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Timeless beauty of Mahabalipuram - where history meets the sea

Tourism in Mahabalipuram

Mahabalipuram, Coastal town in Tamil Nadu, India, is known for it's rich history, cultural significance, and many attractions.

Tourism in Mahabalipuram

Rated 4.30/5 ( based on 1894 reviews )

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Quick Information

Best time to visit
Nov - Sep
Ideal Duration
Visa
On Arrival
Starting from
Rs. 3,000
  • Rock-cut architecture
  • Ancient architecture
  • Seashore

Tourism in Mahabalipuram

Mahabalipuram Tourism

Just 45 minutes from the city, the East Coast road stops at Mahabalipuram, a famous historic town. The 7th-century city is known for its rock-cut shore temples and the lone lighthouse that offers a breathtaking view from the hill. Mahabalipuram also has some great cafes that serve good seafood. A backpacker’s delight, one can find cheap accommodations and plenty of activities. The town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and an important cultural hub with a unique blend of history, art, and coastal beauty. Mahabalipuram tourism will give you an ancient temple, stunning architecture, and rich cultural heritage.

History Of Mahabalipuram

Mahabalipuram has a deep historical connection with the Pallava Dynasty, which ruled the region from the 7th to the 9th centuries. Under the reign of King Narasimhavarman II, also known as Mamalla, the town was considered the major port and cultural centre. The city’s historical prominence is evident through its rich collection of ancient monuments, temples, and rock-cut sculptures. The Pallavas were known for their architectural innovations, and Mahabalipuram tourism is a testament to their legacy.

Mahabalipuram Architecture And Art

Mahabalipuram is an open-air museum with architectural masterpieces that have fascinated historians, architects, and tourists alike. The intricate rock-cut temples and sculptures are among the finest examples of Dravidian architecture. These monuments, carved out of granite, showcase exquisite craftsmanship and attention to detail. The style of architecture found here is unique to the region and has profoundly influenced the construction of South Indian temples. This is one of the essential tourist attractions Mahabalipuram with stunning architects.

Mahabalipuram- Places To Visit And Things To Do

One of the popular costal town in Tamil Nadu along with a treasure trove of ancient temples, sculptures and pristine beaches. One of the must-visit tourist places mahabalipuram include the rock-cut shore temple, five rathas, Arjuna’s penance. Explore the Mahabalipuram beach, engage in water sports, or take a scenic drive to the east coast are some of the stunning things to do. Mahabalipuram Tourism will provide you with opportunities to witness the vibrant local markets, mouthwatering seafood and traditional dance performances. Mahabalipuram is an ideal destination due to its rich history, traditional archeological sites, stunning architecture and soothing atmosphere.

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How to reach Mahabalipuram

Read about the best & quickest routes to save time & money, as suggested by our travelers

By Air

Chennai International Airport is conveniently located just 53 km from Mamallapuram, making it the closest airhead for travellers. You’ll find a variety of flights connecting to major metropolitan cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and Kolkata, with both non-stop and connecting options available. Once you arrive, you can easily hop into a taxi or cab right outside the airport, and they’ll take you to Mamallapuram in no time!

By Train

Mamallapuram is wonderfully accessible via Indian rail networks! The nearest railway station, is just 23 km away, making your journey to this charming town quite easy. Once you arrive, you can hop into a taxi or cab to reach Mamallapuram comfortably. If you prefer a more local experience, local buses are available just a few minutes from the Chengalpattu New Bus Terminal, ready to whisk you away to the lovely town of Mamallapuram.

By Road

You can easily reach the charming town of Mahabalipuram by taking a scenic drive along state and national highways from nearby cities like Chennai, Puducherry, Chengalpattu, and Kanchipuram. Alternatively, tourists can hop on a bus from those locations to enjoy the journey to Mamallapuram. Nestled along the famous East Coast Road (ECR), Mahabalipuram offers a delightful drive that showcases the stunning natural beauty of South India.

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      Mahabalipuram Packages Reviews

      Read on to find out why our customers love us!

      PM

      Pavan Maurya

      Mumbai

      Pavan's 3 days trip to Mahabalipuram

      It was very good experience with hotel and cab driver.Cab driver "Kamal Kannan" was a good person.It was very entertaining to ride with him. Also I am very happy with hotel and Travel agent service.
      S

      Saraldhinakaran

      Kanyakumari

      Saraldhinakaran's 3 days trip to Mahabalipuram

      Our Trip was really good,We enjoyed.Cab was really good,hotel rooms are also good,but regarding Cleaness its bad,and food breakfast was not served properly in time,all delay with shortage.
      VK

      Vivek Kumar

      Karnataka

      Vivek's 5 days trip to Mahabalipuram

      Cab driver was good but cab vendor behaviour was unprofessional. Just for Rs 300 he made the vehicle stop in the middle of the trip. He was not even ready to listen to me.
      A

      Anvithaudupa

      Bangalore

      Anvithaudupa's 3 days trip to Mahabalipuram

      Thanks for everything. Tour was verg well organized Driver was very polite... Hotel stay wad good... Everything was really nice
      AK

      Abhishek Kashyap

      Bengaluru

      Abhishek's 3 days trip to Mahabalipuram

      The services were good overall...Travel agent was reachable to me for any queries or issues. Cab driver was good as well. The only problem we faced was there was no restaurant near hotel in Trivandrum. Stay was comfortable though.
      G

      Gwadibhasme

      Maharashtra

      Gwadibhasme's 4 days trip to Mahabalipuram

      ज्या भाषेचा माणूस टूर का गेला तर लँग्वेज च्या खूप मोठा प्रॉब्लेम होतो कारण ड्रायव्हरला स्थानिक भाषा येते आणि आपली भाषा आपण काय बोलतो ते कळत सुद्धा नाही. हा एक मोठा डिफॉल्ट मला या ooty ट्रीप मध्ये दिसून आला. म्हणून ज्या भाषेचे लोक फिरायला गेले त्यांना त्या राज्यामध्ये त्याच भाषेच्या किंवा हिंदी भाषा
      ज्ञात असलेला ड्रायव्हर पुरविण्यात यावा हीच अपेक्षा. आधी योगी फारच सुंदर ...आणि Ooty तर बेस्ट . कर्नाटका good ड्रायव्हर ड्रायव्हिंग वेरी गुड व्हेरी व्हेरी गुड
      SB

      Srkahmed Bly

      Mysore

      Srkahmed's 2 days trip to Mahabalipuram

      This was my first time traveling with TravelTriangle, and I would like to sincerely appreciate Vishwajeet Singh for his consistent follow-ups and assurance that everything would go smoothly. He asked us to trust him—and he delivered. Even during the trip, he checked in to ensure we faced no issues.
      I truly believe he is a valuable asset to your team.
      DD

      Dhairyasheel Dabhade

      Dhairyasheel's 5 days trip to Mahabalipuram

      If it is a peak travel time, you can suggest us for some other off season time so we can change the plans accordingly.. due to peak time, the places were too crowded so could not visit some of the points.
      SC

      Srilakshmi Chowdaryk

      Vijayawada

      Srilakshmi's 4 days trip to Mahabalipuram

      Both Krish Garden farm resort at chidambaram and Welcome Grand Residency Hotel at Pondicherry are very clean and neat. Vehicle Provided for 14 people travel also had nice comfortable seats and ample space for baggage. Driver was friendly and also communication was fine. Blissful journey team plan
      ned the trip with great care and budget we requested addressing our every minor requirement. The Blissful journey team was very polite and caring during the whole Journey. the whole trip has been a very nice memorable experience.
      V

      Vikrantgehlot

      Ahmedabad

      Vikrantgehlot's 5 days trip to Mahabalipuram

      Overall trip was very good. Hotels accommodation was also good. Driver was professional and cooperative but vehicle Innova provided was although neat & clean from inside but since it was very old hence was not good enough for hill station rides and pickup & speed was lacking. Travel agent was not up
      to his words regarding payment. Previously he gave us the option to pay 2nd installment after reaching the hotel while booking the package whereas he asked us to pay 2nd installment instantly 1 day before beginning of the trip. Although travel triangle team told us not to pay any other person or agent. My feedback is to improve the payment system such as paying 50% advance and remaining 50% during the trip. Or 50% advance and 25% at the start and remaining 25% at the mid of the trip, as per convenience.

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      FAQ's of Mahabalipuram

      Read on to find out why our customers love us!

      What is Mahabalipuram famous for?

      Mahabalipuram, also known as Mamallapuram, is a coastal town in Tamil Nadu, India, famous for its ancient rock-cut temples, sculptures, and beaches. It's a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a major tourist attraction.

      Is Mahabalipuram a UNESCO World Heritage Site?

      Yes, Mahabalipuram in Tamil Nadu, India, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its rock-cut temples, cave sanctuaries, and giant open-air reliefs. There are many Mahabalipuram tourism places that you can explore during your visit.

      How many days are enough to explore Mahabalipuram?

      You can explore Mahabalipuram in a half day or a few days, depending on what you want to see and do. But the ideal time to explore is 2 days.

      Are there any festivals celebrated in Mahabalipuram?

      Yes, many festivals have been celebrated in Mahabalipuram. Mamallapuram Dance Festival annually is a famous one where you can experience India's classical and folk dances.

      What is the story behind Arjuna’s Penance in Mahabalipuram?

      Arjuna's Penance in Mahabalipuram, India, is a rock sculpture that depicts Arjuna's penance from the Mahabharata. The sculpture is also known as the Descent of the Ganges. Arjuna, a Pandava prince, performed penance to receive the Pasupatastra, Shiva's most potent weapon. The weapon would help Arjuna in the Kurukshetra War against his relatives.

      What are some tips for visiting Mahabalipuram for the first time?

      - When visiting the Mahabalipuram for the first time, you must consider the following tips:

      • visiting during the winter months (November to February) for pleasant weather
      • exploring the Shore Temple and Pancha Rathas
      • hiring a local guide to understand the history
      • Wear a comfortable footwear
      • Arrive early to avoid crowds
      • Enjoy the local beaches after temple visits
      • be mindful of dress codes when visiting religious sites

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