Chennai has a variety of tourist attractions around, for diverse interests such as historical, natural etc. Following are some of the places that can be covered in a days trip individually.

• Mahabalipuram (58 kms): Capital of ancient Pallava kingdom, this city is of great historic significance and offers exquisite stone carvings in the surrounding hills. Ride along the east coast apart from a crocodile park and boating in Muttukkadu lake are additional attractions en route.


• Kanchipuram (75 kms): This temple city houses several temples built during the Palava reign having an unique architectural style. The city also famous for its silk sarees.


• Vandalur (25 kms): The Vandalur zoological park - the largest park in the South Asia spread over 1,265 acres is a home for variety of different species of mammals, reptiles and birds.


• Vedanthangal (85 kms): One of the largest bird sanctuaries located in a wast marshland, this is visited by over 100,000 migratory birds every year during November and February. Herons, Darters, Spoonbills, Pelicans, Sandpipers, White Ibis, Cormorants, Blue winged teals and Swans are some of the birds that can be seen.

Further details on places of tourist interest in and around Chennai and that of conducted tours can be seen in the following links.

• Tamil Nadu Tourism


• India Travel


• Indian Heritage