Top Chennai Sightseeing Tours

Spend your day exploring Chennai's cultural hub of Mylapore, with this day tour. Your morning will be spent visiting the iconic 7th-century Kapaleeshwar Temple and the San Thome Basilica, followed by a traditional South Indian lunch in a local restaurant and visit the shrine at Ramakrishna Math, followed by a visit to the 17th-century Fort Saint George before returning to your hotel.

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.

Experience the cultural and spiritual beauty of Chennai on this private half-day tour. Chennai, known as the “Gateway to South India,” is a city full of ancient temples, colonial buildings, busy markets, and peaceful beaches. With an expert guide and comfortable car, this tour will help you see the best of Chennai in just a few hours.

Go birdwatching with an expert birder/bird-call specialist by signing up for this private tour, suitable for both beginners and experienced birders. You'll head out to the Sholinganallur marshland or an equivalent spot (depending on the season), where you'll learn about and observe a variety of birds and get to use a spotting scope.

Explore Chennai's iconic landmarks and rich heritage with our guided sightseeing tour. Our tour takes you on a drive through the old part of Chennai, including George Town, Egmore Railway Station, Rippon Buildings, Victoria Hall, Central Railway Station, and Southern Railway Head Quarters - all showcasing the exquisite British style heritage buildings. Visit the Government Museum Complex, including the Art and Bronze Gallery, Fort Complex, Fort Museum, and St. Mary's Church, to gain a deeper insight into Chennai's rich history. Admire the panoramic view of Marina Beach, the longest beach in India, and visit Santhome Cathedral Church and Kapaleeshwar Temple. Explore the vibrant markets of Parry's Corner, Flower Markets, and High Court Buildings. Our tour lasts around 7-8 hours, providing you with an immersive experience of the city's culture, and we'll even make a stop for lunch (at your own expense).

Learn more about the layers of history on display in Mahabalipuram on this private guided tour with an archeologist guide. Visit many of the ancient town’s must-see attractions, including the Tiger Cave and Krishna's Butter Ball. Listen to fascinating stories about Mahabalipuram’s history, architecture, mythology, and archeological finds and learn more than you would if touring independently.

Explore Chennai by following in the footsteps of St. Thomas on this full-day tour. Learn about the history of Christianity in Chennai through visits to local religious landmarks such as the cave in the Little Mount, the handprints of St. Thomas, St. Thomas Mount, and the St. Thome Basilica. Listen to guided commentary as you travel detailing the influence St. Thomas had on the city and the country of India as a whole between AD52 and AD72.

What sets my Chennai tours apart is the personal touch and insider knowledge I bring as a local. I will take you to attractions like Marina Beach, Bessy Beach, food streets, shopping bazaars, antique shopping, and nightlife spots. You can savor mouthwatering street food, discover unique shopping spots, and immerse yourself in the city's lively nightlife. My guided tours offer a truly immersive and personalized adventure. They are ideal for adventure seekers, families with children, and cultural enthusiasts. Book with me to experience Chennai through the eyes of a local expert. Gain insider knowledge, enjoy memorable encounters with local traditions, and embark on an enriching journey that highlights the best of Chennai's culture and charm!

Explore Chennai's Georgetown neighborhood with a professional guide with this private tour. Your guide will take you straight into the heart of the busy historic neighborhood, telling you all about local history and culture as you make your way down narrow streets. You’ll also spend time in lively shopping areas, including the Kotal Chavadi Market.

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.

Discover Mahabalipuram on our exclusive private day tour led by accomplished, highly educated cultural custodians with backgrounds in History, architecture and fine arts. Mahabalipuram was an important ancient port well known to the ancient Romans and Greeks. The charming town is today renowned the world over for its exquisite 6th century rock cut temples and intricate statues of stone and is an UNESCO designated World Heritage Site - an "area of of outstanding value to humanity." You will be amazed by the art work in granite. On the way, we visit an interesting "living museum" of South India, Dakshin Chitra to enable an understanding of South Indian way of life through the centuries. The tour is perfect for those seeking an understanding in Indian art, history and culture and is children friendly. This day tour with us has been described by many discerning travellers as one of the most fascinating day tours in India. Note: Lunch not included. You must pay for the guides lunch.

Listen to guided commentary as you travel detailing the influence footsteps of St. Thomas had on the city and the country of India as a whole between AD52 and AD72.Learn about the history of Christianity in Chennai through visits to local religious landmarks such as the cave in the Little Mount, the handprints of St. Thomas, St. Thomas Mount, and the St. Thome Basilica.

Visit India’s most iconic structure, the Taj Mahal, on this 2-day private tour from Pune to Agra. Enjoy comfort and convenience with all flights, transfers, hotel pickups, and transportation arranged and included. Visit Agra highlights such as the Agra Fort, Mehtab Bagh, and local markets while learning about the city’s history and culture from your guide.

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.

Discover Chicago like never before with complete freedom to explore at your own rhythm, lingering at fascinating locations or moving swiftly through others as your interests guide you. Our expertly crafted audio experience unveils exclusive historical insights and hidden stories that even longtime residents don't know, transforming you from tourist to insider as you uncover the authentic soul of the Windy City. Unlike rigid group tours that rush you past remarkable details, you'll have the flexibility to choose which attractions captivate you most, creating a personalized journey that matches your curiosity and schedule perfectly. You'll experience the city as locals do – unhurried, authentic, and deeply connected to the stories that shaped this magnificent metropolis, all while enjoying a superior experience that combines the convenience of independence with the depth of expert knowledge.

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.

Eat your way through Chennai's Sowcarpet Market with this food-themed tour for up to 10 people. You'll learn about—and sample—all sorts of local snack foods at reliable food stalls with a local guide by your side to help you find snacks you might overlook if exploring on your own.

Embark on a spiritual odyssey with the "One-Day Sacred Temples Tour: Chennai to Kanchipuram & Vellore," commencing at 6:00 AM from Chennai. Marvel at Kanchipuram, the "City of Thousand Temples," where you'll explore the Kamakshi Amman Temple, known for its exquisite architecture and vibrant festivals. Delve into the grandeur of Ekambareswarar Temple, adorned with a colossal mango tree dating back over 3,500 years, and visit the ancient Kailasanathar Temple, showcasing Dravidian-style architecture. Witness the beauty of Varadharaja Perumal Temple and relish a traditional South Indian lunch. Journey to Vellore to encounter the Golden Temple, a gilded marvel, and explore the historical Vellore Fort with its ancient Hindu temple. Conclude your day at Jalakandeswarar Temple Tank, known for its serene ambiance. Depart from Vellore at 6:00 PM, returning to Chennai by 8:30 PM, carrying cherished memories of a day filled with spiritual enrichment and historical wonders.

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.

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.

Visit the largest perishable goods market of Asia on this three-hour tour in Chennai. Koyambedu market is the biggest fruits and vegetables market in Asia, where visitors can find both local and imported fruits and vegetables. For a city that does not have any nightlife, this market stands in stark contrast by operating 24 hours a day. Take a tour of this sprawling market and discover the local flavors of Chennai. Highlights • Visit to Koyambedu market, Asia’s largest market for perishable produce • 3 000 fruits and vegetables shops • An entire block of flower shops

If you find yourself pressed for time or simply wish to explore the tourist attractions in and around the city, our half-day city tour is the perfect choice for you. Join us on our Trails of Pondicherry tour, where we've meticulously woven together all the captivating facets of the city to create a beautiful garland of experiences. Immerse yourself in an unparalleled heritage journey, filled with fascinating stories that unravel the essence of Pondicherry's existence, culture, and lifestyle.

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.