Explore the architectural wonders of British-era Chennai on a walking tour. Visit iconic landmarks like the Central Railway Station, Ripon Building, and Fort St George.
Explore the architectural wonders of British-era Chennai on a walking tour. Visit iconic landmarks like the Central Railway Station, Ripon Building, and Fort St George.
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Chennai Central Railway Station - You will be picked up at your hotel in the city center at 08:00 A.M. and meet your English speaking guide.
The walk starts at the Central Railway Station. It was built in 1873 in a Gothic Revival style by British architect George Harding. It then was modified by Robert Chisholm who added the central clock tower…
- Chennai Central Railway Station - You will be picked up at your hotel in the city center at 08:00 A.M. and meet your English speaking guide.
The walk starts at the Central Railway Station. It was built in 1873 in a Gothic Revival style by British architect George Harding. It then was modified by Robert Chisholm who added the central clock tower and Travancore caps on the main towers. Today, this station handles significantly more than 350,000 passengers every day.
- Ripon Building - Following we walk to the Ripon Building which was commissioned in 1913. Designed by G.S.T. Harris and built by Loganatha Mudaliar, the Ripon building is named after Lord Ripon, a Governor-General of British India who was famously known as the father of local self-government in Chennai. Today this building is the office of the Mayor of Chennai.
We next stroll to the headquarters of the Southern Railways in India. Built in the Indo–Saracenic style, this building was designed by N. Grayson and built by Samynada Pillai. It was completed in 1921. The Southern Railway headquarters was one of several early buildings in India to be constructed with reinforced concrete.
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Victory War Memorial - The Victory War Memorial, formerly called the Cupid’s Bow, is a memorial constructed to commemorate the victory of the Allied Armies during World War I (1914–1918). It later became the victory war memorial for World War II (1939–1945). It honors the soldiers, who gave their lives during the war.
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Fort St. George - Our stroll brings us to Fort Saint George, the very first English Fortress built in 1644 by the East India Company. Explore St Mary’s Church, the oldest Anglican Church of India. We may also visit a quaint museum rich with relics of colonial times. There’s a 14.5 ft tall statue of Lord Cornwallis in front of the museum. Fort St. George happens to be the headquarters of the Legislative Assembly of the State of Tamil Nadu.
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Napier Bridge - Napier Bridge is one of Chennai’s most well-known landmarks. Also called Iron Bridge, it was built in honor of Lord Napier who was a former Governor of Fort St. George. Napier Bridge, which spans the River Cooum, is one of the first structures in India to use reinforced cement concrete. It connects the beach with Fort St George. Flanking the bridge built in 1869, a new bridge was built in 1999.
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Senate House - The Senate House is the administrative centre of the University of Madras in Chennai, India. It is situated in Wallajah Road, along Marina Beach. Constructed by Robert Chisholm between 1874 and 1879, the Senate building is considered to be one of the best and oldest examples of Indo-Saracenic architecture in India.
Enjoy your Lunch at local restaurant (Beverage excluded).
After lunch, you will be driven back to your hotel within the city center.
- Transport by private air-conditioned vehicle.
- 02 Bottles of Mineral water per person.
- Local English-speaking guide.
- Hotel pickup and drop-off within city center.
- Transport by private air-conditioned vehicle.
- 02 Bottles of Mineral water per person.
- Local English-speaking guide.
- Hotel pickup and drop-off within city center.
- Gratuities
- Additional food or drink (unless specified)
- Items of a personal nature
- Gratuities
- Additional food or drink (unless specified)
- Items of a personal nature
Once known as Madras, Chennai was the principal city of British-controlled South India. It boasts a rich architectural legacy from the British colonial period, with many notable structures continuing to define Chennai’s skyline. This walking tour provides a glimpse into those historic sites, showcasing an intriguing blend of British and Indian…
Once known as Madras, Chennai was the principal city of British-controlled South India. It boasts a rich architectural legacy from the British colonial period, with many notable structures continuing to define Chennai’s skyline. This walking tour provides a glimpse into those historic sites, showcasing an intriguing blend of British and Indian architectural styles. The tour starts from the Central Railway Station, taking you through the Ripon Building, Southern Railway Headquarters, Victory Memorial, Fort St George, and finally ending at the Madras University building.
Key Sites
• Central Railway Station
• Ripon Building
• Southern Railway Headquarters
• Fort St George (The fort is closed every Friday)
• Napier Bridge
- Children under 15 must be accompanied by an adult
- Consider wearing comfortable clothes and walking shoes.
- A moderate amount of walking is involved; comfortable walking shoes and sunglasses/sunscreen with hats or scarf for ladies are highly recommended
- Fort St. George, Chennai Closed on Every Friday and Holidays.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.