Top Tamil Nadu Shore Excursions - page 2

Cruise passengers who arrive in India don’t have to miss out on seeing one of the country’s highlights–the Taj Mahal–as this 2-night private tour to Agra simplifies the journey. After being picked up from any of India's five ports you’ll catch a flight to New Delhi, and travel overland to Agra from there. Be amazed by the beautiful UNESCO-listed site at both sunrise and sunset, and visit other Agra highlights, including the Agra Fort.

Go shopping in Chennai without having to worry about haggling or language barriers by booking this small-group tour, led by a local guide. You'll visit a wholesale market full of fruits, flowers, and vegetables, another market with leather and antiques, a flea market, and a fish market, with time left over to check out handicrafts at a craft emporium.

South India is home to all sorts of fascinating wildlife, and with this day trip from Chennai, you can see some of the area's coolest creatures, safely. Highlights include visits to Guindy National Park, home to all sorts of snakes, reptiles, and even butterflies as well as stops at the Chennai Crocodile Park and the Arignar Anna Zoological Gardens, the first public zoo in India!

Learn about South Indian wedding traditions as you visit shops and bazaars catering to the wedding-shopping crowd with this private guided tour. You'll visit Pondy Bazaar to see decorations, explore the flower market at Panagal Park, and visit a variety of saree and gold stores, followed by a trip to busy Ranganathan Street, which has shops selling a little bit of everything.

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.

Gallic culture and history is alive and well in the old French colony of Pondicherry, a short day trip from Chennai. With this day tour, you'll not only get to walk through the historic old city, but you'll also get to visit Auroville, a gargantuan international community that has been bringing generations of people from around the world to live together in harmony since it was founded in the 1960s.

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.

Wildlife enthusiasts will love getting out of busy Chennai for the day and heading to the Vedanthangal Bird Sanctuary. Spot some of the many species that live in the watery habitat, including migratory birds and some rare species. If you’re visiting between November and March, see many nesting birds that have traveled from around the world. Bring a good pair of binoculars to get a close-up look at the birds.

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.

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.

Morning you will be picked up from your hotel in Chennai.Spend your day exploring Marina Beach,Chennai's cultural hub of Mylapore Kapaleeshwar Temple,St.George fort and the San Thome Basilica, followed by a traditional South Indian lunch in a local restaurant. Then visit Mahaballipuram is about an hour's drive from Chennai on the East Coast Road. It was the second capital and seaport of the Pallava Kings who ruled in the 5th century.you can see the famous Shore Temple, the only surviving temple out of the original seven (the rest have sunk under the sea). The Shore Temple is among the oldest temples of South India and represents the final flowering of Pallava art. Arjuna's Penance, one of the world's biggest bas-reliefs depicts the story of the descent of the River Ganges from Heaven to Earth.

When the Costa Victoria docks at Kochi, make the most of Kerala on a pre-arranged backwater cruise or Kochi shore excursion that frees you from planning anything yourself. Choose to cruise Kerala’s backwaters by houseboat followed by a panoramic Kochi tour. Or delve deeper into Kochi: seeing its Chinese fishing nets and other sights by foot and tuk-tuk. Round-trip transport matching your ship arrival and departure makes everything worry-free.

Enjoy a wonderful day trip from Chennai to explore the rich culture, heritage, and coastal beauty of Mahabalipuram. Visit art villages, learn about traditional crafts, explore ancient temples, and relax by the beach. This one-day tour is perfect for travelers who want to experience history, local traditions, and beautiful seaside views—all in a single day.

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.

Discover the rich heritage of Tamil Nadu with a day tour from Chennai to Kanchipuram's historic temples and silk weaving centers, followed by the ancient architectural marvels of Mahabalipuram.

Experience a day in Kanchipuram, the City of a Thousand Temples. Explore its historic temples, witness exquisite silk weaving, and immerse yourself in the spiritual, cultural essence of South India.

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.

This half-day tour through Chennai offers a carefully balanced introduction to the city’s spiritual depth, historical evolution, and vibrant coastal life—all within comfortable private vehicle and live tour guide. The tour begins in the culturally rich neighborhood of Mylapore at the revered Kapaleeshwarar Temple. Here, the striking Dravidian-style gopuram, adorned with colorful depictions of deities, sets the stage for an authentic encounter with Tamil Hindu traditions. Continue exploring the local markets of Chennai around Mylapore by enjoying a free tuk-tuk auto ride, and capture memorable photos during your visit A brief visit past Fort St. George introduces you to Chennai’s colonial beginnings, where the British East India Company established its first stronghold in India—marking a turning point in the region’s history. The tour concludes at the iconic Marina Beach, where the city opens up to the Bay of Bengal and witness the rhythm of one of the world’s longest urban beach.