Exploring George Town Chennai Heritage and Bazaar Walking Tour

4.5 (21 reviews) 2 h 30 min Free cancellation Private tour

out of 5

21 reviews

4.5

Exploring George Town Chennai Heritage and Bazaar Walking Tour — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

Exploring George Town Chennai Heritage and Bazaar Walking Tour, photo 2 — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

About this activity

On this tour, we explore the busy neighbourhood of Georgetown. This area consists of well-established specialised bazaars, with small winding streets, warehouses, covered wholesale markets, street stalls and retail shops.

Originally called ‘Black Town’, the area came up in the late 1600s after the founding of Fort St. George. Local people settled here to trade and do business with the fort. A portion of Black Town was flattened in the 1700’s, to provide an open area outside Fort St George. The residents of Blacktown re-settled just beyond the open area, in what was called New Black Town.

In the mid 1800’s, the open area (old Black Town) was used to construct the grand building of Madras High Court. In 1910, when King George visited India, Blacktown was renamed Georgetown. Today Georgetown continues to be a busy market area, selling everything under the sun: bangles, fabrics, fruits, vegetables, spices, stationery, jewellery, etc.

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At a glance

Duration: 2 h 30 min
Confirmation: Instant confirmation
Ticket: Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Group: Your group only
People per booking: 1–15
Guide: English
Written guide: English
Operated by: Wonder tours

Ages: Children (6–11 years) · Adults (12–85 years)

What is included

Included

Included: Bottled water
Included: Snacks
Included: All Fees and Taxes
Included: Guide

Not included

Not included: Gratuities

Itinerary

Stop 1

one hour Admission included

From being the Black Town to becoming a bustling wholesale market, George Town in Chennai has seen it all. A market place where practically anything that can be legally sold can be bought for the right price. The walking tour takes you into the heart of the vegetable and flower market, with fascinating stories that provide a context to the colourful sights. A visit to the heart of George Town is an experience you will not forget. Crowded markets, narrow lanes, fascinating history, and mesmerizing images are welcoming you to experience the colorful and rich culture.
Madras High Court

30 min Admission included

The High Court of Chennai, originally established in 1862 by a decree from Queen Victoria, stands as one of the city’s most iconic buildings. Known for its grandeur and Indo-Saracenic architecture, the High Court has been at the heart of Tamil Nadu’s legal system for over a century. However, its story is not confined to its role in law and justice. One of the most dramatic chapters in its history occurred during World War I, when, in 1914, the building was targeted by German submarines in an attempt to disrupt British control over its colonial territories.
Armenian Church

30 min Admission included

This Chennai walk takes us through the historic street where Armenian refugees established trade in silk, spices, and gems over 300 years ago. Explore the distinctive Armenian Church for an immersive experience of this rich history.
Stop 4

15 min Admission included

This iconic Art Deco building is steeped in history and once served as the headquarters of Parry's company, founded by Thomas Parry, a Welshman and one of Chennai’s first free merchants. The building is named after John Dare, Parry's business partner, reflecting their significant role in shaping the city's commercial legacy. Today, it stands as a testament to their entrepreneurial spirit and the architectural grandeur of a bygone era.