The 15 best things to do in Chennai (2026)

The ranked list

1. 

   1. Gods of Mylapore walking tour: Journey Through Living Traditions

   Outty Ranking95

   Step into the rhythmic heartbeat of Mylapore, where the air is thick with jasmine and freshly roasted coffee. This isn’t a "tour"—it’s a portal into a culture thriving for two millennia. As a Ministry of Tourism-approve. Peak Performance at 95/100, 5.0/5 from 299 traveler reviews, 3h from $27, free cancellation, an Outty 90+ Club member.

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2. 

   2. Chennai tour in car with guide-winner of traveller's choice award

   Outty Ranking94

   Chennai city tour is an unforgettable cultural immersion in the company of an English speaking guide. It is a proud winner of the Traveller's Choice award for 2025, by TripAdvisor out of 8 million listings. The organisin. 90+ Club at 94/100, 5.0/5 from 299 traveler reviews, 7h from $80, free cancellation, an Outty 90+ Club member.

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3. 

   3. Mahabalipuram & Kanchipuram by tourism ministry approved company

   Outty Ranking91

   In this day tour from Chennai, we will visit the twin wonders of Pallava architecture, Mahabalipuram and Kanchipuram. This tour is hosted by a Five Senses Tours which is a company approved by the ministry of tourism and. 90+ Club at 91/100, 4.9/5 from 286 traveler reviews, 12h from $135, free cancellation, an Outty 90+ Club member.

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4. 

   4. Mahabalipuram tour by Tourism Ministry approved company

   Outty Ranking90

   When Marco Polo sailed past this coastline in the 13th century he recorded seeing a city of seven pagodas rising above the sea. Only one still stands. Archaeologists have found the others submerged offshore. The Pallava. Exceptional at 90/100, 5.0/5 from 479 traveler reviews, 7h from $138, free cancellation.

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5. 

   5. Georgetown heritage walking tour of Chennai's first settlement

   Outty Ranking87

   Step into the labyrinthine alleys where Chennai began. This isn't a "tour"—it's a portal to the 17th-century East India Company trading post. As a Ministry of Tourism-approved organization and proud IATO member, our Cult. Exceptional at 87/100, 4.9/5 from 166 traveler reviews, 3h from $40, free cancellation.

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6. 

   6. Mahabalipuram walking tour by tourism ministry approved company

   Outty Ranking86

   Over 3 hours, the Mahabalipuram walking tour will teleport you to the 7th century incredible rock cut monuments. It is hosted by a company approved by the ministry of tourism and is a member of Indian Tour Operators Asso. Exceptional at 86/100, 5.0/5 from 123 traveler reviews, 3h from $50, free cancellation.

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7. 

   7. Full-Day Private Tour to the Kanchipuram Temples from Chennai

   Outty Ranking85

   Kanchipuram is one of the seven sacred cities of Hinduism. The Pallava kings who ruled here between the 4th and 9th centuries invented the Dravidian stone temple tradition that went on to define religious architecture ac. Exceptional at 85/100, 4.9/5 from 84 traveler reviews, 13h from $110, free cancellation.

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8. 

   8. Mahabalipuram Private Tour with Lunch and Guide from Chennai

   Outty Ranking84

   Mamallapuram (also called Mahaballipuram) is about an hour's drive from Chennai on the East Coast Road. It was the second capital and seaport of the Pallava Kings who ruled in the 5th century. Local legend has it that th. Exceptional at 84/100, 4.8/5 from 154 traveler reviews, 7h from $89, free cancellation.

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9. 

   9. Sowcarpet Street Food Walking Tour in Chennai with guide

   Outty Ranking83

   Sowcarpet is Chennai's most famous food street and one of the greatest places to eat in India. Traders from across the country settled here generations ago and brought their food traditions with them. The result is a sin. Exceptional at 83/100, 5.0/5 from 112 traveler reviews, 2h from $45, free cancellation.

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10. 

    10. Mylapore Cultural Walking Tour Temples and Traditions of Chennai

    Outty Ranking80

    During this walk, you will visit the temple in the company of our knowledgeable guide. We will also walk through the surrounding areas, where you can see Mylapore in all its crowded chaos. The jewellers, silk merchants,. Exceptional at 80/100, 4.9/5 from 44 traveler reviews, 3h from $27, free cancellation.

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11. 

    11. Private Chennai City Tour by Car: Guided Trip with Lunch

    Outty Ranking80

    Morning you will be picked up from your hotel in Chennai.Spend your day exploring Marina Beach,Chennai's cultural hub of Mylapore Kapaleeshwar Temple and the San Thome Basilica, followed by a traditional South Indian lun. Exceptional at 80/100, 4.8/5 from 88 traveler reviews, 6h from $59, free cancellation.

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12. 

    12. Chennai Market Tour & Cooking Class in a Local Home with Meena

    Outty Ranking79

    You can expect an authentic vegetarian South Indian cooking class and meal - cooked using family recipes, local spices and vegetables. Your meal will be served the traditional way on banana leaves. A few dishes that you. Strongly Recommended at 79/100, 5.0/5 from 50 traveler reviews, 3h from $54, free cancellation.

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13. 

    13. Private Kanchipuram & Mahabalipuram Day Trip from Chennai

    Outty Ranking78

    You can easily spend a full day exploring Kanchipuram and Mamallapuram's marvellous temples, caves and rock carvings. Most were carved from the rock during the 7th-century reign of Pallava king Narasimhavarman I, whose n. Strongly Recommended at 78/100, 5.0/5 from 38 traveler reviews, 12h from $129, free cancellation.

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14. 

    14. One day private tour of Pondicherry from Chennai in car with a guide

    Outty Ranking78

    This is a day trip from Chennai organized in a private car. The highlights include a visit to Aurobindo Ashram, which is dedicated to Sri Aurobindo Ghosh the philosopher and revolutionary, French heritage walk followed b. Strongly Recommended at 78/100, 4.9/5 from 55 traveler reviews, 12h from $155, free cancellation.

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15. 

    15. Private Peacock Trail Walking Tour in Mylapore

    Outty Ranking77

    Have you ever wondered why there are so many Gods in India? Or what the stars have to do with your future? As you walk through the Mylapore neighborhood in Chennai, explore fascinating stories hidden from the mundane rit. Strongly Recommended at 77/100, 5.0/5 from 61 traveler reviews, 3h from $76, free cancellation.

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