Vivekananda House

We will leave Chennai and reach the town of Kanchipuram. Kanchipuram was the capital of the medieval South Indian Kingdom of Pallavas. The Pallavas were instrumental in the transition from rock-cut architecture to stone temples. We visit Ekambareswarar and Kailasanathar temple of Pallava dynasty to appreciate these architectural wonders built in 600 AD. Kanchipuram is also renowned for its magnificent Silk Sarees. We will visit a Weaver and it will be a memorable experience learning about saree making. Silk Sarees are a cultural icon in South India. Ranging in length from 6-9 yards, these Sarees are worn by women during auspicious occasions like a wedding or a birthday. There are more than 5000 families who are into the business of silk weaving. The Sarees are weaved from pure mulberry silk thread. The local community of Kanchipuram is dependent on the temple economy for their livelihood. Many of them run small shops or have set up stalls to sell prayer related goods. SIlk weaving is another means of livehihood. Most of them are using handlooms. Our company is helping this community by training & employing local guides and by procuring their wares to strengthen their livelihood.

Join this private day trip to explore Chennai. Explore a mix of historical Chennai and a calming side to the city as you see across Marina Beach. Marvel at Vivekananda House, Chennai Lighthouse, Parthasarathy Temple, and other iconic sites. Start your day with a convenient pickup from your accommodation. Jump in the car, relax, and enjoy the ride as you head to Marina Beach. Feel relaxed and calm as you see the spectacular beach up close and personal. Walk along one of the world's longest urban beaches, which is 13 kilometers long and stretches across Bay of Bengal waters. After a walk along the beach, you will head to see the Chennai Lighthouse, where you can go in and see a bird's eye view of the whole city. Next, you will head to see the Parthasarathy Temple, where your guide will tell you all about the local religious traditions.

Start the tour at 4 PM at Marina Light House where your tour will commence. Meet your guide and follow them as you set off along the beach. First, climb up the lighthouse for a great view of the beach and the city, before heading back down to explore the Maritime Museum. Continue your walk and soak up the festive atmosphere as you listen to your guide tell the story of Chennai through its statues. The statues tell a great story about the evolution of the city from a small fishing village to a thriving metropolis. Next, head to the famous Vivekananda House and learn about Swamy Vivekananda and his landmark speech about Indian Philosophy. Hear more about how he was the first religious leader in India to understand the need to provide food and other bare necessities of life to the hungry millions.  Make your last stop at the ancient Parthsarathy Temple. Take a guided walk inside the temple and its surroundings as you get to know the rituals. Admire incarnations of Vishnu and shrines which were built during the rule of Cholas and Vijayanagara Kings. Be spellbound by the intricately carved pillars of the temple. Finally, end the tour at 7 PM outside the temple. The tour is organised by Five Senses Tours Private Limited which is recognised by the ministry of tourism. The company supports local communities by way of providing livelihood, training and employment of local guides and procurement of local products.

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.