Chennai tour in car with guide-winner of traveller's choice award
Active
7h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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About this experience
Chennai city tour is an unforgettable cultural immersion in the company of an English speaking guide. It is a proud winner of the Traveller's Choice award for 2025, by TripAdvisor out of 8 million listings. The organising company is approved by the Ministry of Tourism.
An audio guide is available on request in French, Spanish, German, Japanese, Korean, Mandarin & other languages.
Visit the ancient town of Mylapore which used to trade pepper and fine cloth with Rome for gold. Experience mesmerizing rituals in the 7th century temples of Kapaleeswar. Learn the science behind the rituals and role of temple in modern Indian society.
We visit San Thome Basilica to see the relics of St Thomas, who came here 2000 years ago.
Ramakrishna Math, a monastic organisation, and Fort Saint George provide a vivid history of how the East India Company came as traders and became the rulers of India.
Saibaba temple, Vivenakanada House and Marina beach add up to the unforgettable experience.
Available options
Half day private tour + snacks
Itinerary: Kapaaleswar temple, Ramakrishna Mutt, Santhome Basilica and Sai Baba temple<br/>Duration: 4 hours<br/>Snacks (no lunch)<br/>Pickup included
Full day private tour + lunch
Duration: 7 hours<br/>Lunch: South Indian meals<br/>Car: Pick up from hotel in private car<br/>Pickup included
What's included
Multi language audio support with new ear phones
Lunch
Private car with hotel pick up and drop
Full time english speaking Guide
Detailed itinerary
1
Stop 1
We head towards Mylapore an ancient residential neighborhood of Chennai whose history goes back to Roman times when it used to trade pepper and fine cloth with Rome for Gold!
We visit the magnificent Kapaleeshwar temple. Built in the 7th century this temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. Built in Dravidian style architecture it has a towering “Gopuram”. Guests can expect a mesmerizing experience of rituals and serenity inside the temple. Our cultural evangelist will demystify the happenings in the temple!
2
We visit a unique monastic organization called Ramakrishna Math, dedicated to Sri Ramakrishna the 19th century saint. Guests will get to see the universal temple, the shrine, a beautiful Mantapam, a multimedia museum and an enchanting library.
3
Stop 3
This is a temple dedicated to Sai Baba, the great mystic who united Hindus and Muslims and preached about universal love and brotherhood. The temple is built with white marble and has a lamp which has been lit for more than a 100 years
4
Stop 4
We visit the famous San Thome Basilica, the principal church of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Madras and Mylapore. We can see relics of St Thomas here. It is one of only three churches in the world that has been constructed on the tomb of an apostle. The other two are St. Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican, and Santiago de Compostela Cathedral in Spain.
5
Stop 5
Fort St George is the first English Fortress built in 1644 by the East India Company. We will visit St Mary’s Church, the oldest Anglican Church of India. Our cultural evangelist will take you to a quaint museum rich with relics of the colonial times and retell the story of how the East Indian company morphed from a trading company into the ruler of India!
6
We will explore the memorial for Swami Vivekananda who was a great philosopher. His speeches at the World’s Parliament of Religions held in September 1893 made him famous as an orator by divine right and as a messenger of Indian wisdom to the western world.
On Mondays it is closed.
7
Stop 7
Walk on the Marina Beach, sip in the festivity and learn the legacy of the City through its statues. Get to know why a Bull Fight is close to the heart of Chennaites at Jalikattu memorial. Climb an old Light House for an incredible perspective of Chennai! Note the light house is closed in Mondays.
What's not included
Beverages
Available languages
Audio guide
DE
KO
CMN
JA
IT
FR
ES
Guide guide
EN
Reviews breakdown
Viator
5.0
13 reviews
5★
13
4★
0
3★
0
2★
0
1★
0
Tripadvisor
5.0
233 reviews
5★
223
4★
10
3★
0
2★
0
1★
0
Important information
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Dress code is conservative, covering knees and shoulders
Important notes
• A dress code is required to enter places of worship and selected museums. No shorts or sleeveless tops allowed. Knees and shoulders MUST be covered for both men and women. You may risk refused entry if you fail to comply with these dress requirements
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.
From $25
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
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