: 5 Offbeat Getaways Around Chennai You Can Travel for the Weekend #IndiaNEWS #Coronavirus Wake me up when September ends,’ is a song made famous by the band Greenday. Perhaps it should be changed

5 Offbeat Getaways Around Chennai You Can Travel for the Weekend #IndiaNEWS #Coronavirus
Wake me up when September ends,’ is a song made famous by the band Greenday. Perhaps it should be changed to reflect the mood of the current times ‘Wake me up when COVID ends. ’
It has been eight months since the pandemic broke in India and with lockdowns and the fear of rising numbers, one of the sectors terribly hit was the hospitality and travel sector. Now, with each phase of ‘Unlock’, things are limping back to normalcy and people have started venturing outdoors. Hotels located at motorable distances from cities are getting enquiries and are starting to welcome guests.
In this article, we list five places that you could consider visiting if you live in and around Tamil Nadu and Chennai.
1. Puducherry
Photo Credits Wikimedia Commons.
The drive from Chennai to Puducherry can be completed in about three and a half hours and the ride through the East Coast Road (ECR) is an absolute treat. What’s interesting about Puducherry is that it has so much to offer. You can consider staying in a commercial hotel or even book a villa or cottage for the weekend, which gives you privacy as well as the chance to follow your own sanitising protocols.
Some options to consider are
a) Palais De Mahe
Situated in the White Town region of Puducherry, this property is centrally located and is just 12 kilometres away from Auroville and about 2. 5 kilometres from the Aurobindo Ashram. This property is also ensuring that all safety protocols are looked into and followed well. The room rate begins from Rs 6000 and you can reach the hotel directly via their website here or call on 0413-2345611.
You can also click here to access the document outlining all the safety protocols being followed by this hotel.
b) Hotel Surguru
If you are looking for a pocket-friendly stay option then do consider Surguru. With room tariffs starting at Rs 2700, this hotel, situated in the Heritage Town of Puducherry, is perfect. It is also convenient for travellers since it is only 600 meters away from the Aurobindo Ashram and also the Promenade beach.
You can contact this property on 0413-4200201.
2. Pulicat Lake
Pulicat lakePhoto Credits Pxhere
In less than two hours from Chennai, you can reach the idyllic seaside town in Thiruvallur district and enjoy the scenic beauty that this place has to offer. Popular for its seawater lagoon, this area also attracts various migratory birds. During the winter season, the Pulicat Lake Bird Sanctuary sees flocks of Flamingos. Grey Heron, Open Bill Stork, And Little Egrets are other birds you can spot here.
Do check out details of the Flamingo festival that is conducted each year to coincide with the arrival of the migratory birds.