This is a specially designed travel itinerary to experience Chennai in a day. We will visit ancient Hindu temples and British Churches, enjoy a delicious, healthy and traditional South Indian meal served on banana leaves, explore Chennai's history, be spell bound by some beautiful art relics and optionally go after some of the best shopping deals in town.

The program aims to leave you with insights on 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.

Itinerary

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. The city of Chennai also took shape around the fort.

Stop: 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.

Stop: 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

Stop: Egmore museum, one of the finest museums in India.

If you are interested in shopping, we will a visit a local bazaar.

Meeting Location + Tour Duration

Meeting location: Pick up will be arranged at the place of your stay or any place convenient to you.

End location: Tour ends at your hotel, where you will be dropped off.

Duration: 7 hours

The museum is closed on Fridays and Indian public holidays. We will visit an alternate site, such as a temple or Church or any other site then.

Transportation

We will use modern air conditioned vehicles manufactured by international brands such as Toyota, fitted with comfortable bucket seats. We will walk through some busy streets, to explore and shop.

What’s Included

My services as your personal guide and interpreter for the duration of the tour. Transportation for up to 3 people in an air conditioned modern sedan, Honda Amaze. For groups of 4 adults and above, we will hire an SUV and there is an extra cost. Please contact me for details.

Estimated Local Cash Needed

1500 INR - Meals and Fees for cameras etc in sites, wherever applicable. It also will cover a meal in a good restaurant.Other expenses not included here are shopping expenditure and for items of personal nature.

What’s Extra

Camera fees wherever applicable. For groups larger than 3 people (4 and above) we will hire a Toyota SUV with a driver, cost is INR 5,500. Please contact me for details. Meals. Items personal in nature.

A Recent Review of this tour

I thoroughly enjoyed my days outing with Chandan. He is a very scholarly, erudite young man who knows his history. He took me to Fort St George and his passion and interesting slant on the history of India was very infectious. He brought history alive for me and has made me dash off and uncover all sorts of resource books and documentaries. He balances seriousness with charming idiosyncratic visits which spice up your day. We had such a lovely time and I would highly recommend
Jenny Mosley