Top 10 Unique One Day Trip from Chennai

Hidden Gems For One Day Trip From Chennai

Here are the best one-day trips from Chennai that you’ll absolutely love - perfect for a quick escape, fresh air, and a dose of adventure before going back to our boring routine.

1. Mudhaliyar Kuppam Boat House & Rain Drop Island

Distance:

100 km

Travel Time:

2 hr

Entry Fee:

₹10 per person

Best Time to Start:

6:00 – 7:00 AM

Mudalaiyar Kuppam is a water sports paradise and a best one day trip from chennai! From kayaking and water scooters to banana boat rides and speed boats, there’s plenty to do. Just a short speed boat ride away from the boat house is the scenic Rain Drop Island, where you can spend hours relaxing. TTDC even delivers food to the island — perfect for group outings, birthday parties, or a peaceful lunch picnic.

Nearby Places:

Alamparai Fort (a beautiful seaside fort ruin, 20 mins away)

When to Return:

Leave by 4 PM to avoid evening traffic.

Suggested Itinerary:

Start by 6:30 AM from Chennai, reach by 8:30 AM, enjoy boating, head to the island, relax, have lunch delivered from TTDC, and return by evening.

2. Pichavaram Mangrove Forest

Distance:

230 km

Travel Time:

5 hr

Best Time to Start:

Night before or very early morning (3-4 AM)

One of the world’s largest mangrove forests, Pichavaram is straight out of a movie scene. Take a rowboat or motorboat ride through narrow green tunnels of mangroves, spot birds, and click dreamy photos. The boating routes vary — pick the longer route for a deeper forest experience.

Nearby Places:

Chidambaram Nataraja Temple (10 km away, a must-visit).

Where to Eat:

Local seafood restaurants serve fresh prawn and crab dishes.

When to Return:

Start back by 3 PM to reach Chennai by late evening.

Suggested Itinerary:

Start by 5 AM, reach around 10 AM, enjoy a boat ride, have seafood lunch at nearby eateries, visit Chidambaram temple, and head back by 3 PM.

3. Pondicherry

Distance:

150 km

Travel Time:

3.5 hr

Best Time to Start:

5:30 – 6:00 AM

Pondy is not just a place, it’s a vibe. For your one day trip to Pondicherry from Chennai, begin with Auroville and its Matrimandir (book your passes in advance if you want to go inside). Stroll along Promenade Beach, click pictures at the French colony streets, then head to Paradise Beach for water sports. End the day café hopping — don’t miss croissants at Baker Street or wood-fired pizzas at Tanto.

Nearby Places:

Serenity Beach for surfers, or Chunnambar Boat House for boating.

When to Return:

6-7 PM so you can reach Chennai by late night.

Suggested Itinerary:

Leave by 5:30 AM, have breakfast en route, explore Auroville, spend mid-day at the beach, café-hop in the evening, and head back by 7 PM.

4. Puligundu Hill

Distance:

115 km

Travel Time:

3 hr

Best Time to Start:

4:30 – 5:00 AM

Puligundu is one of the best one day trips from Chennai which you will never forget. Its an offbeat trekking gem. The climb is adventurous with narrow rocky trails, so carry a torch for dark patches. Once you reach the top, you’re greeted with a 360° view of Chittoor district — a sight you’ll never forget.

Nearby Places:

Kanipakam Vinayaka Temple (30 mins away).

When to Return:

Late afternoon or early evening.

Suggested Itinerary:

Start by 4:30 AM, trek early to avoid heat, relax at the top for sunrise views, return by noon, have lunch nearby, and drive back.

5. Tada (Ubbalamadugu) Falls

Distance:

90 km

Travel Time:

2 hr + Trek

Best Time to Start:

5:30 – 6:00 AM

If you love trekking, this one’s for you. Hike through rocky terrain, streams, and forest trails to reach the refreshing waterfalls. Carry water, energy bars, and a good pair of trekking shoes. You’ll love the dip at the end, it’s the perfect reward after the trek.

Nearby Places:

Varadaiahpalem for local snacks, Sri City for a quick bite.

When to Return:

Leave by 5 PM.

Suggested Itinerary:

Start by 6 AM, begin trek by 9 AM, enjoy the falls, have a picnic lunch, and start back by 5 PM.

6. Kailasa Kona Falls

Distance:

80 km

Travel Time:

2 hr

Best Time to Start:

6:00 AM

Small, beautiful, and peaceful - Kailasa Kona is perfect for a short, no-rush getaway. Pack some snacks, carry extra clothes, and enjoy a dip in the cool waters.

Nearby Places:

Nagalapuram trekking trails (if you want to extend your trip).

When to Return:

By evening you’ll be back in Chennai for dinner.

Suggested Itinerary:

Start by 6 AM, reach by 8 AM, enjoy the falls, have breakfast or lunch on the way back, return home by afternoon.

7. Mamandur Trekking

Distance:

160 km

Travel Time:

4 hr

Best Time to Start:

4:00 – 5:00 AM

A lesser-known trek near Chennai. The trail takes about an hour, ending in a peaceful spot with water sources. Best visited during January and February when the weather is cool.

Nearby Places:

Chengalpattu for local food.

When to Return:

Start back by 5 PM to reach before dark.

Suggested Itinerary:

Leave at 4 AM, start trek by 8 AM, spend time at the water source, carry packed food, and return by evening.

8. Saddi Gudu Falls

Distance:

140 km

Travel Time:

3-4 hr

Best Time to Start:

5:30 AM

One of the most offbeat waterfalls near Chennai! The road gets rugged towards the end — perfect if you love off-roading. Once you reach, dip your feet in the cold water for a free natural fish spa.

Nearby Places:

Horsley Hills (if you want to turn it into a weekend trip).

When to Return:

Evening by 6 PM

Suggested Itinerary:

Best as a winter trip. Start by 5 AM, reach by mid-morning, spend time at the falls, have a picnic, and return before dark.

9. Talakona Waterfalls

Distance: ~150 km | Travel Time: ~4 hrs Best Time to Start: Night before or 5:00 AM (for weekend trip)

A tall and majestic waterfall inside a forest reserve. Combine your visit with a forest trek or wildlife spotting for a full-day adventure.

Nearby Places: Tirupati Balaji Temple (if you want a spiritual stop).

When to Return: Late evening or next day morning if you stay overnight.

Suggested Itinerary: Leave by 5 AM, reach by 9 AM, explore the forest and waterfalls, have lunch nearby, and return by late evening.

10. Hogenakkal Falls

Distance:

350 km

Travel Time:

7 hr

Best Time to Start:

Night before (ideal for weekend)

Known as the “Niagara of India”, Hogenakkal is stunning with its roaring waterfalls and coracle boat rides. Try the fresh fried fish sold by locals — it’s part of the Hogenakkal experience.

Nearby Places:

Dharmapuri for local shopping and food.

When to Return:

Start by 5 PM or next morning.

Suggested Itinerary:

Leave the previous night or early morning, enjoy the falls, try coracle rides and local food, stay overnight or start back by evening.

Travel with FastTrack Call Taxi

Don’t want to deal with long drives, tolls, and parking? Book a FastTrack Call Taxi and make your trip stress-free. Whether you need a round trip cab, one-way drop, or a tempo traveler for friends and family, FastTrack is 

Here’s what you get when you book with us:

• Wide Range of Vehicles – Sedans, SUVs, and Tempo Travellers for groups.

• 24/7 Availability – Start early morning or return late night, no problem.

• Affordable Rates – Transparent pricing, no hidden charges.

• Easy Booking – Call or use our app, and your cab is at your doorstep.

• Professional Drivers – Courteous, experienced, and punctual.

Whether you’re heading to Tada Waterfalls, Pondicherry, or any popular one day destination, we’ll get you there comfortably and on time. Check cab rates and book now!

Call 044-2888 9999 or book online to plan your perfect one day trip from Chennai!

Travel Tips for Chennai Day Trips

Here are a few travel trips for your next one day trip from Chennai:

• Start Early: Beat the traffic and enjoy the cool morning air.

• Pack Smart: Water bottles, snacks, sunscreen, a power bank, and extra clothes.

• Wear Comfortable Shoes: Essential for trekking and walking.

• Check Permissions: Some spots may need prior approval or entry tickets.

• Avoid Monsoon Treks: Trails can get slippery and unsafe.

Conclusion

Chennai is not just a city; it’s a gateway to countless hidden gems and adventure spots waiting to be explored. Whether you’re looking for the best one day trip from Chennai or planning a leisurely one day trip from Chennai with friends and family, these destinations have something for everyone. 

From serene waterfalls and scenic hills to thrilling water sports and peaceful mangrove forests. By planning your trips carefully and using a reliable service like FastTrack Call Taxi, you can maximize your time, minimize stress, and enjoy every moment of your journey. Pack your bags, gather your loved ones, and start exploring the amazing destinations just a drive away from Chennai as your next adventure awaits!