Temple, Breakfast and Dance: Discover the Culture of Chennai

Chennai , India

Temple, Breakfast and Dance: Discover the Culture of Chennai

Active

4h - 5h

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

Instant confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

On your private tour you will discover the unique culture of Chennai. Experience a colorful prayer ceremony at the historical healing temple of Marundeeswarar, enjoy a south Indian breakfast, watch the classic ‘bharatanatyam’ dance and explore an art gallery.

This Chennai’s regional, cultural, food, and art tour is somehow a kind cultural tour. Experience a colorful prayer ceremony at the historical healing temple of Marundeeswarar, watch the ancient dance form of ‘bharatanatyam,’ explore an art gallery, and enjoy a typical south Indian breakfast.

Highlights
• Explore Chennai city’s regional, food, and art scenes.
• See a morning Pooja prayer ritual at the Marundeeswarar Temple
• Learn about Marundeeswarar’s history and reputed healing powers
• Experience classic 'bharatanatyam' dance and music at an arts academy
• South Indian breakfast. (Beverage Excluded).

Available options

1- 8 Travelers

Price Per Person 1- 8 Pax

What's included

English Speaking Local Guide.

Snacks

02 bottle mineral water

Private Air-condition Vehicle.

Pick up / drop within city center.

Traditional breakfast at South Indian Restaurant. ( Beverage Excluded

Detailed itinerary

You will be picked up at 07:00 AM from your Chennai hotel and be driven in a private vehicle with your English Speaking guide and drive to Chennai’s Marundeeswarar Temple.

Upon arrival, start your tour with a visit to the colorful temple.

Admire the intricate Dravidian-style architecture of this 1,200-year-old temple, and learn from your guide how it's dedicated to the Hindu deity, Shiva. Discover, too, how it's held to have healing powers, curing worshippers of sickness and disease. Watch locals congregate for the morning Pooja prayer ritual in worship of the Marundeeswarar Lingam, a shrine thought to have been created naturally rather than by human hand.

Stop 2

After this, move to visit local restaurant for south Indian breakfast, including a dosa, a crispy pancake made using rice and lentil batter.( Beverage Excluded )

Once your breakfast is over. Your guide will take you to visit to the Kalakshetra Dance Academy, a renowned Chennai arts center that teaches bharatanatyam, one of India’s oldest classical dance styles. Learn about this ancient dance and its accompanying carnatic (classical music of south India) vocals and music played on instruments like cymbals, drums, and flutes. Watch student dancers and musicians learning bharatanatyam techniques and mudras (movements), and then explore an art gallery showcasing regional art. At the end of your trip, you will be driven back in your private vehicle to your hotel.

Upon arrival, you will be transferred to your city center hotel or to the fixed point within city.

What's not included

Gratuities

Any Food and drinks, unless specified

Available languages

Guide guide

Important information

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

Minimum age is 6 years

Dress code: Please dress conservatively because you will be visiting temples and a respected art academy.

Kalakshetra is educational institution generally they don’t entertain visitors due to disturbance in their Campus. Permission is at the discretion of the administrative officer.

Children under 15 must be accompanied by an adult

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.

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.