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ChennaiCulture & history

Our most recommended Chennai Culture & history

Chennai, Kapaleeshwarar Temple & Marina Beach Private Tour

1. Chennai, Kapaleeshwarar Temple & Marina Beach Private Tour

Start your tour of Chennai with a visit to the St. George Fort, located on the banks of the Bay of Bengal. The fort is believed to be the first establishment of the British in India. Fort St. George was named after St. George, the patron saint of England, and is deemed to be one of the most prominent tourist spots in Chennai. The Fort Museum is a large repository of arms and armaments. It also exhibits a wide range of artifacts dating back to the British period. These artifacts comprise of uniforms, manuscripts, paintings, letters, coins and much more. Afterwards, it's on to the Kapaleeshwarar, which was built around the 7th-century and is a good example of Dravidian architecture Then a visit to the Government Museum of Chennai, one of the best museums in India and a prime tourist attraction. The museum is a treasure trove of artifacts and other historical objects from the Chola, Hoysala, Vijayanagar and Chalukya dynasties. You'll then end the day with a visit to Marina Beach to relax and unwind. Marina Beach is the second longest beach in the world from where you can watch the sunset.

Mahabalipuram and Kanchipuram Private Caves & Temples Tour

2. Mahabalipuram and Kanchipuram Private Caves & Temples Tour

Enjoy a full-day guided tour of Mahabalipuram and Kanchipuram. Starting in Chennai, you'll be transported to Mahabalipuram, famous for its splendid 7th and 8th-century art and architecture, especially its stone carvings. You will start your tour by visiting the magnificent 7th-century Shore Temple which is surrounded by lush gardens. In addition, you’ll also visit the 7th-century Five Rathas shrine, also known as Pancha Rathas. After visiting Mahabalipuram you'll stop to enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before driving to Kanchipuram. Kanchipuram is known as the "golden city of a thousand temples" and is also one of the 7 sacred cities of India. The city has some grand and majestic buildings that reflect the architectural experiments undertaken by different dynasties ruling the city over the centuries. Visit historic spots like the Kailasanatha Temple, Vaikunda Perumal Temple, Kamaskhi Amman Temple and Ekambareswara Temple. All of these are excellent specimens of the architectural splendor of the medieval period.   

Full Day Chennai Sightseeing Tour

3. Full Day Chennai Sightseeing Tour

Join a tour through the fascinating city of Chennai. This large Indian city, the capital of the Indian state of Tamil Nadu, has its roots as a colonial city. In the 17th century the British built a town called St. George, which continued to thrive and grow until it was renamed Chennai in the year 2000 by the Indian government. Today, this energy-filled city has not only historic sights and shopping to offer tourists, but gorgeous white sandy beaches as well. Your professional English-speaking tour guide will lead you from Chennai’s past as St. George to its present state today, starting with Fort St. George. This is the first British fort built in India, constructed in 1639. Today, it houses the secretariat, legislative assembly of the Tamil Nadu state, and the Fort Museum. You will also see St. Mary’s Church. Standing in Fort St. George, the church is the oldest British building in India. This beautiful, tall white church has a stunning altar piece of the Last Supper. In addition, you will have the opportunity to visit culturally important museums such as the Government Museum and the National Art Gallery. The Government Museum, in particular, houses an extensive collection of archeological and numismatic artifacts. Last, but most certainly not least, you can marvel at the Kapaleeshwarar Temple, built for the god Shiva. Constructed in the 17th century, this temple has absolutely stunning, colorful gopuram that need to be seen to be believed. Don’t miss the chance! Chennai is not only a beautiful Indian city, it is a beautiful world city. Take the opportunity to visit this city on the Coromandel Coast of the Bay of Bengal and experience the wonders of India for yourself.

Chennai: George Town Origins Guided Walking Tour

4. Chennai: George Town Origins Guided Walking Tour

Meet the guide at the entrance of Fort St George, the first English Fortress built in 1644 by the East India Company. During this visit we will understand how the British came to dominate India , their rule and finally how India won its independence. We will visit the museum (except on Fridays when it is closed) and St Mary’s Church, the oldest Anglican Church of India. We will walk to the Madras High Court. Set up in 1862 by a decree from Queen Victoria, the High court serves the state of Tamil Nadu today and is a great specimen of Gothic architecture. Dare house is our next destination. This is an iconic art deco building steeped in history. It was the head quarters of Parrys company which was named after Thomas Parry who was welsh and one of the first free merchants of Chennai. The building is named after his John Dare, his business partner We walk to Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Road also called China Bazaar road, which has a market famous for utensils, cosmetics and clothes. As we walk past this ancient bazaar, we will talk about the evolution of a small trading post into a megapolis in just over 2 centuries. We walk past the street where Armenian refugees set up trade for silk, spices & gems 300 years ago. Visit the unique Armenian Church for an immersive experience. Experience a riot of colours and jazz in the busy bazaar and taste a local snack.

From Chennai: 2 Days Taj Mahal Agra Tour

5. From Chennai: 2 Days Taj Mahal Agra Tour

Day 01: Delhi-Agra You can book early morning flight from Chennai and fly to Delhi on your arrival at the airport in Delhi, You are received by us and our representative will introduce you to our driver and will assist you until you find your place in your luxury car then you are driven straight to Agra via expressway your drive would take nearly 03 hours. Before reaching your pre booked hotel in Agra, You visit a famous monument Baby Taj mahal which is older to Taj and inspired the architecture of Taj Mahal. Your tour guide for Agra will report at the monument and will wait for your arrival. After finishing the sightseeing of Itmad-Ud-Daula which is known as the (Baby Taj) you are driven straight to the hotel. After check in and freshening up you proceed to have lunch in case you do not feel hungry continue your Taj mahal tour with the visit of the Agra fort. This strong and massive fort built by emperor Akbar house large number of palaces inside it. This fort got the best points for sunset Taj mahal Pictures. After finishing the tour if you desire you can visit the Vibrant Agra bazaar with your tour guide overnight at the hotel with sweet dreams. Day 02: Agra-Delhi Today you have to wake up early to explore the epitome of love the Taj mahal sunrise tour. After the security checking you are free to capture the best views of the Taj with the sun beams of dawn falling on the marble and the shimmer of the stones add charm to the beauty. The Taj Mahal built by the emperor Shahjahan for his beloved is a unique example of engineering and took 22 years time for completion. After the visit of Taj mahal you returns back to your hotel and have breakfast. Post breakfast and pack up you do the check out and be ready for your drive to Delhi. You reach Delhi airport to catch your pre booked flight for Chennai.

Chennai: Marina Beach Heritage Walk

6. Chennai: Marina Beach Heritage Walk

Start the tour at 4 PM at Marina Light House where your tour will commence. Meet your guide and follow them as you set off along the beach. First, climb up the lighthouse for a great view of the beach and the city, before heading back down to explore the Maritime Museum. Continue your walk and soak up the festive atmosphere as you listen to your guide tell the story of Chennai through its statues. The statues tell a great story about the evolution of the city from a small fishing village to a thriving metropolis. Next, head to the famous Vivekananda House and learn about Swamy Vivekananda and his landmark speech about Indian Philosophy. Hear more about how he was the first religious leader in India to understand the need to provide food and other bare necessities of life to the hungry millions.  Make your last stop at the ancient Parthsarathy Temple. Take a guided walk inside the temple and its surroundings as you get to know the rituals. Admire incarnations of Vishnu and shrines which were built during the rule of Cholas and Vijayanagara Kings. Be spellbound by the intricately carved pillars of the temple. Finally, end the tour at 7 PM outside the temple.

Chennai: 2-Day Great Living Chola Temples Cultural Tour

7. Chennai: 2-Day Great Living Chola Temples Cultural Tour

Day 1 Following an early morning pickup from your hotel in Chennai, head in direction of Tanjore. At around 1:00 PM, you will arrive in Tanjore, the first capital of the Ancient Chola Empire. Visit the famous Brihadeeswara Temple located at the Great Living Chola Temples Trail and gaze in awe at one of the most imposing architectural structures in India. On this trail, you'll also visit the Thanjavur Big Temple, a more than a 1000-year-old temple with remains of the finest specimen of architecture, sculpture, bronze casting, and painting. Admire the excellent collection of frescoes that can be found on the walls around the sanctum and see the legendary tales of Lord Shiva depicted on the walls. Learn about the special material that was used to paint the murals and the secret they were able to last for so many centuries. Another highlight in Tanjore is the Grand Palace, built during the Nayak rule and repaired during the rule of the Marathas. Walk through the queen’s courtyard and witness divine scenes painted on the walls of the Durbar Hall. Then, search for the underground passage in this palace. There is also the Royal Museum, a gallery, and the Saraswati Mahal Library stationed within the palace complex. In the evening, stay overnight in Tanjore and continue your adventure the next morning. Day 2 Drive to Darasuram from Tanjore and visit the Airavateswar Temple, the second destination in the Great Living Chola Temples Trail. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, the temple was built by Chola King Raja Raja II in the 12th century AD. Learn the history of this UNESCO World Heritage Site which is considered a treasure trove of art, carvings, and architecture. The final stop in the Great Living Chola Temples Trail is the city of Gangaikonda Cholapuram. Built in 1025 by Rajendra Chola, son of the famous Chola emperor Raja Raja, it was meant to commemorate his victory over the Pala Empire across the Ganges. Gangaikonda Cholapuram served as the capital of the mighty Chola Empire for 250 years and is most famous for its Shiva Temple. Visit other highlights of this lost city of Cholas including The Royal Palace made of burnt brick, a giant Nandi, and a magnificent lion figure next to the well where the King poured the Ganges water brought from his conquests. Following the final stop, return to Chennai from Gangaikonda Cholapuram where you'll be dropped off at your hotel at around 8:30 PM.

Chennai: St. George Fort, Kapaleeshwarar Temple & Marina

8. Chennai: St. George Fort, Kapaleeshwarar Temple & Marina

This tour commences with a pick up drive to St. George Fort, the first English fortress built in India. The fortress became a stronghold for the East India Company during the 17th century. At the fortress, there's a combined museum with a marvelous collection of antiques & well-preserved galleries. Get glimpses of years-old artifacts such as uniforms, letters, & many more before heading towards Kapaleeshwar temple. Kapaleeshwar is believed to be the place where Shakti (Hindu goddess) worshiped Lord Shiva in the form of a peacock. Around the 7th century AD, Pallavas built the temple dedicated to Shiva. Witness the captivating Dravidian architectural tone used on the temple. Next, stop by the Government Museum where you will see specimens from all different dynasties & periods. Following this, we'll finally arrive at India's longest & world's second-longest beach, Marina Beach. Find calm watching the sea as your trip concludes.

Chennai: Mahabalipuram Guided Tour with Lunch

9. Chennai: Mahabalipuram Guided Tour with Lunch

In the morning, your guide will arrive to pick you up for Mahabalipuram, a UNESCO Heritage Site that dates back to the 7th & 8th centuries. It's a site that even the famous explorer Marco Polo didn't miss out on. He dubbed Mahabalipuram the 'City of 7 Pagodas' in his period. Upon arrival, you will first see Pancha Rathas, a centuries-old sacred complex. Its monoliths & walls showcase visuals from the ancient Hindu epic, Mahabharata. The guide will tell the significance & past of this complex as move on. From there, you will head to Arjuna's Panance, a remarkable 100-foot by 45-foot monument at Mamallapuram. This place is also known as the Descent of Ganges since its carvings illustrate the river Ganga rising & flowing through the Himalayas. Next, you will see Krishna's Butterball which is a huge granite boulder perched on a steep rock slope. Make memories & click as many pictures as you want. After this, we'll move towards Shore Temple, a granite built temple which overlooks the shore of the Bay of Bengal. Listen to captivating stories & reasoning behind its structuring as the tour comes to an end. By 3:30 PM, you will be at your hotel.

From Chennai: Overnight Taj Mahal Tour with Flight & Hotel

10. From Chennai: Overnight Taj Mahal Tour with Flight & Hotel

Day 1 - Pick Up from Delhi + Drive to Agra + Agra Sightseeing Pick up at Delhi airport, your hotel in Delhi or Gurgaon at your chosen time and drive to Agra. It will take about 3 hours to reach Agra from the New Yamuna Expressway. When you arrive in Agra, our guide will meet you at hotel and help you check in to your hotel. After washing up, visit Agra Fort, which is located 2 km northwest of the Taj Mahal and sits on 94 acres (34 ha). The monument has Hindu and Muslim architectural styles. Second visit Itmad-Ud-Daulah commonly known as the Baby Taj which is the mausoleum of Itmad-ud-Daulah and looks quite similar to the Taj Mahal. Therefore, he was given the name "Baby Taj". The Tomb is also a must-see when visiting Agra. After the sightseeing , you will be transferred to your pre-booked hotel in Agra. Overnight stay in Agra Day 2 - Taj Mahal at Sunrise + Drive to Delhi + Chennai Departure You'll be picked up early in the morning from your hotel in Agra for a sunrise tour of the Taj Mahal to admire the ravishing beauty of India's most famous monument and back to your hotel. It is famous for its symbol of love After a sightseeing drive to Delhi, upon arrival in Delhi, you will be transferred to Delhi airport for your flight to Chennai. Upon arrival at Chennai airport, our driver will pick you up from Chennai airport and take you to your hotel in Chennai or any other desired location in Chennai.

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What people are saying about Chennai

Overall rating

4.3 / 5

based on 20 reviews

It was a lovely trip, starting with our driver (Suda) who was professionally and patient also our tour guide (Arun) who was such a humble guy with a great knowledge about all places. we learnt a lot from him. Although there were a road construction on the way to kanchipuram which was a really hectic journey so me and my wife we both feels like jet lag but when we reach to the place it was all worth it.

It was an amazing experience, I had the opportunity to visit several temples from the Chola's empire. The staff did a great job explaining Chola's history and culture, they even went beyond that and make me feel comfortable all the time. I really recommend this trip