Our guides
Government-registered guides, in four languages
A licensed guide is not the same as a driver who knows the way. Ours are registered with the state tourism department, which means examined on the history they are explaining and accountable for what they tell you.
- TamilThe temples' own language — inscriptions, hymns and the priests you will meet.
- EnglishFor international visitors and most domestic travellers from outside Tamil Nadu.
- HindiFor pilgrims travelling south from north and central India.
- FrenchRare outside the metros, and the reason French-speaking groups find their way here.
What registration means
Examined, licensed, accountable
Anyone can call themselves a guide at a temple gate. A government-registered guide has sat the tourism department’s examination on regional history, architecture and monument regulations, and carries a licence that can be checked — and withdrawn.
It matters most at the Great Living Chola Temples, where the interesting part is the inscriptions and the engineering rather than the legend. A registered guide can read what is carved on the wall.
On tours that include a guide, the licence fee and monument entry are arranged in advance and sit inside the quoted fare. Nothing is collected at the gate, which is where most temple-tour disputes start.
Included, not an add-on
Where a tour lists a guide, the fee is inside the price you see. Every tour page itemises what is included and what is not.
Ask for a language when you book
Hindi and French guides are limited in number. Tell us at checkout or call +91 86376 78132 so we can confirm availability for your date.
Guided tours