Heritage Walk Through Mylapore: The Cultural Nerve Centre of Chennai

Chennai is a melting pot of culture and heritage, and what better way to explore it than to take a walking tour of the beautiful Mylapore neighborhood. This neighborhood is famous for its beautiful temples, churches and narrow streets that will take you back in time. A tour of Mylapore will give you a fascinating insight into Chennai’s rich history and leave you mesmerized by its beauty. Here’s everything you need to know about the heritage walk through Mylapore.

Overview of the Tour

The heritage walk through Mylapore is a beautiful walking tour that covers some of the most historically significant and culturally rich destinations of Chennai. This walking tour is led by a professional guide who will take you on an exciting journey through Mylapore’s rich history, architecture, and spirituality. The tour starts early in the morning, near Saravana Bhavan restaurant, where you will enjoy a traditional South Indian breakfast with coffee before the tour starts. After breakfast, you will explore the top local attractions with your guide. You will visit the Kapaleeshwar Temple, San Thome Basilica, and Ramakrishna Math. The tour also includes all entrance fees, taxes, and handling charges.

Highlights of the Tour

Visit the Kapaleeshwar Temple

The Kapaleeshwar Temple is a magnificent 7th-century temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple boasts of Dravidian architecture and is considered one of the most famous temples in town. The temple has a beautiful tank and a pillared hall, where festivals and cultural events take place regularly.

Explore San Thome Basilica

San Thome Basilica is a beautiful church built in the neo-gothic architectural style. This church is dedicated to St. Thomas, who is said to have visited Chennai and started preaching Christianity. The church is a beautiful blend of Gothic and Roman architecture, featuring beautiful stained glass windows and paintings.

Visit the Ramakrishna Math

Ramakrishna Math is a spiritual and cultural center located in Mylapore that is dedicated to the teachings of the great Indian saint, Ramakrishna. The center was founded in the early 20th century and has a beautiful prayer hall, library, and museum.

Traditional South Indian Breakfast

The heritage walk through Mylapore includes a traditional South Indian breakfast with coffee that will give you an authentic experience of Chennai’s food culture. South Indian breakfast is known for its deliciousness, and the tour includes some of the best dishes that you can try.

Meeting and Pickup

The meeting point for the tour is the Saravana Bhavan restaurant, near Kapaleeshwar Temple. You can directly head to the meeting point or request a pickup from your hotel.

Meeting Point

Hotel Saravana Bhavan
Kabaleeswarar Temple 70 N Mada St Vinayaka Nagar Colony Mylapore Chennai Tamil Nadu 600004 India Meet our guide outside the Saravana Bhavan restaurant near Kapaleeshwar Temple.

Cost and Duration

The heritage walk through Mylapore tour is a three-hour tour that costs $28 per person. This cost includes all taxes, fees, and handling charges.

Book the Tour Here

To experience Chennai’s rich culture and heritage, you can book the heritage walk through Mylapore tour here.

Book Your Tour Now

The heritage walk through Mylapore is an excellent tour for travelers who are interested in history, culture, and spirituality. The tour is an excellent opportunity to explore Chennai’s top cultural destinations, taste authentic South Indian food, and meet new people. So, when you plan your visit to Chennai, make sure to include the heritage walk through Mylapore tour in your itinerary for a memorable experience.

Frequently Asked Questions about Chennai

1. What is Chennai?

Chennai, formerly known as Madras, is the capital city of the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu. It is a bustling metropolitan city and one of the largest economic, cultural, and educational centers in South India.

2. What is the best time to visit Chennai?

The best time to visit Chennai is in the winter months of December to February when the temperatures are milder, and the city experiences less rainfall. This is also the peak tourist season in Chennai.

3. What are some popular tourist attractions in Chennai?

Chennai has several popular tourist attractions, some of which include:

• The Kapaleeswarar Temple
• The Marina Beach
• The Government Museum
• The Santhome Cathedral Basilica
• The Fort St. George
• The Mahabalipuram UNESCO World Heritage Site

4. How can I get around Chennai?

Chennai has several modes of transportation such as buses, trains, autos, and taxis. The Metropolitan Transport Corporation (MTC) operates buses throughout the city, and the Chennai Suburban Railway connects the city with its suburbs. Autos and taxis are also available for hire, but it is essential to negotiate the fare before embarkation.

5. What is the cuisine in Chennai?

The cuisine in Chennai is predominantly South Indian, with a spicy and tangy flavor. Some popular dishes in Chennai include idlis, dosas, vadas, sambar, rasam, and fish curry. Chennai is also famous for its filter coffee that is popularly known as Madras Coffee.

6. What are the shopping options in Chennai?

Chennai has a wide range of shopping options, from street markets to high-end malls. Some popular shopping destinations in Chennai include:

• The Pondy Bazaar market
• The T Nagar market
• The Phoenix Marketcity mall
• The Express Avenue mall
• The Forum Vijaya mall

7. What are some popular festivals celebrated in Chennai?

Chennai is a city of festivals, and some of the popular festivals celebrated in Chennai include:

• The Pongal festival
• The Chennai Music Season
• The Natyanjali Dance Festival
• The Chennai Book Fair
• The Madras Week

8. What is the currency used in Chennai?

The currency used in Chennai is the Indian Rupee (INR).

9. What are some safety tips for tourists in Chennai?

While Chennai is generally a safe city, it is always advisable to take some precautions when traveling. Some safety tips for tourists in Chennai include:

• Avoid venturing out alone at night
• Stay alert in crowded markets and public transport
• Avoid wearing expensive jewelry or carrying too much cash
• Follow local customs and traditions
• Keep emergency numbers handy

10. What are the languages spoken in Chennai?

Tamil and English are the two primary languages spoken in Chennai. However, due to the city’s cosmopolitan nature, Hindi, Telugu, and Malayalam are also widely spoken and understood.

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Chennai is a vibrant city with a rich cultural heritage, fascinating history, and incredible food. The city has something for everyone, be it the gorgeous beaches, prominent temples, museums, or shopping destinations. By following the safety tips and getting around the city correctly, tourists can have a memorable time in Chennai.

How to Spend Your Time as a Tourist in Chennai

India is a country with a rich history and culture that every traveler should experience at least once in their lifetime. Chennai, also known as Madras, is the capital of the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu. Chennai is a beautiful coastal city with a rich history and culture that is sure to delight any traveler. In this guide, we will take you through some of the top places to visit and things to do in Chennai.

Visit the Kapaleeswarar Temple

Kapaleeswarar temple is one of the oldest temples in Chennai and is a masterpiece of Dravidian architecture. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is built-in shape of a peacock. The temple is open every day from 5.30 am to 12.00 pm and from 4.00 pm to 9.00 pm. You can also visit the temple during one of the many festivals that take place throughout the year, including the Brahmotsavam festival, which takes place in March/April.

Explore the Government Museum

The Government Museum is one of the top attractions in Chennai and is also one of the largest museums in South Asia. The museum was founded in 1851 and it has a vast collection of ancient artifacts, art, and sculpture from all over India. The museum is open from 9.30 am to 5.00 pm every day except on Fridays.

Visit the Marina Beach

Marina Beach is one of the most beautiful beaches in Chennai and is also one of the longest urban beaches in the world. It covers a distance of 6 km and attracts thousands of tourists every day. You can take long walks, enjoy the sunset or just sit around and enjoy the beautiful views. However, swimming is not recommended due to strong currents in the sea.

Experience the Vibrant Culture of Chennai

Chennai is known for its vibrant culture and traditions. You can experience this culture by attending one of the many cultural events that take place throughout the year. Some of the popular cultural events include the Chennai music and dance festival, the Pongal festival, and the Chennai book fair.

Visit the Fort St. George

Fort St. George is a historic fort that was built by the British East India Company in 1644. The fort was the first British military establishment in India and houses the Tamil Nadu legislative assembly and the office of the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu. The fort is open from 9.00 am to 5.00 pm every day except on Fridays.

Explore the Guindy National Park

Guindy National Park is one of the smallest national parks in India and is located in the heart of Chennai. The park has a vast array of flora and fauna and is home to many species of birds, mammals, and reptiles. You can take a walk or cycle around the park, or just enjoy a picnic surrounded by nature.

Go Shopping in Chennai

Chennai is known for its excellent shopping options, and you can buy anything from traditional silk sarees to electronics in the city. Some of the popular shopping destinations in Chennai include Pondy Bazaar, T. Nagar, and Chennai Citi Centre.

Explore the Mahabalipuram Temples

Mahabalipuram is a small town located around 60 km from Chennai and is known for its ancient temples and rock-cut caves. The town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is a must-visit for any history buff. You can explore the many ancient temples and caves or just enjoy a stroll on the beach. There are also many restaurants that serve excellent seafood in the town.

Final Thoughts

Chennai is a beautiful city with a rich history and culture that is sure to delight any traveler. We hope that this guide has provided you with some useful information on the top places to visit and things to do in Chennai. Remember to respect the local customs and traditions while exploring the city, and enjoy your trip to Chennai!