DETAILS

FULL LENGTH TOUR DESCRIPTION
This half-day excursion provides a good overview of Chennai, a city of contrasts and surprises. As the economic and cultural centre of the south, Chennai has strong garment and leather industries, along with a burgeoning film industry, which now rivals that of Mumbai. Watch for giant cardboard cutouts of favourite film stars placed along the city’s main thoroughfares - an unusual sight anywhere.

Step inside the Santhome Cathedral, named after St. Thomas. This historical pilgrimage centre was built alongside the beach in the 14th and 15th centuries and is a complete anomaly in an otherwise intensely Hindu country. The body of St. Thomas is said to be buried here.

Drive on to the lively, colourful Kapeleswara Temple area, where crowds of worshippers, flower sellers and musicians fill the streets throughout the day. Leave British Chennai behind with a visit to the Government Museum and Art Gallery to see the famous Chola bronzes. These ancient festival images were crafted at least 800 years ago and are in such amazing shape that they could be hours rather than centuries old.

Drive past Fort St. George, a fine example of British military architecture from the 17th century. In midst of this virtual museum of the colonial period building stands St. Mary’s, the oldest Christian church in India. One of its benefactors was Eli Yale, the English merchant after whom Yale University is named.
 
SHORT LENGTH TOUR DESCRIPTION
Chennai is a city of contrasts and surprises. This tour will introduce you to its well established garment, leather and burgeoning film industries. Visits include the Santhome Cathedral, Kapeleswara Temple area, and the Government Museum and Art Gallery to see the famous Chola bronzes.
 
TIMING BREAKDOWN
00:00 Depart Pier for Santhome Cathedral
00:30 Arrive at Santhome Cathedral
01:00 Depart for Kapaleswara Temple
01:30 Arrive at Kapaleswara Temple
02:00 Depart for Government Museum & Art Gallery
02:30 Arrive at Government Museum & Art Gallery
03:15 Depart for Pier driving past Fort St. George
04:00 Arrive at Pier

Approximate duration: 4 hours
 
OPERATIONAL NOTES
- Museum remains closed on Fridays & national holidays
- Moderate walking is involved

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