Weekend Getaways from Chennai within 500 km

Part of the Guntur district in Andhra Pradesh, Guntur city is famous for its temples. It is a sought-after weekend getaway from Chennai, taking up to 7 hours of drive. It is also close to the Bay of Bengal coastline and home to several ancient monuments. The influence of Buddhism in the region is noteworthy and it is believed that Lord Buddha performed first Kalachakra here. The Nizams, British and Pratipulapra kings ruled the place. Guntur is also fast emerging as an important center for education and textile.
What to see in Guntur Guntur Museum, Amaravathi monument, Sitanagar and Kondaveedu are important attractions of Guntur. Other places to visit around Guntur city are Kondavid Fort, Undavalli Caves and Nagarjunakonda.

Located in Tamil Nadu?, Palani Hills is one of the country's oldest mountain ranges. The history of the place dates back to the pre-Cambrian age and it lies along the Western Ghats. The place is excellent if you want to explore plant and animal life during a weekend vacation. Breathtaking beauty and adventure sports are the other things that you can enjoy at the Palani Hills. Once home to the Paliyan tribes, ancient caves are found in the region. Presently, it is a heaven to birdwatchers. The popular species of birds seen here are night herons and woodpeckers.
What to see in Palani Hills The beautiful landscape, sublime climate, trekking and hiking will make your visit to Palani Hills a memorable one. Bison Wells is a place on these hills known to house several animal species and is a prominent tourist spot.

Mysore is a heritage city in Karnataka that people travel to throughout the year. Home to palaces, forts, lakes and marketplaces, Mysore is a popular spot for weekend trip from Chennai. Located at the base of the Chamunda Hills, the Chamunda Devi Temple is a prominent tourist attraction in the city outskirts. According to legends, Goddess Chamundeswari killed a demon and blessed the city that became her abode. Dussehra is an important festival celebrated here since 1610 and it is observed for at least 10 days. Mysore is recognized for being home to the Vijayanagar School of Painting.
What to see in Mysore Plan a sightseeing tour through the city and visit the Mysore Palace, Jayalakshmi Vilas Mansion that is home to a museum, Srirangapatnam Fort, Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary, Chamundeswari Temple and Balmuri Falls at Srirangapatna.

Shivanasamundram means the Sea of Shiva and this is a series of gushing waterfalls in the Mandya district of Karnataka. The rocky terrain, beautiful landscape and the nearby vegetation fields make your visit here a worthy one. Calmness and tranquility personify Shivanasamundram that is a popular getaway from Bangalore and Chennai.
What to see in Shivanasamundram The two main waterfalls in Shivanasamundram are Bharachukki and Gaganachukki where the Kaveri River has split into two but merges downstream. These waterfalls are located around 15 minutes away from each other. Besides the unmatched beauty of the place, trekking and angling are important tourist activities.

Monsoon is the best time to visit Simsha, a small village near Tumkur, Karnataka. The Simsha River passes through this place and the hamlet features stunning beauty. The lush forest and the many waterfalls in the region are major draws for tourists looking for a tranquil holiday during the weekend. You can enjoy nature at its best and avoid the city's monotony by planning a long drive to Simsha. The source of the Simsha River lies at the Devarayanadurga Hills and the Markonahalli Dam built on this river is a major tourist attraction. The dam water is said to have 27 fish species.
What to see in Simsha The Shimshapura waterfall and the nearby Shivanasamundram Falls are two major things to see in and around Simsha.