the Uppalamuduku Falls, also known as Tada Falls. Although accessible in a day from Chennai, this area is located in Andhra Pradesh.
About 80 km from Chennai. This waterfall is located in the dense forest area of Sithuliya Kona in Tirupati district of Andhra Pradesh.
You cannot go by vehicle to the waterfall. Park the vehicle somewhere and drive a few kms. The distance must be walked in the forest area. Although the trek through the rough jungle path is a bit tough, the lush green forest area and small waterfalls here and there are exhilarating. Best time to go: October to February. It will be hotter in the later period.
How to go: We have to reach Varathaiyapalayam village in Tirupati district and go from there. Many trains and buses pass through Tada. From Thada railway station you can reach the foothills by auto or share auto. You have to climb up to reach the waterfall from the foothills. There is a small waterfall about 150 meters from the foothills. You can go beyond that. But it is a bit difficult for elderly people to climb.
Other Nearby Places: Oneness Temple, Palavekadu Lake.
Palavekadu lake
image source, TOURISM DEPT
It is the largest salt water lake in India after Chilka Lake in Odisha. The island of Srihari Kota separates the lake from the Bay of Bengal. About sixty km from Chennai. This lake is situated on the border of Andhra state. Suvarnamukhi, Kalangi and Arani rivers form this lake. Although Palavekadu looks like a small town now, it is an area with a long history. The Portuguese built a church here in 1515. Around 1609, the Dutch settled here and built a fort called Gelderia. After the place came under British rule in 1825, it became a part of Madras Province.
Places to visit: The ancient lighthouse opposite the Palavekadu lake is worth a visit. From October to March, thousands of migratory birds come here. Flower storks can be seen here in large numbers during this period. Those interested in history can visit the old Christian church, parts of the ruined fort, and the cemeteries of the Dutch built between 1631 and 1655. Visitors to this area can get the feeling of visiting a completely different landscape.
Directions: Buses are available from Chennai. If going by train, get down at Tada railway station and drive about ten kms. To travel.
Alamparai Fort
This fort was built during the Mughal Empire from 1736 to 1740. Built of brick and limestone on 15 acres of land, this fort was initially under the control of Nawab Doste Ali Khan of Arcot. In 1750, the fort was given to the French for services rendered to the famous French general Thuble Subedar Muzaffarshang. The fort was captured and destroyed in 1760 AD when the British defeated the French. The remaining ruins were further damaged in the 2004 tsunami.
The fort is mentioned in the notes of the French commander of Puducherry, Dhuple, and his Dupashi Anantharangam Pillai.
The ruins of this brick and limestone fort, spread over an area of about 15 acres, take visitors back in time. A large part of the fort has gone into the sea, while the rest of the fort is covered with sand.
It is considered to be one of the lesser known tourist destinations in Tamil Nadu. Many movies including Pitamagan have been shot in this fort.
How to go: About 105 km from Chennai. Go to the distant village of Kadappakkam, 3 km to the east from there. This fort can be reached by traveling a long distance. About 40 km from Puducherry. This fort is located in the distance.
Mamallapuram
image source, Getty Images
For the residents of Chennai, Mahabalipuram is the first place that comes to mind when they think of visiting. Located on the coast, Mamallapuram is one of the most important archaeological sites in Tamil Nadu. Temples built by Narasimha Varma Pallava from the late 7th century AD are found here.
Among the archaeological sites here, the Beach Temple along the beach is the most important. This is the oldest temple in Tamil Nadu. Apart from this, the five chariots, Archuna penance, tiger cave, Varaha cave temple, Krishna’s butter ball and lighthouse are visible here.
About 60 km from Chennai. There are frequent bus services to Mamallapuram on the East Coast Road in the distance. Enjoying the ocean from the sandy beach near the beach temple on a full moon day is a great experience.
Vedanthangal
Located near Chennai, Vedantangal is one of the most important small bird sanctuaries in India. Its total area is about 50 hectares. However, the sanctuary has gained great importance as more than 35,000 birds come here during a particular period. Popular since the early 18th century, this area was declared a bird sanctuary in 1797.
About 73 km from Chennai. This place is located at a distance. GST going south from Chennai This place can be reached by road. From October to March, the entire area is flooded. This is the best time for bird watching.
More than 35,000 birds visit this sanctuary from home and abroad during the month of December and January. Foreign birds such as kluwai, needle-tailed duck, blue chirping, shrike, green-billed, coral-billed and domestic birds such as tick, little crane, little waterfowl, coot, yellow-nosed stork, snake-billed stork, white sickle-nosed stork, maudaan, snail-billed stork, and mullet come here.
Bird watchers should go here early in the morning. It is one of the most important tourist destinations where more than one and a half lakh people visit every year. This place can be easily reached from Madurandakam and Chengalpattu.
image source, Getty Images
Kailasanathar Temple
Although the city of Kanchipuram near Chennai is famous for its many temples, the Kailasanathar temple there is of great historical and archaeological importance. This is the oldest temple in Tamil Nadu after Mamallapuram temple. This temple, which was started 1300 years ago by the Pallava king Rajasimha, can be said to be the pinnacle of Pallava temple architecture. The main temple and its surrounding sub-temples have more than 1300 years of Pallavar paintings. It is believed that new paintings may have been done on some of the paintings during the Vijayanagara emperor period. This is a must visit temple for those interested in temple art and archaeology. Even the Pallavar era grantha inscriptions here are carved with great artistry. About 70 km from Chennai. It is two km from Kanchipuram Bus Stand which is located in the distance. This temple is located in the distance. A large number of buses ply between Chennai and Kanchipuram.
Chaturangapatnam
About 70 km from Chennai. Located in the distance is Chaturanganalam, a place of historical importance. During the colonial period this place was called Chatras. By 1622, a fort was built here by Dutch traders. The fort was built with a huge granary, stables, elephant stables, kitchens, drainage facilities and massive walls. Cannons were also installed on these walls. While most of these have been destroyed, the fort’s living room and granary remain. In 1854, Chaturangapatnam was taken over by the East India Company. There is also a cemetery within the fort which was in use between 1620 and 1769. Many of the tombstones have very beautiful carvings. A portion of the ruined fort and a few rooms remain, making it a place of interest only for history buffs.
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