Chennai , India

Chennai Full Day Tour

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About this experience

Chennai, the capital of Tamil Nadu, is a vibrant coastal city known for its rich history, classical music, iconic temples, and stunning beaches. It is home to Marina Beach, the second longest urban beach in the world, and landmarks like Kapaleeshwarar Temple and Fort St. George. The city is famous for its delicious South Indian cuisine, bustling markets, and the thriving Tamil film industry, Kollywood. With a blend of tradition and modernity, Chennai offers a unique experience for travelers.

Available options

CAR + GUIDE

CAR GUIDE Pickup included

CAR + GUIDE + LUNCH

LUNCH CAR GUIDE Pickup included

What's included

01 Litre Mineral water bottle per person

Private air-conditioned vehicle throughout the Tour

All applicable taxes included

Professional English-speaking guide throughout the tour

Pick-up and drop-off: Chennai City Hotels Only

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

Morning pickup from Chennai City Hotel and driver to visit:

Kapaleeswarar Temple is a 7th century Lord Shiva temple with a huge gopuram built in typical Dravidian architectural style in Mylapore area of Chennai. This is Chennai's most famous temple one of the top places to visit in Chennai, to experience the cultural history of Chennai and South India in general.

San Thome Basilica is a 16th-century beautiful cathedral built by Portuguese and later restored by the British. Interestingly this church is only one of the three churches in the world to have been built over the tomb of an apostle of Jesus.

Stop 3

The second oldest museum in India, the Government Museum or Madras Museum showcases human history and culture. Interestingly this museum has the largest collection of Roman artefacts outside of Europe.
Note: Government Museum and National Art Gallery closed on Fridays and national holidays.

Then you have a lunch at a good restaurant.

Stop 4

Fort St George is the 17th-century fort built by British in the city of Madras, the modern city of Chennai. The building now houses Tamil Nadu state legislative assembly. It is still a good place to visit in Chennai sightseeing places.
Note: Fort St. George is closed on Friday.

Burma Bazaar is actually sort of grey market run by Burmese (Myanmar) refugees living in Chennai. A good place to buy cheap imported perfumes, electronics, and software.

Stop 6

Marina Beach is the most popular beach and a top tourist attraction in Chennai city. It is a natural beach famed to be the second-longest natural beach in the world. Swimming at the Marina Beach is prohibited because of strong undercurrents but fishing and sailing activities are possible.

After the completion of your trip, you will be dropped back at your hotel.

What's not included

Tips and gratuities are optional, based on guest discretion and service satisfaction.

Entrance fee for the monuments is charged directly at the site

Available languages

Guide guide

Important information

Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

If pickup from outside City / Airport / Railway Station, then it will inccur an additional cost, which will be pay directly.

The entrance fees mentioned are approximate, as per government norms, and are subject to change in the future.

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.