Places to Visit with One Day Chennai City Sightseeing Tour by Car

 Fort St. George

Fort St. George, a significant landmark from the British colonial era, was constructed in honor of St. George, the Patron Saint of England. Built in 1652, it quickly became the administrative hub of the Madras Presidency.

Andrew Cogan, a representative of the East India Company, acquired the land from the Nayak rulers to establish the fort, with its walls towering 6 meters high. Over the years, it faced attacks from the French and later from Hyder Ali, the Sultan of Mysore. Following these assaults, significant modifications were made in 1783.

One of the fort’s highlights is the Wellesley House, named after Richard Wellesley, a former Governor-General of India. This historic fort, built at a cost of £3,000, also houses St. Mary’s Church and the impressive Fort Museum. Today, it serves as the administrative headquarters for the Tamil Nadu Government and the state’s legislative assembly.

The Fort Museum showcases a fascinating collection of artifacts from the British Raj, including coins, weaponry, and uniforms from the colonial era. Among its treasures are letters from prominent figures such as Robert Clive and Lord Cornwallis.

A particularly striking feature is the 14.5-foot-tall statue of Lord Cornwallis. The pedestal’s carvings depict the poignant moment when Tipu Sultan was forced to hand over his two sons to the British as hostages due to unpaid dues.

 Kapaleeshwar Temple

The full-day Chennai local sightseeing tour takes you to the magnificent Kapaleeswarar Temple, a revered shrine located in Mylapore. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, who is worshipped as Kapaleeswarar, and Goddess Parvati, known here as Karpagambal, this significant temple dates back to the 7th century and was originally built by the Pallavas.

The original temple was demolished by the Portuguese, but it was later rebuilt in the 16th century by the Vijayanagara Kings. According to legend, Goddess Parvati, cursed to become a peahen, performed penance beneath the sacred Punnagai tree—known as the Sthala Vruksham—until she regained her original form. The name “Mylapore” is believed to be derived from “Mayil,” meaning peacock in Tamil, symbolizing this divine story.

The temple’s grandeur is marked by its towering gopurams, with the eastern entrance gopuram reaching an impressive height of 40 meters. The name Kapaleeswarar is derived from “Kapalam,” meaning head, and “Eswarar,” referring to Lord Shiva.

As legend has it, when Lord Brahma visited Kailash, he failed to show proper reverence to Lord Shiva, who then removed one of Brahma’s heads. To seek forgiveness, Brahma began worshipping Shiva in the form of a Shiva Lingam at this sacred spot in Mylapore.

 Saint Thomas Church

One of Chennai’s most iconic landmarks is Saint Thomas Church, located in Mylapore. This sacred site is built over the tomb of St. Thomas, one of the twelve apostles of Jesus Christ, who accompanied him during his ministry in Galilee. St. Thomas is believed to have arrived in India in A.D. 52 and was martyred in A.D. 72.

This Roman Catholic Church is one of only three churches in the world built over the tomb of an apostle. Initially constructed by Portuguese explorers in the 16th century, it was later reconstructed by the British in 1893. The church is a stunning example of Neo-Gothic architecture.

St. Thomas, a key disciple of Jesus, is often referred to as the Patron Saint of India for his significant role in spreading Christianity in the country. After his martyrdom, his mortal remains were buried here, and the Basilica now stands on his tomb.

The church is renowned for its impressive features, including its towering spires, a stone sundial, and beautiful stained-glass windows. The stained glass depicts St. Thomas and other apostles of Jesus, adding to the church’s spiritual ambiance.

Visitors can explore the church’s museum, which offers a glimpse into the life of St. Thomas. The museum houses rare artifacts, including the apostle’s fingerprint, the lance head that killed him, a bloodstained earthenware pot, and a precious fragment of his bone.

Parthasarathy Temple

Join our full-day Chennai tour and visit one of the city’s oldest and most revered temples, the Parthasarathy Temple. This magnificent temple, one of the 108 Divya Desams, is dedicated to Lord Krishna, who is worshipped here as Parthasarathy, the charioteer of Arjuna.

According to legend, a king once prayed to Lord Venkatachalapathy at Tirupati, requesting to see him as Parthasarathy. The king was directed to this sacred spot, then known as Thiruvallikeni (now Triplicane), where he could worship Lord Krishna in his many forms—Narasimha, Varaha, Rama, and Krishna. The temple features two towering gopurams (temple towers), one facing east and the other west.

In addition to Lord Krishna, devotees can also worship other deities, including Goddess Vedavalli Thayar, Swami Manavala Mamunigal, Andal, Hanuman, the Alvars, and Ramanuja. The beautifully carved towers at both entrances enhance the grandeur of this majestic temple. The eastern Rajagopuram leads to the Parthasarathy shrine, while the western gopuram provides access to the Narasimha shrine.

A notable feature of the temple is the Thiruvaimozhi Prabanda Mandapam, an ancient hall adorned with figures from the pre-Pallava period. Other significant halls include the Dwajarohanam Mandapam, the 36-pillared mandapam, the Kalyana Mandapam, and the four-pillared mandapam.

 Government Museum

Step back in time with our one-day Chennai local sightseeing tour, which includes a visit to the iconic Government Museum near Egmore. As the second oldest museum in India, the Madras Museum is a must-visit destination for history and art lovers, spanning an impressive 16.25 acres.

Explore the museum’s many halls and marvel at its remarkable archaeological and numismatic collections. The Archaeological Gallery features an extensive range of South Indian sculptures, with dedicated sections highlighting Hindu, Buddhist, and Jain sculptures.

Visit the historic Museum Theatre, built by the British in the 19th century, which could once accommodate 600 people for theatrical performances. The theatre’s walls and pillars are beautifully adorned with intricate floral motifs, adding to its charm.

In the Bronze Gallery, discover the evolution of bronze craftsmanship from the Pallava period to modern times, with special emphasis on the Chola era when bronze sculptures reached their peak.

Admire stunning works of art at the National Art Gallery, an architectural gem built in the Indo-Saracenic style. The gallery houses Thanjavur paintings and Indian miniature artworks, while the Contemporary Art Gallery showcases rock and cave art, along with early British paintings.

The museum also features a Children’s Museum, which is divided into three sections: the Civilization Gallery, Kid’s Corner, and the Transportation Gallery. With displays of dolls, technology exhibits, and science galleries, it offers something for young visitors as well.

Vivekananda House and Museum Chennai

The Vivekananda House and Museum in Chennai stands as a tribute to the life and legacy of Swami Vivekananda. Also known as Ice House or Castle Kernan, this historic building once served as Swami Vivekananda’s residence during his visit to Chennai in 1897.

Now called Vivekanandar Illam, the house has been renovated and transformed into a museum dedicated to preserving Swami Vivekananda’s teachings and memories. The museum features a range of exhibits, including rare photographs, personal belongings, and literature that highlight his philosophy. Visitors can also reflect and meditate in a dedicated meditation room, inspired by his teachings.

In addition to being a museum, the Vivekananda House functions as a cultural and spiritual center. It regularly hosts lectures, seminars, and workshops on topics such as spirituality and personal development, continuing Swami Vivekananda’s mission of spreading knowledge and self-improvement.

Ashtalakshmi Temple, Chennai

Situated in the serene surroundings of Besant Nagar, the Ashtalakshmi Temple is a revered shrine dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi, the Hindu goddess of wealth and prosperity. Built in 1976 under the guidance of Sri Chandrashekarendra Saraswati Swamigal, a renowned saint of the Kanchi Mutt, the temple is a spiritual gem in Chennai.

The temple complex features eight shrines, each devoted to one of the eight forms of Goddess Lakshmi, collectively known as Ashtalakshmi. The main shrine is dedicated to Sri Ashtalakshmi Amman, the temple’s presiding deity. Other deities worshipped here include Lord Ganesha, Goddess Saraswati, and Lord Hanuman. The temple is admired for its beautiful architecture and intricate sculptures, which depict various scenes from Hindu mythology.

During festivals like Navratri and Diwali, the Ashtalakshmi Temple comes alive with vibrant decorations and draws large crowds of devotees. The temple also hosts numerous religious ceremonies and cultural events throughout the year, making it an important center for devotion and celebration.

 Marina Beach

Make your final stop at Marina Beach, a favorite hotspot for guests on our one-day Chennai tour. Stretching from Fort St. George to Besant Nagar, this iconic beach attracts large crowds and is renowned for its stunning sunsets, providing an invigorating experience for visitors.

Stroll along the coastline and take in the beauty of the ocean, or relax on the sandy beach while enjoying the picturesque views. Travelers flock to Marina Beach to witness the breathtaking sunsets and the deep blue waters of the Bay of Bengal.

While at the beach, don’t miss the opportunity to explore the aquarium and admire the impressive statues that line the promenade, including those of the Triumph of Labour, Gandhiji, Avvaiyar, Thiruvalluvar, Kambar, Kamarajar, Subramania Bharati, and Sivaji Ganesan.