Top Chennai Shore Excursions

The coastal town of Mahabalipuram makes an ideal day trip from bustling Chennai, but organizing admission fees and transportation to explore independently takes up valuable sightseeing time. On this tour, reach Mahabalipuram in comfort by private vehicle—with entry fees and round-trip transportation from your Chennai hotel included. Explore the cave temples and rock sculptures with your guide to lead the way, and gain insight into Mahabalipuram’s fascinating 7th-century history.

Visit Chennai's Mylapore neighborhood on foot with this guided tour. You'll spend time at the famous Kapaleeshwarar Temple, visit the Sri Ramakrishna Temple and the Sao Tome Church, and make a stop at the Chennai Lighthouse. You will also make a stop along the way for a snack and the chance to sample local coffee.

Learn about the British influence on Chennai's architecture with this small-group walking tour, led by a local guide. You'll see a variety of structures that were built when Chennai was under British rule, from the Ripon Building and the Southern Railway Headquarters to Fort St George and the Napier Bridge.

Get a primer on Pallava-style architecture on this full-day private tour to Mahabalipuram and Kanchipuram. Benefit from personal attention and the ability to travel at your own pace while visiting the Ekambareswar and Kailasanathar temples, then a local saree weaver. Moving on to the port of Mahabalipuram, see the Five Rathas, the shore temple, and Arjuna's Penance, learning about them through guided commentary.

Take a walk down Chennai's Marina Beach and learn about the city's rich history and cultural traditions with this guided tour. You'll start at the Chennai Lighthouse, where you'll have the chance to head up to the top to take in the views before continuing along Marina Beach to check out its many statues. This tour also includes a visit to the Parthasarathy Temple to learn more about local religious traditions.

Pondicherry and Mahabalipuram are located an easy drive from Chennai, but sights are spread out and public transportation options are limited, so it’s hard to get around without your own vehicle. Ideal for time-pressed travelers looking to avoid an overnight stay, this private full-day tour ticks off highlights such as the Sri Aurobindo Ashram and French Quarter, utopian Auroville, and Krishna’s Butterball, and whisks you back to Chennai by dinnertime.

Explore one of Chennai's most interesting neighborhoods on foot during this private walking tour of Mylapore. You'll visit the tiered Kapalesshwara Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, as well as the Portuguese San Thome Cathedral. Walk through colorful markets and try out some traditional South Indian snacks. You’ll also ride an autorickshaw on one portion of the trip, for a local experience.

Chennai is known for its history, architecture, and fine art scene, but exploring this sprawling city of 12 million people can intimidate even seasoned travelers. On this full-day private tour, sightsee with ease as you move between highlights like 16th-century Santhome Cathedral Basilica, the Marina Beach Fish Market, and the Government Museum—all alongside a guide to fill you in on each site’s history.

A treasure trove of art and architectural masterpieces and home to many rock-cut sculptures and majestic temples, Mahabalipuram is a beautiful heritage site located in the heart of Southern India. A Chennai to Mahabalipuram tour package will make sure that you enjoy and explore a wide variety of attractions, that too in a single day. Get picked up from your stay in Chennai, followed by a transfer to Mahabalipuram. The sightseeing will start by visiting the Mahabalipuram Seashore Temple. This is one of the oldest granite stone temples in Southern Asia and exhibits the ancient finesse of art.

Discover historic George Town, a diverse port neighborhood in Chennai with ties to the East India Company. Founded as Chennai’s first English settlement in the 17th century, George Town became a hub of international merchants and traders and is full of fascinating stories your local guide will share. See Fort St. George, the Armenian Church, and Madras High Court, which was attacked by the Germans in World War I.

Chennai is known for its culinary scene, but it’s easy to get stuck with disappointing tourist traps when you’re new to the city. Ideal for foodies of all stripes, this small-group food tour gives you behind-the-scenes access to Sowcarpet Market. Navigate the packed stalls alongside a guide who navigates so you don’t get lost, stopping at a handpicked selection of vendors to taste local street food delicacies.

Explore a medieval kingdom’s capital and visit its renowned sari makers on this all-day tour. After a convenient pickup from your Chennai hotel, travel by private vehicle to Kanchipuram. Stop by two architecturally significant 7th-century temples before immersing yourself in the craft of sari-making. Meet a weaver and see how traditional looms are used to transform mulberry threads into gorgeous garments.

Begin your adventure in Kanchipuram, renowned for its ancient temples and vibrant silk weaving tradition. Visit the Kailasanathar Temple, celebrated for its exquisite stone carvings and stunning architectural design, and the Ekambareswarar Temple.While in Kanchipuram, don’t miss the opportunity to shop for the city’s iconic handwoven silk sarees, a testament to its rich textile heritage. After immersing yourself in Kanchipuram's cultural wonders, head to Mahabalipuram, a short drive away along the scenic coastal road. Here, marvel at the Shore Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its intricate carvings and breathtaking views of the sea. Explore the Pancha Rathas, five monolithic rock-cut temples designed in the shape of chariots, each showcasing unique architectural styles. Also, be sure to see Arjuna's Penance, one of the largest bas-reliefs in the world, depicting various scenes from Hindu mythology.

Your Tamil Nadu and Andaman Islands tour offers a unique blend of rich cultural heritage and tropical relaxation. Explore ancient temples, historic cities, and vibrant markets in Tamil Nadu, then unwind on the pristine beaches of the Andaman Islands. This curated journey combines history, spirituality, and natural beauty for an unforgettable experience. Book now for the best of South India and island paradise!

Step into the colonial grandeur of Madras, once the heart of British India. This isn't a "tour"—it's a portal into the rise and fall of an empire. As a Ministry of Tourism-approved organization and proud IATO member, our Cultural Evangelists reveal the dramatic fate of the masters who once ruled these halls. From the Gothic Revival arches of Central Station to the shimmering white Indo-Saracenic domes of the Ripon Building, we trace how stone was used to command a colony. Discover the "Cupid’s Bow" memorial and the pioneering reinforced concrete of the Railway Headquarters. We explore how imperial symbols like the Senate House evolved into the unifying pillars of modern India. As winners of the Outlook Responsible Tourism Award 2025, we provide an ethical, elite journey that supports our local community. Join us to experience the architectural soul of Chennai.

Join us for a refreshing "Pulicat Birding Trail" from Chennai. You can start as early as 5:30 AM or choose a relaxed 12:30 PM departure. Enjoy a 3-hour guided bird-watching walk through marshes, mudflats, mangroves, and river areas, spotting a wide variety of birds. You can also opt for a scenic boat safari on Pulicat Lake to see more birdlife and local fishing traditions. Before heading back, visit the historic Dutch Cemetery and get a glimpse of the region’s rich past—leaving you inspired to return and explore Pulicat’s art, history, and culture in depth

For heritage and history buffs, a visit to the Chennai neighborhood of Georgetown is a must—but independent travelers risk missing out on important context. On this private walking tour, enrich your visit with a guide to fill you in on the neighborhood’s century-spanning history, from its origins as a 17th-century colonial settlement to today’s bustling marketplaces.

Devote a day to visiting two of the most important ancient sites near Chennai with this private tour. Visit the temple town of Kanchipuram and the sea-facing Mahabalipuram, both celebrated for their ancient temples and monuments hewn from stone, with a local guide to explain their history. Hotel pickup and drop-off are included for your convenience.

Explore the highlights of the Golden Triangle with local guides on this private 4-day tour in an air-conditioned vehicle. Visit famous monuments in Delhi, Agra, and Jaipur, including the Lotus Temple, India Gate, the Taj Mahal, the Palace of the Winds, and Amber Fort while learning about India's history. Enjoy unlimited bottled water throughout the tour for your comfort.

Experience a full day in Kanchipuram, the City of a Thousand Temples. Discover its ancient temples, marvel at the artistry of traditional silk weaving, and immerse yourself in the rich spiritual and cultural heritage of South India.

Experience a day of exploration from Chennai to Pondicherry, discovering spiritual retreats, colonial architecture, serene beaches, lush gardens, historic churches, and vibrant local markets.

You'll fly to Delhi in the morning, where a driver will take you to Agra for a day of sightseeing. After visiting the Taj Mahal and Agra Fort, you'll head to a local restaurant for lunch before returning to Delhi Airport for your flight back to Chennai.

Embark on a full-day guided tour of Chennai, where history, culture, and spirituality come alive. Begin by exploring the city’s iconic landmarks, including the sacred Kapaleeshwarar Temple, colonial treasures like Santhome Church and St. George Fort, and heritage neighborhoods such as Royapuram and White Town. Immerse yourself in Chennai’s vibrant street life, bustling markets, and coastal charm along Marina Beach. In the afternoon, continue your journey along the scenic East Coast Road to Mahabalipuram, famous for its UNESCO-listed rock-cut temples and pristine shoreline. Conclude the day with a comfortable drop-off at your hotel or designated location in Mahabalipuram, making it an ideal experience for travelers seeking a blend of city sights, cultural heritage, and coastal beauty in a single day.