Things to do in Mahabalipuram

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

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

Things to do in Mahabalipuram

Mahabalipuram, also known as Mamallapuram, is a charming ancient port city nestled in the Kancheepuram district of Tamil Nadu, just a stone's throw away from Chennai. Here, a lively seaport harmoniously blends with the vibrant life of the city. The rich history and heritage of Mahabalipuram are beautifully preserved, showcasing its magnificent legacy. There’s an abundance of activities to enjoy during your delightful visit to this enchanting port city, so let’s explore some of the fantastic experiences that await you! Mahabalipuram is perfect for relaxation, providing a picturesque escape. The climate is generally mild and humid throughout the year, but the ideal time to visit is from October to March when the weather is enjoyable. Let’s take a look at some of the best things to do in Mahabalipuram.

Explore the Shore Temple

One of the absolute highlights of Mahabalipuram is a visit to the Shore Temple! It’s a beloved tourist spot and stands out as the town’s most iconic landmark. No trip to Mahabalipuram feels complete without taking note of the Shore Temple. As its name suggests, this beautiful temple is situated right by the beach. What truly sets it apart is the stunning ancient architecture and the intricate carvings on its walls, showcasing a remarkable piece of history!

Visit the historical Pancha Ratha

Panch Ratha is another landmark of archaeological importance in Mahabalipuram. In reality, these are viewed as a fine case of stone-cut solid structures in 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.

Visit the Crocodile Farm

If you're looking for something unique to explore in Mahabalipuram, the crocodile farm is a great choice! Just a short drive of about 15-17 km along the beautiful east coast road will take you there, as you head towards Chennai. There aren't many crocodile farms in India, and this one has an impressive reserve that stands out. It’s among the top attractions to enjoy in Mahabalipuram!

Participate in the Mahabalipuram Dance Festival

One of the most delightful celebrations in Mahabalipuram is the Mahabalipuram Dance Festival! From December to January each year, this vibrant festival attracts talented performers from all over the country. Organised by the Department of Tourism, Govt. of Tamil Nadu, it showcases a wonderful variety of classical dances, including Bharatanatyam, Kathak, Kuchipudi, and Kathakali, all set against the stunning backdrop of the Pallava rock carvings. If you are a classical dancer, this place is just right for you!

Take surfing classes in Mahabalipuram

If you’ve never tried surfing, now is the perfect time to try it! It’s one of the most incredible things to experience in Mahabalipuram. You’ll find this spot ideal even as a beginner, thanks to the gentle tides. So why not embrace the adventure and dive into the waters of Mahabalipuram? Plus, if you’re feeling adventurous, you can also explore windsurfing and kitesurfing while you’re at it!

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Mahabalipuram Packages Reviews

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Chaitrabhat's 3 days trip to Mahabalipuram

Driver was experienced, but cab condition was not good, at some uphill the cab gave up. The hotel was clean, had a good view and excellent food, Was much than expected. Jeep safari and toy train

Chaitrabhat Bangalore

Ankita's 4 days trip to Mahabalipuram

I recently had my south india trip to rameshwaram kanyakumari and trivandrum.. Everything i booked with blissful journey is worthy and in budget.. Gangan from blissful has fully helped and coordinted during whole trip ... Also Driver named Muthu is superb guide helping in nature ...Overall i assure everyone if you book with blissful u surely will not face any kind of challenge during your journey.

Ankita Sharma New delhi

Chandanshive's 5 days trip to Mahabalipuram

It was perfect trip and well planned by the agent and they were so helpful to us in every situation Everything ;)

Chandanshive Atul Mumbai

Tapas's 5 days trip to Mahabalipuram

We recently had a wonderful trip to Mysore and Coorg, and it turned out to be a truly memorable experience. We were fortunate to explore a variety of scenic locations, each more breathtaking than the last, and we indulged in delicious local cuisine that gave us a true taste of the region's flavors. A big part of our enjoyable experience was thanks to our trip driver, Sunil, who was extremely professional throughout the journey. He ensured we covered all the places listed in the itinerary and even shared interesting insights about the destinations. His dedication and pleasant demeanor added great value to our trip. The resort we stayed at was another highlight of our vacation. Nestled amidst the serene woods, it offered stunning views that made for a perfect retreat from the hustle and bustle of daily life. The food served at the resort was equally delightful, offering a wide range of flavors that satisfied our palate. However, while the trip itself was fantastic, I want to share some feedback regarding the booking experience. Our travel agent, Kishan from Bookitforgetit, was very proactive and responsive before we booked the trip. Unfortunately, after the booking was finalized, I found myself repeatedly following up for crucial details such as the hotel voucher, payment confirmations, and driver information. This lack of consistent communication and post-booking support was a bit disappointing. My humble request to Travel Triangle is to ensure that better customer service is provided after the booking process is complete. It’s crucial to maintain the same level of attentiveness throughout the entire experience. While the trip itself was great, the post-booking service left room for improvement. I hope this feedback helps improve future experiences for travelers like us.

Tapas Kumar Bengaluru

Shilpa's 5 days trip to Mahabalipuram

Ms. Kajal from ganpati travels give best service on every step.we 14 people group is enjoy whole trip and very satisfied

Shilpa Labdhi Mumbai

Indrajit's 6 days trip to Mahabalipuram

Kiran Ji thanks for proper planning my trip it's Trip is My best trip drive also nice person he was explained all things & guide nicely. All temples Darshan, was my Father & Mother's Dreams completed in this trip so thanks all travel triangle team & special thanks Kiran Ji she's time planning is so super .

Indrajit Gaikwad Pune

Neel's 7 days trip to Mahabalipuram

Thank you for your excellent hospitality and for providing such a great driver, Ramesh.

NEEL PATEL Coimbatore

Jai's 7 days trip to Mahabalipuram

I wanted to express my heartfelt thanks Rakesh for crafting an incredible itinerary for my family's trip! We had an amazing time, and the hotel selections were top-notch. You truly deserve 5 stars for your exceptional planning and service!

Jai Rajpoot Trivandrum central railway station

Ponnampriyanka's 4 days trip to Mahabalipuram

Our family had a memorable trip to Madurai and Rameshwaram. Kiran was very helpful with designing our itinerary. Her prompt response to my requirements is greatly appreciated. Whilst we were happy with the customer service we received, the hotels chosen as part of the booking werent too comfortable. Perhaps, better choice hotels may need to be made available to customers to choose from. Abdul kalam house, meenakshi temple, ramanathaswamy temple, and Dhanushkodi

Ponnampriyanka Hyderabad

Prasad's 5 days trip to Mahabalipuram

Its was a great experience the driver jamil is so good and drive very safely H

Prasad Ghushe

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FAQ's of Mahabalipuram

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Cycling tours offer a great way to explore Mahabalipuram. Famous spots include Crocodile Bank, Tiger Cave, and Kadumbadi Village.

Mahabalipuram typically requires a whole day to see the main attractions. Many tourists prefer to visit Mahabalipuram with Kanchipuram or Pondicherry, which adds another day for Kanchipuram and 1-2 days for Pondicherry.

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.

The crocodile farm in Mahabalipuram is a wonderful tourist attraction that draws visitors from all around! You can explore the farm any day of the week except on Mondays. It welcomes guests from 8:30 am to 5 pm, and the admission fee is just Rs. 35 per person.

Fishing is a popular activity in Mahabalipuram, attracting many tourists. As a coastal town, Mahabalipuram offers beaches for surfing. Boat rides here are enjoyable, as they're not available everywhere else.

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Tourism in Mahabalipuram

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