We know we don’t have to tell you this, but it’s hot as hell outside. The temperatures are soaring higher than the collection of Baahubali 2 and we deserve a break.
So, with the weekend just around the corner, we did some checking and came up with a list of weekend getaways.
Kotagiri
About: A beautiful hill station in the Nilgiri hills, closer to Ooty but still not commercialized like Ooty. Kotagiri has some charming resorts and homestays available.This place also used to be our demised CM Jayalalitha’s second home.
Distance From Chennai: 514 KMs. 8 hours 17 minutes by road.
How to get there: Driving down is the best option. Alternatively, you can take a bus to Coonoor and a cab from there to Kotagiri
Yercaud
About: This enchanting hill station in Salem district of Tamil Nadu is called ‘Jewel of the South’ for a reason. This place is an ideal getaway from the sweltering Chennai weather. Imagine letting the mist surround you as you immerse yourself in the beauty of the nature around you.
Distance from Chennai: 357 KMs
How to get there: Take a bus, a train or drive down to this cool hill station. Buses and trains are available till Salem and Yercaud is only 33 KMs from Salem.
Meghamalai
About: This hill station, cuddled in the Western ghats of Tamil Nadu, is 550 kms away from Chennai. This is still a hidden gem and is mostly unexplored by travelers.
Distance from Chennai : 550 KMs
How to get there : There are no direct buses from Chennai to Meghamalai and driving down seems to be a better option.
Yelagiri
About: At 235 kms , this is one of the closest hill stations from Chennai. With its gorgeous waterfalls, lakes and parks, Yelagiri has “an ideal getaway from Chennai heat” written all over it.
Distance from Chennai: 235 KMs (3 hours by road)
How to get there: Trains are available to Jolarpettai and from there Yelagiri is only a 25 minutes drive. Alternatively, you can take a bus to vaaniyambadi and from there Yelagiri is closer. But considering the distance, driving down is the best option.
Horsley Hills
About: This is yet another hill station much closer to Chennai. Located in Andhra Pradesh, Horsley hills is 276 kms from Chennai.
Distance from Chennai: 276 KMs. (Around 3-3.5 hours)
How to get there: Again, driving down is the best option. However, you can also take bus to Madanapalli and from there, Horsley hills is nearby.
Kodaikanal
About: Because, this list cannot be complete without Kodaikanal. Sitting back sipping a hot coffee and taking in the beauty of Kodai is a therapy for body and soul; one much needed for all of us getting baked now in Chennai summer.
Distance from Chennai: 525 KMs
How to get there: Buses are available aplenty.
Awesome list. visited 4 of these, Kotagiri and Meghamalai yet to be explored.Thanks for the list