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Georgetown heritage walk about the founding of Chennai
Joined 2023
Retrace the evolution of George Town from a trading post for British East India Company in the 17th century to its emergence as Chennai's foremost market today. Visit Fort St George, the first English fort in India. Explore the 5 main streets selling everything under the Sun, ancient temples, a church built by Armenian traders in 1712 and savor mouth watering snacks in a food street!
Itinerary
This itinerary can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Send me a message with your requests!
Meeting Point
Fort St George
Fort St George
The walk starts at Fort Saint George, the first English Fortress built in 1644 by the East India Company. During this visit we will understand how the British came to dominate India , their rule and finally how India won its independence. We will visit St Mary’s Church, the oldest Anglican Church of India. This church has a rare "Last Supper" painting by a student of Raphael.
Georgetown
We will walk through the streets of Georgetown. It was originally known as Black Town in the 1600s by the British as it
was an area predominantly populated by Indians. It was here that the first settlement of Madras was set up and also housed the East India Company’s warehouse. As the area expanded with trade, it became the centre for construction and development activities, including one of the major ports of Madras.
Armenian street
Armenian street is an interesting destination for going down memory lane. It is one of the most historical streets of Chennai and is locally known as Aranmanaikaran Street. The street is named for the Armenians who came to Madras and settled in the area around the 1750s. The Armenians were wealthy and traded in silk, spices and gems. Even today, you can see historically relevant buildings like the Armenian Church, the St Mary’s Co Cathedral, and the St Mary’s Anglo-Indian Higher Secondary School,
Madras High Court
We will next visit the Madras High Court, which is the second largest judicial building in the world next only
to the Courts of London. It is a good example of the Indo-Saracenic style and was
completed in 1892.Indo-Saracenic-refers to the Hindu type of architecture and
‘Saracen’ to the Muslim form, Saracen being a name the British gave to Muslims.
End tour at Mint Street in Sowcarpet
Ending Point
Mint Street in Sowcarpet
Want to personalize this tour?
This tour can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Click below to send me a message with your requests.
Inclusions & Exclusions
Guide, entrance fees, light refreshments
pick and drop
Tour Important Information
* Kindly note the dress code is to cover knees and shoulders
* On Fridays the Fort is closed and we will therefore spend more time in the streets of Georgetown
Cancellation Policy
- Free cancellation - 8 days prior to meeting time
- 50% Refund - 3 to 7 days prior to meeting time
- No Refund - Within 2 day(s) prior to meeting time
Joined 2023
About Tour Guide Satish B.
People know me as Satish and I have been conducting culture tours in Chennai and across South India for the last 2 decades.
I host guests from across the world on experiences across Chennai, Tamil Nadu, and other parts of South India. My most popular tour is the Chennai city experience which traces the origin of the city and takes guests on an immersive cultural experience through temples, bazaars, monuments and the Marina Beach.
I also conduct heritage walks which tell the story of making of Chennai and how the first English settlement has transformed into a bustling trading city.
I am passionate about the biodiversity of India and conducts horticultural walks.
I am an evangelist for local cuisine of South India and encourage all my guests to sample the best of what India has to offer in terms of South Indian food.
A holder of degrees in commerce and marketing from Loyola college in Chennai, I live with my wife and 2 children in Chennai.