Private tour in Chennai Chandan S
4.8
(23) reviews
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1
Chandan S.
4.8
Guide rating
50
Reviews
Tours delivered
41 hrs
Avg. response time
Hello! Thanks for your interest. My name is Chandan. I am born and raised in Chennai. This is where my ancestors lie, in (hopefully) peaceful eternal slumber and I am as local as local can get! Growing up in a family of academicians and historians, I was drawn to the history and the culture of my land from very early on and have explored most of India with world renowned authorities on Art, Culture and History. I always had a wander lust in me and have spent many a month on the road exploring obscure and not so obscure places. I have led special interest trips for many groups for international travel companies such as Elder hostel and Road Scholar, Intrepid travel. I am currently a free-lance travel consultant and trip lead. The people I have led have found me to be a good travel companion; well versed and knowledgeable, professional, easy going and friendly. I offer real life experiences, where you will get a chance to interact with locals, haggle with merchants the way my mum does when she is out on shopping bouts and so on. My itineraries give space for a lot of serendipity, for chance encounters prove to be most memorable. Indeed, I aim to offer you an experience that you will cherish for a lifetime. I hope to get you intimate and personal with the area visited with lively and fun conversations of the history of the place during site visits. We will travel in comfortable, modern air conditioned vehicles and will discuss how the area came about to its present state, explore its myth, mythology and folklore and understand its importance and role in contemporary local life. I am available 7 days a week including public holidays and you can usually book me at short notice. In addition to the travel programs mentioned, I can customize a program to fit any specific need. I donate 10 percent of what I make directly to a needy family, for I believe that tourism must benefit India's poor. I have a strong command over English, it being the spoken language at my home. In my free time, you'll catch me reading, or listening to rock; bands such as Pink Floyd, Pearl Jam, the Pixes, Whitesnake, Dire Straits, Megadeth and a whole lot more. Certified Tourist Guide by the Ministry of Tourism, India. Has basic first aid knowledge. Has a valid driving license.
Have a question or want to customize this tour? Message Chandan S.
This is a specially designed tour itinerary to experience Chennai in a day. We will visit ancient Hindu temples and British Churches, explore Chennai's history, be spellbound by some beautiful art relics. I'll take you to enjoy a delicious, healthy, and traditional South Indian meal served on banana leaves, and optionally we'll go after some of the best shopping deals in town. I aim to leave you with insights into how the city came into being as it is today. I 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. The Chennai tour is of low intensity, where you will travel by an air-conditioned vehicle with frequent stops. The tour covers some of the most important areas in Chennai and leaves space for serendipity and a high level of personalization. Born and raised in Chennai, I am as local as locals can get, so come join me on a tour you will remember all of your life!
The first stop is at Fort St George, the first fort built by the British in India, completed in 1639. It houses 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. After that, we'll see the Santhome Basilica, originally built by the Portuguese in 16 CE, the cathedral is a magnificent building. Portuguese tradition has it that St. Thomas arrived and preached in Chennai between 52 A. D. and 72 A. D. Later we'll stop at Kapaleeshwara Temple. A living temple, 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. We then drive past noted places of historic and/or contemporary interest such as the Anna Square, Chennai Central Station, Rippon Building, and Senate House We'll also explore the Egmore museum, one of the finest museums in India. If you are interested in shopping, we will visit a local bazaar.
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SUV - Volkswagen Taigun for up to 4 people. Can seat 3 + driver (me) comfortably, or 4 + 1 with a little squeeze if all travelers are well sized adults *For groups of 5 adults and above, we will hire an SUV and there is an extra cost. Please contact me for details.
Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
Hotel / Place of Stay within Chennai City Limits Airport
23 reviews
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