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Things to do in Mahabalipuram

Our most recommended things to do in Mahabalipuram

Chennai: Mahabalipuram Tour with Lunch

1. Chennai: Mahabalipuram Tour with Lunch

Your experience will begin as you are collected from your accommodation at 7:30AM, at which point you will make your way to Mahabalipuram. Once having arrived, Panch Rathas is your first destination. These are rock-cut monolith structures which are dedicated to the lead cast of the Mahabharata epic. They are dedicated to Draupadi, Arjuna, Nakul-Sahadeva, Bhima and Yudhister. There is also a sculpture of an elephant next to the ratha of Nakul-Sahadeva. Next in the itinerary is Arjuna’s Penance, a 100-foot by 45-foot open-air rock relief where an entire masterpiece from the Mahabharata epic has been carved. The River Ganga is at the center of the panel, and is surrounded by divine beings, hunters, animals, birds, and trees belonging to the Himalayan ranges. The next stop is to Krishna’s Butterball, a 5-meter ball-shaped boulder which is perched precariously on a slope and seems to defy Newton’s laws of gravity. Next up, the magnificent Shore Temple beckons you. This 8th-century structural temple is made of granite, and served as a beacon for seafarers of the time. Legend says that this was a part of a complex of 7 temples dotted along the sea, and the legendary traveler Marco Polo also mentioned Mahabalipuram in his memoirs, referring to it as the "City of 7 Pagodas". Following this final stop, you will travel back to Chennai where you will be dropped off back to your hotel by 3:30PM.

Mahabalipuram and Kanchipuram Private Caves & Temples Tour

2. Mahabalipuram and Kanchipuram Private Caves & Temples Tour

Enjoy a full-day guided tour of Mahabalipuram and Kanchipuram. Starting in Chennai, you'll be transported to Mahabalipuram, famous for its splendid 7th and 8th-century art and architecture, especially its stone carvings. You will start your tour by visiting the magnificent 7th-century Shore Temple which is surrounded by lush gardens. In addition, you’ll also visit the 7th-century Five Rathas shrine, also known as Pancha Rathas. After visiting Mahabalipuram you'll stop to enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before driving to Kanchipuram. Kanchipuram is known as the "golden city of a thousand temples" and is also one of the 7 sacred cities of India. The city has some grand and majestic buildings that reflect the architectural experiments undertaken by different dynasties ruling the city over the centuries. Visit historic spots like the Kailasanatha Temple, Vaikunda Perumal Temple, Kamaskhi Amman Temple and Ekambareswara Temple. All of these are excellent specimens of the architectural splendor of the medieval period.   

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What people are saying about Mahabalipuram

Overall rating

4.6 / 5

based on 14 reviews

It was a lovely trip, starting with our driver (Suda) who was professionally and patient also our tour guide (Arun) who was such a humble guy with a great knowledge about all places. we learnt a lot from him. Although there were a road construction on the way to kanchipuram which was a really hectic journey so me and my wife we both feels like jet lag but when we reach to the place it was all worth it.

Amazing experience! I am so glad I signed up for this trip. I liked that it was private and that I was able to learn so much from the tour guides who were incredible! I loved learning about the gods and the temple history. Eating by the beach was a treat as well. Amazing time!

The tour was well organized and full of interesting sights. I thoroughly enjoyed learning about Mahabalipuram, Tamil Nadu and India. Can highly recommend this tour!

Stunning monuments! Amazing mythological stories shared by the guides. Friendly guide. Nice food tasting, with full explanation by the guide. Great punctuality.

Excellent tour. Very knowledgeable guide. Couldn’t have asked for a better tour. Took time to explain things. Would definitely use this company again.