Discover Chennai through British buildings

Discover Chennai through British Buildings

British Architecture Walk in Chennai

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This British Architecture Walk in Chennai tells the story of Chennai told through its British buildings built during the last 2 centuries.

Blend of Victorian Gothic & Indo-Saracenic

British Architecture Walk in Chennai focuses on many great monuments which were built during the British rule in an architectural style blending British as well as Indian elements. The Walk covers Central Railway Station, Rippon Building, Southern Railway Headquarters, Victory Memorial, Fort St George, Napier Bridge and University of Madras. Includes a visit to St Mary's Church, the oldes Anglican Church east of the Suez.

Central railway station
Central railway station
Rippon building, British architecture walk
Ripon building
British architecture
British architecture
Rippon building
Rippon building
British architecture
British architecture
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Buildings tell the best story of a city

Chennai was an important power centre during the British rule in India. Listen to the Chennai story through the buildings built in that period.

Cultural evangelist

This British Architecture Walk in Chennai is led by a cultural evangelist who will explain the history of these buildings as well as the fate of their masters.

Harmonious blend of styles

British Architecture Walk in Chennai will make you appreciate the harmony in blending of Victorian Gothic, Indo-Saracenic and Byzantine styles of architecture.

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Pricing Chart

5+ Persons
Rs2000/person
  • Guide
  • Coffee
  • Entrance Charges
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2-4 Persons
Rs2250/person
  • Guide
  • Coffee
  • Entrance Charges
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Single Person
Rs3000/person
  • Guide
  • Coffee
  • Entrance Charges
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Itinerary

British Architecture Walk in Chennai departs daily at 8AM & 4PM

8AM/4PM - Egmore Railway Station
Meet us at ticket counter at the main entrance of Egmore Railway station. The Egmore railway station is one of the earliest buildings built in Indo-Saracenic style. Designed by the legendary Henry Irwin to be larger than Charring Cross station of London, the Station was built by Samynatha Pillai.
MGR Central Station
The Central Railway Station was built in 1873 in Gothic Revival style by British architect George Harding. It was modified by Robert Chisholm who added the central clock tower and Travancore caps on the main towers.
Rippon Building
Named after Lord Ripon, a Governor-General of British India, today this building is the office of Mayor of Chennai.
Victoria Hall
Victoria Public Hall was opened to the public in 1887 to commemorate the Golden Jubilee of Queen Victoria. The hall was designed by British architect Robert Chisholm and it is an excellent example of Indo-Saracenic architecture.
Southern Railway HQ
The Southern Railway headquarters was one of the earliest buildings in India to be built with reinforced concrete.
Victory Memorial
Next in British Architecture Walk in Chennai, we visit The Victory War Memorial, formerly called the Cupid’s bow, a memorial constructed to commemorate the victory of the Allied Armies during World War I
Napier Bridge
Napier Bridge was built in 1869 across the Coovum river and is named after the British governor of Fort St George, Francis Napier. It connects the Marina to the Fort St George and is used by the media to represent the city.
1045AM/645PM- Madras University
The Senate House is the administrative center of the University of Madras. We part ways after appreciating this Indo Saracenic beauty.

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“We were a group of friends who took this walk in Chennai during a vsiit. Vijay was an incredible guide. He told us interesting stories about every building starting from the arrival of officials of East India Company to the City, till their departure after Indian independence! This a is a great way to learn about Chennai, its origins and the evolution of this erstwhile fishing village to the mega metropolis today. ”
John Deakins
Accountant
“This walk turned out to be a lovely outing for us both. We had already been to the prominent monuments and were looking for a authentic city walk that can tell us the real story of this city. Vijay was the perfect guide and he really helped us get a perspective of the British influence on this traditional society and how the people of Chennai imbibed the best of both worlds. You will get to listen to the story behind every prominent building in the itinerary. There is a fair amount of walking involved, but it is worth it”
Pamela Simmons
Architect

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