Mahabalipuram Full-Day Tour from Chennai

Chennai , India

Mahabalipuram Full-Day Tour from Chennai

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About this experience

Spend an entire day exploring the Mahabalipuram, a grand abode to prominent temples & mountains in Tamil Nadu. Get a chance to see centuries-old marvels! See remarks of Mahabharata at Pancha Rathas & Arjuna's Penance and later visit one of the 7 Pagodas as described by the legendary traveler, Marco Polo.

Available options

Mahabalipuram Full-Day Tour from Chennai

Pickup included

What's included

Entry charges

Hotel pick up & drop off

Tour guide (English speaking)

Lunch

Vehicle (car or van)

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

In the morning, your guide will arrive to pick you up for Mahabalipuram, a UNESCO Heritage Site that dates back to the 7th & 8th centuries. It's a site that even the famous explorer Marco Polo didn't miss out on. He dubbed Mahabalipuram the 'City of 7 Pagodas' in his period.

Upon arrival, you will first see Pancha Rathas, a centuries-old sacred complex. Its monoliths & walls showcase visuals from the ancient Hindu epic, Mahabharata. The guide will tell the significance & past of this complex as move on.

Stop 2

From there, you will head to Arjuna's Panance, a remarkable 100-foot by 45-foot monument at Mamallapuram. This place is also known as the Descent of Ganges since its carvings illustrate the river Ganga rising & flowing through the Himalayas.

Stop 3

Next, you will see Krishna's Butterball which is a huge granite boulder perched on a steep rock slope. Make memories & click as many pictures as you want.

Stop 4

After this, we'll move towards Shore Temple, a granite-built temple that overlooks the shore of the Bay of Bengal. Listen to captivating stories & reasoning behind their structuring as the tour comes to an end. By 3:30 PM, you will be at your hotel.

What's not included

Personal expenses

Tips

Available languages

Guide guide

Important information

Public transportation options are available nearby

Specialized infant seats are available

Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries

Not recommended for pregnant travelers

Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health

Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

About Chennai

Chennai, the capital of Tamil Nadu, is a vibrant coastal city known for its rich history, cultural heritage, and bustling streets. It's a melting pot of tradition and modernity, offering everything from ancient temples to modern IT hubs.

Top Attractions

Marina Beach

Marina Beach is one of the longest urban beaches in the world, stretching over 13 km along the Bay of Bengal.

Beach 1-2 hours Free

Fort St. George

This historic fort was the first English fortress in India and is now a museum showcasing the city's colonial past.

Historical 1-2 hours INR 50

Kapaleeshwarar Temple

This ancient temple dedicated to Lord Shiva is a stunning example of Dravidian architecture and a major pilgrimage site.

Religious 1-2 hours Free

Government Museum

One of the oldest museums in India, it houses a vast collection of artifacts, including bronze sculptures, paintings, and historical artifacts.

Museum 2-3 hours INR 25

Breezy Beach

A quieter alternative to Marina Beach, Breezy Beach is a popular spot for locals and tourists alike.

Beach 2-3 hours Free

Must-Try Local Dishes

Dosa

A thin, crispy crepe made from fermented rice and lentil batter, often served with sambar and chutney.

Breakfast/Lunch Vegetarian

Idli

Soft, steamed rice cakes made from fermented batter, typically served with sambar and chutney.

Breakfast Vegetarian

Filter Coffee

A strong, aromatic coffee made using a traditional filter, often served with milk and sugar.

Drink Non-vegetarian

Chettinad Chicken

A spicy, flavorful chicken dish from the Chettinad region, known for its unique blend of spices.

Lunch/Dinner Non-vegetarian

Popular Activities

Scuba diving Snorkeling Surfing Beach visits Spa treatments Yoga Temple visits Music and dance performances

Best Time to Visit

November to February

This is the best time to visit Chennai as the weather is pleasant and ideal for sightseeing.

25°C to 35°C 77°F to 95°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Tamil
Widely spoken: English, Hindi
English: Widely spoken

Currency

Indian Rupee (INR)

Time Zone

GMT+5:30

Electricity

230VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Exercise caution

Chennai is generally safe for tourists, but petty crime and scams can occur, especially in crowded areas. Exercise caution and be aware of your surroundings.

Important Precautions:

• Use licensed taxis or app-based services like Ola and Uber.
• Be cautious when using ATMs, especially at night.
• Avoid carrying large amounts of cash.

Getting there

By air

Chennai International Airport • 20 km from city center

By train

Chennai Central, Chennai Egmore

By bus

Koyambedu, CMBT

Getting around

Public transport

The Chennai Metro is a modern, efficient, and air-conditioned system that covers major parts of the city.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Ola, Uber

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Mylapore T. Nagar Besant Nagar

Day trips

Mahabalipuram

60 km from Chennai • Half day to full day

A UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its ancient temples, rock-cut caves, and sculptures.

Kanchipuram

75 km from Chennai • Full day

A historic city known for its ancient temples, silk sarees, and religious significance.

Pondicherry

160 km from Chennai • Overnight

A former French colony with a unique blend of French and Indian cultures, known for its beaches, architecture, and spiritual centers.

Festivals

Pongal • January Chennai Music Season • December-January Chennai Film Festival • December

Pro tips

Visit the city's temples and historical sites early in the morning to avoid the heat and crowds.
Try the local street food, but be cautious and choose vendors with high turnover to ensure freshness.
Use app-based services like Ola and Uber for convenient and reliable transportation.
Explore the city's vibrant street art and mural scene, with numerous murals and art installations throughout the city.
Visit the city's beaches, such as Marina Beach and Breezy Beach, for a relaxing break from the bustling city life.