Spending few days in the southern regions of Chennai and neighbouring cities will bring you close to the best from the cultural, historical and traditional backgrounds. Chennai and its surrounding cities were part of the Cholas, Hoysalas, Vijayanagara, British and several other powerful kingdoms and their cultural implications can easily be seen in the region. Let’s take a look at some of the best cities near Chennai which might appear like a mind blowing cultural swing.
Kanchipuram – One of the popular tourist destinations in the state of Tamil Nadu, Kanchipuram is situated on banks of Palar river. The calm surroundings of this historic city bring forward a fantastic combination heritage interests and modernity that allures tourists all year round. The city is famous known as the ‘golden city of a thousand temples’, because of the presence of several temples and shrines. Intricately built and traditionally designed, these shrines carry fascinating mythological tales of Gods and Goddesses and are one of the most revered religious destinations in the country. You can catch a Chennai to Kanchipuram cab to reach the spot.
Tirupati – Situated in Andhra Pradesh, Tirupati is considered to be the celestial home of God Vishnu. As the legend goes, Vaikuntha draws its name from the Tirumala Venkateswara temple which is dedicated to the lord. Located at the foothills of the Tirumala hills, the temple actually seems like home of Lord Vishnu with the seven peaks of the range depicted seven hoods of Adisesha, the serpent, under which the lord rests. One of the biggest and richest centre of devotion in the country, thousands of tourists visit Tirupati throughout the year. Even the Vedas and Upanishads mention the benefit of visiting the temples.
Pondicherry – Also known as Puducherry, this enchanting place is situated on the eastern coast of India about 135 kilometers from Chennai. Once an important French colony, the city still carries a major mark of the foreign influence with clean roads, tree-lined avenues, and Mediterranean styled house holds. Pondicherry is also home to the Sri Aurobindo Ashram, Auroville, located at the outskirts of the city. There isn’t much to do in the city, with a slow paced lifestyle, but you can surely try your hands into some scuba jumping, deep-sea diving and surfing.
Goa – One of the biggest tourist spots in the country and world, Goa successfully claims its place in every tourist’s wish list. Lying on the east coast, you can also take a Chennai to Goa cab and enjoy an amazing cultural ride while crossing through the Indian peninsula. Play your luck at the casinos, party hard at the hippest nightclubs or enjoy a peaceful time at one of the beach resorts; you’ll always have the best of Goa.