Full Day Tour to Kanchipuram and UNESCO's Mahabalipuram with Private Transfer

Chennai , India

Full Day Tour to Kanchipuram and UNESCO's Mahabalipuram with Private Transfer

Active

10h

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Instant confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Visit Kanchipuram City, a place of religious importance with several Hindu temples depicting the Hindu culture and tradition. Following explore the City of Mahabalipuram, known for its outstanding historic buildings and an incredible architectural rock carved sanctuaries. Visit the grand temples and shrines that adorn the city. This tour will take you to various stone-cut temples.
NOTE: (Expect More People on Ground / Monuments / Public Places During the Tour). You will have Private tour Guide during the Sightseeing Tour.

Highlights
• Temples of Kanchipuram - Kailasantha, Ekambareshwara, and Vaikuntaperumal
• UNESCO World Heritage Site - Temples and Shrines of Mahabalipuram

Available options

1-8 Travellers

Price per person for 1-8 travellers

What's included

Hotel pickup and drop-off

Transport by air-conditioned vehicle

Private tour

Bottled water

Professional English speaking guide

Detailed itinerary

We will pick up traveler from their hotels / fixed point within city center.

You will be picked up from your hotel by your driver and guide. Our tour starts with a journey to Kanchipuram, a city about 45 minutes from Chennai. Historically, Kanchipuram was a center of education and was known as the “ghatikasthanam”, or place of learning. The city was also a religious center of advanced education for Jainism and Buddhism between the 1st and 5th centuries. Located on the banks of the Vegavathy river, it has many temples. In Vaishnavism Hindu theology, Kanchipuram is one of the seven Tirtha (pilgrimage) sites, for spiritual exercise. The city is well known for its hand woven silk saris. Most of the city's workforce is involved in the weaving industry. On your tour, we will visit the three temples that exemplifies this sacred town—Kailasantha and Ekambareshwara temples, dedicated to Lord Shiva, and Vaikuntaperumal temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu.

From Kanchipuram, we will travel to the ancient Pallavan port of Mamallapuram. This is a historic town and bustling seaport, where ancient Indian traders sailed to countries of Southeast Asia as far back as the 1st century. Here, you can view the group of sanctuaries carved out of rock in the 7th and 8th centuries: Rathas (temples in the form of chariots), Mandapas (cave sanctuaries), giant open air rock reliefs such as the famous “Descent of the Ganges”, and the Shore Temple, with thousands of sculptures to the glory of Shiva. The Group of Monuments at Mahabalipuram has been classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Return back to your hotel in Chennai by late evening.

What's not included

Gratuities

Food and drinks, unless specified

Available languages

Guide guide

Important information

Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap

Not recommended for pregnant travelers

Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries

Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health

Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

Children below 15 must be accompanied by an adult

Departure Time: In between 08 A.M till 06 :00 P.M. depends on the location address. Hotel pickups commence prior to this time Duration 1 hours (approx.)

Important notes

• Dress code is smart casual
• Comfortable walking shoes are recommended
• A moderate amount of walking is involved
• If you will not be arriving at your destination within the specified reconfirmation period, please reconfirm with the local service provider prior to travel, or upon arrival at your destination. Please note that departure times and locations may vary slightly.

Hotel pickups commence approximately 30 - 60 minutes prior to this time, exact pickup time will be advised on reconfirmation.

Hotel pickups commence prior to this time, you must contact the local service provider to verify your exact pickup time.

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.