Getaways from Chennai?

CliffHanger · 20th July 2009, 20:29

Recently,I was on a trip to koutralam just when the season began. All the falls were pouring to their best; however the crowd was maddening and unruly. Had to go to the falls at 1am or 2am at night to get a decent shower, even at that time I could find a lot of people peeping in..Koutralam is basically a nice place spoiled by some maddening and boisterous crowd, so I would suggest “Better avoid it”.

I am born and brought up in Chennai and have been to various other cities in India .I found Chennai to have the least(est) number of getaway spots and also the so called few such as Pondy,Mahabs cannot be really called getaway spots, apart from liquor you cannot get anything else in these places. Except for Pasha, Havana and BnB, I don’t find anything else interesting in Chennai. I and my friends often have to go to Karnataka for some adventure activities and this comes at a cost of 600km.Adding to this, the climate in Chennai is making life even more horrible, I just could not use govt transport at all. I sweat profusely whenever I take the bus or just walk by on the road, there is never a bit of chill air in Chennai.

Waiting for a permanent getaway from Chennai!!

Proxima · 20th July 2009, 22:58

Quote:

Originally Posted by r_subbiah

Hi,

Does't Courtallam come under 3days visit?

Technically yes. But 2 days will be spent traveling. It is around 600km one way plus the roads are being laid the last time I went (8 months back)

Quote:

Originally Posted by pypkmsrikanth

I will answer about Gingee. If you leave early you can club the fort visit Tiruvannamalai temple. Since you need climb up for both the forts I suggest you reach before the sun becomes blazing. Mjothi had done a great report on these two places a couple of months ago. What many don't know is this is a Maratha fort deep down south. Worth a visit if hiking is not an issue. Its about 40 kilometres from the NH45 turnoff

Thanks. I have planned a trip to Gingee.

Quote:

Originally Posted by gops

Proxima,

You can try out Yelagiri, which is about 220 Kms from Chennai or Horsley Hills ( around 250 Kms).

~Gops

Went to Yelagiri last week. Tried going to Horsley hills a few months back. AFAIK, is it NOT 250km but more like 300km. It can be a 2/3 day drive.

I will never go to a 2nd grade hill station like Yelagiri/Horsley again. There is simply nothing to see! And it is warmer than Bangalore!

Quote:

Originally Posted by CliffHanger

Recently,I was on a trip to koutralam just when the season began. All the falls were pouring to their best; however the crowd was maddening and unruly. Had to go to the falls at 1am or 2am at night to get a decent shower, even at that time I could find a lot of people peeping in..Koutralam is basically a nice place spoiled by some maddening and boisterous crowd, so I would suggest “Better avoid it”.

Why are you typing in all bold?

I had a FANTASTIC experience in Coutrallam. That water is amazing! Feels fabulous, especially if you take a shower after getting an oil massage!

To really enjoy the place, we should gel with the crowd. There are separate sections for men and women, I don't understand what your problem was!

Quote:

Originally Posted by CliffHanger

Except for Pasha, Havana and BnB, I don’t find anything else interesting in Chennai.

Those are getaways?

scopriobharath · 2nd February 2010, 10:56

More Places w.r.t Chennai as a base

1 Day trip - Leave in Morning return by late evening

Pulicat Lake
Banavaram Reserve Forest (Sholinghur Railway Station)
Jalagamparai Waterfall Vellore
Beemanmadavu Waterfall Vellore
Amirthi Waterfall Vellore
Jawadhu Hills (Tiruvannamalai / Vellore) (Zoo, Boating and Telescope house)
Tada Falls
Gingee Fort
Alamparai Fort (ECR Near Mahabalipuram)
Amirthi Zoological Park
Vedanthangal Bird Sanctuary

2 Day Trip - Leave on Morning Day 1 and Return Evening / Late Evening Day 2. Ideal For a weekend.

Horsley Hills
Hogenekkal Falls
Pondicherry
Krishnagiri Dam
Kaundinya Wildlife Reserve
Venkateshwara Zoological Park (before Tirupati)
Chandragiri Fort
Yelagiri Hills

I Will add more as and when i recollect and infer places

Proxima · 2nd February 2010, 12:08

Thanks for taking the efforts, scorpiobharath.

When is the season for these falls?

Jalagamparai Waterfall Vellore
Beemanmadavu Waterfall Vellore
Amirthi Waterfall Vellore

scopriobharath · 2nd February 2010, 17:43

Hey Proxima,

All Waterfalls near chennai except Hogenakkal are best visited between Nov and Feb. It is okay in March. From April it is a waste.

Reg the Falls, you may have to park the vehicle and Trek for .5 - 1 km depending on the Falls to reach the base of the fall.

Proxima · 2nd February 2010, 18:43

Thanks scorpiobharath.

How are these falls when it comes to safety of the car when parked and distance from car park to waterfall base?

scopriobharath · 2nd February 2010, 19:40

The hogennakal has a dedicated Parking lot for 2W and 4W run by Govt of TN. they issue a ticket for parking.

At other places, we may need to find a place and park. Vehicle security is a question, but there are some Juice and Chips shops around the parking space. You cannot see the car from the Waterfall base.

I have not heard of any Vehicle problems there, but still we cannot say for sure.

Since you are in Chennai, I can recommend a good Safety Device. Fix a DMK Flag on your Vehicle and no one will dare even to touch your car.

We went by a Hired Taxi Vehicle and the driver stayed back in the car.

navan49 · 2nd February 2010, 22:28

Hi,

I always visit Pondicherry in one day trip. But I start before 6 am. Reach before 9 am to Auroville. Before 12 Ashram and Manakular. After A2B lunch Chunnambar boating and back or Mudliarkuppam boating Mahabs in one day. If you plan well it is possible.

scopriobharath · 3rd February 2010, 08:59

Hey Navan49,

I Agree It is very much possible to do to Pondy in a day.

I was referring to the Night Drive along the beach. It is really wonderful. It will be calm and quiet and relaxing.

CrAzY dRiVeR · 3rd February 2010, 11:46

Any recommended innova/qualis/scorpio rental services in Chennai? (WITHOUT driver).

Thinking of driving down to Yercuad for a weekend stay!

scopriobharath · 3rd February 2010, 12:33

Hi Crazy Driver,

Try This - Car Rental Agency,Self drive cars,self drive car,Self driven cars,Self drive cars, Selfdriven cars,Self Driven Cars,Self Driven Car, Self Drive Cars, Self drive car,Self Driven Cars,self driven cars,self driven cars in chennai,self driven car,self dr and SELF DRIVE CARS - CARS FOR RENT IN CHENNAI , INDIA .

I have not used these services but i guess speaking to them will yield some results. Google it and lot of results are obtained.

Sorry, I dont know any operator personally.

CrAzY dRiVeR · 6th February 2010, 17:06

Quote:

Originally Posted by CrAzY dRiVeR

Thinking of driving down to Yercuad for a weekend stay!

Quote:

Originally Posted by scopriobharath

I have not used these services but i guess speaking to them will yield some results.

Thanks a lot! Unfortunately, the drive has to be postponed due to conflict with work schedules.

Most probably planning to do it on March 1st or 2nd weekend!

scopriobharath · 20th April 2010, 13:03

Adding a new place to the List

Mudaliarkuppam boating is another place to visit for a one day outing from Chennai. It is some 45 mins drive from Mahabalipuram on the ECR.

donzerus · 24th January 2011, 18:25

Pichavaram is another getaway spot near Chennai. The place is home to world's 2nd largest mangrove backwater forest. Boating facility is available there.

This could be covered within a day if started early from Chennai or as a weekend trip if clubbed with Pondy/Chidambaram. The place is 60-70 kms from Pondicherry towards Chidambaram.

kaushikkrishnan · 6th May 2011, 08:33

Pichavaram boat house is run by the TTDC and also has a rest house/rooms in the middle of the mangrove forest

You can reach it only by boat. Food and water is also ferried

20th July 2009, 20:29	#61
CliffHanger BHPian Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Chennai Posts: 756 Thanked: 1,597 Times	Chennai!! Recently,I was on a trip to koutralam just when the season began. All the falls were pouring to their best; however the crowd was maddening and unruly. Had to go to the falls at 1am or 2am at night to get a decent shower, even at that time I could find a lot of people peeping in..Koutralam is basically a nice place spoiled by some maddening and boisterous crowd, so I would suggest “Better avoid it”. I am born and brought up in Chennai and have been to various other cities in India .I found Chennai to have the least(est) number of getaway spots and also the so called few such as Pondy,Mahabs cannot be really called getaway spots, apart from liquor you cannot get anything else in these places. Except for Pasha, Havana and BnB, I don’t find anything else interesting in Chennai. I and my friends often have to go to Karnataka for some adventure activities and this comes at a cost of 600km.Adding to this, the climate in Chennai is making life even more horrible, I just could not use govt transport at all. I sweat profusely whenever I take the bus or just walk by on the road, there is never a bit of chill air in Chennai. Waiting for a permanent getaway from Chennai!! Last edited by v12 : 21st July 2009 at 11:03.
	() Thanks

2nd February 2010, 10:56	#63
scopriobharath Senior - BHPian Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Chennai Posts: 3,617 Thanked: 1,330 Times	More Places w.r.t Chennai as a base 1 Day trip - Leave in Morning return by late evening Pulicat Lake Banavaram Reserve Forest (Sholinghur Railway Station) Jalagamparai Waterfall Vellore Beemanmadavu Waterfall Vellore Amirthi Waterfall Vellore Jawadhu Hills (Tiruvannamalai / Vellore) (Zoo, Boating and Telescope house) Tada Falls Gingee Fort Alamparai Fort (ECR Near Mahabalipuram) Amirthi Zoological Park Vedanthangal Bird Sanctuary 2 Day Trip - Leave on Morning Day 1 and Return Evening / Late Evening Day 2. Ideal For a weekend. Horsley Hills Hogenekkal Falls Pondicherry Krishnagiri Dam Kaundinya Wildlife Reserve Venkateshwara Zoological Park (before Tirupati) Chandragiri Fort Yelagiri Hills I Will add more as and when i recollect and infer places
	(1) Thanks

2nd February 2010, 12:08	#64
Proxima BHPian Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Chennai Posts: 910 Thanked: 302 Times	Thanks for taking the efforts, scorpiobharath. When is the season for these falls? Jalagamparai Waterfall Vellore Beemanmadavu Waterfall Vellore Amirthi Waterfall Vellore
	() Thanks

2nd February 2010, 17:43	#65
scopriobharath Senior - BHPian Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Chennai Posts: 3,617 Thanked: 1,330 Times	Hey Proxima, All Waterfalls near chennai except Hogenakkal are best visited between Nov and Feb. It is okay in March. From April it is a waste. Reg the Falls, you may have to park the vehicle and Trek for .5 - 1 km depending on the Falls to reach the base of the fall.
	() Thanks

2nd February 2010, 18:43	#66
Proxima BHPian Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Chennai Posts: 910 Thanked: 302 Times	Thanks scorpiobharath. How are these falls when it comes to safety of the car when parked and distance from car park to waterfall base?
	() Thanks

2nd February 2010, 19:40	#67
scopriobharath Senior - BHPian Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Chennai Posts: 3,617 Thanked: 1,330 Times	The hogennakal has a dedicated Parking lot for 2W and 4W run by Govt of TN. they issue a ticket for parking. At other places, we may need to find a place and park. Vehicle security is a question, but there are some Juice and Chips shops around the parking space. You cannot see the car from the Waterfall base. I have not heard of any Vehicle problems there, but still we cannot say for sure. Since you are in Chennai, I can recommend a good Safety Device. Fix a DMK Flag on your Vehicle and no one will dare even to touch your car. We went by a Hired Taxi Vehicle and the driver stayed back in the car.
	() Thanks

2nd February 2010, 22:28	#68
navan49 Senior - BHPian Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: CHENNAI Posts: 1,000 Thanked: 73 Times View My Garage	Hi, I always visit Pondicherry in one day trip. But I start before 6 am. Reach before 9 am to Auroville. Before 12 Ashram and Manakular. After A2B lunch Chunnambar boating and back or Mudliarkuppam boating Mahabs in one day. If you plan well it is possible.
	() Thanks

3rd February 2010, 08:59	#69
scopriobharath Senior - BHPian Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Chennai Posts: 3,617 Thanked: 1,330 Times	Hey Navan49, I Agree It is very much possible to do to Pondy in a day. I was referring to the Night Drive along the beach. It is really wonderful. It will be calm and quiet and relaxing.
	() Thanks

3rd February 2010, 11:46	#70
CrAzY dRiVeR Team-BHP Support Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Bangalore / TVM Posts: 17,180 Thanked: 73,502 Times View My Garage	Any recommended innova/qualis/scorpio rental services in Chennai? (WITHOUT driver). Thinking of driving down to Yercuad for a weekend stay!
	() Thanks

3rd February 2010, 12:33	#71
scopriobharath Senior - BHPian Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Chennai Posts: 3,617 Thanked: 1,330 Times	Hi Crazy Driver, Try This - Car Rental Agency,Self drive cars,self drive car,Self driven cars,Self drive cars, Selfdriven cars,Self Driven Cars,Self Driven Car, Self Drive Cars, Self drive car,Self Driven Cars,self driven cars,self driven cars in chennai,self driven car,self dr and SELF DRIVE CARS - CARS FOR RENT IN CHENNAI , INDIA . I have not used these services but i guess speaking to them will yield some results. Google it and lot of results are obtained. Sorry, I dont know any operator personally.
	() Thanks

20th April 2010, 13:03	#73
scopriobharath Senior - BHPian Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Chennai Posts: 3,617 Thanked: 1,330 Times	Mudaliarkuppam Adding a new place to the List Mudaliarkuppam boating is another place to visit for a one day outing from Chennai. It is some 45 mins drive from Mahabalipuram on the ECR.
	() Thanks

24th January 2011, 18:25	#74
donzerus BHPian Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Chennai Posts: 62 Thanked: 28 Times	Re: Getaways from Chennai? Pichavaram is another getaway spot near Chennai. The place is home to world's 2nd largest mangrove backwater forest. Boating facility is available there. This could be covered within a day if started early from Chennai or as a weekend trip if clubbed with Pondy/Chidambaram. The place is 60-70 kms from Pondicherry towards Chidambaram. Last edited by donzerus : 24th January 2011 at 18:26.
	() Thanks

6th May 2011, 08:33	#75
kaushikkrishnan BHPian Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Chennai Posts: 46 Thanked: 8 Times	Re: Getaways from Chennai? Pichavaram boat house is run by the TTDC and also has a rest house/rooms in the middle of the mangrove forest You can reach it only by boat. Food and water is also ferried
	() Thanks