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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

Discover Chennai’s history and culture on a 5-hour guided tour with private transport, covering iconic temples, colonial landmarks, heritage attractions, and vibrant local sights in a good experience.

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.

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.

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.