Here are some important old Jain sites reasonably near Chennai (within ~200 km), especially good if you are interested in ancient history:

1. Thiruparthikundram (Jain Kanchi), Kanchipuram

- Distance: ~75–80 km from Chennai - Main temple: Trilokyanatha (Jeenaswamy) Jain Temple – an ancient Digambar Jain temple, originally from about the 8th century (Pallava period). ( en.wikipedia.org) - Importance: One of the most famous historical Jain centres in Tamil Nadu, with beautiful old idols and inscriptions.

1. Vallimalai Jain Caves, near Vellore

- Distance: ~130–140 km from Chennai - Nature: Hill‑side rock‑cut Jain caves and stone beds used by old Jain sadhus; many Tirthankar images carved in the rock. ( en.wikipedia.org) - Period: Some beds and inscriptions go back to early centuries BCE/CE, later sculptures around 8th–9th century.

1. Armamalai Jain Cave, near Ambur (Tirupattur district)

- Distance: ~170–180 km from Chennai (a bit farther, but often clubbed with Vellore/Vallimalai trip) - Nature: A natural cave converted into a Jain temple around 8th century, with old paintings and Jain images. ( en.wikipedia.org)

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Travel tips:

• Most of these are Digambar Jain heritage sites with strong archaeological value (old inscriptions, rock‑cut beds, paintings).
• Facilities can be basic at the cave sites (Vallimalai, Armamalai), so plan for water, footwear for climbing, and check local access/permissions before going.
• For easier darshan with regular puja and a historic feel, Thiruparthikundram (Jain Kanchi) near Kanchipuram is usually the most convenient from Chennai.