Chennai Magic - Day Tours
Chennai Magic - Day Tours
Chennai Magic - Day Tours
4.5
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Heritage walks, food walks, home cooking and sightseeing tours by a team of talented, knowledgeable women (and a few good men!).
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Chennai Magic - Day Tours
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
4.5
41 reviews
Excellent
32
Very good
5
Average
3
Poor
1
Terrible
0
luv2runalot
Philadelphia, PA10 contributions
Jul 2015 • Solo
I had a WONDERFUL experience on the Chennai Magic tour today. My tour guide was Abi and she was totally awesome. Abi was very pleasant and easy going. When we went to visit the different sites, she was very patient and provided history and background of each location. On their web site, they mention "a knowledgeable tour guide". Well Abi exceeded that by leaps and bounds. She was super knowledgeable and understood the deep history of each location. I was in awe of her knowledge ... I wondered if she was a university professor because she was so smart :-)
The lunch location was at Hotel Ashoka and the food was delicious. The wait staff was very pleasant and I just loved the atmosphere of an authentic Indian restaurant.
This tour receives an A+ from me and 5 stars. I loved it!
The lunch location was at Hotel Ashoka and the food was delicious. The wait staff was very pleasant and I just loved the atmosphere of an authentic Indian restaurant.
This tour receives an A+ from me and 5 stars. I loved it!
Written 18 July 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
TravelDreams
Portland, OR284 contributions
Dec 2014 • Friends
For anyone who wants to book a great guide directly:
Dennis +91 994 151 0407
His knowledge was stupendous, he had great energy, and English was perfect (And Spanish)
We were picked up from our cruise port, and they were flexible about dropping us off at a random house on the way back to Chennai.
The tour was more than just looking at the temples, it was the stories, legends, and art behind it all.
We had a great lunch together, and with extra time to kill, he and the driver were flexible about seeing some extra places.
Of all of my "magic" tours of India, this was one of my favorites
Dennis +91 994 151 0407
His knowledge was stupendous, he had great energy, and English was perfect (And Spanish)
We were picked up from our cruise port, and they were flexible about dropping us off at a random house on the way back to Chennai.
The tour was more than just looking at the temples, it was the stories, legends, and art behind it all.
We had a great lunch together, and with extra time to kill, he and the driver were flexible about seeing some extra places.
Of all of my "magic" tours of India, this was one of my favorites
Written 7 February 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
vengaman
Sydney, Australia1 contribution
Jul 2015 • Solo
I had an absolutely brilliant tour - and organised ate really short notice. the company was easy to deal with and extremely accommodating.
Both guide and Driver extremely helpful and attentive The guide was knowledgeable, took time to answer questions and engage in conversation - around both the Basillica and the Temples, markets and food stops. She had fantastic English skills and went out of her way to ensure that my requirements were met.
I would have no hesitation in recommending you to colleagues and friends or in using your services again.
Fantastic value for money. Thank you so much for all your help.
Both guide and Driver extremely helpful and attentive The guide was knowledgeable, took time to answer questions and engage in conversation - around both the Basillica and the Temples, markets and food stops. She had fantastic English skills and went out of her way to ensure that my requirements were met.
I would have no hesitation in recommending you to colleagues and friends or in using your services again.
Fantastic value for money. Thank you so much for all your help.
Written 20 July 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Nina20152015
Minneapolis, MN8 contributions
Feb 2015 • Solo
It turned out that I was going to be in Chennai for 3-4 days and so I decided to do some sightseeing. (I am an expat who is traveling to various parts of India for the year through her research leave.) I came across Chennai Magic as I searched online. Given (a) that it is an enterprise owned and run by women, (b) the descriptions of the tours, and (c) generally favorable reviews, I signed up for two tours with Chennai Magic -- the Mylapore walking tour and the Mahabalipuram day trip. The cost added up to a good bit of money in INR (Indian rupees) and is not insignificant in US currency either.
Here are the positives -- the guide extended a warm welcome throughout; she knew a lot of the local people, staff, artists, and department heads at the places I visited with her; the air-conditioned car (Mahabalipuram trip) was clean, ran well, and the driver was very good too; the guide made sure to supply food and drink throughout and also sent me home with some lovely, fragrant flowers (used in worship, at altars) after visiting the Kapaleeshwar Temple at the end of the Mylapore walking tour. That memory still makes me smile!
However there were certain aspects on which Chennai Magic failed to deliver. For instance, there was no real in-depth historical knowledge shared. Instead the guide resorted to pointing out such "sights" as a mother taking her child to school (or tennis practice or whatever), saying that mothers love doing such things and cooking for their families. Most of us (regardless of where one grew up!) do not consider this a "sight" worth seeing and gender-essentialist statements will not enhance the image of India. Also, while the guide pointed out interesting local foliage, architecture, etc., the information she shared can easily be found online. For instance, she asked me to go take a look the famous Mylapore Tank by the Kapaleeshwar Temple but did not really share information about when it was built, why, by whom, for what purpose, etc. And during the Mahabalipuram day-trip, she asked me to go climbing up the rocky paths by myself and, although there was no pressure from her as such, she also made sure to steer me to various shops and merchants throughout the day.
At the end of the 2 tours, I had some mixed feelings about my experience and decided to focus only on the bits that I had enjoyed immensely and put aside the disappointing bits. I held off on writing a review of my Chennai Magic experience because it was the first time that I was doing such guided tours in India and I wondered if my expectations were unduly high. However, subsequently, I ended up in a different city where also I did a walking tour and a half-day tour with a different company (also woman-owned and woman-run). The difference in quality was remarkable!!!! They really delivered on the historical and cultural knowledge that they promised. I found myself then thinking again about Chennai Magic and how they just did not deliver as regards in-depth knowledge of history, culture, geography. I will not recommend Chennai Magic to others, because, like me, they too may feel that they were ripped off somewhat. Again, not an image of India that one wants to project!
Either Chennai Magic needs to ensure that all guides are up-to-speed and WILL absolutely deliver on the promise of sharing proper knowledge or then they need to change what they say on their website. This way, tourists will not end up feeling like Chennai Magic took them for a ride by charging a hefty fee without delivering what they promised.
Here are the positives -- the guide extended a warm welcome throughout; she knew a lot of the local people, staff, artists, and department heads at the places I visited with her; the air-conditioned car (Mahabalipuram trip) was clean, ran well, and the driver was very good too; the guide made sure to supply food and drink throughout and also sent me home with some lovely, fragrant flowers (used in worship, at altars) after visiting the Kapaleeshwar Temple at the end of the Mylapore walking tour. That memory still makes me smile!
However there were certain aspects on which Chennai Magic failed to deliver. For instance, there was no real in-depth historical knowledge shared. Instead the guide resorted to pointing out such "sights" as a mother taking her child to school (or tennis practice or whatever), saying that mothers love doing such things and cooking for their families. Most of us (regardless of where one grew up!) do not consider this a "sight" worth seeing and gender-essentialist statements will not enhance the image of India. Also, while the guide pointed out interesting local foliage, architecture, etc., the information she shared can easily be found online. For instance, she asked me to go take a look the famous Mylapore Tank by the Kapaleeshwar Temple but did not really share information about when it was built, why, by whom, for what purpose, etc. And during the Mahabalipuram day-trip, she asked me to go climbing up the rocky paths by myself and, although there was no pressure from her as such, she also made sure to steer me to various shops and merchants throughout the day.
At the end of the 2 tours, I had some mixed feelings about my experience and decided to focus only on the bits that I had enjoyed immensely and put aside the disappointing bits. I held off on writing a review of my Chennai Magic experience because it was the first time that I was doing such guided tours in India and I wondered if my expectations were unduly high. However, subsequently, I ended up in a different city where also I did a walking tour and a half-day tour with a different company (also woman-owned and woman-run). The difference in quality was remarkable!!!! They really delivered on the historical and cultural knowledge that they promised. I found myself then thinking again about Chennai Magic and how they just did not deliver as regards in-depth knowledge of history, culture, geography. I will not recommend Chennai Magic to others, because, like me, they too may feel that they were ripped off somewhat. Again, not an image of India that one wants to project!
Either Chennai Magic needs to ensure that all guides are up-to-speed and WILL absolutely deliver on the promise of sharing proper knowledge or then they need to change what they say on their website. This way, tourists will not end up feeling like Chennai Magic took them for a ride by charging a hefty fee without delivering what they promised.
Written 15 March 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
la_travelerata
Brooklyn, NY55 contributions
Feb 2015 • Solo
I did a private home cooking tour with Chennai Magic in February. My third tour in as many cities organized by the brilliant Deepa, this was great fun. The tour consisted of a visit to the lovely home of Shobhana in a leafy section of town. We were also joined by Suba, the local manager of the tour outfit and we spent a nice afternoon where I was made to feel like a visiting friend. Shobhana is an extremely accomplished cook and the thali lunch we prepared together was delicious. We exchanged stories about our families and after lunch the ladies even dressed me up in one of Shobhana's saris. Overall, it was a great experience and an excellent way to see life in an Indian home.
Written 31 March 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
McNyke
San Francisco, CA135 contributions
Sept 2014 • Solo
Thanks Chennai Magic for the fantastic trip to Pondicherry! I had a great experience - and thanks to Deepa, Suba and my great driver Aru. Communication was great throughout the planning and booking of the trip. The driver picked me up from Chennai airport and was off to Pondi, with a stopover in Mahabalipuram.
Aru was a great driver - he was safe, friendly - and yet kept up well with the speed of traffic (nothing worse than slow drivers... or those who are too risk taking).
For those of you who are planning a trip to Pondi, just some pointers
- I wasn't too impressed with Mahabalipuram, esp if you have seen many temples and historic sites in Asia (e.g. Ankor Wat, Bagan in Burma, Yogjakarta). So i would not spend too much time in this area
- I personally loved Pondicherry - esp the French Quarter. I would highly recommend renting a scooter and driving around. Its very safe, cheap, and the roads are relatively clear (its a nice getaway from the hustle of the rest of India)
- The Auroville viewing point to see the Mandir (golden ball looking thing) is closed on Sunday afternoon. You can get relatively close, but not enter the grounds. If you want to get INSIDE the mandir, you have to apply the day before.
Thanks again Chennai Magic!!
Aru was a great driver - he was safe, friendly - and yet kept up well with the speed of traffic (nothing worse than slow drivers... or those who are too risk taking).
For those of you who are planning a trip to Pondi, just some pointers
- I wasn't too impressed with Mahabalipuram, esp if you have seen many temples and historic sites in Asia (e.g. Ankor Wat, Bagan in Burma, Yogjakarta). So i would not spend too much time in this area
- I personally loved Pondicherry - esp the French Quarter. I would highly recommend renting a scooter and driving around. Its very safe, cheap, and the roads are relatively clear (its a nice getaway from the hustle of the rest of India)
- The Auroville viewing point to see the Mandir (golden ball looking thing) is closed on Sunday afternoon. You can get relatively close, but not enter the grounds. If you want to get INSIDE the mandir, you have to apply the day before.
Thanks again Chennai Magic!!
Written 9 September 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Robert V
4 contributions
Apr 2014 • Family
We did the full day Chennai city tour and the day to Mahabalipuram tour. Car was clean comfortable and spacious. Tour guide was friendly very know;edgeable and spoke excellent english. Was promised an exhaustive list of places to go and things to see.
Unfortunately both days we ended up back at the hotel by early afternoon tour ended.
Later we revisited places and spend may interesting and worthwhile hours visiting the things we somehow missed while on the tour.
We were able to visit and see things we were told were not possible on tour.
Conclusion not worth the considerable amount of money spent.
Robert and Debbie
Unfortunately both days we ended up back at the hotel by early afternoon tour ended.
Later we revisited places and spend may interesting and worthwhile hours visiting the things we somehow missed while on the tour.
We were able to visit and see things we were told were not possible on tour.
Conclusion not worth the considerable amount of money spent.
Robert and Debbie
Written 3 May 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
LATAY1
San Diego, CA37 contributions
May 2012 • Friends
We booked this wonderful day tour while traveling on a cruise. Deepa was terrific to work with and set up an amazing tour for us. They were very punctual, picked us up at the port in an air-conditioned van and provided us with cold water. Our guide spoke English, was extremely knowledgable and a pleasure to be with. During our eight hours together, we saw all the major historic sites(entrance fees included), an amazing Spring Festival, a tour of the city and had lunch at a wonderful restaurant. They were sure to return us to the ship with time to spare! I travel around the world and this is probably the best tour company I have found. We also booked this same company in Mumbai. The value is incredible! DON'T MISS THIS ONE!!!
Written 6 April 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
BunchaSwiss
Vevey, Switzerland418 contributions
Jan 2015 • Friends
We did the Mylapore walk late in the afternoon on Sunday. It will appeal to people wanting to spend a few hours getting to know a traditional part of Chennai - noisy, bustling, interesting slice of life.
We were met at San Thome Church and met our charming and informative guide. A brief history and visit to the cathedral and relic. Then you walk in to Mylapore along busy an noisy streets with the guide pointing out items of interest like the Jain temple, portuguese church, old buildings etc. Then through the market stalls and array of fruit of vegetable. The highlight was the Kapaleeswara Temple which was busy with celebrations timed with the new moon or full moon. Our guide explained a lot about the temple, icons and really helped to understand what was going on. We were there for a festival related to the full moon which really added to the experience. We finished up with a snack and coffee.
A few tips
- it is a bit pricey but is much less with multiple people
- their recommended time was 4:30pm which worked out well with cooler time of day and the temple activity. It worked out well but is dark when you finish. Apparently it gets too hot to really enjoy it outside the period Oct - March.
- most of the storeholders are closed up on Sunday. The temple has a ceremony every two weeks on a full or new moon so it is good to coincide with that. I think if you went on a non-ceremony Sunday you might feel you have missed on quite a bit.
We were met at San Thome Church and met our charming and informative guide. A brief history and visit to the cathedral and relic. Then you walk in to Mylapore along busy an noisy streets with the guide pointing out items of interest like the Jain temple, portuguese church, old buildings etc. Then through the market stalls and array of fruit of vegetable. The highlight was the Kapaleeswara Temple which was busy with celebrations timed with the new moon or full moon. Our guide explained a lot about the temple, icons and really helped to understand what was going on. We were there for a festival related to the full moon which really added to the experience. We finished up with a snack and coffee.
A few tips
- it is a bit pricey but is much less with multiple people
- their recommended time was 4:30pm which worked out well with cooler time of day and the temple activity. It worked out well but is dark when you finish. Apparently it gets too hot to really enjoy it outside the period Oct - March.
- most of the storeholders are closed up on Sunday. The temple has a ceremony every two weeks on a full or new moon so it is good to coincide with that. I think if you went on a non-ceremony Sunday you might feel you have missed on quite a bit.
Written 19 January 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
southcountryboy
Romford21 contributions
Nov 2014 • Friends
We did the morning walk through Mylapore, a district of Chennai. We may never have seen this area if it wasn't for the tour. It's not particularly 'touristy' so this added to the experience. Portugese churches, Jain temples, a bustling market place, hundreds of small speciailist-trade shops, finished by a visit to the magnificent Kapaleeshwarar Temple. Our tour guide was extremely friendly and informative and took us to a local cafe for a dosa lunch before heading off.
The whole thing is fairly expensive but works out cheaper if in larger groups. Well worth a go. Enjoy.
The whole thing is fairly expensive but works out cheaper if in larger groups. Well worth a go. Enjoy.
Written 16 December 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We have planned holiday in chennai for 6 day On october 2017.We arrived in chennai and departure from thrichy. Thirupathi Temple,Kumbakonam ,Rameshwaram,Madurai,And Thrichy are in our list.So we are looking for good reputable travel agency .
Written 29 September 2017
Please contact us via the Chennai Magic website.
Written 2 October 2017
phyteach10
Chennai (Madras), India
Hi,
Need transportation for me to drop us in Akash centre in adyar circle from April 1st to 30th from kovilambakkam. Do u have this option of transportation. kindly revert
Written 28 January 2016
We are hoping to go to Chennai in Feb. Can you give me the name of the tour company so that I can find prices. We hope to stay there for a day or two and also do Pondicherry and mysore.. would they be able to do all this... any help you give would be appreciated.
Written 23 August 2015
Dear Celia, I received your email and have replied to it. Regards, Deepa
Written 23 August 2015
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