Mahabalipuram (Mamallapuram) Tours
8 Reviews

A complex of stone temples are all that remain of the eighth-century Pallava dynasty that once thrived at Mahabalipuram (Mamallapuram), on the coast south of Chennai. Learn the history of this UNESCO World Heritage Site, visit the charming town, and relax on a sandy stretch of shore—all accessible on a day trip from Chennai.
The Basics
Escape the bustle of Chennai on an easy day trip to visit the town of Mahabalipuram and its ruins. The Shore Temple, Mahabalipuram’s most iconic landmark, consists of two intricately carved towers standing watch over the Bay of Bengal. The nearby Panch Pandava Rathas, five stone shrines each carved from a single piece of rock, clearly display the astounding talent of the ancient stonemasons who built them.
Expand your understanding of the site by booking a guided tour; many groups include round-trip transportation from Chennai. To get a broader perspective on the region, join a tour through Tamil Nadu state—most include stops at Mahabalipuram and nearby Pondicherry.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Mahabalipuram is a must-visit for history and architecture buffs.
- Wear sun protection and comfortable shoes and bring plenty of water.
- Most of this attraction is not wheelchair or stroller accessible.
How to Get There
Mahabalipuram is situated on the coastal road that runs south from Chennai to the tip of Tamil Nadu, about an hour’s drive by car. Plenty of public buses make the trip, as do organized day tours.
When to Get There
Mahabalipuram is open daily throughout the year, but it’s not as pleasant during the hotter months of April and May and the wetter months of June through September. If possible, get an early start to tour the stone monuments in the morning before the heat and tourist crowds descend.
Visiting Pondicherry
Many visitors to Mahabalipuram also visit Pondicherry, about a 90-minute drive to the south, popular with full- and multi-day tour groups as well as independent travelers. This coastal city was one of the last colonial outposts in India, run by the French until shortly after Independence, with Old World architecture and French-influneced restaurants to show for it.
Address: Mahabalipuram, India
42 Tours and Activities to Experience Mahabalipuram (Mamallapuram)
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Mahabalipuram & Kanchipuram in a day from Chennai with Guide & pick up drop
71
Get a primer on Pallava-style architecture on this full-day private tour to Mahabalipuram and Kanchipuram. Benefit from personal attention and the ability to travel at your own pace while visiting the Ekambareswar and Kailasanathar temples, then a local saree weaver. Moving on to the port of Mahabalipuram, see the Five Rathas, the shore temple, and Arjuna's Penance, learning about them through guided commentary.
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From
$140.40
Price varies by group size
From
$140.40
Price varies by group size
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Face masks provided for travelers
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Mahabalipuram day trip from Chennai by Wonder tours
3
The coastal town of Mahabalipuram makes an ideal day trip from bustling Chennai, but organizing admission fees and transportation to explore independently takes up valuable sightseeing time. On this tour, reach Mahabalipuram in comfort by private vehicle—with entry fees and round-trip transportation from your Chennai hotel included. Explore the Cave temples and rock sculptures with your guide to lead the way, and gain insight into Mahabalipuram’s fascinating 7th-century history.
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From
$122.67
Price varies by group size
From
$122.67
Price varies by group size
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Face masks provided for travelers
Learn More

Private Tour to Mahabalipuram from Chennai
16
Mahabalipuram is an ancient port town known for its 6th-century rock-cut temples, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Explore exquisite stone statues on this exclusive city tour, which gives an in-depth overview of sites like the famous Five Rathas, a set of Dravidian rock temples, and the Sea Shore Temple, an 8th-century granite shrine facing the Bay of Bengal. Round out the day with visits to DakshinaChitra, a “living museum” dedicated to showcasing South Indian culture, and the Madras Crocodile Bank.
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From
$45.60
Price varies by group size
From
$45.60
Price varies by group size

Private Tour to Kanchipuram and Mahabalipuram from Chennai
2
Expore the Pallavas Grand architectural masterpiece on this full day tour from Chennai. Kanchipuram is a spectacular temple city known as city of thousand temples which reflects the Glorious Traditions of South India with its noted temples. Then experience UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Mahabalipuram group of Monuments, which was carved out of rock along the Coromandel Coast in the 7th and 8th centuries rathas (temples in the form of chariots), mandapas (cave sanctuaries), giant open-air reliefs such as the famous Descent of the Ganges, and the Shore Temple, with thousands of sculptures to the glory of Shiva
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From
$70.27
Price varies by group size
From
$70.27
Price varies by group size

Archaeologist curated Mahabalipuram Trip
1
- Young Archaeologist curation, Mesmerising narration, unheard stories, unseen places.
- 4 Dimensional perspectives covering History, Archaeological, Architecture & Mythological
- Visiting 7th Century Built monuments & temples – Rock-cut architecture, Shore temple, Lighthouse,
- Walking around 2004 incident unearthed 2000 years old Subramaniya temple excavated site
- Looking at wonders of nature – Krishna Butter Ball, Sea Shell Museum
- Shopping seashells, stone sculptures and handicrafts
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From
$74.19
Price varies by group size
From
$74.19
Price varies by group size

An extraordinary - UNESCO Monuments Tour to Mahabalipuram from Chennai
5
Travel by private, climate-controlled vehicle to Mahabalipuram, the seaside Tamil Nadu city famous for its UNESCO-listed rock-cut caves and monuments. See impressive, three-dimensional illustrations of the Mahabharata—India’s national epic—cut from colossal stones, and marvel at the ancient coastal Shore Temple. Tours include complimentary hotel pickup and drop-off in Chennai.
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From
$44.32
Price varies by group size
From
$44.32
Price varies by group size

Historical Walking Tour in Mamallapuram
1
Go behind the scenes in the history-filled coastal city of Mamallapuram on this guided walking tour. Learn the mythological legends behind UNESCO-listed attractions like Arjuna’s Penance and the Five Rathas, which are based on stories from India’s national epic, the Mahabharata. You’ll also get a peek at the Shore Temple, a seaside Vishnu and Shiva shrine built in a Dravidian style.
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From
$35.00
From
$35.00
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Face masks provided for travelers
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Mahabalipuram Trip with Archaeologist
1
- Mesmerising narration by an young Archaeologist, unheard stories, unseen places.
- Perspectives covering History, Archaeological, Architecture & Mythological
- Visiting 7th Century Built monuments & temples – Rock-cut architecture, Shore temple, Lighthouse,
- Walking around 2004 incident unearthed 2000 years old Subramaniya temple excavated site (Optional)
- Looking at wonders of nature – Krishna Butter Ball, Sea Shell Museum (Optional)
- Shopping seashells, stone sculptures and handicrafts
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From
$207.73
per group
From
$207.73
per group

Mahabalipuram and Kanchipuram in a day trip from Chennai by Wonder tours
1
You can easily spend a full day exploring Kanchipuram and Mamallapuram's marvellous temples, caves and rock carvings. Most were carved from the rock during the 7th-century reign of Pallava king Narasimhavarman I, whose nickname Mamalla (Great Wrestler) gave the town its name. Official Archaeological Survey of India guides can be hired at sites.
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From
$153.60
Price varies by group size
From
$153.60
Price varies by group size
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Face masks provided for travelers
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Half Day Tour Mahabalipuram History Walk
2
Mahabalipuram is a 7th century Port city which is an UNESCO monument located near the seashore. The section will be interactive and fun, we will be talking about history, culture and of course i'll answer your curious questions about the mahabalipuram, once in a while i'll ask you for a pose, sometimes i click you candid. of-course i will tell you the story of Mahabalipuram and all it's monuments. finally, we will be experiencing the sunset with some stunning pictures.
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From
$40.93
From
$40.93

2 Days - Private Tour to Mamallapuram and Pondicherry from Chennai
Have time to take in the top attractions of Pondicherry and Mahabalipuram on a 2-day tour from Chennai. Visit the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Monuments of Mahabalipuram to see ancient rock-cut temples and carvings, then continue for an overnight in Pondicherry. On day two, your guide takes you to Auroville, Sri Aurobindo Ashram, Pondicherry Museum, and other landmarks, before your evening return to Chennai. Includes 4-star hotel accommodation with breakfast, and round-trip transportation.
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From
$162.16
Price varies by group size
From
$162.16
Price varies by group size

Tamil Nadu Temples Tour Package from Chennai
4
South India Tours and Travels welcomes you to feel the divine by visiting religious places in Tamilnadu that starts from chennai and ends at trivandrum in 12 days.
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From
$916.87
Price varies by group size
From
$916.87
Price varies by group size

2 Day Royal Enfield Motorcycle tour from Chennai to Pondicherry & Mahabalipuram
4
We ride along coast on Royal Enfield Classic Motorcycle to explore World Heritage site of rock cut monuments in Mahabalipuram and French heritage at Pondicherry.
An escort rider ensures ease of navigation through the traffic.
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From
$266.67
From
$266.67

Mahabalipuram Day Tour from Chennai
Take a tour of the historic city of Mahabalipuram from Chennai & visit the most famous Shore temple, Tiger cave & other must-see attractions. Hassle-free trip inclusive of hotel pick-up and drop, driver and fuel charges.
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From
$75.82
per group
From
$75.82
per group

Classical South India with Beach Stay
This Classical South India Tour is a great mix of the best parts of Tamilnadu and the serene Nature of Kerala.The history and culture of Tamilnadu is vivid for a traveller.Kerala is know for its Natural beauty,people,lifestyle and cuisine.Houseboat is a unique attraction of Kerala along with its vibrant backwaters.
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From
$2,117.34
Price varies by group size
From
$2,117.34
Price varies by group size

Pondicherry Thanjore & Trichy (5 Days)
South India is noted as a “world-class temple destination” for a huge collection of temples of which many are UNESCO world heritage site. It’s profusely built stones figures carved and aesthetically designed temples are unique in their architectural brilliance and known for rich sources of religious teachings. In this tour you will visit the marvelous temples in Kanchipuram, Mahabalipuram, Gangai Konda Cholapuram, Darasuram, Chidambaram, Thanjore & in Tricy along with Aurobindo Ashram in Pondicherry.
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From
$815.36
Price varies by group size
From
$815.36
Price varies by group size
Face masks provided for travelers
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Gear/equipment sanitized between use
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8 days Motorcycle tour from Chennai to Coromandel Coast on Royal Enfield
1
India is best explored on a Royal Enfield motorcycle with its legendary thump. The tour is fully guided and comes with an escort rider to help you navigate through Indian traffic. Our escort rider is a cultural evangelist who will ensure you have an immersive cultural experience of India
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From
$1,472.00
From
$1,472.00

Private Day Tour To Mahabalipuram From Chennai
On this day-excursion from Chennai visit the UNESCO World Heritage site of Mahabalipuram. Situated on the coast of the Bay of Bengal, the site has a fascinating collection of ancient cave and rock temples and sculptures dating back to the 7th and 8th century. Also visit one of the largest reptile zoos of the world. On the way back, stop at the village complex of Dakshinachitra. Overlooking the Bay of Bengal, this is a living arts and crafts museum where you can also see artisans and craftsmen at work.
Highlights
• Madras Crocodile Bank
• Five monolithic stone chariots
• Shore temple and Cave temples
• Sculpture of ‘The Descent of the Ganges’
• Living museum of Dakshinachitra
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From
$257.00
Price varies by group size
From
$257.00
Price varies by group size
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Learn More

Mahabalipuram and Pondicherry trip from Chennai with 01 Night Accommodation
This tour combines the coastal town of Mahabalipuram makes an ideal day trip from bustling Chennai, but organizing admission fees and transportation to explore independently takes up valuable sightseeing time and Gallic culture and history is alive and well in the old French colony of Pondicherry.
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From
$341.12
Price varies by group size
From
$341.12
Price varies by group size
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Face masks provided for travelers
Learn More

Poetry in Stones - Day Tour to Mahabalipuram from Chennai
1
There is no reason or season to experiences the extraordinary sculptural creations of poetry in stone that stands testimony to the unique Dravidian architectural
monuments at Mahabalipuram
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From
$67.02
Price varies by group size
From
$67.02
Price varies by group size

Mahabalipuram Temple and Beach Day Tour from Chennai
6
A fun tour with a combination of temple run and refreshing beach. After exploring the temples and the Mahabalipuram beach, just relax at the beach and visit plenty of ancient temples which were carved out of large monoliths and an wonder of ancient Indian mastery over stone.
Professional surfers can try surfing also as the waters are very rough, however it is on guests own endeavor and nothing to do with our tour.
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From
$39.52
Price varies by group size
From
$39.52
Price varies by group size

Chennai day trip to Kanchipuram & Mahabalipuram
7
Mahabalipuram & Kanchipuram tour from Chennai is about the 8th century twin wonders of Pallava architecture. We will cover the magnificent temples of Ekambareswar & Kailashnath in Kanchipuram and then visit weavers of the famed Kanchipuram Silk Saree. After that we visit the ancient sea port of Mahabalipuram and visit the legendary rock cut structures lie Arjuna’s penance, Five Rathas and the iconic Shore temple which served literally as the beacon for sea farers from the 8th century onwards.
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From
$144.00
Price varies by group size
From
$144.00
Price varies by group size

India Tour from Chennai to Mumbai in 34 Days
Incredible India welcomes you to explore a slice of her marvels. The itinerary of India Tour will take you a journey to explore the hidden treasures of this Indian subcontinent.
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From
$3,071.34
Price varies by group size
From
$3,071.34
Price varies by group size

Best of South India in 15 days with guide, hotels and car
2
In this South India tour over 15 days, guests will experience the unique culture of the 3 South Indian States of Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Karnataka. We will explore the architectural marvels built by patron Kings over the last 1000 years. We will also unravel the mysteries behind colourful rituals in magnificent temples. World heritage monuments of Mahabalipuram, Brihadeswar temple as well as Hampi will be the key highlights. The tour also includes a blissful 24 hours on a house boat in Kerala over the backwaters of the Arabian Sea!
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From
$2,613.34
Price varies by group size
From
$2,613.34
Price varies by group size
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Face masks provided for travelers
Learn More
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