Chennai is flat, so the closest real climbs are a few hours out. These are the ones you can do as a day trip or an easy overnight, from a 70 km temple hill to a three-hill fort. Distances are by road from central Chennai.
4 hikes · reviewed 2026-11-05
The nearest hill climb to Chennai, with a temple on top.
70 kmEasyNo permitBest: Nov–FebDIY ~Rs 500
A three-hill fort complex that makes a long day trip from Chennai.
160 kmModerateNo permitBest: Nov–FebDIY ~Rs 1,000
A sacred hill with cave ashrams and a famous 14 km circuit.
200 kmEasyNo permitBest: Nov–FebDIY ~Rs 1,200
The highest point of the Yelagiri hills, a weekend from Chennai or Bengaluru.
220 kmEasy–ModerateNo permitBest: Oct–FebFrom Rs 524 (Thrillophilia)
Thirukalukundram hill, about 70 km away, is the nearest. Gingee Fort (about 160 km) is the best-known real climb within a day's drive.
None of the near-Chennai hills in this list needs a trekking permit. Gingee Fort has an Archaeological Survey ticket, and temples have their own rules.