Chennai tour in car with guide-winner of traveller's choice award
Overview
Available languages
7 hours
Mobile ticket
Chennai city tour is an unforgettable cultural immersion in the company of an English speaking guide. It is a proud winner of the Traveller's Choice award for 2025, by TripAdvisor out of 8 million listings. The organising company is approved by the Ministry of Tourism.
An audio guide is available on request in French, Spanish, German, Japanese, Korean, Mandarin & other languages.
Visit the ancient town of Mylapore which used to trade pepper and fine cloth with Rome for gold. Experience mesmerizing rituals in the 7th century temples of Kapaleeswar. Learn the science behind the rituals and role of temple in modern Indian society.
We visit San Thome Basilica to see the relics of St Thomas, who came here 2000 years ago.
Ramakrishna Math, a monastic organisation, and Fort Saint George provide a vivid history of how the East India Company came as traders and became the rulers of India.
Saibaba temple, Vivenakanada House and Marina beach add up to the unforgettable experience.
Additional Info
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Dress code is conservative, covering knees and shoulders
What To Expect
Kapaleeshwarar Temple
We head towards Mylapore an ancient residential neighborhood of Chennai whose history goes back to Roman times when it used to trade pepper and fine cloth with Rome for Gold! We visit the magnificent Kapaleeshwar temple. Built in the 7th century this temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. Built in Dravidian style architecture it has a towering “Gopuram”. Guests can expect a mesmerizing experience of rituals and serenity inside the temple. Our cultural evangelist will demystify the happenings in the temple!
Sri Ramakrishna Math
We visit a unique monastic organization called Ramakrishna Math, dedicated to Sri Ramakrishna the 19th century saint. Guests will get to see the universal temple, the shrine, a beautiful Mantapam, a multimedia museum and an enchanting library.
Options
Half day private tour
Itinerary: Kapaaleswar temple, Ramakrishna Mutt, Santhome Basilica and choice between Marina Beach or Vivekananda House Duration: 4 hours Coffee Pickup included
Full day private tour + lunch
Duration: 7 hours Lunch: South Indian meals Car: Pick up from hotel in private car Pickup included
What‘s Included
Multi language audio support with new ear phones
Lunch
Private car with hotel pick up and drop
Full time english speaking Guide
Beverages
Pickup points
Select a pickup point
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
283 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
If you have the time for tour in the great city of Chennai this is the one for you.
damonsW6409XZ,May 26, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00If you have the time for tour in the great city of Chennai this is the one for you. The tour was incredibly well-organized, covering the history of Chennai and how it came to be. The tour highlights cultural significance of their monuments and good viewpoint of local life. My guide Kannan was the definition of brilliance as he passion for the city was almost profound as his knowledge about the city. He shared fascinating stories behind each landmark,whilst making the experience feel personal and engaging. I truly believe that from various temples, significant landmarks and scenic Marina Beach, every stop provided uniqueness and wasn't handed the same way. I now leave Chennai with deep appreciation and highly recommend this tour to anyone who wants to get a taste of this city.t on the full tour with Guide
An insight into history and culture
Jenny A,Mar 31, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00This was an informative and interesting tour that covered the highlights of Chennai. Our guide Jainath was very knowledgeable and happy to share his insights with us. There is a lot of ground covered and it’s a great starting point to explore the so many historical and cultural sights. Well worth doing.
A truly engaging and well-organised Chennai experience
Vacation46772080941,Mar 23, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had a fantastic experience on the private Chennai city tour for an immersive cultural experience with Five Senses Tours, and I would highly recommend it. Kannan, our guide, was exceptional. He is knowledgeable, engaging, and very attentive throughout the day. What makes him stand out is his ability to explain not only the history but also the everyday cultural context of Chennai in a very clear and interesting way. He is also extremely well organised and ensures that everything runs smoothly while keeping the experience relaxed. The tour itself is very well designed and truly immersive. You cover key highlights of the city such as temples, colonial landmarks, and cultural sites, while also getting a real sense of local life. It feels much more than a standard city tour. The private car setup adds a lot of comfort and flexibility, allowing you to go at your own pace and focus on what interests you most. Everything is handled seamlessly from pick up to drop off. Overall, this is an excellent way to discover Chennai in a meaningful and well organised way. A big thank you to Kannan and the Five Senses team for delivering such a high-quality experience.
Breezing through Chennai's landmarks
Inesamaral,Mar 21, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I don't usually do guided tours but Ganesh was a lovely guide! It was a very comfortable way of seeing the top sites of the city with some glimpses of what everyday life looks like in Chennai. There are a lot of different cultural elements to the tour, from religion, to fisherman's neighbourhoods and some good local food and snacks. Definitely glad I had the chance of squeezing all of this in my 24 hours in Chennai.
See the top sights of Chennai through the cultural lens of an enthusiastic local.
Joanna G,Mar 20, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Really friendly and interesting time spent with Hareesh . He brought all the sights to life with stories and cultural insights and a natural enthusiasm. He was responsive in including our interests during the day. Would highly recommend this tour.
A great introduction to the city of Chennai, with excellent service.
s k,Mar 16, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00We were picked up from our hotel at the appointed time. Our guide , Kannnan , gave us a thorough introduction to the city of Chennai. It was a wonderful private tour covering the major temples , churches and museums and other sites. Kannan was a great guide- he took care in explaining the history of the temples and ensured we were comfortable at all times. We never felt hurried. We even had time for a leisurely lunch. Would definitely recommend!
A cultural feast for your 5 senses
Jane C,Mar 4, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Our day tour with Kannan and Ardil was excellent. The temples were beautiful and Kannan ensured we felt welcome and also taught us how to respectfully enjoy this cultural experience. Lunch was a culinary journey and we very much enjoyed Kannan’s company throughout. Ardil is a five star driver. I highly recommend 5 senses.
Chennai tour
Passport03049112646,Mar 3, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We visited in Chennai City Tour: Kapaaleswar Temple, Ramakrishna Mutt, Jain Temple, San Thome Basilica, Fort St, George (Museum & St.Mary's Church) Vivekananda House Fish Market & Marina Beach It was another interesting day. The tour guide Mr. Jainath told us many different facts about culture, religion and everyday life.
Great day with friendly knowledgeable guide!
CurtisCATL,Mar 3, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Wife and I were in Chennai for mostly work so not much time, but I had a free day so wanted to learn more about Chennai. This was my second tour with 5 Senses and it was fantastic. Just the right length of day and great to see so many amazing sites., My guide was Jainath and he was very friendly and super knowledgeable. My driver Dheasen(sp?) navigated the crazy streets of Chennai with skill and I felt safe the whole time. Tons of information of the sites and the city without being overwhelming. Felt safe and well taken care of all day. So nice to navigate sites with a guide... there are certainly amazing things I would have missed if I had tried to do this on my own!. Book with confidence and enjoy the day!
CHENNAI tour with Ganesh is the best.
Jet03837897238,Feb 28, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00It was a great tour. Our guide Ganesh was really good, he know a lot and took really good care of us.
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