Our most recommended things to do in Chennai

Chennai: India eSIM Roaming Mobile Data Plan

1. Chennai: India eSIM Roaming Mobile Data Plan

Say goodbye to the hassle of physical SIMs and finding mobile network operator stores with our e-SIM service. After purchase, you'll receive a QR code that you can scan on your compatible device to install the e-SIM wherever and whenever you need it. Choose from a range of data volumes, validity periods, and coverage options in different countries to stay connected with ease. Most iPhone models beyond XS support e-SIM, and follow our instructions in the photo session to check compatibility for other devices. Share the QR code via AirDrop or scan it to another device. Install the e-SIM by connecting to WiFi or a network, and remember to turn on roaming for the e-SIM. If you have trouble connecting to the network, consult our self-troubleshooting guide. If you have a connected trip in Asia, just simply select the 22 Asian countries option, which covers: Vietnam, Hong Kong, Macao, Cambodia, China, Taiwan, Malaysia, Australia, Indonesia, Philippines, Thailand, Singapore, New Zealand, India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Israel, Japan, South Korea If your data is used-up? Simple, just buy another e-SIM to top-up. APN (Access Point Name): iboots Local Network:Bharti/Vodafone

Chennai: Mahabalipuram Tour with Lunch

2. Chennai: Mahabalipuram Tour with Lunch

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.

Chennai, Kapaleeshwarar Temple & Marina Beach Private Tour

3. Chennai, Kapaleeshwarar Temple & Marina Beach Private Tour

Start your tour of Chennai with a visit to the St. George Fort, located on the banks of the Bay of Bengal. The fort is believed to be the first establishment of the British in India. Fort St. George was named after St. George, the patron saint of England, and is deemed to be one of the most prominent tourist spots in Chennai. The Fort Museum is a large repository of arms and armaments. It also exhibits a wide range of artifacts dating back to the British period. These artifacts comprise of uniforms, manuscripts, paintings, letters, coins and much more. Afterwards, it's on to the Kapaleeshwarar, which was built around the 7th-century and is a good example of Dravidian architecture Then a visit to the Government Museum of Chennai, one of the best museums in India and a prime tourist attraction. The museum is a treasure trove of artifacts and other historical objects from the Chola, Hoysala, Vijayanagar and Chalukya dynasties. You'll then end the day with a visit to Marina Beach to relax and unwind. Marina Beach is the second longest beach in the world from where you can watch the sunset.

Mahabalipuram and Kanchipuram Private Caves & Temples Tour

4. Mahabalipuram and Kanchipuram Private Caves & Temples Tour

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.   

Chennai: Mylapore Heritage Walking Tour

5. Chennai: Mylapore Heritage Walking Tour

We will meet you at entrance of Ramaksirhna Mutt. During this walk we will trace Mylapore’s history back to Roman times when it used to trade pepper and fine cloth with Rome for Gold! It was occupied by the Portuguese in the 16th century and later fell into the hands of the British till India’s independence in 1947. We start the walk at 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. Our next destination is 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. We walk to the famous San Thome Basilica, the principal church of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Madras and Mylapore. Built in neo gothic style it was built by the Portuguese explorers in the 16th century. The last leg of this Chennai walk takes us to the Light House of Chennai. The view from the top is magnificent and makes for a perfect ending to this walking tour of Chennai.

Full Day Chennai Sightseeing Tour

6. Full Day Chennai Sightseeing Tour

Join a tour through the fascinating city of Chennai. This large Indian city, the capital of the Indian state of Tamil Nadu, has its roots as a colonial city. In the 17th century the British built a town called St. George, which continued to thrive and grow until it was renamed Chennai in the year 2000 by the Indian government. Today, this energy-filled city has not only historic sights and shopping to offer tourists, but gorgeous white sandy beaches as well. Your professional English-speaking tour guide will lead you from Chennai’s past as St. George to its present state today, starting with Fort St. George. This is the first British fort built in India, constructed in 1639. Today, it houses the secretariat, legislative assembly of the Tamil Nadu state, and the Fort Museum. You will also see St. Mary’s Church. Standing in Fort St. George, the church is the oldest British building in India. This beautiful, tall white church has a stunning altar piece of the Last Supper. In addition, you will have the opportunity to visit culturally important museums such as the Government Museum and the National Art Gallery. The Government Museum, in particular, houses an extensive collection of archeological and numismatic artifacts. Last, but most certainly not least, you can marvel at the Kapaleeshwarar Temple, built for the god Shiva. Constructed in the 17th century, this temple has absolutely stunning, colorful gopuram that need to be seen to be believed. Don’t miss the chance! Chennai is not only a beautiful Indian city, it is a beautiful world city. Take the opportunity to visit this city on the Coromandel Coast of the Bay of Bengal and experience the wonders of India for yourself.

Auroville & Pondicherry Private Excursion from Chennai

7. Auroville & Pondicherry Private Excursion from Chennai

From Chennai you will be driven to Pondicherry for a full-day excursion. En route you will also visit the town of Auroville where you will explore the Matrimandir. In Pondicherry you will visit the Sri Aurobindo Ashram and the Pondicherry Museum along with the sculpture gallery situated at Bharati Park. It contains beautiful artifacts representing the historic eras.  You will also be taken to a local restaurant where you can enjoy a complementary lunch. You will learn all about Pondicherry's history and discover its French roots, you will also see that some people still speak French, as well as Tamil. The streets, buildings and other structures convey a typical French design.  Pondicherry is recognized as one of the holiest places in India where pilgrims come to pay their respects to Rishi Aurobindo. He was a freedom fighter, who later became a spiritual philosopher. After your sightseeing, you will be dropped back in Chennai.

Chennai Airport to Hotel Transfer

8. Chennai Airport to Hotel Transfer

Enjoy a safe and reliable private airport transfer between Chennai International Airport and your accommodation in Chennai. Choose from a 1-way service to or from the airport. Be greeted by your driver who will be waiting for you at the arrival hall with a sign displaying your name. Your driver will track your flight so you won't have to worry in case of a flight delay. Save yourself having to carry heavy bags and navigating the public transportation system and take comfort knowing that all vehicles are regularly maintained to high-hygiene and quality standards.

India: eSim Mobile Data Plan

9. India: eSim Mobile Data Plan

Make your trip to India hassle-free with your convenient eSIM. Stay connected on your travels with high-speed coverage in India. Purchase and install your eSIM anytime and anywhere, and choose from a variety of data packages, validity options, and coverage in additional countries. Simply scan the eSIM QR code to access all your essential apps on your trip. Avoid the trouble of managing multiple SIMs with this zero-waste solution. Get one eSIM per device and top up by simply buying and activating additional eSIM plans as you go. Once activated, your coverage will begin according to your selected duration. Most devices released after 2019 are compatible with eSIM (e.g. iPhone XR, XS of models beyond, Google Pixel 4 and beyond). If you are unsure, please check the compatibility guideline photo to confirm eligibility. If you can not connect to the internet after install this eSIM, please follow the Self Help Troubleshooting Guide in your GYG voucher. Carriers to use: Jio

Sowcarpet Food Walk in Chennai

10. Sowcarpet Food Walk in Chennai

Expect the unexpected on this vibrant food trail through Chennai! Taste authentic street food, from chaats and lassis from around the country to local favorites like Podi Idli and Ghee Dosa. 1) Chaat at Kakada Ramprasad Sweets & Snacks in Chennai Experience a variety of North Indian sweets, chaats, and beverages all the way here, down south on a street in Sowcarpet. Enjoy Kesar Badam Milk and Jalebis, Aloo Parathas and...Papaya Chutney? Yum. 2) Try Lassi at Anmol Lassiwala Watch lassi made live on the street by skilled man himself, Dinesh, known by locals for his bubbly personality. In a place where summer never ends, a drink served chilled everyday couldn't taste any better! 3) Have a new dish, Jantar Mantar, in Chennai Tasting just as unique as it sounds, this chaat made of curd vada (lentils donut covered with yogurt) and kachori (sweet and spicy deep-friend snack) can be found nowhere else except here in Chennai. 4) Dahi Poori and more Chat at Chot Motu Chaats & Juices Located conveniently on Mint Street, this shop is well known for its vegetarian cakes, Dahi poori, and an assortment of sweets and is not to be missed! 5) Ghee Idli & Dosa at Seena Bhai Tiffin Centre Experience some of the best dishes that Chennai has to offer: Ghee Podi Idli and Ghee Dosa. This center, once a push car that went through the years with friendly customer suggestions, is now a neighborhood favorite for all. 6) Jodhpuri Chaat at Maya Chats in Chennai Try a hot onion kachori or a Jodhpuri-style chaat from this all-vegetarian eatery. Freshly made and pocket friendly, this spot will definitely win for best teatime snacks any day! 7) Vada Pav at Shree Vada Pav in Chennai Heard of Vada Pav before? It's a deep-fried potato dumpling covered with various masalas and chutney, cushioned between two soft buns. Once you try it, you're sure to come back for seconds of their delicious and spicy delights.

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What people are saying about Chennai

Overall rating

4.5 / 5

based on 24 reviews

It was a lovely trip, starting with our driver (Suda) who was professionally and patient also our tour guide (Arun) who was such a humble guy with a great knowledge about all places. we learnt a lot from him. Although there were a road construction on the way to kanchipuram which was a really hectic journey so me and my wife we both feels like jet lag but when we reach to the place it was all worth it.

It was an amazing experience, I had the opportunity to visit several temples from the Chola's empire. The staff did a great job explaining Chola's history and culture, they even went beyond that and make me feel comfortable all the time. I really recommend this trip

The tour was well organized and full of interesting sights. I thoroughly enjoyed learning about Mahabalipuram, Tamil Nadu and India. Can highly recommend this tour!