Private Chennai Day Tour - Art History and Contemporary 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:
- 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
- Lunch is not included. You must pay for your lunch as well as for the guides lunch.
Options
Private Chennai Day Tour - Art History and Contemporary Chennai
Pickup included
What's included in Private Chennai Day Tour - Art History and Contemporary Chennai
(Subject to Option Inclusions)Itinerary
Fort St. George
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. 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
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.
Inclusions
- Private transportation
- Entrance tickets where applicable
- 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.
- 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.
Meet
Pickup and Dropoff
Choose to be picked up from a list of locations
Please arrive at the pick up point 15 minutes before departure time.
Additional Information
Let us know where to pick you up from
