Chennai City Highlights – Government Museum & Temple Discovery

Chennai , India

Chennai City Highlights – Government Museum & Temple Discovery

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About this experience

See Chennai’s historical and architectural gems on this half-day private sightseeing tour. Visit Fort St George, the first English fortress in India, and browse interesting art collections and exhibits at the Government Museum, which houses the largest collection of Roman antiquities outside of Europe. Learn about the Dravidian architecture of Kapaleeshwar Temple, built in the 7th century, and enjoy scenic views of Chennai on a drive along Marina Beach.

Available options

Pickup from Chennai Hotels

Pickup from Hotel: Chennai Sightseeing Half Day from your Chennai hotel

Pickup from Chennai Port

Chennai Sightseeing Half Day from Chennai Port

What's included

Local English-speaking guide

Hotel pickup and drop-off

Transport by private air-conditioned vehicle

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

Fort St. George is the first English fortress in India, founded in 1639 at the coastal city of Madras, the modern city of Chennai. The construction of the fort provided the impetus for further settlements and trading activity, in what was originally an uninhabited land.

Stop 2

Kapaleeshwarar Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to lord Shiva located in Mylapore, Chennai. The form of Shiva's consort Parvati worshipped at this temple is called Karpagambal is from Tamil. The temple was built around the 7th century CE and is an example of Dravidian architecture.

Stop 3

The Government Museum is a museum of human history and culture located in the Government Museum Complex in the neighbourhood of Egmore in Chennai. Started in 1851, it is the second oldest museum in India after the Indian Museum in Kolkata and is the tenth oldest Museum in the World. It is particularly rich in archaeological and numismatic collections.

Stop 4

Featuring an impressive architecture, the main highlight of Fort St. George is its museum. Named as Fort Museum, it boasts a varied collection of antiquities that are well-presented in different galleries. You can visit the Portrait Gallery to see portraits and oil paintings of the Madras Governors such as Queen Victoria, King George III, Sir Arthur Havelock, and Robert Clive. Or you can explore the Indo-French Gallery to discover exhibits like clocks, stamps, furniture, lampshades, and centuries-old British coins.

Stop 5

Another interesting monument within the boundaries of Fort St. George is St. Mary’s Church. Considered as the oldest Anglican church in Asia, the St. Mary’s Church features intricate wooden furnishings along with glass windows and teak plaques that still shine. Dating its history back to the year 1678, this building has stood with time and is worth visiting for everyone.

What's not included

Gratuities

Food and drinks

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Viator 4.4

5 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Tripadvisor 3.5

2 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Wheelchair accessible

Public transportation options are available nearby

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

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Comfortable walking shoes are recommended

Meeting point

Plesae share name hotels in Chennai

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.