Private Chennai Day Tour - Art History and Contemporary Chennai

Private Chennai Day Tour - Art History and Contemporary Chennai

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About This Tour in Chennai

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.

Why Visit Chennai?

Chennai, India offers a wealth of attractions, cultural experiences, and activities for visitors. From historic landmarks to modern attractions, Chennai provides an unforgettable travel experience with something to discover around every corner. Explore local cuisine, discover unique culture, and create lasting memories in this remarkable destination.

Getting to Chennai

You can reach Chennai, India by air, train, or road depending on your starting location. The city offers various transportation options including taxis, public transit, and private transfers to help you reach your destination. Many hotels can arrange airport transfers, and local transportation options vary by location.

What's Included

  • Private transportation
  • Entrance tickets where applicable

What's 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.

Cancellation Policy

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

Additional Information

  • 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.

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Meeting and Pickup

Pickup Information

Pickup Option: Pickup available for all travelers

Pickup Time: 15 minutes before departure

Custom pickup locations may be available. Please contact the supplier for details.

Itinerary

Tour Itinerary

The first stop is on the private tour... 1 hour

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.

The Santhome Basilica was originally built by the Portuguese in 15 CE 1 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.

The Kapaleeshwarar temple is an ancient "living" temple... 1 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.

Slow drive past the Marina beach - one of the longest urban beaches in the world

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

We will drive by a fishing market 30 minutes

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

St Georges cathedral is a magnificent church built... 1 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!

The Egmore Museum is one of the finest and oldest museums in India 1 hour

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 is a thriving market, and we will walk through 1 hour

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cancellation policy?

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

How do I book this tour?

Click the "Book Now" button on this page to complete your reservation through Viator's secure booking platform. You'll receive instant confirmation via email.

Is this tour suitable for all ages?

Please check the age requirements and physical fitness level requirements listed in the tour details above. Some tours may have age restrictions or require a certain level of physical fitness.

Book Your Experience

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