Mylapore Tours
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The heart of cultural life in Chennai, Mylapore is a charming neighborhood characterized by broad, tree-lined streets coupled with narrow roads and myriad temples, churches, and restaurants. Its star attraction is the Kapaleeshwarar Temple, though it's also home to the San Thome Basilica, which houses the tomb of Thomas the Apostle.
The Basics
Most tourists visiting Chennai find themselves in Mylapore at some point, whether it’s to visit the Kapaleeshwarar Temple, San Thome Basilica, or Ramakrishna Math. Many walking tours of the city include this pedestrian-friendly neighborhood, and it's a great area for strolling when the weather permits. It's also a popular place to check out Carnatic music, as there are regular performances at the Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan Auditorium and the Nageshwara Rao Garden.
Things to Know Before You Go
- This area is a must-visit for travelers with an interest in history and/or the fine arts.
- Mylapore is best explored on foot, so wear comfortable shoes and sunscreen.
- If you plan on entering churches or temples, dress modestly, with clothing that covers your shoulders and knees
How to Get There
Mylapore is bordered by Gandhi Beach to the east and Mowbrays Road to the west. The neighborhood is well-connected to the rest of Chennai by road and public transportation. Commuter trains run through the area, and the Mundakakanniamman Koil, Thirumayilai, and Light House train stations all serve the area.
When to Get There
Mylapore is a year-round destination, though exploring the area on foot may prove challenging during the extreme temperatures of April and May or the monsoon season of June through September. To avoid the heat, it's best to visit just after dark; this is also the time when the temples are at their liveliest.
The Peacocks of Mylapore
Mylapore has long been associated with peacocks, India's national bird. The area has been frequented by the birds for centuries, and images of peacocks can be found in statues at Kapaleeshwarar Temple; the peacocks represent Shiva's consort, Parvati, who was cursed to be incarnated as a peacock as punishment for being distracted by one of the birds while listening to spiritual discourse.
Address: Chennai, India
7 Tours and Activities to Experience Mylapore
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Peacock Trail Walking Tour in Mylapore
Explore Chennai's Mylapore neighborhood with a local guide and learn about the rituals of daily life, hear stories of gods and demons, and gain a deeper understanding of local customs and traditions. This popular walking tour showcases the highlights and the history of this incredible city and is not to be missed.
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From
$25.13
From
$25.13
Walking Tour Chennai
Experience authentic Chennai on this amazing walking tour of the old town with our fun and entertaining storytellers. This walking tour will give you a great induction of the city, its history, its vibrant culture, and its people with lots of wonderful stories about the city, fun facts and must do things in the city.
Our walks are blend of historical elucidation and curious anecdote laced with mildly scurrilous talk about past and present celebrities and defunct royals. We will cover some of the city highlights along with hidden places and forgotten nooks of the old city during the walk.
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From
$12.61
From
$12.61
Mylapore Walking tour with Breakfast by Wonder tours
Explore one of Chennai's most interesting neighborhoods on foot with this walking tour of Mylapore. You'll get to visit the famous Kapalesshwara Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, and the Portuguese San Thome Church, walk through colorful markets, and try out some traditional South Indian snacks at the famous Saravana Bhavan restaurant.
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From
$23.58
From
$23.58
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Face masks provided for travelers
Private Peacock Trail Walking Tour in Mylapore
Delving into Chennai’s Mylapore neighborhood independently could mean you skim over some landmarks and cultural insights, or lose your bearings. This private walking tour ensures you cover the highlights and enjoy observations on local life you’d likely miss alone. Follow the heritage Peacock Trail to the Kapaleeshwara Temple and other sights, and hear tales of Chennai's religion and culture. A tuk tuk ride, snacks, and choice of departures are included.
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From
$58.47
Price varies by group size
From
$58.47
Price varies by group size
Cultural visit of Chennai with South Indian lunch
Explore the traditional side of Chennai’s rich culture on this half-day tour. Start the tour with a visit to the Kalakshetra Foundation. Walk through the sprawling grounds of their campus and get an insight into the history of the traditional art and dance forms of India’s southern state of Tamil Nadu. Next visit the beautiful Kapaleeswarar Temple that is dedicated to the Hindu God Shiva. Spend some time in the boutiques of Chennai looking at the colorful silk sarees and artifacts on display. End your tour with a South Indian lunch.
Highlights
• Kalakshetra
• Kapaleeshwarar temple
• Silk sarees and artifacts
• South Indian lunch
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From
$141.00
Price varies by group size
From
$141.00
Price varies by group size
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Cultural visit of Chennai
Explore the traditional side of Chennai’s rich culture on this half-day tour. Start the tour with a visit to the Kalakshetra Foundation. Walk through the sprawling grounds of their campus and get an insight into the history of the traditional art and dance forms of India’s southern state of Tamil Nadu. Next visit the beautiful Kapaleeswarar Temple that is dedicated to the Hindu God Shiva. Spend some time in the boutiques of Chennai looking at the colorful silk sarees and artifacts on display.
Highlights
• Kalakshetra
• Kapaleeshwarar temple
• Silk sarees and artifacts
…More
From
$103.00
Price varies by group size
From
$103.00
Price varies by group size
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Visit The Temples Of Chennai
Thousands of temples with lofty towers dot the skyline of the southern state of Tamil Nadu in India. These temples are torchbearers of the glorious heritage of the Tamil speaking region, and are repositories of the magnificent art forms that have evolved over several centuries. Visit four such temples of Chennai on this half-day tour.
Highlights:
• Kapaleeshwarar Temple
• Vadapalani Murugan Temple
• Shirdi Sai Baba Temple
• ISKCON Temple
…More
From
$122.00
Price varies by group size
From
$122.00
Price varies by group size
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
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