Chennai Tours

After pickup from your Chennai hotel in the morning, you?ll drive approximately 2.5 hours by private, air-conditioned vehicle to the Pondicherry region.

When you arrive, your professional guide will take on a tour of this spiritual community, home to Sri Aurobindo Ashram, a spiritual site founded by Sri Aurobindo and his collaborator, known locally as ?The Mother.?

Walk to the nearby Pondicherry Museum, located in Bharathi Park. Along the way, your guide will point out various structures that display effects of French colonial influence. Inside, discover the museum?s outstanding collection of artifacts, sculptures and archaeological findings from the ancient Arikamedu settlement, a Tamil fishing village that traded with the Romans.

In between sightseeing, your guide will recommend a great restaurant in Pondicherry where can enjoy some French-Indian fusion cuisine (own expense).

Then, you?ll drive approximately 4 miles (6.5 km) to Auroville, a small town and spiritual community also founded by Mirra Alfassa. Here, you?ll visit Matrimandir, meaning ?Temple of the Mother? in Sanskrit. Marvel at the plated gold of its 98-foot high (30-meter) dome with a lotus-shaped foundation urn. Wander inside to see the stark-white interior and large crystal in the center. Learn from your guide how this temple is an important spiritual place for practitioners of Integral yoga.

After your tour, you?ll be driven back to your Chennai hotel or the Chennai airport for your departure flight.

Meet your guide in Chennai?s Mylapore neighborhood in the morning and venture by air-conditioned coach to a village near Mahabalipuram, passing green quilted paddy fields, banana orchards, village temples and sacred groves along the way.

When you arrive, visit a small village and head to the village temple to enjoy the scenery and to listen to local myths. Visit a farmer?s house to enjoy traditional village hospitality. The local farmer will take you and your guide to his paddy fields and tell you about his farming techniques. As you walk through the farm, your guide will share interesting stories of rural life and farming as a way of life. Try your hand at some farming if you like!

Walk into the farmer's herbal kitchen garden where your guide will point out the leaves that the local villagers chew to cure coughs and the ones that make delicious chutney.

Enjoy refreshments such as bottled water, coconut water, fruit and snacks by the farm well. In the afternoon, enjoy a home-cooked vegetarian lunch and get introduced to the farmer's livestock.

Afterward, board the coach to return to Chennai.

After meeting your guide in a central Chennai location, head to a small Bharatanatyam dance school in Chennai, where you'll discover India's rich history and culture come alive through several dance styles.

Watch a demonstration of Bharatanatyam dance presented by your expert dance guide. Try out the intricate steps of the dance yourself as your guide walks you through the graceful, sculpturesque movements said to resemble a dancing flame, while engaging you with fascinating insights into the local tradition.

If you choose the full 2.5-hour tour, you will also be given a Bollywood and Tamil Cinema dance introduction. Watch contemporary dance sequences during a demonstration and then participate in trying out these lively steps on your own!

Whether you?re traveling individually, as a couple or in a group, your ground transportation needs can all be covered by this private airport transportation service from your Chennai hotel to the Chennai International Airport. When your vacation is over, simply meet your driver in the lobby of your hotel at a prearranged time. Then, settle into your comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle and head straight to the airport for your flight.
When making a booking, you will need to advise your flight details and your Chennai accommodation details. Your transfer will be confirmed instantaneously and you will be provided with a travel voucher to present to the driver. Approximately 24 - 48 hours prior to your arrival in Chennai, you will be required to reconfirm exact pickup time and place (the contact number will be provided on your travel voucher).

Meet with your guide at a central location in Georgetown, a historic neighborhood in Chennai, to begin your bazaar walking tour. Georgetown boasts an expansive blend of various wholesale markets selling everything from electronic goods and stationery to textiles and street snacks.
As you meander through the winding aisles of a vegetable and spice market, interact with local vendors and spend time perusing the market?s interesting array of colorful spices, fresh vegetables and handcrafted ornaments. Amidst the maze of market stalls sits a row of rickshaws waiting to bring shoppers to other areas of the bazaar. Board one of these rickshaws and experience how locals get around!
You'll hear fascinating stories from your guide about the history of Georgetown's markets. Learn about the area's origin as a trading hub, hear about the many trading communities here and discover this market's distinct architectural design. You'll leave this tour with an in-depth understanding of Chennai?s market, trade and food culture.

After meeting your guide at a central location in Mylapore, head on your 2.5-hour walking tour through this cultural hub and neighborhood.

Stroll through hidden lanes and hear stories from your knowledgeable guide about this ancient area, which predates the city by more than 2,000 years. Widely considered the point from where the rest of the city grew, it has kept alive many traditions and arts that Chennai is well-known for.

Enter Kapaleeshwar Temple to watch Brahmin priests, the interpreters of Hindu texts, as they go about their duties in the 400-year-old temple. Hear historical accounts of Hindu gods and learn why the locals walk clockwise around the temple.

Continue through Mylapore's streets and gain a deeper understanding of local lifestyle. Visit the home of a temple priest and hear about why people decorate their doorsteps with colorful kolams (paintings), as well as why women wear bindis on their foreheads.

Next, enjoy a fun rickshaw ride through the streets! Head to beautiful San Thome Cathedral, where you?ll learn how Christianity was brought to India by apostle Doubting Thomas, whose tomb you can see here.

Cap off your morning with a dosa (rice and lentil pancake) breakfast at Hotel Saravana Bhavan, and end your tour back at the starting location.

After meeting your guide at a central Chennai location, you will be given juice and bottled water for you to enjoy during the tour. Then, hop aboard a comfortable air-conditioned coach and tour Chennai to discover the origin of Christianity in India, which is traced back to the Apostle of St Thomas, who was believed to have attained martyrdom in Chennai.

Head to the small hillock of St Thomas Mount, a quaint, beautiful church built in the 1500s by the Portuguese. Continue to Church of Our Lady of Light, more commonly known as Luz Church. Learn from your guide how this is one of the oldest Christian churches and European monuments in India.

Continue to San Thome Cathedral, a pilgrimage center for Christians designed in 16th-century European architectural style. Notice the Gothic arches and Baroque ornamentation of the gilded altars and ceilings decorated with fresco paintings.
Next, tour 17th-century Armenian Church, which served the then-thriving Armenian community in Chennai, before heading to nearby St Mary's Church, an important relic and reminder of British influence in India. Admire the intricate design and see various commemorative inscriptions and memorials.

Finally, visit St Andrew?s Church, a Presbyterian church built to serve the area's Scottish community. Learn about how its design is modeled after St Martin-in-the-Fields at London?s Trafalgar Square.

After your enlightening and fascinating tour, head back to your original departure point.

Please note: Some of these churches, like the St Mary's Church, may be closed to the public on certain days without prior notice. On such days, the tour will not be going into that church

After pickup from your Chennai hotel in the late afternoon, you?ll be whisked away from the hustle and bustle of the city and taken to the beach of your choice. At the end of your beach experience, you?ll be conveniently taken back to your hotel.

Elliot's Beach
Known as Besant Nagar Beach or ?Bessie,? this popular beach in Chennai?s Besant Nagar neighborhood is a calm and tranquil place ideal for lounging and sun bathing.

Soak up the relaxing, scenic atmosphere and head to some of the beach?s landmarks like the 20-year-old Velankanni Church; Ashtalakshmi Temple, dedicated to goddess Lakshmi; and the Schmidt Memorial, dedicated to a Dutch sailor who lost his life while saving a drowning fellow.

You can also visit the many food stalls and restaurants lining the beach to enjoy some traditional South Indian snacks while taking in great ocean views.

Covelong Beach
Covelong is a fishing village and port town home to posh Covelong Beach, the site of a former fort. Flanked by picturesque palm trees and lined with glittering white sand dotted with colorful sea shells, this beautiful place is a must-see.

After taking in the scenery, adventure lovers can enjoy water sports like wind surfing, surfing, swimming and cricket.

Marina Beach
Famous Marina Beach is the pride of Chennai and one of the longest beaches in the world with a stretch of 2.5 miles (4.5 km). Here, see the statues of heroes from Tamil culture and visit the fascinating aquarium.

Stop by the food stands for some tasty Indian bites; have fun on the amusement park rides, such as the merry-go-ground and skating rink; and take an evening stroll on the sand during sunset.

In the morning, you'll be picked up from your Chennai hotel by private, air-conditioned vehicle and taken to Kalakshetra, a highly recognized institution for the preservation of traditional Indian art.

With your expert guide, discover how this academy provides a platform for students of all ages to study, practice and develop their talents in the arts, including music, dance, theater and fine arts.

As you follow your guide on a walk through the corridors of the Rukmini Devi College of Fine Arts, hear enlightening commentary about the classes and the traditional gurukul setting of the institution, meaning students live in close proximity to their gurus or teachers.

Visit the Craft and Education Research Center to witness the students? work come to life, displayed in arts and crafts exhibitions and dance performances like the traditional Bharata Natyam dance.

Then, tour the Rukmini Devi Museum to see an impressive collection of paintings, sculptures and clothing material from all over the world.
After a comprehensive and enlightening tour of Kalakshetra, head to a popular local restaurant to enjoy a lunch of traditional Indian delicacies. Afterward, relax on the ride back to your Chennai hotel.

After being picked up from your hotel by private, air-conditioned vehicle, you will be taken to the Cholamandal Artists? Village in the outskirts of Chennai. Here, your guide will lead you on a discovery of local art culture.

Learn about the Madras Movement of Art, which occurred during the mid- to late 1900s and brought modern art to South India, and discover how this village played a vital role in establishing this groundbreaking movement.

As you explore the village, meet local artists and see fantastic displays of local modern art in the many galleries. You will also tour the village museum to see a large collection of art that is representative of the Madras Movement.
You'll see many artists actively engaged in their work, giving you a first-hand look at the intense devotion and pride they dedicate to their creations. Plus, you'll be able to communicate with a few of them with the help of your guide.
After your enlightening tour, relax on the drive back to your hotel.

Once you land at the Chennai International Airport, your experienced and friendly driver will meet you at the arrivals gate and drive you directly to your hotel in Chennai. Whether you?re traveling individually, with a partner or in a group, your ground transportation needs will be covered by this private airport transfer service. Avoid the confusion of taxis or public transportation and enjoy a hassle-free way to start your vacation!
When making a booking, you will need to advise your flight details and your Chennai accommodation details. Your transfer will be confirmed instantaneously and you will be provided with a travel voucher to present to the driver. Approximately 24 - 48 hours prior to your arrival in Chennai, you will be required to reconfirm exact pickup time and place (the contact number will be provided on your travel voucher).

After pickup from your hotel in the morning, your private guide will take you by air-conditioned vehicle to the village of Dakshinachitra, located about 18 miles (29 km) outside of Chennai. Spend approximately 45 minutes in Dakshinachitra, meaning ?A Picture of the South,? which preserves the traditional Dravidian way of life.

See traditional Indian homes, explore the open-air museum, and visit the artisan workshops to learn about the Dravidian crafts of several regions in South India including Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh ? a great activity for kids. Here, you may see traditional theater performances as well as local craftsmen making pottery and baskets, weaving silk and building puppets.

Then, drive approximately 14.5 miles (23.3 km) to Mahabalipuram, or what is now called Mamallapuram. This UNESCO World Heritage-listed city is full of rock-cut monuments built between the 7th and 9th centuries. These structures, most of which were built to honor Hindu gods, are some of the oldest existing examples of Dravidian architecture.

With your guide, visit several cave temples and sculpted reliefs including Five Rathas, Arjuna Dhabas, Krishna Mandap, Krishna Butterball and Shore Temple. Your guide will point out the Buddhist elements of these impressive structures and explain the historical significance of the sites you pass.

In between sightseeing, enjoy an authentic Indian lunch at a nearby restaurant in Mahabalipuram. After your full-day tour, you?ll be driven back to your Chennai hotel in the evening.

You?ll be picked up from your Chennai hotel in the morning and taken on a sightseeing tour by private vehicle. Visit Fort St George, the oldest English fortress in India, founded in 1644. Learn how it now serves as the headquarters for the legislative assembly of the state of Tamil Nadu.

Inside, tour St Mary's Church, Wellesley House and the Fort Museum, where you?ll see relics from British rule in India including weapons, coins, medals and uniforms.

Then, head to the Indo-Saracenic-style Government Museum (also called the Madras Museum), which is the second-oldest museum in India and houses the largest collection of Roman antiquities outside of Europe!

With your guide, browse an impressive collection of paintings and sculptures, both traditional and modern, and explore diverse exhibits featuring archaeological findings, coins, sculptures, palm-leaf manuscripts and Amravati paintings, as well as rare works from famous Indian artists like Raja Ravi Varma.

Afterward, drive to Kapaleeshwar Temple, built in the 7th century and dedicated to the goddess Shiva. Learn about its Dravidian architecture, which is evident in its gopuram (ornate monumental tower).

Before returning to your hotel, drive along Marina Beach for fantastic views of Chennai?s beautiful landscape.

After pickup from your hotel in the morning by air-conditioned vehicle, your private guide will take you to Kanchipuram, located about 45 miles (72 km) southwest of Chennai. Coined ?The City of Thousand Temples,? Kanchipuram is considered by the Hindus of India as one of the country?s seven holiest cities.

With your guide, visit several temples and learn about the importance of the Hindu goddess Shiva. Explore Sri Ekambareswarar Temple, the city?s largest temple and one of the five major Shiva temples that each represents a natural element. Built around 600, this temple symbolizes Earth.

Then, visit Kailasanathar Temple, the oldest temple in Kanchipuram, built in the early 8th century. Explore this sandstone compound and admire the fascinating carvings, including half-animal deities that were popular during the period of early Dravidian architecture.

Next, head to Varadaraja Perumal Temple, one of the Divya Desams -- the 108 Vishnu temples believed to have been visited by the 12 poet saints, or alwars. Built in 1053, this astounding temple complex contains 32 shrines and 389 pillared halls.

After spending 30-45 minutes at each temple, stop by the nearby silk shop -- Kanchipuram is famous for its hand-woven silk sarees ? to see a silk-weaving demonstration. Watch local artisans take pure mulberry silk of various dazzling colors and create beautiful sarees embellished with fine gold thread.

In between sightseeing, you?ll enjoy an authentic Indian lunch in Kanchipuram at a restaurant carefully chosen by your guide. After your enlightening full-day tour, you?ll be taken back to your Chennai hotel.

After pickup from your hotel in the morning by air-conditioned vehicle, your private guide will take you on journey through Chennai, a bustling cultural hub that?s the capital of the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. On your tour of the city?s architectural landmarks, discover the mix of traditional Dravidian styles with European colonial influences while enjoying your guide's illuminating commentary, as well as fun facts and trivia.

Visit Fort St George, the first English fortress in India, founded in 1644. It now serves as the headquarters for Tamil Nadu?s legislative assembly. Inside, tour St Mary's Church, Wellesley House and the Fort Museum, whose exhibits showcase relics from British rule in India including weapons, coins, medals and uniforms.

Head to the Indo-Saracenic-style Government Museum (also called the Madras Museum), the second-oldest museum in India housing the largest collection of Roman antiquities outside of Europe. With your guide, browse diverse exhibits of archaeological findings, coins, sculptures, palm-leaf manuscripts and Amravati paintings, as well as rare works from artists like Raja Ravi Varma.

Continue to San Thome Cathedral, built in the 16th century by Portuguese explorers and rebuilt by the British in 1893. Admire its Neo-Gothic style of architecture as you learn about its historical significance from your guide.

In between sightseeing, you?ll head to a local restaurant to indulge in an authentic Indian meal served on a banana leaf.

Then, experience India?s religious heritage at Kapaleeshwar Temple, dedicated to the Hindu goddess Shiva and built in the 7th century. See its imposing gopuram (ornate monumental tower) and learn how this is a fine example of Dravidian architecture.

You?ll also visit the Indo-Saracenic-style Madras High Court, with beautiful painted ceilings and stained-glass doors, as well as the Ripon Building, combining three types of architecture: Gothic, Ionic and Corinthian.

Before returning to your hotel, drive along Marina Beach and visit a flower market, where you?ll take a leisurely stroll and see a variety of bright, colorful flowers and fruit.

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