Things to do in Tamil Nadu

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.

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 (Closed on Friday) , 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. Note: Fort St. George is closed on Friday

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

Duration: Full Day Pick-up Locations: Hotel / Chennai Airport Itinerary Overview: **Meet and Greet** - Our friendly and knowledgeable Driver will meet you at your hotel or Chennai Airport. After a warm welcome, you'll be comfortably seated in our air-conditioned vehicle for your journey. **Departure to Mahabalipuram** - Embark on a scenic drive to Mahabalipuram, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its stunning rock-cut temples and sculptures. The journey will take approximately 1.5 hours. **Explore Mahabalipuram** - Visit the iconic Shore Temple, a masterpiece of Dravidian architecture ad the Mahabalipuram beach nearby. - Explore the Five Rathas, monolithic rock-cut temples each carved from a single stone. - Marvel at Arjuna’s Penance, a massive open-air rock relief depicting scenes from the Mahabharata. **Departure to Pondicherry** - Continue your journey to Pondicherry, the charming coastal town with French colonial architecture. The drive will take approximately 2 hours. And arrive at Auroville. **Auroville** - Auroville, near Pondicherry, is an experimental township founded in 1968 to promote human unity. Inspired by Sri Aurobindo and the Mother, it welcomes people from all cultures to live harmoniously. Known for its sustainability and spirituality, Auroville's centerpiece is the Matrimandir, a meditation sanctuary symbolizing peace and collective aspiration. **Explore Pondicherry** - Visit the serene Sri Aurobindo Ashram, a spiritual community with a tranquil ambiance. - Explore the Manakula Vinayagar Temple, a historic Hindu shrine known for its intricate architecture and spiritual significance. - Discover the beautiful churches of Pondicherry, including the Immaculate Conception Cathedral and the Sacred Heart Basilica, showcasing stunning Gothic and colonial designs. - Take a leisurely walk along Promenade Beach, enjoying the scenic views of the Bay of Bengal. - Discover the beautiful churches of Pondicherry, including the Immaculate Conception Cathedral and the Sacred Heart Basilica, showcasing stunning Gothic and colonial designs. - Take a leisurely walk along Promenade Beach, enjoying the scenic views of the Bay of Bengal. **Departure to Chennai** - After a delightful day of exploration, we will head back to Chennai. The journey will take approximately 3 hours. **Drop-off at Designated Location** - Arrive at your designated location in Chennai. Our representative will ensure you have a smooth drop-off, concluding a memorable day excursion.

Cycling through the forest is an immersive experience that stimulates all of the senses. As you ride, sunlight filters through the dense canopy, providing a dappled glow on the trail, and the earthy perfume of pine and moss provides a soothing soundtrack. The melodic birdsong fills the air, heightening the peaceful environment. Each pedal stroke reveals a new wonder: secret streams, moss-covered boulders, and serene clearings. The ever-changing scenery, ranging from towering forests to broad, quiet panoramas, provides both adventure and relaxation. This harmonic combination lets you to connect profoundly with the natural world, feeling its beauty and calm on a profound level.

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.

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.

Duration: Full Day Pick-up Locations: Hotel / Chennai Airport Itinerary Overview: 07:00 AM - Meet and Greet Our friendly and knowledgeable driver will meet you at your hotel or Chennai Airport. After a warm welcome, you'll be comfortably seated in our air-conditioned vehicle for your journey. 07:15 AM - Departure to Pondicherry Embark on a scenic drive to Pondicherry, the charming coastal town known for its French colonial architecture and vibrant culture. The journey will take approximately 3 hours. 10:30 AM - Auroville Head to Auroville, an experimental township founded on the principles of human unity. Visit the Matrimandir, a unique meditation center with its distinctive golden globe structure (subject to prior permission). 01:00 PM - Lunch Break at Pondicherry - (lunch at your own expense). After Lunch exploration: **Meet Our Guide After Lunch in Pondicherry** Begin your exploration with a visit to the serene Sri Aurobindo Ashram, a spiritual community offering a peaceful retreat. Visit the historic Arulmigu Manakula Vinayagar Temple, dedicated to Lord Ganesha, known for its beautiful carvings and vibrant atmosphere. Stroll through the French Quarter, admiring the colorful colonial buildings, quaint cafes, and tree-lined streets. Take a leisurely walk along Promenade Beach, enjoying the scenic views of the Bay of Bengal and the refreshing sea breeze. Explore the Pondicherry Museum, home to a collection of artifacts that showcase the rich cultural heritage of the region, including sculptures, archaeological findings, and colonial-era furniture. Discover the diverse flora at the Pondicherry Botanical Garden, a serene spot with a variety of exotic plants, trees, and a musical fountain. Visit the Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, an impressive church known for its Gothic architecture and vibrant stained glass windows. Explore the Immaculate Conception Cathedral, a historic church with beautiful architecture and a serene ambiance. Admire the Our Lady of Angels Church, a charming church known for its unique blend of French and Indian architectural styles. Enjoy a visit to the Pondicherry Lighthouse, a historic lighthouse offering panoramic views of the town and the sea. After a delightful day of exploration, we will head back to Chennai. The journey will take approximately 3 and half hours. Arrive at your designated location in Chennai. Our representative will ensure you have a smooth drop-off, concluding a memorable day excursion.

Join us on a captivating 2-hour guided tour, exploring the magical markets of Chennai with a local expert. Discover the city's rich cultural heritage, vibrant colors, and enticing aromas, as you wander through the bustling streets and alleys of Chennai's iconic markets. Chennai's heart lies not in its monuments but in its bazaars, explore the lively markets of Chennai. Experience famous street markets of Chennai, its bustling streets exhibiting endless variety of items, flowers, fruits, vegetables, spices, cloth, textiles, jewelry and even necessities. - Explore the famous Georgetown Market, one of Chennai's oldest and most vibrant markets - Visit the bustling Flower Market, where you can marvel at the stunning array of fresh flowers and garlands - Discover the aromatic Spice Market, filled with the enticing scents of India's famous spices and herbs - Wander through the colorful streets of the Textile Market, where you can find a stunning array of traditional Indian fabrics and clothing

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.