Yelagiri doesn’t make it to most tourist guides, and honestly, that’s what makes it great. It’s around 5 hours from Chennai by car — not too far, not too close. You’ll know you’re almost there when the temperature drops and you start seeing the hills roll in.

Once you’re up there, the air is fresh, the roads are quiet, and life slows down a bit. You can go boating at Punganur Lake, or if you’re up for some movement, trek to Swamimalai Hills. The view from the top is worth the effort, especially if you make it there early in the morning.

The drive is beautiful, especially the last stretch through the hills. If you’ve got a good playlist lined up on your car system, it turns into a pretty cinematic experience.

Best time to go: November to February. Summers are okay too, but winters are especially pleasant.

Just under two hours from the city, Pulicat is the kind of place that surprises you. You drive through some fairly regular roads and then, suddenly, there’s this huge expanse of water, birds everywhere, and this sense of calm you didn’t know you needed.

It’s a great spot if you enjoy nature photography or just want to sit quietly for a while. During the migratory season, you’ll spot flamingos and a bunch of other birds. There’s also a Dutch fort and an old cemetery that history buffs might find interesting.

A small tip — start early. It gets hot by late morning, and the birds are more active at sunrise. It’s a short trip, so you can easily be back in Chennai by evening.

Best time to go: October to March, when the migratory birds are in town.

Tada (or Ubbalamadugu) Falls isn’t the most accessible destination, but that’s part of the fun. It’s about a 2.5-hour drive, and then you’ve got a moderately challenging trek through rocky forest paths before you get to the waterfall.

If you enjoy treks and don’t mind getting your shoes dirty, this one’s worth it. The water is crystal clear, and the whole area feels wild and untouched — very different from the usual tourist spots.

Go in a group if you can, and definitely wear good shoes. The path can get tricky, especially after rain. Also, don’t rely too heavily on your phone for directions — GPS can be flaky near the forest, so having an offline navigation system in your car really helps.

Best time to go: Between June and October, when the waterfall is active.

Mahabs might feel like an obvious choice, but if you haven’t done it in a while, it’s worth revisiting. Just a 90-minute drive down the ECR, it’s the perfect blend of beachside relaxation and historical curiosity.

The Shore Temple and Pancha Rathas are stunning, especially if you go early in the morning when it’s quieter. But beyond the monuments, there’s also a lovely beach, some great cafés, and that general laid-back vibe that makes you want to stay a bit longer.

If you’re driving down during peak hours or weekends, the ECR traffic can get slow. But with good music or a podcast on your IntelliPlay car stereo, the drive itself becomes part of the weekend escape.

Best time to go: November to February. It can get really hot otherwise.

If you’ve got a long weekend and want to really get away, Yercaud is a solid choice. It’s about a 7-hour drive, which may sound like a lot, but once you’re up there in the Servarayan Hills, sipping filter coffee with a view of the valley, it all feels worth it.

Compared to places like Ooty, Yercaud is quieter and more relaxed. You can check out Lady’s Seat for the views, take a boat ride on Yercaud Lake, or walk through the coffee estates that line the area.

The hairpin bends on the way up are no joke, so if anyone in your car tends to get motion sick, come prepared. That said, it’s one of the most peaceful spots around, and if you leave early from Chennai, you can get there in time for a sunset walk.

Best time to go: October to June. Monsoons are beautiful but can be a bit tricky for driving.