Excursion A day in chennai tour at Chennai

Discover why Chennai boasts the 'Splendours of the Raj' during this picturesque, full-day sightseeing excursion with lunch.

Chennai, San Thome Basilica, Kapaleeswara Temple

Depart the pier for a scenic tour of majestic Chennai, the city established by the British as the seat of power and home of the 'Splendours of the Raj'. Take the shore road to your first stop, the nearby San Thome Basilica, said to house the remains of St. Thomas the Apostle. He was believed to have been martyred on what is now known as St. Thomas Mount. Following your visit, re-board your coach and head to the revered Kapaleeswara Temple. During your guided tour, gain a unique insight into Hinduism and southern Indian culture.

Government Museum and Buildings, Galleries, Bronze Gallery, High Court

Next, re-board your coach and drive to the Government Museum, which is spread over an area of approximately 16 acres (about 6.5 hectares) with six independent buildings. Of its 46 galleries, visit the most famous, the Bronze Gallery, which houses a notable collection of approximately 1,500 objects related to Hinduism, Buddhist, and Jainism. The collection showcases the rich artisanal heritage of the region, ranging from the early centuries of the Christian era to recent times. Leaving the Government Museum, re-board your coach and drive past the High Court, a magnificent building reputed to be the finest example of Indo-Saracenic architecture in India.

Marina Drive, Beach, Fort St. George, St. Mary's Church, Fort St. George Museum

From here, continue along the Marina, the shore drive, which overlooks the second-longest beach in the world. Explore the colonial heritage of Chennai during a visit to Fort St. George, built by the British as their stronghold. Its approximately 20-foot (about six-metre) walls still stand, looming over the centre of Chennai, and encircling the Tamil Nadu Government Secretariat and Legislative Assembly. Also housed within the walls are India's largest Anglican Church, St. Mary's Church, and the Fort St. George Museum, both of which are visited during your tour.

Taj Coromandel Hotel, Southern Spice Restaurant, Traditional Indian Lunch

Afterward, proceed to the 5-star Taj Coromandel Hotel for a sumptuous Indian lunch at the Southern Spice restaurant. Inspired by the temple decor and richly-laid interiors, Southern Spice offers a treasure trove of generational recipes from southern India's culinary districts. By introducing traditional recipes and specialities, the master chefs at Southern Spice merge the past and present to transport you to another world where time stands still, and colours, flavours, and aromas come alive. After lunch, re-board your coach and commence the short drive back to the pier.

Points of interests

Points of interest seen on this excursion include: Chennai, San Thome Basilica, Kapaleeswara Temple, Government Museum, Bronze Gallery, Marina Drive & Beach, Fort St. George, Museum, St. Mary's Church, Lunch

Note

Please note: This tour involves a moderate amount of walking for approximately 0.6 miles (about one kilometres), at times over uneven surfaces, with a few steps to negotiate to get on/off the coach, one step at the San Thome Basilica, two steps at the Government Museum to access the Bronze Gallery, three steps at the Kapaleeswara Temple, three steps at the Taj Coromandel Hotel, five steps at St. Mary's Church, and six steps at the Fort St. George Museum. This tour is not suitable for guests with limited mobility and guests who utilise a wheelchair. Guests are advised to wear lightweight, comfortable clothing with flat, closed-toe walking shoes, and bring sun protection, insect repellent, raingear, bottled water, and local currency for camera fees at the Government Museum and Kapaleeswara Temple from the ship. Vehicles cannot be parked near the entrance of the Kapaleeswara Temple; guests must walk for approximately five minutes. Proper attire is required to enter religious sites; shorts, short skirts, and bare shoulders are not permitted, and trousers should be of minimum mid-calf length. Hats and shoes must be removed prior to entering the temples; we suggest bringing along a pair of thick socks, because the pavement may be hot. Guests must be at least 16 years old to participate on this tour; minors under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian over 18 years old. Guests must be at least 21 years old to be served alcoholic beverages. Local conditions may be challenging; therefore, we urge flexibility and understanding as we visit unique and somewhat remote destinations. Coaches, guides, hotels, restaurants, equipment, and services are the best-available in the area, but may not be up to the standards of those found on other excursions. We thank you for your understanding. Photography/videography is prohibited inside Fort St. George (the Fort St. George Museum and St. Mary's Church). Guests are not permitted to enter the sanctum sanctorum of the temple. The tour sequence, timings, and itinerary are subject to change without prior notice. Space on this tour is very limited; we suggest you book in advance to avoid disappointment.