Marina Beach walking tour by tourism ministry approved company

Chennai , India

Marina Beach walking tour by tourism ministry approved company

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(45 reviews)

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Marina beach walk is an immersive walking tour in Chennai, led by a cultural evangelist who will bring alive the cultural heritage of Chennai.
It is hosted by a company approved by the ministry of tourism and is a member of Indian Tour Operators Association.
Marina Beach is where the pulse of Chennai can be gauged. Soak in the atmosphere and meet the city's people in this walking tour in Chennai. While the statues tell the history of the city, the beach itself is where common people gather to voice their opinion on issues to those in power. This guided walking tour in Chennai is a cultural immersion!

Our company is committed to strengthening local communities. We help train and employ local guides and support local businesses to ensure travel dollars stay where they are spent. Our guide will be happy to talk about the community initiatives we undertake.

Available options

Private walk with pick up

This is a private tour<br/>Pickup included

Group walk without pick up

Group walk: The tour will proceed even if only 1 guest books.

Private walk without pick up

What's included

Coffee and/or Tea

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

Marina beach walk commences at the Lighthouse in Marina, which is a unique one with an elevator to go up the 10 floors. It provides spectacular views of the world's second longest beach. Next in this walking tour in Chennai we will visit the quaint museum inside the Lighthouse which has a fascinating collection of Light House and other maritime equipment from around the world.
(Lighthouse is closed on Mondays. On Mondays we will skip this).

Stop 2

We will walk past many statues of prominent citizens of Chennai from the past and present and talk about hoe they shaped the city's history and ethos.

Stop 3

The best part of this walking tour in Chennai follows! Walk on the beach, soak in the festive atmosphere and listen to the story of Chennai through its statues. There are many statues here each of which tells a part of the story of Chennai. Learn about characters from ancient Tamil epics, freedom fighters as well as poets who revolutionized the thinking of the society. Marina Beach walk is a true cultural immersive experience.

Marina beach walk ends after we take a guided walk inside the Parthasarathy Temple and its surroundings. Our cultural evangelist will interpret the colorful rituals which are being performed in the temple and explain the role of God in modern Chennai society. This walking tour in Chennai will leave you with an understanding of how God remains as relevant today in everyday life in this region as in the past!

We will learn about how Swamy VIvekananda made the Western world aware of Indian Philisophy. He travelled extensively and made the famous speech at World Parliament of Religions in 1893.

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Viator 5.0

3 reviews

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Tripadvisor 4.9

42 reviews

5★

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Important information

Public transportation options are available nearby

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Meeting point

Our guide will meet you outside the Light House in the Marina Beach.

Important notes

Please wear clothes that cover the knees and shoulders as we will be visiting one place of worship.

About Chennai

Chennai, the capital of Tamil Nadu, is a vibrant coastal city known for its rich history, cultural heritage, and bustling streets. It's a melting pot of tradition and modernity, offering everything from ancient temples to modern IT hubs.

Top Attractions

Marina Beach

Marina Beach is one of the longest urban beaches in the world, stretching over 13 km along the Bay of Bengal.

Beach 1-2 hours Free

Fort St. George

This historic fort was the first English fortress in India and is now a museum showcasing the city's colonial past.

Historical 1-2 hours INR 50

Kapaleeshwarar Temple

This ancient temple dedicated to Lord Shiva is a stunning example of Dravidian architecture and a major pilgrimage site.

Religious 1-2 hours Free

Government Museum

One of the oldest museums in India, it houses a vast collection of artifacts, including bronze sculptures, paintings, and historical artifacts.

Museum 2-3 hours INR 25

Breezy Beach

A quieter alternative to Marina Beach, Breezy Beach is a popular spot for locals and tourists alike.

Beach 2-3 hours Free

Must-Try Local Dishes

Dosa

A thin, crispy crepe made from fermented rice and lentil batter, often served with sambar and chutney.

Breakfast/Lunch Vegetarian

Idli

Soft, steamed rice cakes made from fermented batter, typically served with sambar and chutney.

Breakfast Vegetarian

Filter Coffee

A strong, aromatic coffee made using a traditional filter, often served with milk and sugar.

Drink Non-vegetarian

Chettinad Chicken

A spicy, flavorful chicken dish from the Chettinad region, known for its unique blend of spices.

Lunch/Dinner Non-vegetarian

Popular Activities

Scuba diving Snorkeling Surfing Beach visits Spa treatments Yoga Temple visits Music and dance performances

Best Time to Visit

November to February

This is the best time to visit Chennai as the weather is pleasant and ideal for sightseeing.

25°C to 35°C 77°F to 95°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Tamil
Widely spoken: English, Hindi
English: Widely spoken

Currency

Indian Rupee (INR)

Time Zone

GMT+5:30

Electricity

230VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Exercise caution

Chennai is generally safe for tourists, but petty crime and scams can occur, especially in crowded areas. Exercise caution and be aware of your surroundings.

Important Precautions:

• Use licensed taxis or app-based services like Ola and Uber.
• Be cautious when using ATMs, especially at night.
• Avoid carrying large amounts of cash.

Getting there

By air

Chennai International Airport • 20 km from city center

By train

Chennai Central, Chennai Egmore

By bus

Koyambedu, CMBT

Getting around

Public transport

The Chennai Metro is a modern, efficient, and air-conditioned system that covers major parts of the city.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Ola, Uber

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Mylapore T. Nagar Besant Nagar

Day trips

Mahabalipuram

60 km from Chennai • Half day to full day

A UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its ancient temples, rock-cut caves, and sculptures.

Kanchipuram

75 km from Chennai • Full day

A historic city known for its ancient temples, silk sarees, and religious significance.

Pondicherry

160 km from Chennai • Overnight

A former French colony with a unique blend of French and Indian cultures, known for its beaches, architecture, and spiritual centers.

Festivals

Pongal • January Chennai Music Season • December-January Chennai Film Festival • December

Pro tips

Visit the city's temples and historical sites early in the morning to avoid the heat and crowds.
Try the local street food, but be cautious and choose vendors with high turnover to ensure freshness.
Use app-based services like Ola and Uber for convenient and reliable transportation.
Explore the city's vibrant street art and mural scene, with numerous murals and art installations throughout the city.
Visit the city's beaches, such as Marina Beach and Breezy Beach, for a relaxing break from the bustling city life.