The Mylapore Walk

Here rose the potent city, Meliapor
Named in olden times,
Rich, vast and grand.
                       - Luiz Camoens, Portuguese Poet, 1572

Mylapore is - and has in some sense always been - the religious and cultural epicenter of the Tamil people. The village of Mylapore pre-dates Chennai. A great shore temple dedicated to Shiva once stood at this ancient thriving seaport, until the Portuguese arrived in the mid-sixteenth century. They destroyed the temple, created a Portuguese colony on the shore, and pushed Mylapore inshore, where it still stands today. The Shiva temple was re-built 300 years ago, and is called the Kapaleeswara Temple. It is a fine example of the pure Dravidian style, with gopurams and mandapams, and is the epicentre around which the area of Mylapore is built.

During this walk, you will visit the temple in the company of our knowledgeable guide. We will also walk through the surrounding areas, where you can see Mylapore in all its crowded chaos. The jewellers, silk merchants, fruit and vegetable sellers and the flower vendors in the bazaars provide a colourful backdrop to the temple. The walk takes us through small lanes with old-style homes, through silk shops, stores selling music and religious memorablia, ‘kutcheri’ auditoriums, etc. At the end of the tour, we stop at the popular Saravana Bhavan for snacks and coffee.

Duration: 2 hours, ideally in the evenings. All days of the week. Starts at San Thome Church.

Cost:
INR 1050 per person for 7-10 persons
INR 1450 per person for 5-6 persons
INR 1950 per person for 3-4 persons
INR 2650 per person for 2 persons
INR 4500 for a solo traveler

Includes: Knowledgeable guide, snacks at a local cafe and all taxes.

Excludes: Transport, tips, entrances.

If you need pick-up/drop from your hotel, please let us know and we can arrange it at additional cost.

Prior reservation is mandatory. Email deepa@magictoursofindia.com or WhatsApp wa.me/+919867707414.