Unexplored Chennai tour of mysterious temple carvings on science & other gems

Chennai , India

Unexplored Chennai tour of mysterious temple carvings on science & other gems

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About this experience

Unexplored Chennai City Tour is a full day tour to experience unexplored parts of Chennai. The highlights include a visit to a ancient and mysterious temple in North Chennai which has carvings that depict the fertilization of a human egg as well as the formation of a lunar eclipse, the magnificent Kalikambal temple where Shivaji Maharaj the great Maratha King visited incognito, Madras High Court building which is an exquisite specimen of Indo Saracenic style architecture and Chennai Rail Museum with an exquisite collection of vintage railway engines and carriages.

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Unexplored Chennai tour of mysterious temple carvings on science & other gems

Pickup included

What's included

Lunch

Entrance charges

Pick up and drop

Detailed itinerary

We visit the magnificent Kalikambal temple which is a great specimen of Dravidian style of temple architecture. The temple is dedicated to Kalikambal as well as Lord Kamadeswarar. The highlight of this temple is its ornately sculptured tower. Rebuilt in the 16th century this temple had a special visitor in disguise on October 3rd, 1677. The visitor was none other than Chattrapati Shivaji Maharaj, founder of the Maratha empire!

Stop 2

The Madras High court building is one of the most prominent landmarks of the city. It is a fine specimen of Indo Saracenic style of architecture. It was designed by JW Brassington and completed by Henry Irwin in 1892. With minarets and domes embellished by reliefs and exquisite stained glass, the Madras High Court is a synthesis of Gothic, Mughal and Hindu architectural styles. We will see it from outside.

his Shiva temple is one among the 5 Pancha Brahma Sthalams, representing the five faces of Lord Shiva along the banks of the Aranya river. This temple is full of mysteries. There is a carving on the walls of the temple which depicts the process of fertilization of human egg. It was made centuries before the invention of the microscope! Another carving depicts the lunar eclipse phenomenon through Rahu and Kethu the north and south lunar nodes which are the points of intersection of the paths of the Sun and the Moon as they move on the celestial sphere.

Chennai Rail Museum has a great collection of vintage Railway engines and carriages. It is located in the furnishing Division of Integral Coach Factory of Indian Railways. The stand out exhibits are the Steam Engines used during the British era. Some of the exhibits are working scale models which bring alive the entire heritage of Indian Railways. A ride in one of the vintage trains is a great way to get a glimpse of the entire collection.

Available languages

Guide guide

Important information

Public transportation options are available nearby

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

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.