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.
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.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Exploring George Town Chennai Heritage and Bazaar Walking Tour lasts about 2h 30min. The itinerary has 4 stops.
Prices start at $29 per person for this Chennai experience, booked through Viator with the price shown before checkout. There are 3 booking options, so the final price depends on the option you choose.
Yes. Cancel at least 1 day before the start for a full refund. Later cancellations are non-refundable.
Yes, pickup is offered. Pickup points include Collection O 13574 Balaji Dental College.
The experience is available in EN, EN.
It is a private experience: only your party takes part. Up to 15 travellers can book together.
Yes, bookings are confirmed instantly.
Travellers rate it 4.4 out of 5 across 19 verified reviews; it is run by Wonder tours.
We met our guide and plunged straight into the labyrinth of narrow, bustling lanes. The sheer energy of the place is infectious. One minute you’re walking past grand old colonial-era structures and a stunning 300-year-old Armenian church, and the next you’re swallowed up by an ocean of wholesale stalls selling everything from mountains of marigolds at the flower market to brassware, spices, and glittering bundles of bangles.
Best walking tour in Chennai,our guide is very knowledgeable and friendly.
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
| Tour | Duration | Rating | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Exploring George Town Chennai Heritage and Bazaar Walking Tour | 2h 30min | 4.4 (19) | $29 | |
 Georgetown heritage walking tour of Chennai's first settlement | 3 hours | 4.9 (166) | $40 | View |
 Big Fat Indian Wedding, shopping & bazaar walking tour in Chennai | 3 hours | 4.9 (17) | $60 | View |
 Gods of Mylapore walking tour: Journey Through Living Traditions | 3 hours | 5.0 (299) | $27 | View |
 Mahabalipuram walking tour by tourism ministry approved company | 3 hours | 5.0 (123) | $50 | View |
 Sowcarpet Street Food Walking Tour in Chennai with guide | 2 hours | 5.0 (113) | $45 | View |
 British Architecture Walk, an immersive walking tour in Chennai | 2h 30min | 4.8 (64) | $55 | View |