Culturally Rich Chennai - a Private Day Tour

Chennai , India

Culturally Rich Chennai - a Private Day Tour

Active

7h - 8h

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

Instant confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Chennai is a culturally rich city located in the Tamil Nadu region of Southeast India. On this private day tour, you will visit several religious sites including the Kapaleeshwarar Temple, colorfully adorned with carved painted gods and one of the most famous landmarks of Chennai. You will also visit the 17th-century St. Mary's Anglican church, the ornate Roman-Catholic San Thome Church, and the architecturally-magnificent and expansive Ripon Building. The tour also gives you a chance to see Marina Beach, one of the longest and most beautiful beaches in India.

Highlights
• Government Museum
• Fort St George and St Mary’s Church
• San Thome Basilica
• Kapaleeshwar Temple
• Marina Beach

Available options

1-8 Travelers

Price per person for 1-8 travelers

What's included

English Speaking Local Guide.

02 bottles of mineral water per person per day.

Hotel pick up / drop off within city center in Chennai.

Transport by private vehicle.

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

You will be picked up in your private vehicle & guide from your hotel in Chennai at 08:30 AM and proceed for your private full day trip of Chennai.

Your tour starts with Mount Road, the busiest road in Chennai. Here you will have a view of the city including malls and British colonial buildings. After that, you will go to the Pantheon complex built by the British. Today, this complex houses the Government Museum, the Connemara Library and the National Art Gallery.

After your museum stop, visit the Egmore & Central Railway Station. Its unique architecture is a mix of Mughal, Gothic and Renaissance styles.

Another pride of Chennai city is the Ripon Building. The building was named after Lord Ripon, Governor General and Viceroy of India (1880-1884). Next, you will go to Fort St.George, another legacy of the British. It is a well known historical monument in Chennai. This Cathedral was built on his burial site.

Stop 2

You will then visit Kapaleeshwar Temple. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. There are a number of intricate designs and sculptures on the Gopuram.. The legend says that the Goddess Parvathi worshipped Lord Shiva in the form of a peacock.

A stop for a buffet lunch at a local restaurant will be made (lunch at own expense). After the lunch break, you will visit Marina Beach. Chennai has over 370 miles of natural urban beach along the Bay of Bengal.

The tour ends with a stop at one of the shopping areas, either T Nagar or Mylapore. As you drive here, you will see the busy street of George Town with their evening bazaars and flower markets. Your private tour will ends with your return to your hotel in Chennai around 5:30 PM.

What's not included

Food

Gratuities

Donations

Available languages

Guide guide

Important information

Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap

Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries

Not recommended for pregnant travelers

Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health

Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

Children under 15 must be accompanied by an adult

Be advised to dress modestly for places of worship; spaghetti straps and short shorts are not recommended

A moderate amount of walking is involved; comfortable walking shoes and sunglasses/sunscreen with hats or scarf for ladies are highly recommended

Not recommended for participants with heart or other serious medical conditions.

Government Museum & Fort St. George Closed on Every Friday, National and Public Holidays.

Fort Sightseeing restricted to Fort Museum only due to Legislative Assembly and Restricted areas

Photography banned due to Military status of Fort

Meeting point

We may pick up travelers from city center hotels / fixed point wiithin city limits. In case pick up is outside central points extra cost shall applicable subject to distance applicable.

Important notes

Hotel pickups commence approximately 30 - 60 minutes prior to this time

Hotel pickups commence prior to this time, you must contact the local service provider to verify your exact pickup time.

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.