Valentine’s Week is the perfect excuse to step away from the city’s humidity and traffic to find a cool, romantic spot by the coast. There are many stunning places to visit near Chennai during Valentine week under 100km that offer a quick and refreshing escape.
You don’t need a long weekend to celebrate love; a simple drive down the East Coast Road (ECR) can lead you to beautiful beaches and heritage spots. Whether you want a quiet boat ride or a cultural walk, Chennai’s outskirts have plenty of options for a memorable date.
Quick Romantic Escapes: Top Spots Under 100 Km
If you are looking for a quick getaway without the hassle of long travel, this list is for you. Here are the best places to visit near Chennai during Valentine week under 100km, perfect for a day trip or a short drive.
| Destination | Distance from Chennai | Best For |
| Mahabalipuram | ~56 Km | History, Beach & Long Drive |
| Kovalam (Covelong) | ~40 Km | Surfing & Luxury Resorts |
| Muttukadu | ~30 Km | Boating & Sunsets |
| DakshinaChitra | ~25 Km | Culture, Art & Photography |
| Pulicat Lake | ~55 Km | Birds & Lagoon Boating |
| Sadras | ~70 Km | Quiet Fort & Seclusion |
| Vedanthangal | ~86 Km | Nature & Bird Watching |
| Kanchipuram | ~75 Km | Temples & Silk Shopping |
| Crocodile Bank | ~40 Km | Wildlife & Night Safari |
| Besant Nagar Beach | ~13 Km | Coffee, Beach & Night Walk |
| Vandalur Zoo | ~35 Km | Nature Walk & cycling |
| Nagalapuram | ~70 Km | Trekking & Waterfalls |
Note: The distances mentioned above are approximate and may vary depending on your starting point in Chennai (e.g., Adyar vs. Anna Nagar). Travel times can also change based on traffic and the route taken.
Explore the Best Short Getaways Near You
In this section, we will dive into the details of these lovely locations. These places to visit near Chennai during Valentine week under 100km are selected to ensure you have a relaxing time without spending hours on the road.
Mahabalipuram
A drive to Mahabalipuram via ECR is a classic Chennai date. It is one of the most popular places to visit near Chennai during Valentine week under 100km, offering a mix of history, stunning rock sculptures, and breezy beaches.
- Key Attractions: Shore Temple, Five Rathas, Krishna’s Butterball, and the beach.
- How To Reach: A scenic 1.5-hour drive down the East Coast Road.
- Travel Tip: Visit the Shore Temple early in the morning to watch the sunrise together.
Kovalam (Covelong)
For couples who want a vibe that is both energetic and relaxing, Kovalam is perfect. It is a fishing village turned surf hub, offering great beachside cafes and luxury resorts for a special day out.
- Key Attractions: Covelong Beach, Surf School, and the historic Catholic Church.
- How To Reach: About an hour from the city center via ECR.
- Travel Tip: Try a surfing lesson together for a fun and adventurous bonding experience.
Muttukadu
If you enjoy being on the water, Muttukadu Boat House is a must-visit. The backwaters here are calm and scenic, making it a great spot for a romantic boat ride while watching the sun go down.
- Key Attractions: Motor boating, row boating, and water sports.
- How To Reach: Located on ECR, just 45 minutes from Adyar.
- Travel Tip: Opt for the self-rowing boats if you want some privacy and a slower pace.
DakshinaChitra
For the art-loving couple, this heritage museum is a gem. It showcases the traditional houses of South India, providing a quiet, cultural, and very photogenic backdrop for your Valentine’s date.
- Key Attractions: Heritage houses, craft workshops, and folk performances.
- How To Reach: Located on ECR, about 30-40 minutes from the city.
- Travel Tip: Check their schedule for craft workshops; making something together is a great memory.
Pulicat Lake
Pulicat is a serene escape for nature lovers. As the second-largest lagoon in India, it offers a peaceful environment where you can take a local boat and watch flamingos and other migratory birds.
- Key Attractions: Bird Sanctuary, Dutch Cemetery, and lagoon boating.
- How To Reach: About 1.5 to 2 hours drive north of Chennai.
- Travel Tip: Carry your own snacks and water, as food options are limited near the lake.
Sadras
If you want to avoid the crowds of Mahabalipuram, head a bit further to Sadras. It features an old Dutch fort and a quiet beach, making it one of the most secluded places to visit near Chennai during Valentine week under 100km.
- Key Attractions: Dutch Fort ruins, cemetery, and a clean, quiet beach.
- How To Reach: Located near Kalpakkam, about 1.5 hours from Chennai.
- Travel Tip: It is a fantastic spot for couple photography due to the rustic ruins and lack of crowds.
Vedanthangal Bird Sanctuary
This is one of the oldest bird sanctuaries in the country and a paradise for nature enthusiasts. Walking through the sanctuary with the sound of birds around is a very calming and romantic experience.
- Key Attractions: Viewing towers, thousands of migratory birds, and lush pathways.
- How To Reach: Off NH-32, about 2 hours drive from the city.
- Travel Tip: The best time to visit is November to February, so Valentine’s week is perfect.
Kanchipuram
Known for its temples and silk, Kanchipuram offers a spiritual touch to your date. It is a great place to seek blessings for your relationship and perhaps buy a beautiful silk saree as a gift.
- Key Attractions: Kailasanathar Temple, Ekambareswarar Temple, and silk weaving units.
- How To Reach: About 2 hours drive via NH-48. You can also check for buses on the zingbus app.
- Travel Tip: Visit the weavers’ homes to see the intricate process of saree making.
Madras Crocodile Bank
For a slightly unconventional date, visit the Crocodile Bank. It is not just about crocodiles; the lush green canopy and the night safari experience make it quite thrilling and unique.
- Key Attractions: Various crocodile species, snake park, and the night safari.
- How To Reach: Located on ECR, near Kovalam.
- Travel Tip: Book the night safari if you want a thrilling experience under the stars.
Besant Nagar Beach (Elliot’s Beach)
While technically inside the city, it feels like a getaway. It is cleaner than Marina and offers a vibrant atmosphere with cafes and the famous Schmidt Memorial, perfect for an evening stroll.
- Key Attractions: Schmidt Memorial, beachside cafes, and the Velankanni Church nearby.
- How To Reach: Located in South Chennai, easily accessible by cab or auto.
- Travel Tip: Visit in the evening to enjoy coffee at a beach-view cafe.
Arignar Anna Zoological Park (Vandalur Zoo)
This is a massive park where you can rent cycles and ride through the forest-like paths. It is a fun, active, and green way to spend the day together away from city pollution.
- Key Attractions: Lion Safari, butterfly park, and cycling tracks.
- How To Reach: Located on GST Road, about an hour from the city center.
- Travel Tip: Rent a bicycle at the entrance to explore the vast zoo comfortably.
Nagalapuram
If you are up for a bit of adventure, Nagalapuram offers trekking trails leading to beautiful waterfalls. It is a bit rugged but perfect for couples who bond over hiking and nature.
- Key Attractions: Trekking trails, water pools, and forest views.
- How To Reach: About 2 to 2.5 hours drive north of Chennai.
- Travel Tip: It involves trekking, so wear good shoes and carry plenty of water.
How to Book Your Bus Tickets with zingbus
Whether you are planning a short trip nearby or looking for a longer getaway later, zingbus makes travel easy. We provide premium travel options to ensure your journey is as smooth as your date.
- Download the App: Install the app on Android or iOS for quick bookings.
- Choose Your Route: For trips to nearby cities or connecting routes, check the bus tickets page.
- Select Your Seat: Choose a comfortable seat to relax during your journey.
- Enjoy Benefits: Don’t forget to check zingbus new offers and zingPrime for the best value.
Make the Most of Valentine’s Week
Chennai’s coastline and cultural richness offer amazing options for a quick escape. The places to visit near Chennai during Valentine week under 100km prove that you don’t need to go far to find romance.
So, plan a sunrise drive on ECR or a quiet evening at a heritage site. These nearby destinations are ready to give you and your partner a refreshing and romantic break from the everyday routine.
