Mahabalipuram Art History and Culture Private Tour from Chennai

Chennai , India

Mahabalipuram Art History and Culture Private Tour from Chennai

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About this experience

Discover Mahabalipuram on our exclusive private day tour led by accomplished, highly educated cultural custodians with backgrounds in History, architecture and fine arts.

Mahabalipuram was an important ancient port well known to the ancient Romans and Greeks. The charming town is today renowned the world over for its exquisite 6th century rock cut temples and intricate statues of stone and is an UNESCO designated World Heritage Site - an "area of of outstanding value to humanity." You will be amazed by the art work in granite.

On the way, we visit an interesting "living museum" of South India, Dakshin Chitra to enable an understanding of South Indian way
of life through the centuries.

The tour is perfect for those seeking an understanding in Indian art, history and culture and is children friendly.

This day tour with us has been described by many discerning travellers as one of the most fascinating day tours in India.

Note: Lunch not included. You must pay for the guides lunch.

Available options

Mahabalipuram Art History and Culture Private Tour from Chennai

Pickup included

What's included

Private transportation

All Fees and Taxes

Transport in a SUV

Expert Guide

Tour

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

The first stop in Dakshin Chitra, a very interesting "museum" that showcases traditional South Indian houses
and arts - they have carefully relocated brick by brick many old and traditional houses
from across South India - a fantastic visit

The Tiger Cave is a fascinating rock-cut Hindu temple complex just before Mahabalipuram. It gets its
name from the carvings of tiger heads on the mouth of a cave which forms
a part of the complex. Constructed in the early 8th century, this amazing complex has
one of the most beautiful bas-reliefs in the world which is unfortunately missed by most
travellers as it is a little hidden

Astounding 6th century monolithic masterpieces built under the reign of the king Narasimhavarman II (c. 690â€“725
CE

Another absolute masterpiece of the Pallava Dynasty, the temple is part of the Group of Monuments
at Mahabalipuram, a UNESCO World Heritage Site

Stop 5

The shore temple is a structural temple, built with blocks of granite, dating from the 8th
century AD. It is one of the oldest structural (versus rock-cut) stone temples of Southern
India. At the time of its creation, the site was a busy port during the
reign of Narasimhavarman II of the ancient Pallava dynasty

What's not included

Lunch

Camera Fees where applicable

Lunch for guide

Tips - though not expected, it would be great to leave your guide a tip to show your appreciation.

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Viator 5.0

1 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Tripadvisor 4.9

8 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap

Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries

Not recommended for pregnant travelers

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

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.