Chennai city tour a cultural immersion
CHENNAI CITY TOUR
A private day through 2,000 years of faith, empire and living culture — in the city where India's story quietly began
Temples, philosophy & local way of life
The Chennai city tour begins in Mylapore, the ancient heart of the city, whose history stretches back to Roman times when this neighbourhood traded pepper and fine cloth for gold. The 7th-century Kapaleeshwar Temple is the first stop, a magnificent Dravidian structure of carved stone and towering gopuram where your guide will demystify the rituals unfolding around you, explain the logic behind the seemingly bewildering pantheon of Hindu gods, and reveal the living devotion that makes this temple feel nothing like a museum. A short walk leads to San Thome Basilica, the Gothic church built by Portuguese explorers over the tomb of St. Thomas the Apostle, who arrived on this coast two thousand years ago. The filter coffee of Mylapore follows, at a place your guide trusts. The afternoon takes you to the Ramakrishna Math, the monastic organisation dedicated to one of India's greatest philosopher saints, whose multimedia museum and enchanting library offer one of the most unexpectedly moving experiences in the city. Then to Marina Beach, the second longest urban beach in the world, where the statues along the promenade tell the story of the men and women who shaped Tamil Nadu. The day ends at Fort St. George, the first English fort built in India, where the story of how a small trading post on the Coromandel Coast became the foundation of the British Empire is told through the portraits, weapons, and treaties in its remarkable museum. This private Chennai city tour is fully inclusive. We take care of hotel pick-up and drop in a private air-conditioned vehicle, your English-speaking guide throughout the day, all entry fees, filter coffee in Mylapore, and a traditional South Indian lunch at a restaurant your guide knows well.




Ancient Mylapore
Mylapore an ancient residential neighborhood of Chennai and a cultural hot spot today, is the highlight of Chennai tour. It history goes back to Roman times when it used to trade pepper and fine cloth with Rome for Gold! It was occupied by the Portuguese in the 16th century and later fell into the hands of the British till India’s independence in 1947.
Demystifying customs, rituals & philosophy
At Kapaaleswar temple, a cultural evangelist will explain the origin, significance and scientific basis for the colorful rituals in progress. A visit to Ramakrishna Mutt is about harmony of religions, which is the gist of the teachings of the great Philosopher Ramakrishna Paramahansa. Vivekananda House is a enriching experience of how Swamy Vivekananda made the West and the World aware of Indian Philosophy.
British legacy of Chennai
The story of British India is told at Fort St George which was the first English fort in India. The museum brings alive the events of the colonial era. We will also visit St. Mary's, the oldest Anglican church East of Suez and also the oldest British building in India.
Renaissance Art
The altar piece of St Mary's church is a depiction of the Last Supper, and a fascinating highlight of the Chennai tour. It is unsigned but betrays obvious signs of the Raphaelite school. It is believed to be done by a pupil of Raphael with the master himself giving a touch.
Following foot steps of St Thomas
San Thome Basilica is another highlight of the Chennai city tour. It is the venue to learn about how apostle St Thomas came to Chennai 2000 years ago and introduced Christianity to this part of the world. His relics are on display at the Basilica.
Guided Tour
Chennai city tour is a guided tour where a cultural evangelist will provide the cultural context during our visit to temples, explaining the meaning and scientific basis of the rituals in practise. Our cultural evangelists unpack authentic India for better comprehension and appreciation of the cultural and heritage of the ancient Indian civilization.
Private Tour
A private Chennai tour ensures that we are able to focus all our attention on you and adjust the pace of the Mahabalipuram tour according to your interests. Pick and drop from your hotel in an airconditioned vehicle is included in the Mahabalipuram tour.
Strenghening local community
Our company is helping the local community by training & employing local guides. There is a community of small businesses who are part of the temple eco system. We help this community by procuring flowers, coconuts and other temple wares which play a part in the tour experience. This initiative is to ensure travel dollars stay where they are spent.
Tripadvisor Reviews
Pricing chart
- Pick & drop
- Travel by Innova
- Guide
- Entrance charges
- South Indian Vegetarian meals as lunch
- Pick & drop
- Travel by sedan
- Guide
- Entrance charges
- South Indian Vegetarian meals as lunch
- Pick & drop
- Travel by sedan
- Guide
- Entrance charges
- South Indian Vegetarian meals as lunch
Trip Itinerary
Chennai City Tour
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