Temples Near Chennai for One Day Trip: Best Routes, Timings and Tips
Chennai is surrounded by many famous ancient temples, spiritual destinations, and popular pilgrimage centres that are perfect for a one-day trip with family and friends. From the magnificent Kamakshi Amman Temple in Kanchipuram to the famous Tiruttani Murugan Temple and historic Mahabalipuram Shore Temple, there are plenty of wonderful places to explore near Chennai.
If you are searching for the best temples near Chennai for a one day trip, you can choose from beautiful Shiva temples, Vishnu Divya Desams, Murugan temples, and Amman temples located within 50–200 km of the city. These destinations are ideal for family outings, weekend pilgrimages, and spiritual journeys.
You can plan your temple tour from Chennai by car, taxi, or AC Tempo Traveller, depending on your group size. In this guide, we have listed the top temples near Chennai, approximate distances, famous deities, and suggested one-day travel itineraries to help you plan a comfortable and memorable pilgrimage.
Top 20 One Day Temple Tour Packages from Chennai
| S.NO | Tour Name | Quick Link |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Chennai Temple Tour Package | View Package |
| 2 | Chennai to ECR-Mahabalipuram Tour Package | View Package |
| 3 | Chennai to Kanchipuram Tour Package | View Package |
| 4 | Chennai to Kanchipuram Mahabalipuram Tour Package | View Package |
| 5 | Chennai to Thiruthani Tour Package | View Package |
| 6 | Chennai to Kanchipuram Thiruthani Tour Package | View Package |
| 7 | Chennai to Sholingur Tour Package | View Package |
| 8 | Chennai to Sholingur Thiruthani Tour Package | View Package |
| 9 | Chennai to Kanchipuram Vellore Tour Package | View Package |
| 10 | Chennai to Vellore Tour Package | View Package |
| 11 | Chennai to Kalahasti Tour Package | View Package |
| 12 | Chennai to Kalahasti Thiruthani Tour Package | View Package |
| 13 | Chennai to Tiruvannamalai Tour Package | View Package |
| 14 | Chennai Divya Desam Tour Package | View Package |
| 15 | Nerkottu Narasimhar Temple Tour Package | View Package |
| 16 | Chennai to Chidambaram Tour Package | View Package |
| 17 | Chennai to Vaitheeswaran Koil Tour Package | View Package |
| 18 | Chennai to Thirunallar Tour Package | View Package |
| 19 | Chennai to Melmalayanur Tour Package | View Package |
| 20 | Chennai to Srirangam Tour Package | View Package |
Quick Comparison: Which One Day Temple Route Is Right for You?
# | Route | Approx. distance from Chennai | Drive time (one way) | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Chennai + Mahabalipuram | About 60 km | 1.5 hrs | Short trip, sea-side sightseeing |
2 | Kanchipuram + Mahabalipuram | About 75 km, then 70 km between the two | 2 hrs, then 1.5 to 2 hrs | Families, history lovers (most popular) |
3 | Kanchipuram + Thiruthani | About 75 km, then 65 km between the two | 2 hrs, then 1.5 hrs | Devotional day, early start |
4 | Kanchipuram + Vellore Golden Temple | About 75 km, then 70 km between the two | 2 hrs, then 1.5 to 2 hrs | Long day, weekday only |
5 | Siruvapuri + Thiruthani | About 45 km, then 40 km between the two | 1.5 hrs, then 1 hr | Murugan circuit, easy driving |
6 | Srikalahasti + Thiruthani | About 85 km, then 70 km between the two | 2 hrs, then 1.5 hrs | Devotional day, carry photo ID |
7 | Thennangur + Kanchipuram | About 110 km, then 35 km between the two | 2.5 to 3 hrs, then 1 hr | Quiet Panduranga shrine plus Kanchipuram |
Distances and times are approximate and change with traffic. Always add a buffer, especially on weekends and festival days.
Route 1: Chennai + Mahabalipuram (Easiest Short Trip)
This is the best option if you want a light day with little driving. Start with city temples such as Kapaleeswarar in Mylapore and Parthasarathy in Triplicane, then take the East Coast Road (ECR) to Mahabalipuram, about 60 km away.
- Mahabalipuram: the Shore Temple, Pancha Rathas and Arjuna’s Penance are the main sights. The Shore Temple looks best in late afternoon light.
- On the way (optional): Thiruvidanthai Nithyakalyana Perumal temple sits on ECR and makes an easy stop.
Plan: leave by 7 am, finish the city temples by 10 am, reach Mahabalipuram by noon, return by 6 pm. Protected monuments charge an entry ticket and close around evening, so check the current fee and hours.
Route 2: Kanchipuram + Mahabalipuram (Most Popular One Day Route)
This pairs living temples in Kanchipuram with ancient rock-cut monuments in Mahabalipuram, so it suits families and history lovers.
- Kanchipuram (about 75 km): Ekambareswarar, Kamakshi Amman, Kailasanathar and Varadharaja Perumal are the key temples. Most close around 12:30 to 1 pm and reopen from about 4 pm, so do Kanchipuram first thing in the morning.
- Mahabalipuram (about 70 km from Kanchipuram): reach it by mid-afternoon for the Shore Temple and Pancha Rathas.
Time | Plan |
|---|---|
5:30 am | Leave Chennai |
7:30 am | Ekambareswarar, then Kamakshi Amman |
10:00 am | Kailasanathar and Varadharaja Perumal |
12:00 pm | Lunch in Kanchipuram |
1:00 pm | Drive to Mahabalipuram |
3:30 pm | Shore Temple and Pancha Rathas |
6:00 pm | Return, reaching Chennai by about 8 pm |
Tip: Kanchipuram is known for silk sarees. Shop after the temples so you are not carrying bags through the crowds.
Route 3: Kanchipuram + Thiruthani (Devotional Day)
Start with Kanchipuram in the morning and drive to Thiruthani, about 65 km away, for the afternoon. Thiruthani Murugan Temple is one of the six abodes of Lord Murugan and stands on a hill. It has a long flight of steps, and a road or vehicle option is usually available for those who cannot climb.
Because Kanchipuram temples close at midday, keep the Kanchipuram part to the morning slot, have lunch, and reach Thiruthani by about 3 pm to complete the climb in daylight. Expect a return to Chennai by about 8 pm.
Route 4: Kanchipuram + Vellore Golden Temple (Long Day, Weekday Only)
The Sripuram Golden Temple near Vellore is about 70 km from Kanchipuram and about 140 km from Chennai. Visit Kanchipuram early, then drive to Vellore for the afternoon and evening, when the golden temple is lit up.
- Leave Chennai by 5 am. This is a full day, so it works best on weekdays.
- Entry rules, timings and dress code at Sripuram are specific, so check them before you go.
- Expect to reach Chennai late, around 9 pm.
Route 5: Siruvapuri + Thiruthani (Murugan Circuit, Easy Driving)
Siruvapuri Balasubramaniar Temple is a Murugan shrine about 45 km from Chennai. Local tradition links the place to Lava and Kusa from the Ramayana, which is where the name is said to come from. From Siruvapuri, Thiruthani is roughly 40 km further.
This route has short drives and plenty of time for darshan, so it suits families with children and senior citizens. Do Siruvapuri in the morning, have lunch, and reach Thiruthani by early afternoon. You can usually be back in Chennai by late afternoon.
Route 6: Srikalahasti + Thiruthani (Shiva and Murugan in One Day)
Thiruthani is about 85 km from Chennai and Srikalahasti is roughly 70 km beyond it. Srikalahasti is a Shiva temple linked to Rahu-Ketu dosha pujas, and it lies in Andhra Pradesh.
- Leave before sunrise and do Thiruthani first, then continue to Srikalahasti.
- Carry a valid photo ID, and book special puja tickets in advance to save queue time.
- Check fuel, network and the day’s puja schedule before you set off.
This is a long devotional day, so plan to return to Chennai by about 9 pm.
Route 7: Thennangur + Kanchipuram (Quiet Shrine Plus Temple Town)
Thennangur is home to the Panduranga temple, a peaceful shrine that is much less crowded than the major tourist temples. It lies about 110 km from Chennai, roughly 35 km from Kanchipuram.
Start early at Thennangur, then head to Kanchipuram to visit the main temples before they close, or return for the evening opening from about 4 pm. Because distances and road conditions here vary, confirm your route on Google Maps and the temple’s opening hours locally before you leave.
Chennai One-Day Temple Tour Package by Car and Tempo Traveller
Planning a one-day temple trip with family or friends? Choosing the right vehicle makes your pilgrimage more comfortable and convenient.
Rajamanickam Tours and Travels provides Chennai temple tour transportation with experienced drivers and well-maintained vehicles.
Available Vehicles for Temple Tours
Vehicle | Suitable For |
|---|---|
Swift Dzire AC Car | Small families |
Toyota Etios AC Car | Small groups |
Maruti Ertiga AC Car | Medium families |
Toyota Innova | Family pilgrimage |
Innova Crysta | Premium family travel |
12 Seater Tempo Traveller | Small groups |
14 Seater Tempo Traveller | Family and friends |
18 Seater Tempo Traveller | Larger pilgrimage groups |
Tata Winger | Luxury group travel |
Force Urbania | Premium group pilgrimage |
Why Choose Rajamanickam Tours and Travels?
Affordable Chennai temple tour rental packages.
AC cars, Tempo Travellers, and luxury vans.
Experienced and professional drivers.
Doorstep pickup and drop facilities.
Comfortable vehicles for family pilgrimage.
Customised one-day and multi-day temple tours.
Outstation and Tamil Nadu temple tour services.
Temple Dress Code and Etiquette
- Many temples in Tamil Nadu expect traditional or modest clothing. Men are often asked to wear dhoti or pants with a shirt, and women saree, salwar or similar covered outfits.
- Avoid shorts, sleeveless tops and ripped jeans.
- Footwear is removed outside. Carry a small bag for socks and slippers, or leave them in the car.
- Mobile phones and cameras are restricted inside the sanctum at many temples. Look for notice boards at the entrance.
- Carry some cash for offerings, parking and small shops.
Best Time to Visit
- Best season: November to February, when the weather is cooler.
- Avoid: April to June, when afternoons are very hot and standing on stone floors is uncomfortable.
- Best day: weekdays for shorter queues. Sundays and festival days such as Karthigai Deepam, Pradosham and Pongal weekends can be very crowded.
- Best start time: between 5 and 6 am, so you reach your first temple soon after it opens.
Practical Tips for a Smooth Day
- Check temple timings the day before. They can change on festival days.
- Eat a proper breakfast, because temple visits involve a lot of walking.
- Carry water, a hat or scarf, and basic medicines.
- Keep a buffer of 30 to 45 minutes in your plan for traffic and queues.
- If you travel with elders, choose Route 1 or Route 2 and skip the hill climb at Tiruttani.
- Book Srikalahasti or Tirupati special darshan online in advance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which temples can be visited in one day from Chennai?
The easiest combinations are Kanchipuram with Mahabalipuram, Tiruttani with Srikalahasti, and Siruvapuri with Thiruthani. Each can be completed in a single day with an early start.
Can we visit Kanchipuram and Mahabalipuram in one day?
Yes. Start at Kanchipuram in the morning before the temples close for the afternoon, then drive to Mahabalipuram for late afternoon sightseeing and return to Chennai by evening.
Is a one day Tirupati trip from Chennai possible?
It is possible with a pre-booked special entry darshan and a very early start, but it is tiring. Queues, travel time and weather can stretch the day, so many people prefer to stay overnight.
How much does a one day temple trip from Chennai cost?
Costs depend on how you travel. A shared cab or tempo traveller is usually the most economical for groups. Add fuel or hire charges, entry tickets, food and offerings, and check current rates before booking.
Do temples near Chennai close in the afternoon?
Most traditional temples close for a few hours around midday, commonly from about 12:30 to 4 pm, so plan your temple visits for the morning and evening slots.
What is the best time to start a temple trip from Chennai?
Leave between 5 and 6 am. This helps you avoid traffic, reach the first temple early and finish before dark.
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