Exploring Georgetown: A Heritage Walking Tour of Chennai
Description
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.
Tour Options
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.
Highlights
What's included
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- 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
Reviews(17)
Our guide was friendly, weaving in history about the British East India Company and the Armenian Church. It’s crowded and loud, but the raw energy and hidden heritage gems make it an unforgettable experience.
Hi We are happy that you enjoyed your Georgetown tour. It was our pleasure to hosting you. We are doing Multi-day tours in North and South India.We are waiting to do more tours with you and it definitely gives you a Wonderful experience. Cheers, The Wonder tours
Best walking tour in busy streets and our tour guide done the fantastic job.
Hi We are happy that you enjoyed your Bazaar tour. It was our pleasure to hosting you. We are doing Multi-day tours in North and South India.We are waiting to do more tours with you and it definitely gives you a Wonderful experience. Cheers, The Wonder tours
It was a pleasure to explore this part of Chennai with Rajesh. It‘s always great to see the markets in India. Unfortunately there don‘t seem to be many colonial buildings.
Hi We are happy that you enjoyed your Food tour. It was our pleasure to hosting you. We are doing Multi-day tours in North and South India.We are waiting to do more tours with you and it definitely gives you a Wonderful experience. Cheers, The Wonder tours
Generally very good. Enjoyed the markets. Good photo opportunities Guide was very accommodating in making a time that suited us.
Hi We are happy that you enjoyed your Bazaar tour. It was our pleasure to hosting you. We are doing Multi-day tours in North and South India.We are waiting to do more tours with you and it definitely gives you a Wonderful experience. Cheers, The Wonder tours
Best bazaar walking tour with our guide Nanda.He have more information about the bazaar area and he is more friendly...
Hi We are happy that you enjoyed your Bazaar tour. It was our pleasure to hosting you. We are doing Multi-day tours in North and South India.We are waiting to do more tours with you and it definitely gives you a Wonderful experience. Cheers, The Wonder tours
Fabulous walking tour with our guide rajesh at busy market area.We visited multiple shops in this tour which was amazing.
Hi We are happy that you enjoyed your Bazaar walking tour. It was our pleasure to hosting you. We are doing Multi-day tours in North and South India.We are waiting to do more tours with you and it definitely gives you a Wonderful experience. Cheers, The Wonder tours
NOTHING....the meeting point as stated in the booking confirmation was changed...even a policeman did not know where the location was. The guide took me down 1 part of the market and then told me the rest would not be open...he then took me on a walk through parts of George town...parts of it was scary...at 1 point we went down stairs and under an isolated dingy and flooded bridge. As for the water and snacks that was part of the package...I recieved nothing...what a rip off
Hi Thank you for your feedback. We sincerely apologize for the confusion regarding the meeting point and any inconvenience caused by the changes to the original plan. It appears there was a miscommunication regarding the opening hours of the shops in the bazaar, as they typically open later in the day. We also regret that the experience did not meet your expectations and that the promised water and snacks were not provided. Your safety and satisfaction are our top priorities, and we will address these concerns with the guide and team to ensure future improvements. We appreciate your understanding. Warm regards, The Wonder tours team
Our guide, Rajesh was phenomenal! He kept our large group together through the busy market streets and provided a tremendous amount of information.
Hi We are happy that you enjoyed your Bazaar walking tour . It was our pleasure to hosting you. We are doing Multi-day tours in North and South India.We are waiting to do more tours with you and it definitely gives you a Wonderful experience. Cheers, The Wonder tours team
Great walking tour at busy market area.Brilliant explanation by our guide Rajesh.Higjly recommend this walking tour.
Hi We are happy that you enjoyed your Bazaar walking tour . It was our pleasure to hosting you. We are doing Multi-day tours in North and South India.We are waiting to do more tours with you and it definitely gives you a Wonderful experience. Cheers, The Wonder tours team
This was a great tour that hit all the highlights in Bazaar area and was a great way to begin our time in Chennai. Rajesh our guide, was so friendly and informative. He really knew his stuff, and he was happy to answer any questions we might have.
Hi We are happy that you enjoyed your Bazaar walking tour . It was our pleasure to hosting you. We are doing Multi-day tours in North and South India.We are waiting to do more tours with you and it definitely gives you a Wonderful experience. Cheers, The Wonder tours team
