23 Places To Visit In Mahabalipuram

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Temple (7)
Beach (4)
Cave (3)
Museum (2)

1. Shore Temple

1 km from city center

Temple

Built during the 7th century, Shore Temple is one of the oldest South Indian temples constructed in the Dravidian style and depicts the royal taste of the Pallava dynasty.

Top Attraction 3.7 /5

2 km from city center

Beach

Also known as Mamallapuram by locals, Mahabalipuram Beach is 58 km from Chennai city in Tamil Nadu. The beach lies on the shore of the Bay of Bengal and comprises some rock-cut sculptures. The scintillating beach has golden sand all along the stretch and is also famous for caves, massive rathas, chariots and temples. The surfers and swimming lovers are bound to have an amazing time at the beach.

Top Attraction 3.5 /5

2 km from city center

Temple

The Five Rathas, also known as Panch Rathas, is a exemplary set of rock temples. They are excellent examples of the evolution of Dravidian style architecture.

Top Attraction 4.2 /5

1 km from city center

Landmark

The Arjuna's Penance is an enormous rock-cut relief, one of the largest in the whole world, situated in Mahabalipuram of Kanchipuram district, Tamil Nadu.

Mahabalipuram Travel Packages

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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)

$482/person

9 Days / 8 Nights

Heavenly Tamil Nadu Tour Package

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

$448/person

9 Days / 8 Nights

South India Delight Package

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

$ 459

7% off

$424/person

4 Days / 3 Nights

Pondicherry-Mahabalipuram Tour with Kanchipuram

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

$91/person

7 Days / 6 Nights

Tamil Nadu Temple Tour Package

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

$ 367

20% off

$292/person

9 Days / 8 Nights

Mystical Kanyakumari, Pondicherry, Madurai Tour...

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

$ 383

12% off

$337/person

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5. Tiger Caves

Top Attraction 3.5 /5

4 km from city center

Cave

Tiger's Caves is near the coastal village of Salurankuppam that is only 5 kilometers to the north of Mahabalipuram. This spectacular mandap contains a shrine that is solely dedicated to the wondrous goddess Durga.

Top Attraction 3.5 /5

14 km from city center

Zoo

The Crocodile Bank is located 14 kilometers from Mahabalipuram. It was established by herpetologist Romulus Whitaker in 1976. It holds a varied species of Indian and African alligators and crocodiles.

7. Kovalam Beach, Chennai

Top Attraction 3.5 /5

17 km from city center

Beach

Highlights: Old Church Ruins, Surfing, Covelong Point Fes (Read More)tival, Coastal Charm, Dutch Fort

Kovalam beach, located in the Chengalpattu district in Tamil Nadu, India, is a popular tourist destination known for its safe, clean, and hygienic environment with a range of facilities and activities to enjoy. The beach was earlier known as Covelong beach and is situated in a small fishing village called Covelong in the Kanchipuram district, about 36 km away from Chennai.

2 km from city center

Museum

The newly built sea shell museum of Mahabalipuram is one of its kind in the country and the largest one in Asia. It is basically a repository of various kinds of sea shell kept with an aim to educate its visitors. There over over 40,000 different specimens of rare and unique shell in the place.

1 km from city center

Monument

Descent of the Ganges is a monument in Mahabalipuram dedicated to the legend of Goddess Ganga's descent to Earth.

1 km from city center

Historical Site

Krishna's butterball is a gigantic granite Boulder measuring 6 meters high and 5 meters wide and weighs over 250 tons.

1 km from city center

Temple

Krishna Cave Temple is an open-air relief dedicated to the might of Lord Krishna. It was later enclosed within a mandap during Vijyanagar empire in 16th century. Various carvings in the monument depict the story of the Lord lifting mount Govardhan and of his frolicking with the milk maids. It is said to be the most poetic depiction of the famous legend.

1 km from city center

Temple

Varaha Cave Temple is an exquisite rock cut Hindu temple located in Mahabalipuram. Created during the reign of Narasimhavarman I Mahamalla, it is one of greatest examples of Pallava art. The temple dates back to the 7th century and bears a testimony to the ancient Vishwakarma Sthapathis. It houses an idol of Lord Vishnu in his Varaha form, a boar lifting Mother Earth.

13. Mahishasuramardini Cave

1 km from city center

Cave

Mahishasura Mardini Cave temple, also known as Yampuri, is a rock-cut monument of Indian architecture, dating back to 7th century. There are two prominent carving featured in the temple? sanctum. A carving of Vishnu on the seven hooded serpent and another of Lord Durga on her lion while slaying demon Mahishasura. The cave also depict scenes of Puranas.

1 km from city center

Temple

A fine example of the of monolith Indian rock-cut architecture dating back to the late seventh century, the Ganesh Rath was built during the reign of Mahendravarman I. Initially, it was dedicated to Lord Shiva and housed a Shivalinga in the complex, but later on the Linga was removed, and now, Lord Ganesh is worshiped here.

1 km from city center

Temple

Constructed in a Dravidian style, Sthalasayana Perumal Temple also called Thirukadalmallai, is one of the 108 Divyadesam dedicated to Lord Vishnu. He is worshiped here as Sthalasayana Perumal with his consort Lakshmi as Nilamangai Thayar. Yearly festival of Bhoothatazhwar Avata festival is also celebrated here during the Tamil month of Aipasi (October_November).

1 km from city center

Cave

Located near the northern hills of Mahabalipuram, Trimurti Cave is famous for its depiction of the Hindu Trinity - Brahma, Vishnu and Mahesh. Unlike the other cave temple built by Pallavas, this one does not have a pillared mandap but opens directly to the three shrines. Apart from that, a small shrine dedicated to Durga is also present, depicting the legend of her slaying demon Mahishasur.

1 km from city center

Museum

Sculpture Museum at Mahabalipuram, as the name suggests, houses sculptures depicting several Hindu mythological characters, gods and goddesses. An elaborate collection of over 3000 sculptures can be found here. The stone, wooden, brass and cement sculptures are intricately carved and bears the historic significance and legends. Various monolithic statues, Rathas, sculptured reliefs and miniatures (Read More)can also be found.

Top Attraction 4.2 /5

45 km from city center

Forts & Palaces

Situated about 50 km from Mahabalipuram near a village called Kadappakkam, Alamparai Fort is now mostly in ruins, however it is still a great place to visit. This fort, overlooking the sea is one of the most unknown historic places in Tamil Nadu.

Top Attraction 3.5 /5

49 km from city center

Beach

Sadras is a fortress town and a beach located 13 kilometers outside of Mahabalipuram. An old ruined Dutch Fort and a Dutch cemetery with finely embossed headstones exist. It is intriguing to explore some of the Dutch history in the region and that of India.

1 km from city center

Temple

Olakkannesvara Temple, also known as the Old Lighthouse, is a structural temple built in 8th century. The structure is made out of grey-white granite and has a shikar on the top. Owing to its location on a hillock, it provides a pleasing view of the town. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva, but the worship has been ceased after the 19th century.

1 km from city center

Lighthouse

Mamallapuram Lighthouse in Mahabalipuram has been open for public view since 2011. The circular masonry tower of the Lighthouse is made of natural stones and is fully functional since 1904. Climbing on the stones and atop the Lighthouse (yes, you are allowed to climb) can be a real treat. From the top, the view is capable of captivating its audience.

0 km from city center

Beach

Located en route Mahabalipuram from Chennai, Wide Beach is a beautiful stretch of beach predominated by the fisher folks. The beach also has beautiful caves and rock sculptures on the shore. You can visit the beach to spend a day away from the pell mell of the city and watch the beautiful sunrise and sunset scenes.

Fairs & Festivals

Mamallapuram Dance Festival is organised for around twenty days, in the town of Mahabalipuram, to celebrate the diverse forms of folk dance popular in different regions and cultures of India. A captivating stage is set before a stone sculpture range known as the ‘Arjuna’s Penance rock sculpture’ for the festival.

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FAQs on Mahabalipuram

What are the top sightseeing places in Mahabalipuram?

The top sightseeing places in Mahabalipuram are Shore Temple, Mahabalipuram Beach, Five Rathas, Arjuna's Penance, Alamparai Fort, Sadras.

What are the top restaurants in Mahabalipuram?

The best places to eat in Mahabalipuram are Gecko Cafe , Le Yogi, Moonrakers, Rose Garden, Freshly 'n Hot, Nautilus. You can see all the places to eat in Mahabalipuram here

How can I commute within Mahabalipuram?

There are ample modes of transport available within the town of Mahabalipuram, and some of these are buses and rented motorcycles. Being a small town, the major attractions can be covered on foot. This can help you cut down on your transport expenses, and also help you enjoy the beauty of the region gradually.
Read More

Can you suggest an 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.

Places To Visit In Mahabalipuram

Top Hotel Collections

23 Places To Visit In Mahabalipuram

1. Shore Temple

2. Mahabalipuram Beach

3. Five Rathas

4. Arjuna's Penance

Mahabalipuram Travel Packages

10 Days Tamil Nadu Temple & Beach Tour

Heavenly Tamil Nadu Tour Package

South India Delight Package

Pondicherry-Mahabalipuram Tour with Kanchipuram

Tamil Nadu Temple Tour Package

Mystical Kanyakumari, Pondicherry, Madurai Tour...

5. Tiger Caves

6. Crocodile Bank

Top Hotels In Mahabalipuram

7. Kovalam Beach, Chennai

8. India Seashell Museum

9. Descent Of The Ganges

10. Krishna's Butter Ball

11. Krishna Cave Temple

12. Varaha Cave Temple

Discover More About Sightseeing & Tourist Attractions in Mahabalipuram

13. Mahishasuramardini Cave

14. Ganesh Ratha Temple

15. Sri Sthala Sayana Perumal Temple

16. Trimurti Cave

17. Sculpture Museum

18. Alamparai Fort

19. Sadras

20. Olakkannesvara Temple

21. Mamallapuram Lighthouse

22. Wide Beach

23. Mamallapuram Dance Festival

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FAQs on Mahabalipuram

What are the top sightseeing places in Mahabalipuram?

What are the top restaurants in Mahabalipuram?

How can I commute within Mahabalipuram?

Can you suggest an itinerary for Mahabalipuram?

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