10 Amazing Places To Visit Near Chennai In September For A Cool And Scenic Experience

A serene view of Elliot’s beach with waves crashing over golden sand, one of the most beautiful places to visit near Chennai in September.

If you are looking for Places to visit near Chennai in September, you have a surprise waiting for you. The month is the tail end of the monsoon and is followed by a pleasant breeze, gentle showers, and a cool green all around. September is ideal for breaks during weekends, offering everything from heritage walks and serene lakes to misty mountains and rolling waterfalls. The domestic places of interest are less touristy during the off-seasons, and thus ideal for slow travel and conscious discovery.

Top 10 Places To Visit Near Chennai In September

There is something for every kind of traveller, from serene beaches and historic temples to wildlife refuges and quiet spots to read. With celebrations in the air
and festivals approaching, these ten destinations around Chennai are just right for your September adventures.

1. Kapaleeshwarar Temple

Kapaleeshwarar Temple with traditional architecture under a clear sky, one of the serene places to visit near Chennai in September.

Photo: Sailko / Wikimedia Commons

Tourist attractions near Chennai in September are Kapaleeshwarar Temple in Mylapore, a cultural symbol, and the peaceful ground in tribute to Lord Shiva. The temple’s towering gopurams reach skyward and contain intricate carvings of mythological tales and gods and goddesses in customary Dravidian architecture. Its pillared, well-adorned halls and spacious open courtyards are where you can relax and go for strolls, particularly enjoyable during the relatively cooler monsoon season. Devotional hymns resonate softly, mixing with the fragrance of incense and jasmine flowers that fill the sacred environment. Evening aarti in September appears especially peaceful, with soft clouds and candlelight.

Major Attractions: Gopurams, temple tank, traditional rituals, shopping on the streets
Distance From Chennai: 8.4 km

2. Sri Parthasarathy Temple

Front view of Sri Parthasarathy Temple with intricate carvings and colorful architecture.

Photo: Avin CP / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only

Places to visit near Chennai in September also include the Sri Parthasarathy Temple at Triplicane, a very ancient and sacred Vishnu temple. Its tall Rajagopurams and beautifully carved mandapams reflect beautiful carvings in the classic Dravidian architectural tradition. There are five avatars of Lord Vishnu located in one complex, a great and unique sight. The gentle monsoon breeze of September carries the ring of temple bells and incantations, and a peaceful, devotional atmosphere. Tourists and pilgrims visit to see ancient stone writings, beautiful carvings, and to absorb centuries of faith.

Major Attractions: Vibrant Rajagopurams, mandapams with sculpture carvings, five Vishnu sanctums, temple tank
Distance From Chennai: 6.2 km

3. Connemara Public Library

The intricately designed interior of Connemara Public Library with stained glass ceiling, one of the places to visit near Chennai in September.

Photo: Dr. Narayanan Hariharan / Wikimedia Commons

In Egmore, Connemara Public Library combines colonial buildings with peaceful spaces that welcome silent study environments and reflective reading. The library contains priceless manuscripts, newspaper records, and hundreds of thousands of books across history, subjects, and languages. Therefore, places to visit near Chennai in September should include Connemara Public Library, an antique gem loved for its heritage beauty and literary richness. Stained glass windows bring a well-lit indoors. A scent of old book pages roams around the room, a nostalgic setting in which bookworms and history geeks are ready to make themselves at home.

Major Attractions: Old buildings, old books, calm reading rooms
Distance From Chennai: 2.7 km

4. Elliot’s Beach

Sandy shore of Elliot's Beach with waves crashing gently under a clear sky.

Photo: Enrique / Pexels / Image For Representation Only

Tourist attractions near Chennai in September would typically include Elliot’s Beach or Besant Nagar Beach. It is Chennai’s cleanest and quietest location. This peaceful, beautiful stretch of beach sand is a lifetime away from the usual hubbub and din of urban existence. It’s ideal for a holiday in September, particularly when monsoon rains slow down and the sun starts shining brightly. The beach boasts the famous Karl Schmidt Memorial, constructed in tribute to a heroic Dutch sailor who lost his life in his attempt to rescue another. Other places like the Ashtalakshmi Temple and Annai Vailankanni Shrine nearby contribute to the beauty of the beach.

Major Attractions: Karl Schmidt Memorial, Ashtalakshmi Temple, Annai Vailankanni Shrine, Promenade
Distance From Chennai: 14.9 km

5. Arignar Anna Zoological Park

White tigers rest under trees at Arignar Anna Zoological Park, one of the best places to visit near Chennai in September.

Photo: Thiyagarajan Dayalan / Wikimedia Commons

One of the best places to see near Chennai in September is Arignar Anna Zoological Park, more commonly referred to as Vandalur Zoo. It is spread over 1,500 acres and is a big and well-maintained zoological garden in South Asia. The zoo is home to more than 2,500 animals, from elephants, hippos, and tigers to several bird species that are endangered. The monsoon rains of September turn green and lush the whole landscape, ideal for a whole-day outdoor adventure. It is a great time for families or groups of friends to plan a wildlife-themed day out.

Major Attractions: Reptile house, safari drives, bird area, butterfly park
Distance From Chennai: 38.3 km

6. Muttukadu Backwaters

Boats sail on the calm Muttukadu Backwaters with city buildings in the distant skyline.

Photo: Timothy A. Gonsalves / Wikimedia Commons

Muttukadu Backwaters and Water Sports Centre is located close to the city of Chennai. The backwaters look like a dreamland that opens up during the monsoon season in July, making it a heavenly destination in September. Formed by the meeting of the sea and river, this chilling lagoon lies between coconut tree plantations and palms gently moving to the wind. The monsoon creates a magnificent, quiet, and green vibe. Then, the Tamil Nadu Tourism Boathouse is the centre of action here, with paddle boats, speedboats, and even windsurfing for anyone who is into adventurous experiences.

Major Attractions: Water sports, backwaters, Muttukadu boathouse, palm and coconut-filled lagoons, and lakeside restaurants.
Distance From Chennai: 37.2 km

7. Pulicat Lake & Bird Sanctuary

A large flock of pink flamingos stands in shallow water at Pulicat Lake Bird Sanctuary, one of the peaceful places to visit near Chennai in September.

Photo: Nandha / Wikimedia Commons

Pulicat Lake & Bird Sanctuary is one of the most peaceful attractions near Chennai in September, especially for nature and bird lovers. Within a few hours’ drive from the city, the expansive brackish water lake along the border of Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh turns into a bird lover’s haven during the post-monsoon season. During September, you can see migratory birds, and flamingos, storks, herons, and pelicans crowd around the lake in flocks. The peaceful waters of the lake, lined with mangroves and swinging reeds when there is strong wind, are the ideal place for photography and a peaceful view.

Major Attractions: Spotting and seeing flamingos, peaceful lake views, and mangroves
Distance From Chennai: 93.5 km

8. Mahabalipuram

Ancient stone carvings and rock-cut structures in Mahabalipuram's Pancha Rathas.

Photo: Vyacheslav Argenberg / Wikimedia Commons

Mahabalipuram, or Mamallapuram, is a seaside town of Chennai from the old times, and it glows as one of the most fascinating places to visit near Chennai in September. This World Heritage Site bursts into life in September’s post-monsoon serenity, when the air is fresh and the granite structures glint in the cloudy skies. Mahabalipuram was built by the Pallava kings in the 7th century, and it is famous for its rock-cut wonders. The Shore Temple towering over the sea, the colossal open-air bas-relief Arjuna’s Penance, and the towering monolithic Rathas.

Major Attractions: Shore Temple, Pancha Rathas, Arjuna’s Penance, Mahabalipuram Beach
Distance From Chennai: 56.8 km

9. Ubbalamadugu Falls

Ubbalamadugu Falls, surrounded by lush greenery, one of the amazing places to visit near Chennai in September.

Photo: cymatics .in / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only

Ubbalamadugu Falls, or Tada Falls, is one of the most exciting places in and around Chennai in September to trek and have a nature break. It is located close to the Andhra Pradesh border and is a hidden location far inside the thick forest of the Siddulaiah Kona region. With the monsoon slowly fading away and the routes cleared, September is the best time for adventure seekers. Arrival at the falls involves a moderately challenging hike on rocky paths, forest trails, and small water streams. The walk itself is very refreshing, with the song of chirping birds, full of trees, and the far-off sound of the falls guiding you to the site.

Major Attractions: Panoramic waterfall, forest walks, natural pool
Distance From Chennai: 95 km

10. Sadras Dutch Fort

A wide sandy path leads to the main entrance of a historic stone fort under a clear blue sky.

Photo: Balaji Kundalam / Wikimedia Commons

One of the more off-the-beaten-path but intriguing destinations close to Chennai in September is the Sadras Dutch Fort, situated on the East Coast Road close to Kalpakkam. Constructed initially by the Dutch in the 17th century, this coastal fort whispers tales of sea trade, colonial existence, and skirmishes with the British. Sadras Fort has an undeniable haunting beauty, even in its partially ruined state; the arched gates, watchtowers, and tombstones are magnificent, especially with the moody post-monsoon skies looming above. The tranquil beach beside the fort is heavenly; the waves slowly erode the weary stones.

Major Attractions: Dutch era tombstones, bastions with a view of the ocean, and the beach
Distance From Chennai: 71.9 km

You can enjoy the perfect mix of nature, history, and leisure in the best places to visit near Chennai in September. From the serene sunsets at Pulicat Lake to the divine calm of Kapaleeshwarar Temple and the adventurous trails at Tada Falls, September offers something special for every traveller. Whether it’s a weekend getaway or an extended retreat, book your trip with TripXL and experience Tamil Nadu’s beauty.

Cover Photo: Ankit Bhattacharjee / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only

Frequently Asked Questions

Morning beach walks, boating in Muttukadu, temple tours, and hikes in Yelagiri or Tada Falls are the best Places to visit near Chennai in September. The climate is cool after the monsoon, which is a great time to visit places to visit near Chennai in September with fewer humid conditions.
A guide is not required in most places. There can be a guide in some places, like DakshinaChitra or Mahabalipuram, that are more context-dense. Temples, beaches, and parks, some of the best things to do around Chennai in September, can be visited without a guide.
Light wear is appropriate. Pack an umbrella or raincoat for sporadic showers. Sandals or water shoes are more appropriate to wear, especially when hiking on wet trails or to nature spots such as Tada Falls or Pulicat Lake.
Yes, there are minimal entry charges for the majority of the places between ₹20 to ₹100. There is a park/museum/wildlife park entry charge. Beaches and temples rarely charge anything. Look ahead of time, particularly for combination packages at places like DakshinaChitra or Crocodile Bank.aChitra or Crocodile Bank.
Yes, most places like Arignar Anna Zoological Park, Elliot’s Beach, and Kapaleeshwarar Temple are great for family visits, offering activities suitable for all ages during September.

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