Private Tour
Exploring Georgetown: A Heritage Walking Tour of Chennai
Overview
Available languages
2 hours 30 minutes
Mobile ticket
On this tour, we explore the busy neighbourhood of Georgetown. This area consists of well-established specialised bazaars, with small winding streets, warehouses, covered wholesale markets, street stalls and retail shops.
Originally called ‘Black Town’, the area came up in the late 1600s after the founding of Fort St. George. Local people settled here to trade and do business with the fort. A portion of Black Town was flattened in the 1700’s, to provide an open area outside Fort St George. The residents of Blacktown re-settled just beyond the open area, in what was called New Black Town.
In the mid 1800’s, the open area (old Black Town) was used to construct the grand building of Madras High Court. In 1910, when King George visited India, Blacktown was renamed Georgetown. Today Georgetown continues to be a busy market area, selling everything under the sun: bangles, fabrics, fruits, vegetables, spices, stationery, jewellery, etc.
Additional Info
Public transportation options are available nearby
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What‘s Included
Bottled water
Snacks
All Fees and Taxes
Guide
Gratuities
What To Expect
From being the Black Town to becoming a bustling wholesale market, George Town in Chennai has seen it all. A market place where practically anything that can be legally sold can be bought for the right price. The walking tour takes you into the heart of the vegetable and flower market, with fascinating stories that provide a context to the colourful sights. A visit to the heart of George Town is an experience you will not forget. Crowded markets, narrow lanes, fascinating history, and mesmerizing images are welcoming you to experience the colorful and rich culture.
Madras High Court
The High Court of Chennai, originally established in 1862 by a decree from Queen Victoria, stands as one of the city’s most iconic buildings. Known for its grandeur and Indo-Saracenic architecture, the High Court has been at the heart of Tamil Nadu’s legal system for over a century. However, its story is not confined to its role in law and justice. One of the most dramatic chapters in its history occurred during World War I, when, in 1914, the building was targeted by German submarines in an attempt to disrupt British control over its colonial territories.
Options
private walk with pickup
sedan
private walk
no pickup
Group walk
No Pickup
Reviews
16 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
NOTHING....the meeting...
Saras G,
Dec 30, 2024
- Viator
1.00NOTHING....the meeting point as stated in the booking confirmation was changed...even a policeman did not know where the location was. The guide took me down 1 part of the market and then told me the rest would not be open...he then took me on a walk through parts of George town...parts of it was scary...at 1 point we went down stairs and under an isolated dingy and flooded bridge. As for the water and snacks that was part of the package...I recieved nothing...what a rip off
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