Chennai (Madras) Tours
British Architecture Walk, an immersive walking tour in Chennai
5
British Architecture Walk, an immersive walking tour in Chennai
By Five Senses Tours
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About
Lowest price guaranteeReserve now & pay laterFree cancellation
Ages 5-99, max of 15 per group
Duration: 2h 30m
Start time: Check availability
Mobile ticket
Live guide: English
More
- All taxes, fees and handling charges
- Local guide
- coffee/tea
- Entry/Admission - Chennai (Madras)
- Entry/Admission - Chennai Central Railway Station
- Entry/Admission - Napier Bridge
- Entry/Admission - Victory War Memorial
What's not included- Hotel pickup and drop-off (if option not selected)
- Entry/Admission - Chennai (Madras)
- Entry/Admission - Chennai (Madras)
- Entry/Admission - Chennai (Madras)
- Entry/Admission - University of Madras
- Start:Traveler pickup offered.
- Chennai Egmore, Gandhi Irwin Rd, Egmore, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600008, IndiaMeet our guide at the main entrance of Egmore Railway Station
Port pickup offeredDuring checkout you will be able to select from the list of included ports.- Chennai
End:- University of Madras, Navalar Nagar, Chepauk, Triplicane, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600005, India
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Near public transportation
If you have questions about accessibility, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 18983P29- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Not recommended for travelers with back problems
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Most travelers can participate
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 15 travelers
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.
- If you have questions about this tour or need help making your booking, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 18983P29
From
$55.00
per adult (price varies by group size)
Select date and travelers
Similar experiences
Itinerary
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- Navalar Nagar, Chepauk, Triplicane, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600005, India
About the operator
Don’t take it from us – here’s what people have to say about this operator:
- michaelcH8878IT0 contributionsPondicherry By CarAuroville was an unexpected surprise, It has a lot of history. My Guide was very informed and I am happy with this Tour and I would do this again.Written January 21, 2025
- Y6189OXmichaelb0 contributionsNot to be missed!This was my second tour with this company and also with Kannan, my tour guide, as I did the city tour the day before, and I also wrote a review. This trip was no exception and was excellent. Prompt pick up from my hotel, a safe driving experience, and an informative friendly tour guide makes all the difference! Mahabalipuram was a fascinating experience and I could see why it was a UNESCO World Heritage Site. So be prepared to be "wowed" during the tour. I wanted some mementos, so Kannan arranged for me to pick up some rock carvings and a cashmere shawl on the way back.Written January 19, 2025
- marklO6230KD0 contributionsExcellent Kanchipuram day tripA first-rate day trip to Kanchipiram from Chennai. Our guide was Hareesh Ramachandran who, as well as being very knowledeable about the temples was also extremely personable and it was a pleasure to spend a day with him. We visited 4 temples that we could get inside: we hadn't previously realised that they were quite so ancient. We also visited a traditional Kanchipuram house - the Kanchi Kudil - to see the interlocking terracotta roof tiles close up. We had indicated whilst booking that we were - as 2 elderly males - not interested in the silk weaving / sari shopping part of the day trip and so this was deleted from the itinerary. We went to a hotel outside Kanchipuram for lunch and as newbie visitors to South Indian food, found some new dishes to enjoy. Highly recommended.Written January 18, 2025
- Fearless103731031200 contributionsTour guide review -Ganesh from 5 SensesOur guide Ganesh was incredibly helpful and provided lots of details at the various locations we visited. Highly recommend Ganesh from 5 senses for his services. I appreciate the fact that he arrived before time and demonstrated professionalism throughout our tour.Written January 17, 2025
- AlonaZayats0 contributionsGood experience, I recommend this tourI would like to share a review of a day trip to Kanchipuram that we took today with our guide, Mr. Kannan. The trip included a tour of two temples, where Mr. Kannan provided information about their history and explained the significance of various artifacts and sculptures. We also visited a silk weaving house, where we had the option to purchase some silk items from the shop. After that, we went to hose-museum, where Mr. Kannan described the usage of the different rooms and items that were once common in Indian homes. At the end the trip, we had a meal at a local restaurant. The food was quite good, but it was a bit too spicy for my preference. Overall, it was a good experience.Written January 17, 2025
- MT999B0 contributionsConvenient day tour to see Chennai in one dayGreat day tour, 7-8 hours in duration. Hareesh was a Knowledgeable guide. The highlight for me was the Vivekananda mini museum, which I loved. All the stops were interesting.Written January 17, 2025
- Trail8237240 contributionsReally enjoyed the tour!Our guide Mr. Jainath was very knowledgeable and patiently explained the history and highlights about history and the highlights of the tour. Our lunch was delicious too. Would be happy to recommend this tour and Mr. Jainath to others.Written January 16, 2025
- I190IWjohnp0 contributionsFabulous TourThe Guide was excellent, gave a very good history and commentary of the places we visited. He was very knowable and did a great job explaining things to us.Written January 16, 2025
- Spc_Cowboy0 contributionsExcellent trip through timeAmazing historical site, so important to human history and India's culture. Our guide was a Ministry approved guide that was very well informed and gave excellent explanations. He was patient with our questions and did a great job of explaining to us what we were seeing. We toured all 4 of the major architectural areas and gained an understanding of the history of Hinduism and the importance of the reliefs we were seeing. Stunning.Written January 15, 2025
- Priyanka B0 contributionsA must visit when in KanchipuramBeautiful Day in Kanchipuram. The guide Ganesh showed the magnificent Kailashnathar Temple and Ekambareswar Temple. It was great to go inside the temple shrines Luckily it was not very crowded today. Silk saree stop could've been better. The guide Ganesh was very respectful and helpful. He took care of the day with ease. I was comfortable throughout the day. Thank you.Written January 14, 2025
- OnAir143204981400 contributionsAn Enriching Journey with Five Senses ToursMy experience with Kannen from Five Senses Tours was unforgettable and the highlight of my trip to Chennai. From the moment he greeted us with bottled water and an air-conditioned car, his thoughtful approach stood out. Kannen’s knowledge of history and spirituality brought every stop to life, from the intricate Shri Parshvanath Jain Temple to the colorful Kapaleeswarar Temple and the serene Ramakrishna Mutt. His respectful and calm demeanor created a deeply immersive experience, making me feel more like a seeker than a tourist. The tour’s flow was perfect, punctuated by a delicious South Indian thali lunch, where Kannen guided us through the joy of eating with our hands and savoring balanced flavors. He expertly navigated Chennai’s vibrant contrasts, from the panoramic Marina Lighthouse to the historic Fort St. George and San Thome Basilica. If you’re visiting Chennai, I cannot recommend Kannen and Five Senses Tours enough—they combine cultural exploration with unmatched hospitality for an enriching and seamless experience.Written January 13, 2025
- Y6189OXmichaelb0 contributionsWell worth the experience!It was my first time in Chennai, but I have to say that if you have only a day to spare in Chennai, this is experience that you should have. You can check off the boxes: 1. Start promptly on time - check! 2. Friendly, courteous guide and driver - check! 3. Well-informed, English-speaking guide - check! 4. A cautious, alert, disciplined driver - check! 5. Fascinating, historical destinations as listed on the Five Senses Tours site - check! My short informative immersion in touring the Hindu and Jain temples was terrific. I particularly enjoyed the iconic St Thomas Basilica, which was very memorable to me. Although I am not a "foodie," the lunch was great as we sampled different dishes and delicacies. I am sure the foodies will agree with me! :)Written January 12, 2025
- Priyanka B0 contributionsExcellent Trip to Mahabalipuram on a pleasant Monday morning. The tour guide Ganesh was very humble and respectfulVery comfortable and relaxing tour. Tour guide Ganesh showed all places with utmost patience and respect. Highly recommendable guide.Written January 12, 2025
- sundrajs0 contributionsAmazing day out of the city for a cultural and historical experienceKanan was my guide and he was very knowledgeable about the history of both Mahabalipuram and Tamil Nadu in general. I was travelling solo and he was friendly and helpful. Would recommend going on this trip to escape the city for the day to step back in time. A must do if you’re in Chennai.Written January 12, 2025
- Katrina A0 contributionsA feast for the sensesA 7 hour feast for the senses. My second day in India, first day resting at my hotel after long haul flight from Sydney. I booked late the evening before the tour with no problems. A friend also decided to join last minute, again smooth. Kannan our guide picked us up from our hotel with his driver. Kannan made our day special. Kannan was super friendly, knowledgeable, great English and passionate about his city. The car was airconditioned and comfortable. We had a wide array of experiences from hindu and Jain temples, Catholic Basilica, Anglican church, a Light House, a fort complex and to top it all off, an incredible Thali plate experience for lunch. No rushing anywhere. Time to take photos, ask questions, sit, contemplate and take it all in. I would absolutely recommend this tour.Written January 10, 2025
These reviews are the subjective opinions of Tripadvisor members and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
5.0
48 reviews
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44
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sumathik78
Mumbai, India3 contributions
Aug 2021
The British architecture walk is a fantastic way to learn about Chennai and its heritage. Our guide was on time and we visited magnificent Gothic buildings like the Central Station and several buildings like the Rippon which were designed in a mixed style of British, Islamic and Hindu styles. The Cornithian pillars in some of the buildings were magnificent. Our guide was a repository of knowledge and told us interesting stories about each building. He made us relive the last 3 centuries in a enjoyable way. It takes about 2.5 hours and I would recommend this highly.
Written September 18, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Alexander P
12 contributions
May 2024 • Solo
I went solo on the British architecture walking tour from 5senses. The tour was great and I enjoyed viewing, and when possible, entering multiple grand and beautiful buildings designed by the British but built by local Indian labor. My guide Hareesh was excellent. Very knowledgeable, has outstanding english and a lot of fun and interesting to walk with. I also enjoyed the short local train ride we took from one of the amazing British designed train stations and a tuktuk ride so we could see more sights which was really needed given May is the most hottest (and i mean HOT, and HUMID month of the year). I highly recommend 5senses and Hareesh my local Chennai guide and am glad I have already booked another tour with Hareesh fron 5senses for tomorrow too.
Written May 7, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Nancy Potter
London, UK7 contributions
Dec 2021
The British architecture walk is a phenomenal experience. Vijay was my guide and he is an awesome guide. His English and knowledge of the past if this city and its British heritage is outstanding. We talked about not just architectural styles but also the role these buildings played in shaping Chennai's destiny. The Rippon building and St Mary's church were the pick of the lot. There is so much to know more about this part of India and a walk like this is the best way to experience authentic India as Vijay says. I would highly recommend this heritage walk for anyone wanting to know a little more about Chennai or Madras as it was known earlier.
Written December 4, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Meghan J
2 contributions
Sep 2021 • Solo
This Chennai walk is a very enjoyable one with a lot of interesting stories about the history of the buildings as well as the city of Chennai. While I have visited Chennai many times I discovered a lot of fascinating stories thanks to our lovely guide. Our guide was excellent and very knowledgeable about the British buildings and the history of the city. This is excellent way to spend 3 hours learning about the heritage of Chennai and enjoying the walk while doing so. Highly recommended
Written September 25, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Shane
Chennai (Madras), India5 contributions
The British architecture walk is an excellent way of learning more about the colourful past of Chennai. We saw magnificent buildings that had intriguing stories to tell. Our guide was brilliant and he told us fascinating aspects of a slew of magnificent buildings. We not only learnt about the architecture but also about the collaboration between British and Indian architects and also the role these buildings played in the evolution of the city. I would recommend this walk to anyone who wants to know a little more about Chennai and it's historical connection.
Written December 25, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tom
10 contributions
Oct 2022 • Solo
A very interesting and insightful tour. I was visiting Chennai on business and had just one morning of free time. My guide, Krishnan, arrived at my hotel 10 minutes early and greeted me with our driver. The service was first class, and the tour started at hello. Whilst I received a most insightful tour of British architecture, I also learned a lot about life in Chennai. I went on a Saturday so some government building were restricted, however where possible my guide found us a way in to take a closer look. My highlight was St George Fort and the mix of architecture and the museum. My guides knew I had limited time in Chennai and before going for a delicious coffee, we took a short detour via the beach and fish market. I highly recommend Krishnan and the British architecture tour.
Written October 22, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lizzy J
1 contribution
Sep 2021
The British architecture is a novel way of seeing Chennai. I very much enjoyedthis walk where the guide told us the rich and evetful stories behind the architecture and the buildings themselves. The railway station was a stand-out in gothic architecture while the Rippon building had a unique style!
This walk is an incredible way to learn and appreciate the city. I would definitely recommend it!
This walk is an incredible way to learn and appreciate the city. I would definitely recommend it!
Written September 24, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Richard G
1 contribution
I had a fascinating tour of colonial Chennai managed by a lovely guide called Hareesh. He was the perfect host and described in detail each of the sites we visited and adapted the tour to suit my needs. We also had a short train ride and a visit to a local cafe where I sampled a cup of South Indian Filter Coffee which was delightful. We also visited the beach to see the fresh fish caught by the local fishermen. Overall highly recommended tour. Thank you Hareesh.
Written September 16, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
vistas
India29 contributions
Sep 2021
The British architecture walk was well worth the sunday morning. Our guide from 5 senses tours met us at Central railway station and he was an amazing guy. We enjoyed the conversation with him on the British architecture as well as how it influenced life on Chennai. We saw the central railway building, the corporation building called Rippon, an amazing monument dedicated to world war, St Mary's Church inside St Fort George and the Madras University building as well The building's were magnificent with a variety of architectural styles and we thoroughly enjoyed the walk. I would say anyone who wants to know more about Chennai must do this walk with 5 senses tours. I would highly recommend this walk to anyone who has 3 hours. Do it in the morning or evening to avoid the heat.
Written September 29, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Carol H
4 contributions
Mar 2024 • Solo
Had a great morning with Hareesh visiting several British colonial buildings. We also took a train ride on a local line and had a coffee in a local café which was very flavourful. Hareesh is a very personable and knowledgeable guide and is keen to share his insights on the architecture of the buildings visited. I can highly recommend this tour. Five stars!
Written March 11, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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