There are several temples around the city of Chennai. These include Karumariamman Temple in Thiruverkadu (18 km); Kamakshi Amman Temple, Mangadu (23 km) and others.
Adipuriswarar Temple, Thiruvotriyur (10km): Shaivite saint Pattinathar attained mukti here. Devotees worship at the Pattinathar Samadhi.
Thiruvallur (42 km): Here is a temple of Sri Veeraraghava Perumal, reclining on Adi Sesha. Lord Vishnu came here as an athithi or guest to bless a rishi named Chalihothrar, partook a meal with him and remained here.
Sthalasayana Perumal Temple, Mamallapuram (59 km): Besides this Vishnu temple, Pallava monuments are of great interest. These include Arjuna`s Penance, Krishna Mandapam, Mahishasuramardhini Cave, Pancha Pandava Rathas, Shore Temple and Varaha Mandapam.
Thirukazhukundram (49 km): Vedagiriswarar Temple situated on top of a hill. Two kites are believed to worship Shiva in this place in order to attain salvation. They visit the temple on the hill every midday when they are fed.
Madurantakam (81 km): The main deities in the temple here are Rama, Lakshmana and Sita. Sri Karunakaramurti is also enshrined. Rama and Lakshmana had stopped over here and worshipped this deity.
Tiruthani (86 km): It is one of the six abodes (Arupadai Veedu) of Lord Muruga. He stands on top of the Thanigai Hill. The temple has a majestic gopuram and there are four prakarams. There are also several Theerthams in the shrine. The Lord is worshipped as Gyana Shaktidharar (one who bestows Gyana on His devotees). His consorts Valli and Deivayanai are enshrined in the prakaram.
Sholingar : Here are shrines dedicated to Lord Yoga Narasimha and Lord Yoga Anjaneya on two hills. An unusual feature about Anjaneya is that He has Shanku and Chakra in His hands given by Sri Narasimha. Many devotees undertake a vow to go round the hills. People with mental afflictions also visit these shrines and get themselves cured.
Adi Parashakti Temple in Melmaruvathur: The festivals celebrated at this shrine include Adi Krithigai (July-Aug) that is celebrated with great pomp when a large number of devotees perform Kavadi worship and do Annadhaanam. Thirupadi Thiruvizha is another festival celebrated on the eve of every New Year when devotees climb the holy 365 steps singing Thirupugazh bhajans.