Mahabalipuram, Tamil Nadu
Mahabalipuram Beach - Must Visit Place in Mahabalipuram
Shore Temple - History Dating Back to 8th Century AD
Pancha (Five) Rathas - A UNESCO World Heritage Site
Arjuna Penance - Ancient Sculptured Carvings

Get Holiday Package Offers

You can get a customised offer for your trip duration, dates, and group size

View Packages
View Packages
Gate of Mahabalipuram
Tiger Cave - Rock-cut Hindu Temple Complex in Mahabalipuram
Alamparai Fort - Constructed in 17th Century
The Very Famous Mamallapuram Dance Festival
Crocodile Bank, Mahabalipuram
Mamallapuram Lighthouse - Built Of Stone Material

Mahabalipuram

4.3 /5 157 votes

Rate
Tamil Nadu India
Get Mahabalipuram PDF Guide
4 out of 55 Places to visit in Tamil Nadu
$ 96 onwards View Packages
View Mahabalipuram Hotels

Top Hotel Collections

Resorts

Beach Resorts

5 Star Hotels

Near Mahabalipuram
View All Hotels In Mahabalipuram

Mahabalipuram Travel Packages

Compare quotes from upto 3 travel agents for free

10 Days / 9 Nights

10 Days Tamil Nadu Temple & Beach Tour

Chennai (2N) → Mahabalipuram(1N) → Tiruvannamalai(1N) → Pondicherry(1N) → Tanjore(1N) → Madurai(2N) → Kanyakumari(1N)

$505/person
9 Days / 8 Nights

Heavenly Tamil Nadu Tour Package

Chennai(1N) → Mahabalipuram(1N) → Pondicherry(1N) → Vailankanni(1N) → Tanjore(1N) → Tiruchi(1N) → Madurai(2N)

$469/person
9 Days / 8 Nights

South India Delight Package

Chennai(0N) → Mahabalipuram(1N) → Pondicherry(2N) → Kumbakonam(1N) → Chettinad(2N) → Madurai(1N) → Chennai(1N)

$ 481
7% off
$444/person
4 Days / 3 Nights

Pondicherry-Mahabalipuram Tour with Kanchipuram

Chennai (1N) → Pondicherry(1N) → Mahabalipuram(1N)

$96/person
7 Days / 6 Nights

Tamil Nadu Temple Tour Package

Madurai(1N) → Kanyakumari(1N) → Rameswaram(1N) → Trichy(1N) → Mahabalipuram(1N) → Chennai(1N)

$ 385
20% off
$306/person
9 Days / 8 Nights

Mystical Kanyakumari, Pondicherry, Madurai Tour...

Mahabalipuram(2N) → Pondicherry(2N) → Madurai(2N) → Kanyakumari(1N) → Kovalam(1N)

$ 401
11% off
$353/person
View All Packages For Mahabalipuram
View All Packages For Mahabalipuram

Mahabalipuram Travel Essentials

Rating:

 
4.3 /5 (157 ratings) Rate This Destination

Weather:

Ideal duration: 1-2 days

Best Time: November to February Read More

Planning a Trip? Ask Your Question

Mahabalipuram Tourism

Famous for its intricately carved temples and rock-cut caves, Mamallapuram or Mahabalipuram as it is famously known, is a historically important and well-loved tourist location situated on the Coromandel Coast along the Bay of Bengal, in the state of Tamil Nadu. Once the abode of the famous demon king Mahabali, Mahabalipuram was later renamed Mamallapuram. 

The serenity, the alluring atmosphere and the impressive setting with many beautiful white sandy beaches dotted with casuarina trees are all reasons as to why one would want to visit this wonderful town. Some famous tourist spots include the UNESCO world heritage site Group of Monuments like the Shore Temple and the Five Rathas, the Crocodile Bank which is home to some exquisite species of crocodiles and alligators, and the beach resorts in Kovalam and Sadras.

Read More

Places To Visit In Mahabalipuram

Shore Temple

Shore Temple
Mahabalipuram Beach

Mahabalipuram Beach
Five Rathas

Five Rathas
Arjuna's Penance

Arjuna's Penance
Tiger Caves

Tiger Caves
Crocodile Bank

Crocodile Bank
View All Places To Visit In Mahabalipuram

Top Hotels In Mahabalipuram

View All Hotels In Mahabalipuram
View All Hotels In Mahabalipuram

More on Mahabalipuram Travel

History of Mahabalipuram

Mahabalipuram or Mamallapuram was once a trade city that was established during the Pallava dynasty. It became an important port and was a flourishing and vibrant centre of activity. The Pallavas left behind a treasure-trove of history, architecture and culture in the form of stunning monoliths and rock temples, and sculptures dedicated to the Gods. The history of this town stretches even beyond the 7th & 8th centuries and the Pallava dynasty; settlements belonging to the pre-Sangam era and artefacts that predate the birth of Christ have also been found here. There is thus an air of mystery surrounding Mahabalipuram’s history, with historians being unclear about the exact origins and roots of this popular tourist destination.

Cultural Influence On Architecture In Mahabalipuram

Mahabalipuram is famous for its architectural wonders. These monuments, revering the various Gods and holy scriptures of the Hindu religion, are mainly in the form of temples, rock-cut caves and other stone inscriptions. These monuments are classified into five major forms - the Rathas or chariot temples, Mandapas or cave temples, rock relief structures, structural temples and excavations. The Rathas are found in the southern part of the town, the most famous being the Panch Rathas, dedicated to the 5 Pandava brothers from the Mahabharata. The Mandapas were historically places for social gatherings to take place. They have excavated caves depicting various intricate carvings from Hindu mythology. Among the temples, the Shore temple located along the sea is the most popular, mainly dedicated to the Lords Shiva and Vishnu. Rock reliefs, as the name suggests, are carved on independent rocks or big stones. The rock relief structure, Descent of the Ganges or Arjuna’s penance, is believed to be one of the largest in the world and is carved on two large boulders 27m long and 9m high.

Restaurants and Local Food in Mahabalipuram

Mahabalipuram is brimming with interesting and flattering restaurants and cafes and a variety of cuisines. Find here, the colors and spice of street food, an elaborate, traditional and authentic thali as well as an array of western delicacies. While here, try Grilled Fish, Vegetarian thali, Prawns, Lobsters, Crabs and more. You might also try a typical South Indian platter which consists of Idli, Dosa, Appam, Vada, Upma Sambhar, Sweet Pongal, Kesari, Payassam and much more.
View Top Restaurants in Mahabalipuram

Suggested Itinerary for Mahabalipuram

Mahabalipuram can be covered within a day. Reach Mahabalipuram by morning. Visit the Tiger Cave that is located at the entrance of Mahabalipuram. Check out the rock monument called "The Descent of the Ganges", also known as Arjuna's Penance. Visit the Varaha and Krishna Cave temples. After lunch, check out the various handicraft stores that sell beautiful stone artefacts. Then, Visit the Krishna's Butterball and the Pancha Rathas.The India Seashell Museum is also worth a visit. End the trip with a visit to the Shore Temple.

Best Time to Visit Mahabalipuram

Top Stories about Mahabalipuram Tourism

Religious

Religious

Divine Temples in Mahabalipuram for a Religious Pilgrimage
Beaches & Islands

Beaches & Islands

Things to Do in Mahabalipuram
Beaches & Islands

Beaches & Islands

Picturesque Beaches in Mahabalipuram for a Peaceful Getaway
View All Posts About Mahabalipuram

Nearby Places

Pondicherry
Pondicherry
Places To Visit
Chennai, Tamil Nadu
Chennai
Places To Visit
Vedanthangal, Tamil Nadu
Vedanthangal
Places To Visit
Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu
Kanchipuram
Places To Visit
Thiruthani
Thiruthani
Places To Visit
Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh
Tirupati
Places To Visit
Bangalore, Karnataka
Bangalore
Places To Visit
Pulicat
Pulicat
Places To Visit
Bodinayakkanur
Bodinayakkanur
Places To Visit
Auroville, Pondicherry
Auroville
Places To Visit
Thiruvannamalai, Tamil Nadu
Thiruvannamalai
Places To Visit
Chittoor, Andhra Pradesh
Chittoor
Places To Visit

Browse Package Collections

Nearby Destinations for Packages

Pondicherry

Chennai

Kanchipuram

Tirupati

Bangalore

Thiruvannamalai

Mahabalipuram Photos

Mahabalipuram, Tamil Nadu
Mahabalipuram Beach - Must Visit Place in Mahabalipuram
Shore Temple - History Dating Back to 8th Century AD
Pancha (Five) Rathas - A UNESCO World Heritage Site

+ 48
photos

FAQs on Mahabalipuram

What is the best way to reach Mahabalipuram?

Mahabalipuram is very close to Chennai. So, it's best to proceed from Chennai via road. Buses arrive in the centre of the town from either Koyembedu (CMBT) or Tiruvanmiyur (in Chennai) and Kanchipuram. The drive from Chennai on the East Coast Road is, by Indian standards, a wonderful experience.
Read More

What are the places near Mahabalipuram?

The top places near to Mahabalipuram are Pondicherry which is 89 km from Mahabalipuram, Chennai which is located 48 km from Mahabalipuram, Vedanthangal which is located 38 km from Mahabalipuram, Kanchipuram which is located 57 km from Mahabalipuram, Thiruthani which is located 36 km from Mahabalipuram

What are the things to do in Mahabalipuram?

The top things to do in Mahabalipuram are Shore Temple, Mahabalipuram Beach, Five Rathas, Arjuna's Penance, Alamparai Fort, Sadras. You can see all the places to visit in Mahabalipuram here

What is the local food in Mahabalipuram?

Mahabalipuram is brimming with interesting and flattering restaurants and cafes and a variety of cuisines. Find here, the colors and spice of street food, an elaborate, traditional and authentic thali as well as an array of western delicacies. While here, try Grilled Fish, Vegetarian thali, Prawns, Lobsters, Crabs and more. You might also try a typical South Indian platter which consists of Idli, Dosa, Appam, Vada, Upma Sambhar, Sweet Pongal, Kesari, Payassam and much more.
Read More

What is the best time to visit Mahabalipuram?

The best time to plan a trip to Mahabalipuram is when the winter season sets in, which is between October and March. The climate remains good with warm days and cold nights, ideal for outdoor activities and for exploring the town. The period from November to February is the peak tourism season when the climate is salubrious. Travelling to Mahabalipuram during summers are generally avoided because of the very high temperatures and the exhausting heat, which makes it difficult to travel around the town for sightseeing.
Read More

Who should visit Mahabalipuram?

Ideal for school/college excursions from the nearby cities. Also ideal for people interested in regional history and architecture.

What is not so good about Mahabalipuram?

Limited eating options. Extremely hot for the greater part of the year.

What is famous about Mahabalipuram?

Extremely well-maintained tourist spots, knowledgible tour guides are easily available.

Have a Question on Mahabalipuram?

Ask a question from the travellers who have
experience.

Popular Questions And Answers on Mahabalipuram

Q. How far Mahabalipuram from Chennai can we stay there?

Holidify

6 years ago
Mahabalipuram is 60 km away from Chennai, which would be a 90 minutes drive. You have stay options available in Mahabalipuram. Check the following link to get a list of hotels near Mahabalipuram - ht (Read More)tps://www.holidify.com/places/mahabalipuram/hotels-where-to-stay.html.
Add Your Answer

Q. What is the best way to get to Mahabalipuram from Chennai?

Kaveesh Nair

6 years ago
The best way to commute between the two places if you don't have a car for yourself is via bus. There are numerous AC and non AC buses running between the cities throughout the day.
View All 2 Replies

Q. Hi how far is it from Pondicherry? how long do we need to see all the places there?

Kaveesh Nair

6 years ago
Mahabalipuram is only a two hour drive from Pondicherry and if you leave early in the morning, you should be able to cover the important places in one full day and drive back the next morning.
Add Your Answer
View All QnA About Mahabalipuram

Mahabalipuram Reviews

Your rating

Pallavi Siddhanta

6 years ago
- Stone carving Local sculptures in the main street leading to the sea teach stone carving. You will learn how to sculpt a simple locket, and the longer you'll stay, the more complicated things you'l (Read More)l be able to do. For a simple locket at least 5 hours are needed. For 100 Rs. a day you can learn/work as long as you like everyday

Sharad Saxena

6 years ago
Awesome place , nice restaurant. Stone carving is awesome.
View All Reviews About Mahabalipuram

Similar Places

Mumbai, Maharashtra
Mumbai
Places To Visit
Pondicherry
Pondicherry
Places To Visit
Chennai, Tamil Nadu
Chennai
Places To Visit
Kanyakumari, Tamil Nadu
Kanyakumari
Places To Visit
Delhi
Delhi
Places To Visit
Andaman
Andaman
Places To Visit
Konark, Orissa
Konark
Places To Visit
Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh
Hyderabad
Places To Visit
View 14 Packages