The city of Chennai, formerly known as Madras, is one of the earliest cities established by the British in India. But its history goes much further back in time with some of the city’s neighbouhoods having a documented history of over 1500 years. Colourful temples, grand colonial buildings, bustling markets, spicy south Indian fare, iconic filter coffee, classical music and dance, the finest silk and jewellery stores and the larger than life movie stars – there are many unique cultural encounters that a visitor can look forward to in Chennai.
Tours in Chennai
The Egmore Museum in Chennai is the second oldest museum in India. It is home to a remarkable collection of stone sculptures, prehistoric artefacts and exquisite bronzes. Carved over 2000 years ago, the Amaravati Marbles are the earliest examples of Buddhist art in the world. In an adjoining bay, 1500-year-old inscriptions hold clues as to how languages evolved. Burial urns and potshards from Keeladi and Adichanallur give us a glimpse into life in ancient Tamil settlements. And the museum’s collection of bronze sculptures from the Chola period is priceless and unmatched.
Lend an ear to their stories and you will experience history like never before. Explore all this and more on this selection of the best stories from the Egmore Museum.
Consultant Historian: Dr Dayalan, Archaeological Advisor to Tamil Nadu State Department of Archaeology, Former Director, Archaeological Survey of India
Signage Consultants: Cityworks
THIS FREE AUDIO TOUR IS BROUGHT TO YOU THANKS TO THE GENEROUS SUPPORT OF PANDO.
Visit pando.ai to learn more about them.
We thank Tamil Nadu Tourism and the Department of Museums for their support in making this audio tour possible.
Just south of Chennai lies the UNESCO World heritage site of Mamallapuram. A workshop of the Pallava kings, the site features beautiful bas-reliefs, monoliths, some of the earliest rock-cut and structural temples in south India. It is home to the iconic Shore temple, the Pancha Pandava Rathas, the intriguing Butter ball, and the Arjuna’s penance, among others.
Tours in Mamallapuram
Welcome to the seaside town of Mamallapuram, an ancient port steeped in history and home to awe-inspiring monuments. This tour takes you back 1300 years, when the place was ruled by the Pallava dynasty. The Pallava kings were known to be great builders, and Mamallapuram was their workshop. The city is now a living museum, filled with stories of a fascinating period in Indian history. What was life like back then? How did sculptors of the time build magnificent structures out of immovable rock? What do stone inscriptions tell us about the evolution of local languages? Trace the history of temple building in South India. Listen to stories of cursed kings and powerful sages, of vengeful goddesses and wise demons carved into the walls. And follow the rise and fall of powerful kingdoms as you explore the most iconic sights of this UNESCO World Heritage Site. Experience history like never before with the Mamallapuram audio tour.
Signage Consultants: Cityworks
This audio tour is brought to you in partnership with Tamil Nadu Tourism and the Archaeological Survey of India. We wish to thank the Aseema Trust and their benefactors for making this tour available to all users at no cost.