Thursday, May 30, 2019
Weekend getaway from Chennai - Vellore / Yelagiri
https://www.nativeplanet.com/travel-guide/chennai-to-vellore-an-exceptional-journey-with-unforgettable-spots/articlecontent-pf22235-004429.html
Situated at an approximate distance of 140 km from Chennai, Vellore is easily accessible by road. You can either take a bus from Chennai to Vellore or hire a cab.
Situated at an approximate distance of 140 km from Chennai, Vellore is easily accessible by road. You can either take a bus from Chennai to Vellore or hire a cab.
One of the most cultural and historic cities in the South of India, Vellore is an amalgamation of the numerous dynasties that have ruled it over the centuries. Influences from these erstwhile rulers such as the Pandyas, Cholas, Vijayanagara kings, Carnatic Nawabs and British Raj can be seen all over the city in its rich architecture, culture and cuisine. About 3 hours west of Chennai, Vellore is a must visit weekend destination for anyone nearby.
- Distance from Chennai: 139 kilometres via the NH48
- Best Time to Visit: October- March
- Places to visit in Vellore: Palar River, Vellore Fort, Jalakanteshwara Temple, St. John’s Church, Srilakshmi Gold Temple, Sri varahaswami temple, sri venkateswara museum, wind energy harnessing
Weekend getaway from Chennai - Thanjavur
Formerly known as Tanjore, this place is an epitome of art, architecture, religion and most importantly, its paintings. In Thanjavur, you must visit the UNESCO World Heritage Sites especially the Grand Temples built by Chola Dynasty. There is a temple with stories of mythology and history at every corner here. Just roam around at your pace and explore. You must buy a Tanjore painting as a souvenir from Thanjavur.
Where To Stay -Hotel Yagappa (Rs 4000/night), Hotel Raks (Rs 1733/night)
Distance from Chennai: 383 Kilometres and you can take a train, bus or cab. Alternatively can club this along with Chidambaram, Kumbakonam &Thanjavur all together. Can reach by bus from Kumbakonam which is known as a temple town
Brihadeeswarar Temple in Thanjavur is a must-see temple. Across the circumference, there are a painting depicting different stories. The site has a temple for Lord Shiva and Nandi, Ganesha, Mahalakshmi, Subramanyeswara Swamy, Chandikeshwar and Nataraja Mandapam. Similar miniature version of this temple is the Gangakoinda Cholapuram temple and is beautiful for its carvings. This is on the way between Kumbakonam and Thanjavur
Brihadeeswarar Temple in Thanjavur is a must-see temple. Across the circumference, there are a painting depicting different stories. The site has a temple for Lord Shiva and Nandi, Ganesha, Mahalakshmi, Subramanyeswara Swamy, Chandikeshwar and Nataraja Mandapam. Similar miniature version of this temple is the Gangakoinda Cholapuram temple and is beautiful for its carvings. This is on the way between Kumbakonam and Thanjavur
Weekend getaway from Chennai - Auroville/ Pondicherry
Free and international community living is the basic concept on which Auroville, a small township was built under the guidance of Shri Aurobindo and Mother to showcase how an ideal society should live. When you stay in Auroville you experience an alternate world where organic, sustainable and conscious living is a day-to-day reality. Solar kitchen, organic cafe, open shops and numerous NGO’s working on organic products and other concepts to facilitate better and empowered living is an unprecedented and inspiring. Stay here and spend a few conscious days of living. Do sit inside Matrimandir, the golden globe for some reflective moments. Food here is experimental with international flavour. My favourite is the wheat based thin crust pizza baked in wood fire J
Where To Stay - Grand Serenaa (Rs 2503/night), Auro Mandir (Rs 1599/night)
Distance from Chennai: 164.5 Kilometres
The uniqueness of Pondicherry from a traveller’s perspective lies in its French colonial flavours. The architecture of old houses some of which have been converted into restaurants and home stays, the soft brick roads, the cafe’s serving French inspired cuisine and residing French population are symbolic to the spirit of Pondicherry. Walk on the seaside promenade, watch the sunset at Serenity Beach, shop for trinkets in the main market and then end your day with wine and French dinner at one of the many authentic French restaurants. Villa Shanti, all done up in pristine white and a laid-back seating arrangement with hand-picked menu is my personal favourite. I can sit here for hours appreciating life, just like that.
Where To Stay –Ginger Hotel (Rs 1656/night), Le Chateau (Rs 2787/night)
Distance from Chennai: 171 Kilometres
Places to visit: Sri Aurobindo Ashram, Notre Dame des Anges, Auroville, Paradise beach, Gingee Fort, Viilianur temple, Jawahar Toy Museum, Le Club, Promenade Beach, Immaculate Conception Cathedral, Sacred Heart Basilica and Sri ManakulaVinayagar temple
Places to visit: Sri Aurobindo Ashram, Notre Dame des Anges, Auroville, Paradise beach, Gingee Fort, Viilianur temple, Jawahar Toy Museum, Le Club, Promenade Beach, Immaculate Conception Cathedral, Sacred Heart Basilica and Sri ManakulaVinayagar temple
Day getaway from Chennai - Kanchipuram
You must be familiar with Kanjeevaram sarees but what you might not know is that there is a small town in Tamil Nadu, Kanchipuram where lies the origin of this world-famous fabric. Kanjeevaram sarees are not just sarees, they are stories of rich historical-socio-economic-cultural lives of people of this region woven together in six yards. Here, you can see artisans at work, some of them highly felicitated and even Padma Bhushan awardees. Get a sneak-peek into their lifestyle which is simple and heart-warming. There are a few ancient temples to see around. However, the highlight of Kanchipuram trip is Kanjeevaram saree shopping. We ended up buying sarees worth 50k in one visit. Trust me, it is addictive. Take your call before picking this destination. Maybe, the first weekend after the salary is credited is the best time to go to Kanchipuram
Other Places to visit in Kanchipuram: Kamakshi Amman, Kailasanathar Temple, Ekambareshwar Temple (one of Pancha Bhoota Lingams), Vaikuntha Perumal Temple (one of important 108 Divya Desams of Lord Vishnu), Kanchi Kudil Museum, Vedanthangal Bird Sanctuary, Ulagananda Perumal Temple, Kuchabeswarar Temple, Pandava Dhoota Perumal Temple(Huge Lord Krishna vigraham), Chitragupta Swamy Temple
Also, visit Kamakshi Amman Temple, Mangadu within Chennai from where goddess has worshipped for Lord Shiva and Adi Sankaracharya has installed a large Sri Chakram
Abhishekam for Kamakshi Amman gives a chance to be inside the Gayatri Mandapam and see Ammavaru and soak in her grace for some time. People often give sarees to Amman and often after their desires have been fulfilled.
Ekambareswarer Temple complex is magnificent and a must-see temple. It has a big temple pond within, a 3000-year-old mango tree amongst other idols and lingams within
Other Places to visit in Kanchipuram: Kamakshi Amman, Kailasanathar Temple, Ekambareshwar Temple (one of Pancha Bhoota Lingams), Vaikuntha Perumal Temple (one of important 108 Divya Desams of Lord Vishnu), Kanchi Kudil Museum, Vedanthangal Bird Sanctuary, Ulagananda Perumal Temple, Kuchabeswarar Temple, Pandava Dhoota Perumal Temple(Huge Lord Krishna vigraham), Chitragupta Swamy Temple
Also, visit Kamakshi Amman Temple, Mangadu within Chennai from where goddess has worshipped for Lord Shiva and Adi Sankaracharya has installed a large Sri Chakram
Abhishekam for Kamakshi Amman gives a chance to be inside the Gayatri Mandapam and see Ammavaru and soak in her grace for some time. People often give sarees to Amman and often after their desires have been fulfilled.
Ekambareswarer Temple complex is magnificent and a must-see temple. It has a big temple pond within, a 3000-year-old mango tree amongst other idols and lingams within
Where To Stay: Regency Kanchipuram by GRT (Rs.3250/night), MMT Hotels next to Saravana Bhavan (Rs. 2300/night)
Distance from Chennai: 72 Kilometres
Can take a bus for Rs. 50/- or cab ~Rs. 1100 one way or can drive for 1 hr in your own car
Can take a bus for Rs. 50/- or cab ~Rs. 1100 one way or can drive for 1 hr in your own car
Day getaway from Chennai - Mahabalipuram
A beautiful beach town with historical precedents which dates back to the 1st Century, Mahabalipuram also known as Mamallapuram, is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Shore Temple built in the 8th Century is the main tourist attraction in Mahabalipuram. The setting sun, the roguish sea, and intrinsically carved ancient temple in the background are the ideal frame for a photography enthusiast. Pancha Rathas, Descent of Ganges, Tiger Cave and a few others are worth visiting for their historical and mythological relevance, while you appreciate awe-inspiring carving of those days. Wrap up your day with a bottle of chilled beer and fresh seafood at any of the sea-facing shacks after getting a relaxing Ayurvedic massage. The under two-hour drive along the East Coast Road is a great route too with much to see along the way
Where To Stay: Radisson Resort Temple Bay (Rs 7200/night), Indeco Mahabalipuram Hotel (Rs 4500/night)
Distance from Chennai: 56 Kilometres
Best Time to Visit: December to March
Best places to visit in Mahabalipuram: Shore Temple, Pancha Ratha, Varaha, Mahishasurmardini and Krishna Cave Temples, Sculpture museum famous for sculptures and paintings in the city
Best Time to Visit: December to March
Best places to visit in Mahabalipuram: Shore Temple, Pancha Ratha, Varaha, Mahishasurmardini and Krishna Cave Temples, Sculpture museum famous for sculptures and paintings in the city
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