Looking to escape the city heat this summer? Skip the usual tourist traps and head to these unique, offbeat destinations near Chennai that are perfect for a road trip. Whether you’re planning a solo ride, a couple’s getaway, or a quick family escape, these spots offer the perfect blend of peace, nature, and adventure.
With the convenience of a self-drive rental, you can travel on your terms — no schedules, no constraints. Here are 5 weekend trips to try in 2025.
1. Thally Hills – The Little England of Tamil Nadu
Distance: ~90 km
Drive Time: 2.5 hours
Ideal For: Day trip or overnight stay, nature lovers, couples
Estimated Budget: ₹1,800–₹2,800 per person
Often called the "Little England of Tamil Nadu" for its cool climate, Thally is a hidden hill village near Hosur. Expect misty mornings, quiet lakes, and tea plantations — all without the tourist rush.
What to Pack:
Light jacket or shawl
Reusable water bottle
A good camera (great for sunrise shots)
Pro Tip: Drive via Hosur for better roads. Start early morning.
2. Ubbalamadugu Falls (Tada Falls) – A Refreshing Waterfall Escape
Distance: ~95 km
Drive Time: 2 hours
Ideal For: Adventure seekers, group trips
Estimated Budget: ₹2,000–₹3,000 per person
Tada Falls, located in the Chittoor district of Andhra Pradesh, offers a mild trekking experience leading up to a beautiful natural waterfall. The trail features shaded forest paths and natural pools.
Packing List:
Trekking shoes
Towel & change of clothes
Snacks, water, insect repellent
Swimsuit (if you want to take a dip)
Tip: Best visited early morning to avoid crowds. Check weather before visiting.
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3. Kolli Hills – The Serpent Road Adventure
Distance: ~360 km
Drive Time: 6.5 hours
Ideal For: Long weekend trip, bikers, nature enthusiasts
Estimated Budget: ₹3,000–₹4,000 per person
Kolli Hills is famed for its 70 continuous hairpin bends, dense forests, waterfalls, and misty viewpoints. If you love driving through winding roads with scenic views, this is your summer escape.
Must Visit: Agaya Gangai Falls, Siddhar Caves, and Arapaleeswarar Temple
Travel Essentials:
Power bank & flashlight
Motion sickness pills (if needed)
Packed food for hilly regions
🔗Read more travel ideas on our blog
4. Pichavaram Mangrove Forest – India’s Hidden Amazon
Distance: ~230 km
Drive Time: 5 hours
Ideal For: Nature lovers, photographers, families
Estimated Budget: ₹2,500–₹3,500 per person (including boat ride)
Second only to the Sunderbans in size, the Pichavaram Mangroves near Chidambaram offer surreal boat rides through tunnels of dense green trees growing on water. It's peaceful, scenic, and unforgettable.
Things to Do:
Rowboat ride through narrow mangrove tunnels
Visit nearby Chidambaram temple
Enjoy local seafood in beachside eateries
Packing Tip:
Sunscreen, sunglasses, cap
Waterproof pouch for phone/camera
🔗Learn more about our rental process
5. Yelagiri – Hill Station Minus the Crowds
Distance: ~230 km
Drive Time: 5 hours
Ideal For: Weekend stay, families, couples
Estimated Budget: ₹3,000–₹5,000 per person
Unlike the commercialized Ooty or Kodaikanal, Yelagiri is a laid-back hill station with orchards, boating lakes, and short treks. It’s ideal if you’re seeking mild weather and minimal crowds.
Must-Visit Spots:
Swamimalai Trek
Nature Park & Musical Fountain
Jalagamparai Waterfalls
Travel Essentials:
Warm clothes (even in summer, nights get chilly)
Umbrella or rain jacket (occasional showers)
Local cash – card facilities are limited
🔗Reach out to plan your hill station trip
Quick Packing Checklist for Summer Road Trips
Valid ID (driving license & Aadhar)
Power bank & charging cable
Water bottles, snacks
Sunglasses, hat
Lightweight backpack
Travel shoes or sandals
Printed/digital maps (as backup)
Pro Tips for First-Time Travelers
Start early morning to enjoy cooler weather and avoid traffic
Refuel before remote stretches – some regions have no fuel stations for miles
Keep your car documents handy — especially when crossing state borders
Choose the right car type based on terrain (sedan for smooth roads, SUV for hills)
Explore these gems with complete freedom, safety, and convenience — the road is yours to rule!
Ready for Your 2025 Summer Drive?
Skip the city heat and chart your own journey. With GetMyDrive’s self-drive car rentals, you get sanitized vehicles, flexible pricing, and 24/7 support — just what you need for a stress-free summer adventure.
Book your car now or explore our full service details.