Excursion Chennai through a local lens tour at Chennai

Egmore Railway Station

Depart the pier for a colonial era architectural treasure of the city - the Egmore Railway Station, formerly known as Madras Egmore. Originally used as a storage area for ammunition by the British, the railway station was constructed in 1906-08, in Gothic style and is a prominent landmark of Chennai. Being one of the four intercity railway terminals of Chennai, it is a great place for people watching. Delve in to the lives of the locals as you take a walk through the terminus.

Koyambedu Wholesale Market

Proceed next to Koyambedu, a major hub of activity in Chennai since the establishment of a wholesale market in 1996. One of the largest markets of its kind in Asia, Koyambedu Wholesale Market Complex, popularly known as Koyambedu Market, is now the city's principal wholesale market for fruits, vegetables and flowers. Walk through the area to feel the local beat - witness local lifestyle and traditions. It's an immersive sensory experience with an entire palette of colours, whiffs of sweet fruits and flowers, shouts of vendors and buyers, and freshness all around!

Thyagaraja Nagar Market

Conclude your tour with a stop at another local market offering a different perspective and experience. Explore the fabulously chaotic Ranganathan Street of Thyagaraja Nagar, one of the most popular and bustling shopping streets of Chennai. Filled with shops and stalls selling almost everything and anything under the sun, this street is one of the busiest across India. While this area was named after a prominent political leader, the main street was christened in honour of Lord Ranganatha of Srirangam, as per the wishes of the first ever residents of the street - from the Rangaswamy Iyenggar clan.

With a mind-boggling array of products, in large retail outlets and pavement stalls, ranging from safety pins to gold jewellery, T. Nagar, as it's popularly known, contributes approximately an annual revenue of Rs. 100,000 million, more than the most popular streets in Mumbai or Delhi. In between the two ends of the market, lies a rainbow of brightly coloured saris and dress materials on display and food stalls selling delectable local food - this street is a fascinating medley of hues, fragrances, aromas, sounds and colours, one that is sure to drive your senses into overdrive. You'll have a chance to browse through fabrics, clothes, trinkets and other things, as you stroll through this area.

Return to the pier having reveled in the vibrancy of Chennai.

Points of interests

Points of interest seen on this excursion include: Chennai, Egmore Railway Station, Koyambedu Market, Government Museum, Bronze Gallery, Taj Connemara Hotel, Lunch

Note

Please note: This tour involves a moderate amount of walking for approximately 0.65 miles (about 1.04 kilometres), at times over uneven surfaces, with a few steps to negotiate to get on/off the coach, two steps at the Government Museum to access the Bronze Gallery, three steps at the Egmore Railway Station, three steps at the Taj Connemara Hotel, and five steps at the Koyambedu Market. 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 from the ship. 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 18 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. Guests should be respectful towards local sentiments and customs. Photography/videography is prohibited inside the Egmore Railway Station. 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.