Private Half-Day Tour in Chennai - India's Gateway to the South

Chennai, formerly called Madras, is a collection of urban villages and diverse neighborhoods and the capital of the Indian state Tamil Nadu. As the gateway to India’s South it is the fourth most populous city in India and considers itself the keeper of South Indian artistic, religious and culinary traditions.  This tour will allow you to see the most important points of interest within Chennai including galleries, museums, forts, temples and cathedrals.

You’ll be picked up from your Chennai hotel in the morning and taken on a sightseeing tour by private vehicle. Visit Fort St George, the oldest English fortress in India, founded in 1644. Learn how it now serves as the headquarters for the legislative assembly of the state of Tamil Nadu. Inside, tour St Mary's Church, Wellesley House and the Fort Museum, where you’ll see relics from British rule in India including weapons, coins, medals and uniforms. Then head to the Indo-Saracenic-style Government Museum (also called the Madras or Chennai Museum), which is the second-oldest museum in India  housing  the largest collection of Roman antiquities outside of Europe. The Government Museum and National Gallery is home to one of the finest collections of bronze sculptures in the country including some stunning Chola bronzes.

With your guide, browse an impressive collection of paintings and sculptures, both traditional and modern, and explore diverse exhibits featuring archaeological findings, coins, sculptures, palm-leaf manuscripts and Amravati paintings, as well as rare works from famous Indian artists like Raja Ravi Varma.

Drive to Kapaleeshwar Temple, built in the 7th century and dedicated to Lord Shiva. Learn about its Dravidian architecture, which is evident in its gopuram (ornate monumental tower). Before returning to your hotel, drive along Marina Beach for fantastic views of Chennai’s beautiful ocean front.