Mahabalipuram In Tamil Nadu: Explore The Unique Culture Of Southern India In 2024

23 Mar 2023

Written by

Roopam

India has a unique and diverse culture. Every Indian state has a culture of its own. If we talk particularly about Tamil Nadu, it has vast and vibrant history and culture. You can find a number of ancient temples here. Mahabalipuram is a small yet fascinating town in Tamil Nadu which has become one of the top tourist destinations in recent years. Also called Mamallapuram, Mahabalipuram in Tamil Nadu holds a major spot in the history of India. It has now become one of the most frequently visited towns in South India and has turned into a tourism centre. Here is a list of top places to visit in the town of Mahabalipuram on your trip to Southern India.

6 Places To Visit In Mahabalipuram In Tamil Nadu

Mahabalipuram in Tamil Nadu has become a major tourist destination for a reason. There are a lot of places that you can visit. Here, we have listed the top places in Mahabalipuram underwater city for you to check out.

1. Mahabalipuram Shore Temple

Image Source

It is one of the oldest temples made of stone in South India. It is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Shore Temple in Mahabalipuram was named so because it overlooks the shore of the Bay of Bengal. The temple complex has 3 temples which have a beautiful architectural design. The shrines are dedicated to hindu gods Shiva and Vishnu. There is also a Lion Monolith structure in the compound of the complex which attracts a lot of tourists. This temple is a must visit in Mahabalipuram.

Location: Mahabalipuram, Tamil Nadu 603104
Timings: 6.00am to 6.00pm
Entry fees: INR 10 (for Indians) and INR 250 (for Foreign Nationals)

Must Read: Monsoon In Tamil Nadu: See The 8 Most Wonderful Places To Explore

Looking To Book A Holiday Package?

Book memorable holidays on TravelTriangle with 650+ verified travel agents for 65+ domestic and international destinations.

2. Wide Beach

Image Source

Mahabalipuram is situated on the East Coast Road of Chennai. As you will visit the Mahabalipuram from Chennai, you will encounter this beautiful beach. This Mahabalipuram beach has some beautiful rock sculptures and caves on its shore. One can also find a good number of fisher folks here. Also don’t miss the sunset and the sunrise from this beach. You will surely have a mesmerizing experience. It is without any doubt one of the best Mahabalipuram beaches.

Location: Mahabalipuram, India

3. Seashell Museum

Image Source

Not many people know about this museum in Mahabalipuram. It is the largest sea shell museum in Asia. You will find different kinds of shells, fossils and corals. There is also a shopping centre inside the museum where one can buy sea products of different types. There is also a Seafood Restaurant here. It is an all in one place and is a must visit.

Location: 191/1A2, Kalpakkam, Road, Mahabalipuram, Tamil Nadu 603104
Timings: 8.00am to 8.00pm
Entry fees: INR 100 (additional ticket of INR 50 for the aquarium and souvenir shop)

4. Pancha Ratha

Image Source

Built in 7th century during the time of the Pallava Dynasty, it is located at the coast of the Bay of Bengal. It is also known by the name Pandava Rathas. It is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site and therefore worth visiting. All the five monuments in the complex resemble a chariot. What is interesting to know about these chariots is that each one of them is carved out of a single stone. These rathas are named after the Pandavas and their wife Draupadi.

Location: Mahabalipuram, Tamil Nadu 603104
Timings: 6.00am to 6.00pm
Entry fees: INR 10 (for Indians) and INR 250 (for Foreign Nationals)

Planning your holiday but confused about where to go? These travel stories help you find your best trip ever!

Real travel stories. Real stays. Handy tips to help you make the right choice.

5. Ganesha Ratha Temple

Image Source

It is a beautiful temple in Mahabalipuram in Tamil Nadu in India. It was built by the Pallavas in the Dravadian architectural style. As the name suggests, the temple is dedicated to Lord Ganesha. However, earlier it was dedicated to Lord Shiva. It was carved out of a pink granite which was in the shape of a chariot. Don’t forget to visit this beautiful temple in Tamil Nadu.

Location:Mada Koil St, Mahabalipuram, Tamil Nadu 603104
Entry fees: no entry fees

6. Krishna’s Butterball

Image Source

Located near Pancha Ratha, it is a big stone balanced on an incline in a very unique manner. It weighs around 250 tons. You will find some natural caves around the Butterball. This place is quite famous among the tourists for photography. It is said that various attempts have been made in the past to shift the butterball but all failed. The stone got its name from the butter that was Lord Krishna’s favourite snack.

Location: E Raja St, Mahabalipuram, Tamil Nadu 603104
Timings: 6.00am to 6.00pm
Entry fees: No entry fees

History Of Mahabalipuram

Mahabalipuram or Mamallapuram is a historic city and UNESCO World Heritage City in Tamil Nadu. The early history of this place takes us to the ancient mariners who considered this place the land of the Seven Pagodas. There are other set of people who think that Mahabalipuram suffered from a great flood between 10,000 and 13,000 BCE. There is this controversial historian Graham Hancock who surveyed the ocean bed and is more inclined to believe the flood theory.

Different opinions exist about the origin of the name of the site too. The well-known explanation is that the place is named after benevolent King Bali, also known as Mahabali while the ancient Indian text of Vishnu Puran documents his exploits. “Puram” is a Sanskrit term for a city whereas Mamallapuram is the Prakrit version of the original Sanskrit name.

Best Time To Visit Mahabalipuram

Image Source

Winter months from November to February are considered the best to visit the place. The temperature is generally above 16°C, making the weather pleasant and favourable. It is the best time for sightseeing as well as adventure sports.

Avoid visiting Mahabalipuram in the months of March and April as the temperature can go as high as 42°C, making it difficult for you to bear the heat. So plan your trip accordingly as per the weather conditions.

Traveller Tips For Visiting Mahabalipuram In Tamil Nadu

Traveler Tips For Visiting Mahabalipuram

Image Source

Don’t forget to carry a mosquito repellent with you as you will find a huge number of them there
Carry an umbrella with you. Always remember the saying “prevention is better than cure”
As it is one of the hotter parts of the country, so don’t forget to pack sunscreen with you
Don’t miss the sunrise at the Shore Temple. You might regret it later.
Don’t litter the beautiful place

How To Reach Mahabalipuram In Tamil Nadu

Image Source

By Air
There is no airport in Mahabalipuram. The nearest one is Chennai Airport which is at a distance of around 52 km. It is well connected to all major Indian cities such as Mumbai, Kolkata, Delhi, Pune, and Bangalore. You can easily get a taxi from there to reach Mahabalipuram

By Train
The two nearest railway stations are Chengalpattu and Chennai railhead. Chengalpattu is at a distance of around 22 km whereas Chennai railhead is around 60 km. From here, you can hire a taxi and reach Mahabalipuram.

By Road
Tamil Nadu Public Transport Services runs buses from different states to Mahabalipuram. There are private bus services available as well. The roads to Mahabalipuram are very well maintained. So you can take a cab and even self drive to the place.

Further Read: 10 Hotels In Coonoor Amid The Lush Valleys Of Tamil Nadu

You can easily experience the vast culture of India by visiting Mahabalipuram. It is an amazing tourist destination with a history of its own. Visit these interesting places in Mahabalipuram in Tamil Nadu and enjoy with your family. So, what are you waiting for? Plan a vacay to Tamil Nadu with TravelTriangle and explore the Southern parts of India.

For our editorial codes of conduct and copyright disclaimer please click here.

Frequently Asked Questions Related To Mahabalipuram in Tamil Nadu

Q. Is Mamallapuram and Mahabalipuram same?

A. Yes, Mamallapuram is also known as Seven Pagodas or Mahabalipuram. It is a town in Chengalpattu district in the southeastern Indian state of Tamil Nadu.

Q. Why was Mahabalipuram built?

A. Mahabalipuram is a historic city and UNESCO world heritage site. It was built by Pallava King in order to safeguard the sculptures from the ocean.

Q. Which God is in Mahabalipuram?

A. Mahabalipuram temple is famous for the Supreme Being God head, Lord Vishnu. It is one of the oldest cities in India and presently popular for its great monuments and cave sanctuaries.