Private Tour
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
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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.
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
Options
Half day private tour + snacks
Itinerary: Kapaaleswar temple, Ramakrishna Mutt, Santhome Basilica and Sai Baba temple
Duration: 4 hours
Snacks (no lunch)
Pickup included
Full day private tour + lunch
Duration: 7 hours
Lunch: South Indian meals
Car: Pick up from hotel in private car
Pickup included
Reviews
253 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
OK if not overwhelming
consue38,,Dec 26, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
3.00Some places were shut . We were not informed. Marina Beach should not be visited in the middle of the day. Tour guide Natarajan was excellent and well informed.
A Day in Chennai
Vonkie007,,Dec 23, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I enjoyed my day tour of Chennai with Jainath. A few of the places on the tour was closed on a Monday, the day of my tour. Jainath was friendly, insightful and managed to adjust the tour to my needs and include a few additional sites as two sites were closed. He insisted that I experience a South Indian tali the traditional way with just my hands eating from a banana leave. The food was really tasty and delicious.
Tours with small children and old woman
GrandTour56577975587,,Dec 13, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We participated in the tour with a small child and an elderly woman. The guide was incredibly kind and attentive throughout the tour. We're so glad we chose this tour. The driver was also very professional and accommodating. We highly recommend this tour.
Excellent tour of Chennai, would recommend.
trailtrodder78,,Dec 10, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Very interesting and informative tour of some of the major religious institutions in Chennai. Mr Kannan was friendly, courteous and prompt. He explained facets of the Jain and Hindu faiths in a very accessible manner, providing me with a much greater insight into these fascinating religions. The included lunch was a great introduction to the food of the area as well. The driver was skilled and I felt very safe and comfortable.
What an amazing tour with Kannan!
Roving43391551630,,Dec 7, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Most guides can recite history, but he goes further—he explains the why behind everything and makes sure you truly experience it. He customized the day , from timing to food preferences (including a fantastic lunch), and even took our jet lag into account. A genuinely exceptional guide.
great day in Chennai despite the rain
Clif K,,Dec 1, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00A wonderful day exploring Chennai, despite heavy rain. Friendly & knowledgeable guide, skillful driver, comfortable vehicle. We visited & learned about temples, churches, forts, beaches, and other sites. Highly recommended!
wonderful day in Chennai, despite the rain.
clifk2019,,Dec 1, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Heavy rain was forecast but I booked this tour anyway, and it exceeded all expectations. Friendly & knowledgeable guide, skillful driver, comfortable vehicle, interesting and informative visits to temples, churches, forts, beaches, & shops, and tasty stops for lunch and chai. I also liked the flexibility - my shoes got soaked, so we stopped to purchase waterproof sandals, and at my request we also stopped at bookstores and music shops. When I return with family & friends, I will do this again!
Scenic tour of Chennai covering cultural sites
477sebastianf,,Nov 28, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Jainath was a great host and I would recommend the tour to anyone who is looking to see Chennai. He was very responsive to our requests and very knowledgeable.
Chennai City Tour
sarahk399,,Nov 27, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I had an absolutely wonderful time on my city tour of Chennai. The tour was incredibly well-organized, covering a perfect blend of history, culture, and local life. My guide was exceptional—warm, knowledgeable, and genuinely passionate about the city. They shared fascinating stories behind each landmark, answered every question with enthusiasm, and made the experience feel personal and engaging. From the vibrant temples to the lively markets and scenic Marina Beach, every stop felt thoughtfully chosen. I left with a much deeper appreciation for Chennai and its rich heritage. I highly recommend this tour to anyone visiting the city!
Exceptional Chennai Highlights with Kannan — Encyclopedic Knowledge & Warm Hospitality
dimz96,,Nov 22, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had limited time in Chennai and Kannan turned it into an unforgettable highlight reel. From the moment we met, he was punctual, welcoming, and incredibly organized—shaping a smart route that let us see several major religious sites without ever feeling rushed. At each stop, Kannan brought the places to life with context on history, architecture, rituals, and local customs. His explanations were clear, engaging, and perfectly pitched for first-time visitors—his knowledge is truly second to none. What stood out most was Kannan’s warmth and respect. He guided us on etiquette inside sacred spaces, answered every question with patience, and sprinkled in thoughtful touches—quick breaks and great photo angles. Even with our short window, we finished the tour feeling we’d genuinely connected with Chennai’s spirit. Kannan has convinced us to come back and do a full, in-depth tour with him next time. If you want a guide who is deeply informed, friendly, and effortlessly professional, book Kannan.
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