Top Chennai Tours by Duration

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.

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.

Experience the thrill of touring South India on your own Royal Enfield rental motorcycle while checking out some of the most significant Chola Empire temples in the region with this tour. You and your motorcycling escort will visit the Airavateswar Temple in Darasuram, the 11th-century city of Gangaikonda Cholapuram, and Tanjore, the ancient capital of the Chola Empire, all in just three days.

Visit Mahabalipuram’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites on a private tour from Chennai that includes door-to-door transport, lunch, and all entrance fees. Travel by private car and spend the day exploring temples and a seashell museum in a scenic town, with a personal guide who will tailor the day to your interests.

Dating to the 7th Century AD, the ancient temples at Mahabalipuram are among Tamil Nadu's most significant historic attractions, and the best way to truly understand their history and importance is by visiting with a guide. This tour, capped at just 15 participants, showcases the highlights of the UNESCO World Heritage Site and shows you spots you might not otherwise find on your own.

Visit two of Tamil Nadu's most important cities on a Royal Enfield motorcycle with this guided tour from Chennai. You'll drive down to Puducherry on your first day, where you’ll visit the Sri Aurobindo Ashram and historic churches, with plenty of time to take in the city's French-inspired architecture. The next day, you'll visit the international community of Auroville and the ancient Monuments at Mahabalipuram on your way back to Chennai.

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.

Visit one of Tamil Nadu’s most unique destinations during this tour of the UNESCO-listed city of Mamallapuram. Visit rock-cut Dravidian statues and temples dating back to the 7th century, with your choice of exploring sights like Krishna’s Butter Ball and Ganesh Ratha Temple on foot or by rickshaw. You can also opt for a private tour or shared excursion, depending on your tastes and budget.

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.

Day 1: Arrive in Chennai, explore Fort St. George, Marina Beach, St. Thomas Church, and Kapaleeswarar Temple. Day 2: Visit Kanchipuram's temples, then drive to Mahabalipuram. Day 3: Explore Mahabalipuram's UNESCO sites. Day 4: Travel to Pondicherry; visit Sri Aurobindo Ashram and French colonies. Day 5: Drive to Thanjavur, stopping at Gangaikonda Cholapuram and Darasuram Temples. Day 6: Explore Thanjavur, then drive to Trichy. Day 7: Visit Chettinad mansions. Day 8: Drive to Madurai, visit local highlights. Day 9: Travel to Thekkady; enjoy a boat ride and spice tour. Day 10: Experience Thekkady's wildlife. Day 11: Houseboat cruise in Alleppey. Day 12: Drive to Kochi; visit key attractions. Day 13: Explore Kochi and enjoy a Kathakali show. Day 14: Depart from Kochi.

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.

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.

Explore the highlights of the Golden Triangle with local guides to show you around on this private 4-day excursion in a private, 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, the Amber Fort, and many more while learning about the history of India.

Visit the Brihadeeswara Temple, the Grand Palace of Tanjore, the Airavateswar Temple in Darasuram, and the Chola monuments at Gangaikonda Cholapuram with this 2-day private tour. All accommodation is included, as are entry fees and hotel pickup and transportation from Chennai, so you'll only need to budget for lunch, dinner, souvenirs, and tips.

Embark on an enriching journey with our "Birds & Beyond: Chennai to Pulicat Bird Sanctuary Day Tour." Departing from Chennai, this immersive experience invites you to explore the vibrant ecosystem of Pulicat Bird Sanctuary. Choose between two departure options, either an early morning at 5:00 AM or a serene afternoon at 1:00 PM, ensuring an optimal bird-watching escapade. Engage in a captivating 3-hour guided bird-watching tour and nature walk, where you'll traverse through marshes, mudflats, and mangroves, encountering a diverse array of bird species. Following this, embark on a picturesque 1-hour boat safari on Pulicat Lake, offering opportunities to spot more birdlife and witness local traditions. Concluding the day, immerse yourself in the rich history of the region with a visit to the historic Dutch Cemetery and Museum, before heading back to Chennai.

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.

Start your day in Chennai at the Sri Ramakrishna Math on RK Mutt Road, where you can enjoy a peaceful atmosphere for about 45 minutes. Next, visit the Kapaleeshwarar Temple to admire its stunning Dravidian architecture and vibrant gopuram, spending about an hour there. After that, take a leisurely 45-minute stroll along Marina Beach, savoring local snacks and the sea breeze.Then, head to the Shirdi Sai Baba Temple for another 45 minutes, immersing yourself in its spiritual ambiance. Follow this with a visit to Fort St. George, where you can explore the colonial museum for an hour. Afterward, make your way to Vivekananda House, dedicating 45 minutes to learn about the life and teachings of Swami Vivekananda.Conclude your day at the Santhome Cathedral Basilica, a beautiful neo-gothic church, spending 45 minutes appreciating its architecture and tranquility.Offering a rich blend of spirituality, culture, and history, making for a memorable day in Chennai.

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.

Spend a day exploring the UNESCO-listed temples and sandy beaches of Mahabalipuram with this private full-day tour from Chennai. You'll have plenty of free time to check out the famous ancient temple sites found right by the shore, with time remaining to shop for souvenirs, grab lunch, or stick your toes in the sand before returning to Chennai.

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.

See Chennai’s major sights over the course of a few hours in this private tour. Enjoy a mix of local culture, history, and nature with visits to Marina Beach, Fort St. George, and multiple temples, including the Kapaleeshwarar Temple. You’ll also dine at a local restaurant for a traditional meal and can get recommendations from your guide.

Visit the highlights of both Pondicherry and Auroville on this easy private day trip from Chennai. Avoid the hassle of catching slow, uncomfortable buses in the hot South Indian climate. Travel in an air-conditioned vehicle and save your energy for the impressive places you’ll visit, including temples, churches, the seaside promenade at Pondicherry, and the ashram at the experimental city of Auroville.