Ancient Wonders & Silk Splendor: Chennai Day Trip

Exploring Kanchipuram and Mahabalipuram with Nivi was an amazing, unforgettable experience. I saw beautiful temples and loved learning about their history and significance. I really enjoyed our stop at a traditional home and seeing a silk loom. We shared a delicious lunch, my first time trying paneer dosa in India! Ramesh was also a wonderful guide, very knowledgeable, thoughtful and took amazing photos me throughout the tour of Mahabalipuram so I can show my friends and family. I never felt rushed because they both gave me ample time to explore on my own as well. I cannot recommend this tour enough as a solo traveler in Tamil Nadu.

I started my 5 Senses Tour at 7:30 with Ganesh and Mahendren, who were sharp and punctual. Ganesh shared great knowledge of Kanchipuram temples before we drove to Mahabalipuram, where local guide Ramesh explained the local sites really well. Mahendren did a fantastic job navigating “video-game level” traffic in a cool, comfortable Suzuki.

Had an informative tour with Kannan. Everything was well paced, lunch was tasty, the temples were stunning and there was an impromptu stop at a silk shop.

Mahab and Kanch were great! We had a great time visiting the temples and the sites. The car was clean and arrived promptly in the morning. The guide was very knowledgeable and answered all of questions. Communication was great and we had a fun time.

We had an amazing tour with Jainath at Mahabalipurim and Kanchipurim. Jainath was very patient and kind. He shared his knowledge about all of the sites we visited with gentle expertise. He was thoughtful about providing drinks when we were thirsty, teaching us about the typical Southern Indian lunch, and brought an umbrella to protect me from the strong, hot, sun. We highly recommend taking a tour with Jainath as you will not be disappointed!

Great day trip from Chennai to see some unique historical religious sites. Mahabalipuram was particularly beautiful with great views of the sea from the lighthouse. Jainath my guide was very informative and friendly, adding an extra cultural stop and helping me with my food and drink preferences. Can recommend!

Thank you Kannan for going above and beyond to make this trip a great memory. I had been to India before but I learnt and understood more in one day than then. The organisation was very flexible, the temple and monuments visits were amazing with unique insight into history, local culture and traditions. It’s a long day but the transport is comfortable, each site is worth it without any bore and hassle free. You have the time to go at your own pace, ask any question and you’re not forced into anything. I will take more tours when the opportunity presents itself. Definitely recommended.

A great tour, a long day combing 2 places mahabalipuram and kanchipuram but enjoyable. Tour guide very good. Car clean with good ac

A really fabulous first day in Tamil Nadu! It’s a full day with lots to see, amazing sites to soak in and a good division of activities. We had a lovely guide who knew the area and history and was willing to put up with all my questions! Lunch was also a fun experience.

Our private tour exploring the temples of Kanchipuram and Mahabalipuram was nothing short of extraordinary! Visiting both active temples and UNESCO heritage sites, we were able to experience the architectural marvels and spiritual significance of structures that have stood for over 1,200–1,400 years. What made this tour even more special was our guide’s storytelling—covering not just the glory of these sites but also the lesser-known, complex aspects of their history. Learning how these magnificent Hindu temples were built, the symbolism behind their intricate carvings, and witnessing them in a quiet, peaceful setting made the experience incredibly moving. The tour was well-organized from start to finish. Our guide and driver picked us up early from our hotel, ensuring we had ample time to explore without crowds. After an amazing day of temple visits, we ended at a shop showcasing beautiful stone memorabilia from Mahabalipuram, a perfect way to take home a piece of this historic place. We are truly grateful for this immersive experience—highly recommended for anyone visiting Chennai!