Description
The Kapaleeshwarar Temple is one of the most ancient temples in Chennai. Dedicated to Lord Shiva (as Kapaleeshwarar) and Goddess Parvati (as Karpagambal), the temple is a fine example of Dravidian architecture, featuring a colorful gopuram adorned with intricate carvings of deities and mythological figures. It is an important spiritual and cultural center, especially vibrant during festivals like Arubathimoovar.
Opening Hours: Morning: 5:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Evening: 4:00 PM – 9:30 PM
Description
The Parthasarathy Temple is one of the oldest and most significant temples in Chennai. Dedicated to Lord Krishna as Parthasarathy (the charioteer of Arjuna in the Mahabharata), the temple dates back to the 8th century and showcases classic Dravidian architecture with beautifully carved pillars and towers. It is unique for housing idols of Krishna along with other avatars of Lord Vishnu, making it an important pilgrimage site.
Opening Hours: Morning: 5:30 AM – 12:00 PM
Evening: 4:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Description
Fort St. George, Chennai – Built in 1644 by the British East India Company, it is the first English fortress in India. The complex houses the St. George Museum, the Tamil Nadu legislative assembly, and a historic church. Fort St. George stands as a symbol of Chennai’s colonial history and administrative heritage.
St. Geroge Museum remains closed on Fridays
Opening Hours: 9AM – 5 PM
Description
A historic Roman Catholic basilica in Chennai built over the tomb of St. Thomas the Apostle, one of the few churches in the world erected atop an apostle’s burial site.
The neo‑Gothic structure features tall spires, stained‑glass windows, serene interiors, and a small museum exhibiting relics and artifacts related to the life of St. Thomas and early Christianity in India. It remains an active place of worship and a popular cultural landmark.
Opening Hours: 6AM – 8 PM
Description
A day trip to Mahabalipuram (also called Mamallapuram) from Chennai is a classic cultural excursion along the scenic East Coast Road (ECR). Mahabalipuram is famed for its UNESCO‑listed Pallava rock temples, coastal views and ancient stone carvings.
You will be picked up from the hotel in the morning to make the most of your visit and avoid midday heat. The main attractions — including the Shore Temple, Pancha Rathas (Five Rathas), and rock reliefs like Arjuna’s Penance — are all within walking or short driving distance in town.
Distance from Chennai: 57 KMS / Approx 2 Hrs, one way
Opening Hours: 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Description
Take an overnight trip to Pondicherry, a charming coastal town known for its French colonial heritage and peaceful beaches.
Explore the colorful streets of the French Quarter, visit historic churches, and spend time at the Auroville Ashram, a spiritual community promoting harmony and sustainable living. Stroll along Promenade Beach and enjoy seaside cafés.
Distance from Chennai: 165 KMS / Approx 4.5 Hrs, one way
Description
It is Chennai's premier heritage centre showcasing the rich culture, art, architecture and traditional lifestyles of South India.
Spread over a scenic campus near the Bay of Bengal, it features authentic historical houses from Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh, live craft demonstrations, folk performances, workshops and cultural exhibits that bring the region’s traditions to life.
Dakshina Chitra remains closed on Tuesdays
Opening Hours:
10:00 AM – 6:00 PM (Wednesday – Friday)
10:00 AM – 7:00 PM (Saturday & Sunday)
Description
The Kalakshetra Foundation is a renowned cultural institution dedicated to preserving and promoting Indian classical arts, especially Bharatanatyam and Carnatic music. Founded in 1936 by Rukmini Devi Arundale, it is set within a serene, eco-friendly campus in Thiruvanmiyur. The foundation is known for its traditional teaching methods, artistic excellence, and beautifully choreographed dance dramas rooted in Indian heritage.
Kalakshetra Foundation remains closed on Weekdays
Opening Hours:
08:30 AM – 04:00 PM (Monday - Friday)
Description
One of India’s oldest and most extensive museums, showcasing rich collections in archaeology, anthropology, numismatics, art, natural history and South Indian heritage, including famous Chola bronzes, Amaravati sculptures and historical artifacts.
Government Museum remains closed on Fridays
Opening Hours: 10:30 AM – 6:30 PM
Description
Take a day trip to Kanchipuram, the “City of Thousand Temples,” famous for its ancient Dravidian temples and world-renowned handwoven silk sarees.
You will be picked up form the hotel in the morning and driven to Kanchipuram along the scenic route. Visit Kamakshi Amman Temple, Ekambareswarar Temple,Kailasanathar and Varadharaja Perumal Temples.Next visit Kanchipuram silk workshops to see artisans at work and shop for handwoven sarees. Later in the day, explore heritage sites like Kanchi Kudil and nearby rock-cut temples.
Distance from Chennai: 75 KMS / Approx 3 Hrs, one way
Temple Timings: 6:00 AM – 12:30 PM and 4:00 PM- 7:30 PM
Note: Non-Hindus are usually allowed to visit most Kanchipuram temples and explore the temple complex and outer areas. However, access to the inner sanctum is usually restricted to practicing Hindus. Visitors must remove footwear and wear modest clothing covering shoulders and legs.
Description
Shopping in Chennai offers a vibrant mix of tradition, craftsmanship, and modern retail. The city is famous for Kanchipuram silk sarees, exquisite gold jewelry, handicrafts, and traditional South Indian textiles.
Popular markets include T. Nagar, the hub for fashion and accessories, Pondy Bazaar for street shopping, and specialty stores in Mylapore and Chennai’s heritage districts for handicrafts and souvenirs.
Opening Hours: Market usually remains open from 10:30 AM – 9:00 PM. Small local shops may be closed on Sundays.
Chennai’s cuisine is nourishing, flavourful, and deeply rooted in tradition. Delegates can enjoy authentic South Indian meals served on banana leaves and signature favourites like idli, dosa, sambar, rasam, fresh coastal seafood – rounded off with the city’s beloved filter coffee, enjoyed as a daily ritual. Around the venue, fine dining restaurants, cafés, and international cuisine ensure comfort for global tastes.
