Excursion A musical sojourn in chennai tour at Chennai

Embrace the spiritual and musical essence of Chennai during this immersive, half-day sightseeing excursion.

Chennai, Kapaleeswara Temple

Depart the pier for the short drive through majestic Chennai, the city established by the British as the seat of power and home of the 'Splendours of the Raj', en route to the Kapaleeswara Temple. No visit to Chennai is complete without a tour of its iconic temples, or attending a live Carnatic performance of classical, southern Indian music. Today, enjoy both, starting with a guided walking tour of the Kapaleeswara Temple. During your visit, gain a unique insight into Hinduism and southern Indian culture.

Live Carnatic Classical Music and Storytelling

Your musical sojourn takes you through the history, mythology, and rituals associated with Carnatic music, southern India, and temple stories. Led by a Carnatic artist and expert on the subject, today's storytelling is peppered with many songs/hymns from the region. Some of these songs/hymns are nearly 1,200 years old, and still rendered during music concerts. The live renditions of songs/hymns (in Tamil, which are then translated into English), ringing of temple bells, smell of incense, and chanting of prayers by devotees all enhance your unique experience.

Leela Palace, Carnatic Artist and Expert, Solo Vocal Performance

Your experience today also delves into the evolution of Carnatic music over centuries, as well as its traditions, regional influences, and contributors. Chennai was declared a UNESCO Creative City of Music in 2017. With the largest number of Carnatic musicians found in the city, Chennai is considered the centre of this musical genre. During this intimate solo vocal performance sans musical or rhythmic accompaniment, your Carnatic artist and expert introduces you to the Hindu religion, culture, and traditions, along with the stories connected to them. At the conclusion of your visit, re-board your coach and proceed for refreshments at the Leela Palace, then commence the short drive back to the pier.

Points of interests

Points of interest seen on this excursion include: Chennai, Kapaleeswara Temple, Leela Palace, Refreshments, Local Specialities

Note

Please note: This tour involves a moderate amount of walking for approximately 0.46 miles (about 0.75 kilometres), at times over uneven surfaces, with a few steps to negotiate to get on/off the coach, three steps at the Kapaleeswara Temple, and three steps at the Leela Palace. This tour is not suitable for guests with limited mobility and guests who utilise a wheelchair. Guests are advised to wear lightweight, comfortable clothing with flat, closed-toe walking shoes, and bring sun protection, insect repellent, raingear, bottled water, and local currency for camera fees at the Kapaleeswara Temple from the ship. Vehicles cannot be parked near the entrance of the Kapaleeswara Temple; guests must walk for approximately five minutes. Proper attire is required to enter religious sites; shorts, short skirts, and bare shoulders are not permitted, and trousers should be of minimum mid-calf length. Hats and shoes must be removed prior to entering the temples; we suggest bringing along a pair of thick socks, because the pavement may be hot. Guests must be at least 16 years old to participate on this tour; minors under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian over 18 years old. Local conditions may be challenging; therefore, we urge flexibility and understanding as we visit unique and somewhat remote destinations. Coaches, guides, hotels, restaurants, equipment, and services are the best-available in the area, but may not be up to the standards of those found on other excursions. We thank you for your understanding. Photography/videography is prohibited inside the sanctum sanctorum of the Kapaleeswara Temple. Guests are not permitted to enter the sanctum sanctorum of the Kapaleeswara Temple. Operation of this tour is subject to the availability of a local Carnatic artist and expert. The tour sequence, timings, and itinerary are subject to change without prior notice. Space on this tour is extremely limited; we suggest you book well in advance to avoid disappointment.