Exploring George Town Chennai Heritage and Bazaar Walking Tour
- 2h 30m
- Free cancellation up to 24h before
- Guided in English
- Instant confirmation
Highlights
On this tour, we explore the busy neighbourhood of Georgetown. This area consists of well-established specialised bazaars, with small winding streets, warehouses, covered wholesale markets, street stalls and retail shops. Originally called ‘Black Town’, the area came up in the late 1600s after the founding of Fort St. George. Local people settled here to trade and do business with the fort. A portion of Black Town was flattened in the 1700’s, to provide an open area outside Fort St George. The residents of Blacktown re-settled just beyond the open area, in what was called New Black Town. In the mid 1800’s, the open area (old Black Town) was used to construct the grand building of Madras High Court. In 1910, when King George visited India, Blacktown was renamed Georgetown. Today Georgetown continues to be a busy market area, selling everything under the sun: bangles, fabrics, fruits, vegetables, spices, stationery, jewellery, etc.
Inclusions
What's included
- Bottled water
- Snacks
- All Fees and Taxes
- Guide
What's not
- Gratuities
Itinerary
From being the Black Town to becoming a bustling wholesale market, George Town in Chennai has seen it all. A market place where practically anything that can be legally sold can be bought for the right price. The walking tour takes you into the heart of the vegetable and flower market, with fascinating stories that provide a context to the colourful sights. A visit to the heart of George Town is an experience you will not forget. Crowded markets, narrow lanes, fascinating history, and mesmerizing images are welcoming you to experience the colorful and rich culture.
The High Court of Chennai, originally established in 1862 by a decree from Queen Victoria, stands as one of the city’s most iconic buildings. Known for its grandeur and Indo-Saracenic architecture, the High Court has been at the heart of Tamil Nadu’s legal system for over a century. However, its story is not confined to its role in law and justice. One of the most dramatic chapters in its history occurred during World War I, when, in 1914, the building was targeted by German submarines in an attempt to disrupt British control over its colonial territories.
This Chennai walk takes us through the historic street where Armenian refugees established trade in silk, spices, and gems over 300 years ago. Explore the distinctive Armenian Church for an immersive experience of this rich history.
This iconic Art Deco building is steeped in history and once served as the headquarters of Parry's company, founded by Thomas Parry, a Welshman and one of Chennai’s first free merchants. The building is named after John Dare, Parry's business partner, reflecting their significant role in shaping the city's commercial legacy. Today, it stands as a testament to their entrepreneurial spirit and the architectural grandeur of a bygone era.
Cancellation
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts, for a full refund.
Reviews
4.5
- 515
- 43
- 30
- 20
- 12
Ratings come from 20 reviews collected by our booking partner. They are travellers' own words, in the order they were written — never reordered to flatter the experience.
Know before you go
- Pickup
- Pickup is offered, or you can meet at the starting point.
- Ticket type
- Mobile or paper ticket accepted
- Operated by
- Wonder tours
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
How it compares in Chennai
- Its from-price is 77% below the median of the 321 experiences we list in Chennai.
- It is shorter than most of them.
- By number of reviews it ranks 32 of 321.
- The operator lists free cancellation on it.
About Chennai
Chennai is the capital of Tamil Nadu on the Bay of Bengal, a city of temples, classical music, a very long beach and a colonial fort.
Chennai, formerly Madras, grew from Fort St George, which the British East India Company built in 1644 on the Coromandel coast and which now houses the state government. The city is spread along the Bay of Bengal beside Marina Beach, one of the longest urban beaches in the world. San Thome Basilica stands near the shore, built over what is believed to be the tomb of St Thomas the Apostle.
Top-ranked sights in Chennai: Mahabalipuram (Mamallapuram), Fort St. George, Kapaleeshwarar Temple.
