Things to do in

Tamil Nadu

Discover Chennai, the vibrant epicenter of Tamil Nadu's rich political and cultural heritage. Chennai is acclaimed as the "Gateway to South India" due to its status as the oldest modern city in India. Experience the essence of Chennai's history and spirituality on a private trip. Get ready to be enchanted by Chennai's historical charm. The holy Kapaleeshwar Temple is your first stop. It is right in the middle of the Mylapore district. This architectural masterpiece has a 37-meter gopuram at its entrance. As you enter the revered Agraharam, continue your journey through the complex tapestry of Hindu history. Explore the timeless appeal of old Hindu traditions and buildings, taking in the peaceful atmosphere and cultural wealth that these places give off. One of the best things about this stop is the chance to enjoy real, delicious filter coffee that was made with great care by Brahmins. Next, experience the vibrant atmosphere of one of Chennai's renowned fish markets, the Pattinapakkam Fish Market. This market is bustling with diverse varieties of fresh fish and stalls that fry fish on-site. Afterward, head to Fort St. George and the Government Museum. Explore the historic British-built Fort St. George, housing the Tamil Nadu legislative assembly and a museum showcasing artifacts depicting Chennai's history and colonial era. Take a scenic drive along Marina Beach next, India's longest urban shore. Take in the scenery as you watch the colorful fabric of local life play out against the blue waters. Choose to take a horseback ride along the shore while you are here (cost not included). Continue to the Santhome Cathedral Basilica, a monumental cathedral built over the tomb of one of Jesus' apostles, showcasing the ancient roots of Christianity in India. Before the end of the tour, visit St. George's Cathedral, renowned for its architecture and tranquil ambiance. Known for its beaches, temples, textiles, historical monuments, Carnatic music, and classical dances, Chennai is an ancient city steeped in culture, trade, and impressive architecture. It embodies a unique blend of colonial influences from the British and French eras.

Welcome to a journey that invites you to explore Chennai from a unique perspective. Our Guided Walking Tour is a gateway to the heart and soul of this vibrant city, where history, culture, and local life come to life through every step you take. Our experienced guides will lead you through the labyrinth of bustling streets, hidden alleys, and enchanting courtyards, revealing the hidden stories, traditions, and secrets of Chennai. You'll uncover the rich tapestry of the city's history as you visit historic sites, architectural marvels, and iconic landmarks that have witnessed the passage of time. But this tour is not just about the past; it's a chance to connect with the living culture of Chennai. You'll have the opportunity to engage with locals, witness daily life, and immerse yourself in the city's vibrant atmosphere. Whether it's chatting with street vendors, sampling local delicacies, or simply observing the rhythms of the bustling markets, you'll become a part of Chennai's fabric. Our Guided Walking Tour is designed to offer a perfect balance of history, culture, and local experiences. Whether you're a history enthusiast, a culture lover, or a curious traveler, this tour provides an enriching and immersive exploration of Chennai.

Your experience will begin as you are collected from your accommodation at 7:30AM, at which point you will make your way to Mahabalipuram. Once having arrived, Panch Rathas is your first destination. These are rock-cut monolith structures which are dedicated to the lead cast of the Mahabharata epic. They are dedicated to Draupadi, Arjuna, Nakul-Sahadeva, Bhima and Yudhister. There is also a sculpture of an elephant next to the ratha of Nakul-Sahadeva. Next in the itinerary is Arjuna’s Penance, a 100-foot by 45-foot open-air rock relief where an entire masterpiece from the Mahabharata epic has been carved. The River Ganga is at the center of the panel, and is surrounded by divine beings, hunters, animals, birds, and trees belonging to the Himalayan ranges. The next stop is to Krishna’s Butterball, a 5-meter ball-shaped boulder which is perched precariously on a slope and seems to defy Newton’s laws of gravity. Next up, the magnificent Shore Temple beckons you. This 8th-century structural temple is made of granite, and served as a beacon for seafarers of the time. Legend says that this was a part of a complex of 7 temples dotted along the sea, and the legendary traveler Marco Polo also mentioned Mahabalipuram in his memoirs, referring to it as the "City of 7 Pagodas". Following this final stop, you will travel back to Chennai where you will be dropped off back to your hotel by 3:30PM.

Explore beautiful town of Auroville, famous Indian city built with the hands of the 60s flower power era, visit diverse & spiritual benchmarks including the Savitri Bhavan & Art & Culture centers. Matrimandir - an edifice of spiritual significance for practitioners of Integral yoga.Walk on the open fields of the Matrimandir Viewpoint and marvel at the stunning monumental structure. Savitri Bhavan- a centre dedicated to fostering a living sense of Human Unity through spiritual education Learn about the spiritual significance of the Matrimandir for yoga practitioners and enthusiasts. Other sourroundings, cafes and markets within Auroville Experience a variety of activities that foster mindfulness and creativity on your visit to the Arts & Culture Centers. End the tour on a peaceful stroll on the street lined with trendy markets and cafés.

Explore the vibrant and diverse flavors of Chennai with a guided food tour that invites you to embark on a mouthwatering journey through the heart of Tamil Nadu's capital. Your experienced guide will lead you to culinary hotspots beloved among locals but often hidden from tourists. It's here that you'll get to sample an array of delectable local delicacies, including idiyappam, dhokla, and a tempting variety of sweets and snacks that tell the story of Chennai's rich gastronomic heritage. As you stroll through the bustling streets, you'll witness the lively and colorful markets, hear the sizzle of street vendors at work, and immerse yourself in the aromatic blend of spices wafting through the air. This food adventure not only provides a feast for your taste buds but also offers a unique opportunity to connect with the city's vibrant food culture and the warm-hearted people behind these culinary treasures. Join us for an unforgettable culinary voyage as we uncover the true essence of Chennai, one delicious bite at a time. Get ready to savor the city's soul through its delectable offerings.

Chennai to Kanchipuram and Mahabalipuram - Depart from Chennai early in the morning to maximize your day. - Enjoy a scenic drive of 75 kilometers to Kanchipuram. Kanchipuram Exploration: - Visit the majestic Kailasanathar Temple, renowned for its exquisite Dravidian architecture and intricate carvings dedicated to Lord Shiva. - Explore the Ekambareswarar Temple, one of the Pancha Bhoota Stalas representing the Earth element, known for its spiritual significance and architectural grandeur. - Discover the Varadharaja Perumal Temple, a magnificent shrine dedicated to Lord Vishnu, admired for its intricate sculptures and towering gopuram. Afternoon: - Embark on a leisurely 65-kilometer journey from Kanchipuram to Mahabalipuram. Mahabalipuram Sightseeing: - Explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Mahabalipuram, starting with the iconic Shore Temple. Marvel at the Pallava architecture and panoramic views of the Bay of Bengal. - Discover the intricately carved rock-cut temples and colossal statues at the Five Rathas complex, showcasing the architectural brilliance of the Pallava dynasty. - Admire the mesmerizing bas-relief artwork depicting scenes from the Mahabharata at Arjuna's Penance, a masterpiece of ancient Indian art. Evening: - Bid farewell to Mahabalipuram and embark on a delightful journey back to Chennai, cherishing the sweet memories of your day trip. End of Our Services

This walk is very different because when we go on any tour, we are exploring and experiencing places and things that are outside, but on this tour we will be taking a journey inwards and you will explore the very life within, it could be a life changing experience if you decide to take it in the right perspective. Connect the dots of spirituality, religion and science to make sense and go beyond the framework of logic, an experience designed to elevate your spiritual journey. Marundeeswarar Temple - temple dedicated to Hindu deity Shiva in form of Aushadeeswarar, the God of Medicines. Temple has dravidian architecture and has been a place of curative worship for people with diseases.

If you are running short on time or just come down to explore tourist destinations in and around city, half day city tour is the best option. We have picked up all the spilled pieces together and created a beautiful garland of it in our Trails of Pondicherry tour, an unmatched heritage experience with awesome stories to understand a city's existence, culture and lifestyle. Visit the Kapaleeswarar Temple dedicated to lord Shiva - most ancient temple built around the 7th century CE in Dravidian architecture, who's original temple structure have been destroyed by the Portuguese in the 16th century AD. Visit the Parthasarathy Temple dedicated to the Lord Vishnu, built by the Pallavas in the 8th century have idol in five forms. Visit the marine driver and Chennai Marina Lighthouse and white sandy Marina beach beach- the second largest in the world. Visit the Vivekananda House and Museum known as the Ice House a memorial for Swami Vivekanada Visit the Perarignar Anna Memorial, Dr MGR Memorial and Museum, oldest university with beautiful architecture. Annai Vailankanni Shrine - Gothic-style Catholic pilgrimage destination with a small museum and Elliot Beach. Visit the beautiful Trails of Chennai on this tour with our guide.

Enjoy a full-day guided tour of Mahabalipuram and Kanchipuram. Starting in Chennai, you'll be transported to Mahabalipuram, famous for its splendid 7th and 8th-century art and architecture, especially its stone carvings. You will start your tour by visiting the magnificent 7th-century Shore Temple which is surrounded by lush gardens. In addition, you’ll also visit the 7th-century Five Rathas shrine, also known as Pancha Rathas. After visiting Mahabalipuram you'll stop to enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before driving to Kanchipuram. Kanchipuram is known as the "golden city of a thousand temples" and is also one of the 7 sacred cities of India. The city has some grand and majestic buildings that reflect the architectural experiments undertaken by different dynasties ruling the city over the centuries. Visit historic spots like the Kailasanatha Temple, Vaikunda Perumal Temple, Kamaskhi Amman Temple and Ekambareswara Temple. All of these are excellent specimens of the architectural splendor of the medieval period.   

The city has been described as the 'lotus shaped' city in one of the Tamil literatures. Since immemorial times, Madurai has been a well planned city in terms of construction of roads and buildings. Meenakshi Amman temple is the centre point for the formation of all the roads. The Meenakshi Amman temple is one of the largest in India. Something is always happening here – ceremonies, musicians playing, weddings, prostrating pilgrims, festivals – making it a compelling place to spend time and enjoy temple life. The temple is the geographic and ritual centre of the ancient city of Madurai and divided into a number of concentric quadrangular enclosures contained by high masonry walls. It is one of the few temples in Tamil Nadu to have four entrances facing four directions. This temple has four towers each intricately decorated with thousands of colored figures.There are eight more towers and a hall with a thousand decorated pillars. What to remember : A dress code is required to enter places of worship No shorts or sleeveless tops allowed. Knees and shoulders MUST be covered for both men and women. Guests may not be allowed to enter if you fail to comply with these dress requirement. All kind of electronic items are not permitted to carry into the temple.