Private Chennai Day Tour - Art History and Contemporary Chennai

5.0 (24 reviews) 6–7 hours Free cancellation Private tour

out of 5

24 reviews

5.0

Temples in Chennai — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

Meet the locals in Chennai — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

About this activity

Discover Chennai on our exclusive private day tour led by accomplished, highly educated cultural custodians with backgrounds in History, Architecture and Fine Arts.

This comprehensive tour of Chennai takes you to all the highlights of Chennai - Fort St George, Egmore Museum, St Thomas Basilica, St Georges Cathedral, Kapleeshwar Temple and more.

We will engage you in lively conversations and debates about Chennai's history, share interesting facts and anecdotes, and also explore the contemporary importance and pulse of the metropolis.

Whether you're keen to delve into history, explore bustling markets, or savor authentic cuisine, this tour promises memories to last a lifetime.

Please note:

1) The two museums usually part of the tour are closed on Fridays and other special holidays. We will visit alternate sites depending on your interests on such days

2) Lunch is not included. You must pay for your lunch as well as for the guides lunch.

Bus Tours Private and Luxury Private Sightseeing Tours Historical Tours City Tours Car Tours Luxury Car Tours Shore Excursions

At a glance

Duration: 6–7 hours
Confirmation: Instant confirmation
Ticket: Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Group: Your group only
People per booking: 1–4
Guide: English
Operated by: Indian Expeditions

Ages: Infants (0–12 years) · Children (13–17 years) · Adults (18–120 years)

What is included

Included

Included: Private transportation
Included: Entrance tickets where applicable

Not included

Not included: Budget USD 10 - 15 per person for a good lunch in a secret restaurant you will love! Note: The guides lunch must be paid for by you.

Itinerary

Fort St. George

one hour Admission included

The first stop is on the private tour of Chennai is Fort St George, the first fort built by the British in India, completed in 1639. This is where the story of Chennai started. The fort houses an interesting Museum and St Mary's Church, the oldest Anglican Church in India. It is this fort that enabled the British to take over the "jewel of the British empire", India.
Stop 2

one hour

The Santhome Basilica was originally built by the Portuguese in 15 CE. The cathedral today is a magnificent building in the Neo Gothic style.

Portuguese tradition has it that St. Thomas arrived and preached in Chennai between 52 A. D. and 72 A. D. It is believed that it is here that St Thomas was buried - making it one of the 3 churches in the world built on top of a grave of an Apostle.
Kapaleeshwarar Temple

one hour

The Kapaleeshwarar temple is an ancient "living" temple - a temple which is still in daily use. The age of the temple is the source of much debate. The commonly held view is that it was built in the 7th century CE by the ruling Pallavas.
Marina Beach

Passing by

Slow drive past the Marina beach - one of the longest urban beaches in the world. There are many colonial era buildings on the facade and you will be engaged in lively conversations about them
Stop 5

30 min

We will drive by a fishing market. Deep sea fishing is not done using big trawlers, but by the use of small boats. Everyday, fishermen venture into the sea and come back with catch, which is then sold on the beach
Stop 6

one hour

St Georges cathedral is a magnificent church built by the British in 1815 using a lottery fund. St. George's occupies an important place in the history of Protestant Christianity in India.

The church has some amazing stained glass windows, as well as very interesting memorials, tablets and statues.

We will also take a walk in the churches graveyard - one of the oldest Anglican graveyards in India. As eerie as it sounds, it is not, and is rather fascinating. Some grave stones really have stories to tell here!
Government Museum

one hour Admission included

The Egmore Museum is one of the finest and oldest museums in India. The bronze sculpture gallery is an highlight and has on display some of the greatest ancient sculptures ever made.
Pondy Bazaar

one hour

Pondy Bazaar is a thriving market, and we will walk through

Meeting point and pickup

The operator picks every participant up from their accommodation or the points below.

Pickup points

Super Hotel O Park Town Near Nehru Stadium
Vista Rooms at Ripon Building
Ambica Lodge
Capital O 69811 Golden Tower
Hotel Zidan
SPOT ON Everest Hotel
Hotel Sunpark Inn Chennai Central
FabHotel Royal Star
Capital O 8145 Emarald Hotel
Greens Suite
Santhi Bhavan
SPOT ON 40666 Great Hotel

and 84 more pickup points

Let us know where to pick you up from

Cancellation

Free cancellation

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

If you cancel	You get back
At least one day before	100%
Less than a day before	0%

The operator may cancel if the weather does not allow it; you then get another date or your money back.

Good to know

Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Tour is of low intensity, but does require some amount of walking on uneven surfaces.