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India
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Tamil Nadu
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Chennai
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Tours & Activities
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Private Tour: Chennai Sightseeing Including Fort St George and Government Museum
6 h
Private
About this activity
After pickup from your hotel in the morning by air-conditioned vehicle, your private guide will take you on journey through Chennai, a bustling cultural hub that’s the capital of the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. On your tour of the city’s architectural landmarks, discover the mix of traditional Dravidian styles with European colonial influences while enjoying your guide's illuminating commentary, as well as fun facts and trivia.
Visit Fort St George, the first English fortress in India, founded in 1644. It now serves as the headquarters for Tamil Nadu’s legislative assembly. Inside, tour St Mary's Church, Wellesley House and the Fort Museum, whose exhibits showcase relics from British rule in India including weapons, coins, medals and uniforms.
Head to the Indo-Saracenic-style Government Museum (also called the Madras Museum), the second-oldest museum in India housing the largest collection of Roman antiquities outside of Europe. With your guide, browse diverse exhibits of archaeological findings, coins, sculptures, palm-leaf manuscripts and Amravati paintings, as well as rare works from artists like Raja Ravi Varma.
Continue to San Thome Cathedral, built in the 16th century by Portuguese explorers and rebuilt by the British in 1893. Admire its Neo-Gothic style of architecture as you learn about its historical significance from your guide.
In between sightseeing, you’ll head to a local restaurant to indulge in an authentic Indian meal served on a banana leaf.
Then, experience India’s religious heritage at Kapaleeshwar Temple, dedicated to the Hindu goddess Shiva and built in the 7th century. See its imposing gopuram (ornate monumental tower) and learn how this is a fine example of Dravidian architecture.
You’ll also visit the Indo-Saracenic-style Madras High Court, with beautiful painted ceilings and stained-glass doors, as well as the Ripon Building, combining three types of architecture: Gothic, Ionic and Corinthian.
Before returning to your hotel, drive along Marina Beach and visit a flower market, where you’ll take a leisurely stroll and see a variety of bright, colorful flowers and fruit.
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Visit Fort St George, the first English fortress in India, founded in 1644. It now serves as the headquarters for Tamil Nadu’s legislative assembly. Inside, tour St Mary's Church, Wellesley House and the Fort Museum, whose exhibits showcase relics from British rule in India including weapons, coins, medals and uniforms.
Head to the Indo-Saracenic-style Government Museum (also called the Madras Museum), the second-oldest museum in India housing the largest collection of Roman antiquities outside of Europe. With your guide, browse diverse exhibits of archaeological findings, coins, sculptures, palm-leaf manuscripts and Amravati paintings, as well as rare works from artists like Raja Ravi Varma.
Continue to San Thome Cathedral, built in the 16th century by Portuguese explorers and rebuilt by the British in 1893. Admire its Neo-Gothic style of architecture as you learn about its historical significance from your guide.
In between sightseeing, you’ll head to a local restaurant to indulge in an authentic Indian meal served on a banana leaf.
Then, experience India’s religious heritage at Kapaleeshwar Temple, dedicated to the Hindu goddess Shiva and built in the 7th century. See its imposing gopuram (ornate monumental tower) and learn how this is a fine example of Dravidian architecture.
You’ll also visit the Indo-Saracenic-style Madras High Court, with beautiful painted ceilings and stained-glass doors, as well as the Ripon Building, combining three types of architecture: Gothic, Ionic and Corinthian.
Before returning to your hotel, drive along Marina Beach and visit a flower market, where you’ll take a leisurely stroll and see a variety of bright, colorful flowers and fruit.
Included
- Local English-speaking guide
- Lunch
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Transport by air-conditioned vehicle
- Entry/Admission - Fort St. George
- Entry/Admission - San Thome Church
- Entry/Admission - Kapaleeshwarar Temple
- Entry/Admission - Government Museum
- Entry/Admission - Fort Museum
- Entry/Admission - St Mary's Church
Not included
- Gratuities
Additional
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- A moderate amount of walking is involved; comfortable walking shoes are recommended
- Please advise any specific dietary requirements at time of booking
- This is a private tour/activity. Only your group will participate
Features
Tourism
95%
Cultural
75%
Reviews
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I was the only person on this tour and so received first class attention from the guide. I probably wouldn't want to spend as much time as we did at the Government Museum but the visit toone of the largest Temples, the churches, the beach and lunch in an Indian Restaurant were much enjoyed. The driver was most reliable
I have given this tour only three stars because it was very rushed and completed in less than two hours. This is through no fault of the guide. He was given the wrong information by the local office and we started out on the wrong your outside Chennai. By lunchtime, the mistake was realised and pointed out to the guide who phoned the Delhi office for confirmation of what I said. We then commenced the two hour drive back to Chennai. The guide did what he could to salvage the situation. We enjoyed seeing what the guide showed us.
This tour was excellent. Both guide and driver were very knowledgeable, spoke good English and made sure we had seen everything on the itinerary and some! Lunch was a great experience with good local vegetarian ingredients. Would recommend to anyone thinking of visiting Chennai.