Mahabalipuram or Mamallapuram is an antiquated port city in the Kancheepuram area of Tamil Nadu, close to Chennai, where a clamouring seaport and a bustling city co-exist. Mahabalipuram has a rich history and legacy that is well-preserved to date which depicts a lot of greatness. With plenty of things to do in Mahabalipuram, let’s have a look at what all things can keep you occupied on your blissful trip to this ancient port city.
Mahabalipuram today is an ideal destination for rejuvenation and idyllic setting. It has a moderate and humid climate throughout the year; however, the best time to visit Mahabalipuram is from the month of October to March.
14 Best Things To Do In Mahabalipuram
There is an enormous number of activities to indulge in Mahabalipuram. Let’s have a look at highly preferred things to do when in Mahabalipuram.
- Shore Temple: Popular Landmark Of Town
- Beacon: For Sublime Views
- Pancha Ratha: See Stone-Cut Structures
- Krishna’s Chunk: Must-Visit Place
- Arjuna’s Penance: A UNESCO World Heritage Site
- India Seashell Museum: For Shell Lovers
- Cavern Temples: For History Buffs
- Beaches: Relax & Stroll Near Cool Water
- Crocodile Farm: Watch These Wild Reptiles
- Fairs & Festivals: Attend Local Celebrations
- Shopping: It Is Time To Shop Your Heart Out
- Fishing Safari: Must-To-Do Activity
- Beach Camping: Best Activity For Friends
- Surfing: For Adventure Fanatics
1. Shore Temple: Popular Landmark Of Town
The must thing to do in Mahabalipuram is to pay a visit to the Shore Temple. It is widely popular amongst the tourists and most acclaimed landmark of the town. A visit to Mahabalipuram can’t be finished without a notice to the Shore Temple. As the name proposes, the sanctuary is spread right on the beach. What makes it unique, is the excellent antiquated engineering of the sanctuary and the carvings on the dividers.
Location: Shore Temple Mahabalipuram, Mahabalipuram, Tamil Nadu 603104, India
Best Experiences: Witness the sea crashing on the temple rocks
Timings: 6:00 am to 6:00 pm
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2. Beacon: For Sublime Views
As a matter of fact, relatively few realize that there are two beacons in Mahabalipuram. These two are ranked highly as things to do in Mahabalipuram. One of them is an advanced beacon structure. It came into existence in a later period when the trade with different nations began. It tends to be all around perceived as a beacon from far away. A trip of stairs leads to the highest point of this beacon. Once you reach the top, you will gasp to see the sublime view and appreciate Mother Nature.
Location: Mamallapuram, Tamil Nadu 603104, India
Best Experiences: Watch the sunset from the top
Timings: 8:00 am to 8:00 pm
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3. Pancha Ratha: See Stone-Cut Structures
Panch Ratna is another landmark of archaeological importance in Mahabalipuram. In reality, these are viewed as a fine case of stone cut solid structures of antiquated India. The Pancha Ratha comprises of 5 distinct landmarks. Everyone is known as a ratha and is named after the Pandavas and their family. They are the Dharmaraja Ratha, Bheem Ratha, Arjun Ratha, Nakul Sahdev Ratha and Draupadi Ratha separately.
Location: Mahabalipuram, Tamil Nadu 603104
Best Experiences: Be enticed with the intricate architecture of the Pancha Ratha
Timings: 6:00 am to 6:00 pm
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4. Krishna’s Chunk: Must-Visit Place
At a mobile separation of around seven minutes from Pancha Ratha lies Krishna’s belly. It is a major stone remarkably adjusted on a slope, another most loved to take pictures. The single stone weighs 250 tons. The territory here has been formed into a pleasant place of interest with manicured yards encompassing the entire zone set apart by stones and models. A little old sanctuary likewise lies in similar grounds.
Location: Krishna Mandapam, Mahabalipuram, Tamil Nadu 603104
Best Experiences: Be awestruck looking at the Stone on the slope
Timings: 6:00 am to 6:00 pm
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5. Arjuna’s Penance: A UNESCO World Heritage Site
Just beside Krishna’s butterball lies Arjuna’s penance. The carvings on the wall here are particularly remarkable. There is a temple chamber also adjoining the sculptures. These sculptures depict scenes from the Mahabharata. The legend depicted on the twin-stone boulders here is that of the descent of the river Ganga to earth, under the guidance of Bhagirathi. The elephant carving at Arjuna’s penance is considered the best stone carving in India. The size of the elephant is near real life. And in totality, there are about 146 carvings on this particular monument. It is also a part of the UNESCO world heritage sites of Mahabalipuram. It would surely be an inclusion in the to-do things in Mahabalipuram.
Location: Mahabalipuram, Tamil Nadu 603104
Best Experiences: Explore the intricate carvings
Timings: 6:00 am to 6:00 pm
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6. India Seashell Museum: For Shell Lovers
There is a beautiful Shell Museum on the outskirts of the town which is still evolving. It has a section with a huge collection of shells. These shells comprise of all possible varieties that one can think of, in all the different shapes, sizes and wonderful collection. One part of the museum contains the smallest shell of the world on display, which is as small as the size of a grain. At the other end, the museum also has a collection of immensely large shells. Overall, the collection is totally worth a visit, thus considered as one of the best things to do in Mahabalipuram. One will be amazed by the shapes, sizes and colours of the shells.
Location: 191/1A2, Kalpakkam, Road, Mahabalipuram, Tamil Nadu 603104
Best Experiences: Be amazed by the shapes, sizes and colours of the shells
Timings: 8:00 am to 8:00 pm
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7. Cavern Temples: For History Buffs
There are a few cavern sanctuaries in Mahabalipuram. These sanctuaries are additionally a piece of the legacy landmarks of the town. A large portion of these sanctuaries are cut out of single stones and some are situated inside normal caverns shaped inside these stones. By the way, every one of them is sublime. These comprise of sanctuaries of Shiva and Krisha alongside different gods. History buffs must visit these temples in Mahabalipuram on their next vacation.
Location: The Cavern Temples, Mahabalipuram, Tamil Nadu 603104
Best Experiences: Take pictures alongside the stone structures in the Temples
Timings: 6:00 am to 6:00 pm
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8. Beaches: Relax & Stroll Near Cool Water
It is an obvious inclusion in the list of things to do in Mahabalipuram, since it is a coastal town. Although the beaches on the coast near Mahabalipuram are rocky, there exist enough stretches where the beaches are sandy and smooth. However, the current of water is quite strong. If you are someone like me who doesn’t mind sitting on the beach, doing nothing, just watching the sun play on the water or the waves crash against the bank, then you are not going to be disappointed.
Location: Mahabalipuram Beach, Mahabalipuram, Tamil Nadu 603104
Best Experiences: Go feet-dipping on the Rocky Beaches
Timings: Always Open
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9. Crocodile Farm: Watch These Wild Reptiles
The crocodile farm is another interesting addition to things to do in Mahabalipuram. it is not located exactly in Mahabalipuram. it is at a distance of around 15-17 km from the quaint town on the east coast road, as one drives from Mahabalipuram towards Chennai. Since there are not many crocodile farms in India and there is definitely not one with a reserve as big as this one, I will rank it as one of the top things to do in Mahabalipuram.
Location: Post Bag No 4, Mahabalipuram, Tamil Nadu 603104
Best Experiences: Click a picture with the Croc.
Timings: 9:00 am to 5:00 pm
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10. Fairs & Festivals: Attend Local Celebrations
The most significant celebration held in Mahabalipuram is the Mahabalipuram Dance Festival. This celebration is held from December to January consistently and draws in specialists from everywhere throughout the nation. The celebration is sorted out by the Department of Tourism, Govt. of Tamil Nadu. Different sorts of old-style moves are performed at the celebration like Bharatanatyam, Kathak, Kuchipudi and Kathakali against the background of Pallava shake figures.
Location: Mamallapuram, Tamil Nadu
Best Experiences: Catch a glimpse of some classical dances of Southern India
Timings: 8.00 am to 10.00 pm
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11. Shopping: It Is Time To Shop Your Heart Out
Last, but not least, if you want to take some souvenirs with you from Mahabalipuram. Or, if you enjoy shopping in general, read on. Take souvenirs created from seashells and stone sculptures.
Location: Local Market, Mahabalipuram in Tamil Nadu, 603104
Best Experiences: Buy souvenirs created from seashells and other Stone sculptures
Timings: 8:00 am to 11: 00pm
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12. Fishing Safari: Must-To-Do Activity
One of the offbeat things to do in Mahabalipuram is opting for a fishing tour and experience the life of fishermen. You get to step into the shoes of a fisherman and live like him for two hours. The activity includes how is the process of fishing done and where it is done. If you are planning a trip with your family then you must opt for fishing safari which is one of the top things to do in Mahabalipuram.
Duration: 2-3 hours
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13. Beach Camping: Best Activity For Friends
Image Credit: notaclueadventures for Pixabay
Counted among the top activities to do in Mahabalipuram, beach camping is something not to be missed on your vacation, especially when you are traveling with your friends. Staying at one of the quiet beaches in Mahabalipuram and experiencing tranquility will be a different experience altogether. To add to the fun will be bonfire when you can chit-chat, sing songs, and dance around with your friends.
14. Surfing: For Adventure Fanatics
If you haven’t dared to do surfing before then this is the right time to do it as it is one of the cool things to do in Mahabalipuram. Even if you haven’t tried it before, this would be the best place to opt for surfing due to the low tides. So, don’t hold yourself back and head out for this activity in the waters of Mahabalipuram. Along with this activity, you can also opt for windsurfing as well as kitesurfing.
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We hope this list enticed you enough to book a trip to Tamil Nadu and indulge in these exciting list of things to do in Mahabalipuram on your next vacay! Plan a weekend getaway trip to this beautiful town and explore all the hidden gems!
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Frequently Asked Questions About Things To Do In Mahabalipuram
Which are the best places to investigate in Mahabalipuram on a cycling trip?
Cycling tours are the best way to explore as one gets to enjoy the rides of cycling along with it. The most famous places to visit on a cycling trip are Crocodile Bank, Tiger Cave and Kadumbadi Village.
How many days are required to visit Mahabalipuram?
Mahabalipuram usually requires one full day to visit the most important attractions. Several tourists usually prefer visiting Mahabalipuram along with Kanchipuram or Pondicherry which requires an additional one day for Kanchipuram and 1-2 days for Pondicherry.
What is the budget required to visit Mahabalipuram?
A budget of Mahabalipuram trip depends on the trip duration and category of hotel you choose for your stay along with the kind of vehicle you prefer. Mahabalipuram tour packages offered by Trawell.in start from as low as INR 5350 per person for a 2D/1N trip and from INR 7500 per person for 3D/2N vacation.
Is Mahabalipuram worth a visit?
Mahabalipuram or Mamallapuram is an excellent destination with a great ambience, just a short drive away from Chennai along the superb ECR highway from Chennai to Pondicherry.
Where to remain in Mahabalipuram?
Pick between the hiker inviting region around Othavadai Street, where spending inns and boutiques give the primary alternatives, and the gigantic retreats along the seashore. Then again, Chennai lies only two hours away by transport, such huge numbers of voyagers decide to remain in the enormous city toward the north and just take day trips Mahabalipuram.
When can I visit the crocodile farm in Mahabalipuram?
The crocodile farm of the city is a major tourist attraction of Mahabalipuram. One can visit the farm any day except for Monday. The farm is open from 8:30 am to 5 pm and the charge for a single person is Rs. 35.
Which are the activities that I can do in Mahabalipuram?
Fishing is a common occupation here and many tourists go on fishing expeditions here. Being a coastal town, Mahabalipuram has beaches where one can go surfing. Boat rides are a lot of fun in Mahabalipuram as it is not everywhere that people can go on boat rides in a sea.
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Anjana is a writer, journalist, and a full-time wallflower. She holds a Master’s degree in Media and Mass Communication and firmly believes that travel blogging is nothing less than art. Combining her love for writing with her passion for globetrotting, she brings to you some amazing tips on traveling perfectly, be it any season of the year! In her spare time, she loves reading, listening to obscure indie bands, and writing poetry – all of this while being a crazy dog lady.
