Tourism in Mahabalipuram

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

Quick Information

See Map
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

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.

Similar Destinations

Yelagiri

Coimbatore

Yercaud

Ooty

Kanyakumari

Madurai

Rameshwaram

Kodaikanal

Coonoor

How to reach Mahabalipuram

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

Chennai International Airport is conveniently located just 53 km from Mamallapuram, making it the closest airhead for travellers. You’ll find a var

iety 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!

Mamallapuram is wonderfully accessible via Indian rail networks! The nearest railway station, is just 23 km away, making your journey to this charm

ing 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.

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.

View Details

Popular Packages

Unlimited choices. Trusted agents. Best prices. Happy memories.

View All

Fastest Growing Holiday Marketplace

650+

Verified Agents

22 Lac+

Happy Travellers

65+

Destinations

Easy, Secure & Reliable

Traveltriangle

Verified

Stringent

Quality Control

24/7

Support

Mahabalipuram Packages Reviews

Read on to find out why our customers love us!

Anirudh's 3 days trip to Mahabalipuram

The overall experience was good. From hotel to cab everything was great. The trip went smoothly. Appreciate the arrangements. Only downside was i had to go back and forth with the agency foe hotel vouchers. Rest all was great

Anirudh Sharma Bangalore

Faiz's 6 days trip to Mahabalipuram

Great

Faiz Wahab Coimbatore

Hplecturer's 4 days trip to Mahabalipuram

Cab driver and overall service was good, Darshan hotel is not worth for money Banerghatta safari park;Pukara lake and water fall great

Hplecturer Aurangabad

Sagar's 5 days trip to Mahabalipuram

Rooms of woodstock resort was poor Exhatic room of delight was poor Deluxe room was good

Sagar Oulkar Mumbai

Priyami's 4 days trip to Mahabalipuram

I recently had the pleasure of booking a trip through MM Cabs India, and I couldn’t have asked for a better experience. From start to finish, the entire process was seamless, well-organized, and stress-free. From the moment I reached out, Mahesh from the team was incredibly responsive and attentive to my needs. He took the time to understand my travel preferences, budget, and interests, and crafted a personalized itinerary that exceeded my expectations. Every hotel and activity recommendation was spot on, making the trip unforgettable. • Expert Knowledge: They provided valuable insights about the best places to visit and local customs. • Hassle-Free Planning: All bookings, from cab to accommodations and tours, were handled efficiently. • 24/7 Support: He was available throughout the trip in case of any last-minute changes or concerns. Having a knowledgeable and courteous driver can make a huge difference in any trip, and Sharath was exceptional. • Punctual & Reliable: Always on time, ensuring we maximized our time at each destination. • Safe & Comfortable Ride: The vehicle was clean and well-maintained, and the driving was smooth and safe. • Local Expertise: Sharath not only took us to the must-see spots but also suggested off-the-beaten-path locations that made the trip extra special. I highly recommend MM Cabs India and Sharath for anyone looking for a stress-free and well-planned travel experience. Their professionalism, expertise, and warm hospitality made my trip truly unforgettable. If you’re looking for a travel team that genuinely cares about your experience, look no further! Would definitely book with them again for my next trip.

Priyami Chakraborty Bengaluru

Vaishnavi's 6 days trip to Mahabalipuram

I overall had a great experience! The only thing I’d suggest is the hotel in Rameshwaram that was booked wasn’t good - it was very untidy and not upto the standard. But apart from that - everything was pretty smooth.

Vaishnavi Pai Hyderabad

Nishajose's 3 days trip to Mahabalipuram

We a group of 7 ladies travelled to chidambaram, Kumbakonam and Thanjavur with travel triangle.we had a nice experience with them and was very comfortable.

Nishajose Kerala

Chinmay's 5 days trip to Mahabalipuram

Good services, trip went perfect as per expectations. Hotels, cab are very good

Chinmay Mepl Pune

Gaurav's 4 days trip to Mahabalipuram

Experience was good. All things went smooth. The last though was very bad. Neither the room nor the food there was good. For getting rooms everywhere we have to wait for 30 mins despite reaching after checkin time because they don't have confirmation of booking. So that's can be improved. Cab person was nice. He drove safe and drop us on time.

Gaurav Srivastava Bangalore

Ankit's 4 days trip to Mahabalipuram

Booked my trip to Rameshwaram, Madurai and Kanyakumari with Shree ganpati Travels. Everything was good except Hotel Rameshwaram grand as the allotted room smelt of damp. Special thanks to the driver who was of good nature. On trip coordination provided by the Shree Ganpati Travels was very good whereas no one from Travel Triangle bothered to enquire about our journey. Overall very good experience with Shree Ganpati Travels

Ankit Rawat Delhi

Want best packages handpicked just for you?

Fill the form and get a callback from our holiday experts

FAQ's of Mahabalipuram

Read on to find out why our customers love us!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

- 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
  1. Home >
  2. India >
  3. Tamil Nadu >
  4. Mahabalipuram Tourism
Tourism in Mahabalipuram

Rated 4.30/5 ( based on 1871 reviews )

Corporate Office

Holiday Triangle Travel Private Limited

Plot No - 52 , 3rd Floor,

Batra House, Sector 32,

Gurugram - 122001 , Haryana

Landline: 1800 123 5555

Email: customercare@traveltriangle.com

Made with

in India

All rights reserved © 2025