Chennai Shore Excursion - Full Day Private Chennai Guided Tour
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Chennai Shore Excursion - Full Day Private Chennai Guided Tour

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(2 reviews)
7h - 8h
All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
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Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Explore the highlights of Chennai on a full-day private tour of the city. See the St. George Museum, St. Mary Church, San Thome Church, Kapaleeshwarar Temple, Government Museum, and the Sri Ramakrishna Math, and get photo stops of architectural gems like the Central Railway Station, Parry's Corner, and the High Court.

Available options

5 or more Travelers

Package Includes: Cruise Port pickup and drop-off + Private air-conditioned vehicle + Live Tour Guide + Bottled water<br/>Pickup included

3 Traveler

Package Includes: Cruise Port pickup and drop-off + Private air-conditioned vehicle + Live Tour Guide + Bottled water<br/>Pickup included

1 Traveler

Package Includes: Cruise Port pickup and drop-off + Private air-conditioned vehicle + Live Tour Guide + Bottled water<br/>Pickup included

2 Travelers

Package Includes: Cruise Port pickup and drop-off + Private air-conditioned vehicle + Live Tour Guide + Bottled water<br/>Pickup included

4 Travelers

Package Includes: Cruise Port pickup and drop-off + Private air-conditioned vehicle + Live Tour Guide + Bottled water<br/>Pickup included

What's included

Cruise Port pickup and drop-off
Bottled water
Professional local private tour guide
Transport by private air-conditioned vehicle

Detailed itinerary

1
Stop 1

After morning pickup from the cruise port in Chennai, travel in an air-conditioned private vehicle to your first destination, St. George Fort Museum and St. Mary’s Church. St. George Fort was the first English fortress in India, built in 1640 on the Bay of Bengal. Tour the complex, which contains important buildings such as St. Mary's Church and a museum with British-era artifacts.

2
Stop 2

A Roman Catholic Cathedral originally built by 16th-century Portuguese explorers to mark the tomb of St. Thomas, then rebuilt by the British in neo-Gothic style in 1896, and is said to mark the final resting place of St Thomas the Apostle. Behind the cathedral is the tomb of St Thomas.

3
Stop 3

Undoubtedly one of the most beautiful temples in Chennai built in the 7th century. The temple is dedicated to lord Shiva (The supreme god). The temple is an emblem of Dravidian style of architecture with a rainbow-coloured gopuram (tower), pillared mandapas (pavilions) and a huge tank.

Later take a break to purchase lunch at a local restaurant.

4
Stop 4

Then stop into the Government Museum of Chennai, one of the oldest museums in India, with various galleries that contain a variety of natural history and art, and one of the world's finest bronze collections from the 7th-century Pallava era through to modern times.

5

Drive pass Central Railway Station, the main railway terminus in the city of Chennai. Railway station is 142-years-old. With a blend of Gothic and Romanesque style architectures, this station has a heritage vibe.

6

Drive pass Parry’s Corner Shopping Market In Chennai, one of the oldest wholesale shopping market dealing in a variety of products ranging from fabrics, cosmetics, bangles and stationery items to utensils, plumbing equipment & cycle parts.

7
Stop 7 Pass by

Drive pass Chennai High Court, one of the three High Courts in India. Completed in 1892, this imposing red Indo-Saracenic structure is said to be the world's largest judicial building after the Courts of London. The central tower was added in 1912.

8

The tranquil, flowery grounds of the Ramakrishna Math are a world away from Chennai chaos. Orange-robed monks glide around and there’s a reverential feel. The Math is a monastic order following the teachings of the 19th-century sage Sri Ramakrishna, who preached the essential unity of all religions. Its Universal Temple is a handsome, modern, salmon-pink building incorporating architectural elements from different religions, and is open to all, to worship, pray or meditate.

Your full-day tour ends with cruise port drop-off. Alternatively, you can choose a drop-off location anywhere in Chennai.

What's not included

Entrance fees of sights mentioned
Food and drinks unless specified

Available languages

Guide guide
EN

Reviews breakdown

Viator 5.0
1 reviews
5★
1
4★
0
3★
0
2★
0
1★
0
Tripadvisor 5.0
1 reviews
5★
1
4★
0
3★
0
2★
0
1★
0

Important information

Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
At time of booking, Cruise ship passengers must provide the following information at time of booking: ship name, docking time, disembarkation time and re-boarding time
Refunds will not be issued if tour/activity is missed due to late or non-arrival of cruise ship
Dress code when visiting temples - Upper Wear: Must cover the shoulders, chest, navel, and upper arms Lower Wear: Must be at least below knee-length Remove footwear outside the temple. Socks are fine, you can keep wearing them
The duration of transfers are approximate, the exact duration will depend on the time of day and traffic conditions
This is a private tour/activity. Only your group will participate

Important notes

• Dress code when visiting temples - Upper Wear: Must cover the shoulders, chest, navel, and upper arms Lower Wear: Must be at least below knee-length Remove footwear outside the temple. Socks are fine, you can keep wearing them.
• Comfortable walking shoes are recommended
• If you have not already specified, you MUST advise supplier as soon as possible your Ship name, docking time, disembarkation time and departure time so that appropriate arrangements can be made
• The duration of transfers are approximate, the exact duration will depend on the time of day and traffic conditions
• Times are subject to change due to local traffic conditions.
• Tour departs within walking distance of the cruise port

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

Adults
Age 0-99
1
Booking requirements:
  • Min travelers: 1
  • Max travelers: 15
  • Adult required for booking
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
Instant confirmation

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