Attractions Nearby Chennai, Day Trips and Excursions

(Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India)

Chennai is one of the biggest cities in India, and it draws a substantial number of Indian tourists each year. As a result, there are many theme-park-style attractions in the immediate countryside that can easily supply a day's diversion.

These day trips and excursions provide a good balance to the historical attractions and museums within Chennai city centre. Visiting amusement parks also presents interesting people-watching opportunities, with some of the most popular outlying attractions including Kishkinta, MGM Dizzee World and VGP Golden Beach, as well as Crocodile Bank.

MGM Dizzee World

Address: 1 / 74 East Coast Road, Muttukadu, Tamil Nadu, India, IN
Tel: +91 044 247 2129
This popular theme park is located about 31 km / 19 miles south of Chennai and is easy to visit on a day trip. It's especially popular with visiting Indian families, but any holiday makers with children in tow will appreciate the rides and family friendly attractions. The MGM Dizzee World is spread over some 27 acres / 11 hectares and features water slides, thrill rides and a host of kid-centred activities. Particularly fun is the seasonal Snow Valley Experience, which features artificial snow and even its very own snowcapped mountain.
Open hours: daily - 10:00 to 19:00
Admission: charge

VGP Golden Beach

Address: Injambakkam, Tamil Nadu, India, IN
Tel: +91 044 492 6445
Another amusement park outside of the city, VGP Golden Beach is about halfway between Chennai and MGM Dizzee World. It features beautifully landscaped grounds and a range of water attractions, thrill rides and entertainment programmes, as well as a private sandy beach. As one of the most established amusement parks in the region, VGP Golden Beach is very popular, coming with a huge choice of eateries and picnic spots.
Open hours: daily - 10:00 to 19:00
Admission: charge

Kishkinta (The Kingdom of Fun)

Address: 82 Varadurajapuram Chrompet, Tambaram, Tamil Nadu, India, IN
Tel: +91 044 2251 1111
By all rights, this is the most popular theme park in all of India, and it's located a mere 40 km / 25 miles south-west of Chennai city centre. The Kishkinta park draws Indian tourists from around the continent with its wave pool, water rides and rollercoasters. Other popular attractions include the 3D theatre, space shuttle ride, flume ride, road train, boating lake and unusual rain disco.
Open hours: daily - 10:30 to 19:00
Admission: charge, discounts for children

Crocodile Bank

Address: East Coast Highway, Tamil Nadu, India, IN
Tel: +91 044 2747 2447
Crocodile Bank lies roughly 41 km / 25 miles south of Chennai and is reached by taking the East Coast Highway. It has hundreds of crocodiles onsite, all of which are bred in the facility. Daily shows feature African and Indian crocodiles, with plenty of ferocious jaw-snapping to please younger visitors. The Bank also has a poisonous snake centre, where professionals 'milk' the venom for use in research and antivenin production.
Open hours: daily - 10:00 to 17:00
Admission: charge

Mamallapuram

Well connected by local buses and located approximately 70 km / 43 miles to the south of Chennai, the World Heritage Site of Mamallapuram is an appealing coastal village, where day trippers come to hang out, enjoy the beach and sample the tasty seafood. The temples of Mamallapuram serve as a further attraction, with the Shore Temple being the crowning glory and overlooking the Bay of Bengal. Worth a photo are the Five Rathas, rock-cut temples showcasing Pallava architecture at its very best.

Kanchipuram

A vibrant temple city situated around 82 km / 51 miles to the south-west, Kanchipuram has grown up alongside the Palar River and is famous all over India for its beautiful silk saris. A host of opulent Hindu temples and related attractions reside within Kanchipuram, opening on a daily basis between the hours of 06:00 and 12:30, and again from 16:00 to 20:30. The most notable of these include the temples of Devarajaswami, Kailasanatha, Kamakshi Amman, Sri Ekambaranathar and Vaikunta Perumal.

Vedanthangal Bird Sanctuary (Vedanthankal Lake Bird Sanctuary)

Address: Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu, India, IN
The popular Vedanthangal Bird Sanctuary lies 80 km / 50 miles to the south-west and covers an area of around 70 acres / 28 hectares in total. Vedanthangal has become an important home for an array of migratory birds and remains one of India's oldest of its kind, being guarded by locals for over 250 years. The best time to pay a visit is between November and March, when many birds come here to nest. Early morning bird spotting is often the most rewarding.
Open hours: daily - 06:00 to 18:00
Admission: charge