Things to do in Mahabalipuram, Tamil Nadu: The Best Sightseeing Tours

June 8, 2021 Kelli Reichel

Just 45 minutes out of the city, the East Coast Road first stops at the historic town of Mahabalipuram. The 7th century erstwhile port city is famous for its rock-cut shore temples. A lone lighthouse on a hill watches over a group of temples below. Mahabalipuram also has some great cafes that serve good sea food. A backpacker’s delight, one can find cheap accommodations and plenty of activities.
Restaurants in Mahabalipuram

1. Tour of Mamallapuram from Chennai

WRJ Holidays
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5.0 based on 1 reviews

Mamallapuram, also known as Mahabalipuram, is a town on a strip of land between the Bay of Bengal and the Great Salt Lake. Situated one and a half hour away from the capital city of Chennai, this city is known for its colossal temples and monuments many of which date back to 7th and 8th centuries. The most prominent of these is the seafront Shore Temple that comprises of 3 ornate granite shrines. Krishna’s Butter Ball is a massive boulder balanced on a small hill near the Ganesha Ratha stone temple.  Well, our guide not only knows the local language but will make every effort to understand your likes and preferences before starting your trip of the temple city.

Inclusions: Private air-conditioned vehicle for sightseeing, Professional English speaking guide, All current applicable taxes, Lunch, Admission Fee

Exclusions: Any items / services not specifically mentioned in the price includes section

Reviewed By Viswanathan B

The Sun Temple at Modhera is very impressive. Highly recommended for tourists visiting Ahmedabad to include this in their itinerary. You can spend at least a couple of hours at this place.

2. Mahabalipuram and Kanchipuram in a day trip from Chennai by Wonder tours

Wonder tours
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5.0 based on 1 reviews

You can easily spend a full day exploring Kanchipuram and Mamallapuram's marvellous temples, caves and rock carvings. Most were carved from the rock during the 7th-century reign of Pallava king Narasimhavarman I, whose nickname Mamalla (Great Wrestler) gave the town its name. Official Archaeological Survey of India guides can be hired at sites.

Inclusions: Hotel pickup and drop-off, Local guide, Entry/Admission - Mahabalipuram Monuments, Entry/Admission - Kanchipuram temples

Exclusions: Gratuities, Drinks

Reviewed By thegoguy

I had a blast touring the bustling Sowcarpet Market in Chennai with Rajesh. I'm a vlogger so Rajesh had to take extra time to allow me to properly film the shots that I wanted to capture, which he did. He also explained the important facts of the market and the food so that I could get myself situated in this maze of history and food. All in all, an awesome experience. I highly recommend you book this tour!

3. Amala Tour Guide

Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India Chennai Central Railway Station
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5.0 based on 2 reviews

iam a local resident, can guide and help you around all the places around. iam a local resident, can guide and help you around all the places around.

Inclusions: All Fees and Taxes

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Reviewed By bugcrowdtester12255

Really loved this place and able to connect with people quickly over the crowd in the covid situation.

4. Best of South India in 15 days with guide, hotels and car

Five Senses Tours
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5.0 based on 2 reviews

In this South India tour over 15 days, guests will experience the unique culture of the 3 South Indian States of Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Karnataka. We will explore the architectural marvels built by patron Kings over the last 1000 years. We will also unravel the mysteries behind colourful rituals in magnificent temples. World heritage monuments of Mahabalipuram, Brihadeswar temple as well as Hampi will be the key highlights. The tour also includes a blissful 24 hours on a house boat in Kerala over the backwaters of the Arabian Sea!

Inclusions: Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Lunch, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Dinner, Private car, 13 nights accommodation in hotels, 24 hours in houseboat with all meals in Alleppey, Guide, All entrance charges

Exclusions: Food and beverages, Activities like boating

Reviewed By marthahG6435DB

I came to chennai on work and was alone on a weekend. So decided to book a day trip to Pondicherry through Five senses tours as their reviews were very good. It was a lovely day and the tour company was both professional and friendly. Our gudie balaji was very informative as he was born and brought up there. He also ensured we got a very good feel for the French heritage. He took us to magnificent churches and also took us on a architecture walk along the French quarters. I enjoyed Auroville the most. The tranquility at the dome was absolute. All arrangements by Five senses tours were impeccable. They send a clean and air-conditioned car. The driver was safe and courteous. Out guide Balaji was there to pick us in morning and was with us till the drop back at night . He had also organised simple and delicious lunch. It was a fully paid tour so no hassles and Five senses organised everything so I could just seep in the beauty of Pondicherry!

5. Mahabalipuram Trip with Archaeologist

KeyTerns
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5.0 based on 1 reviews

- Mesmerising narration by an young Archaeologist, unheard stories, unseen places. - Perspectives covering History, Archaeological, Architecture & Mythological - Visiting 7th Century Built monuments & temples – Rock-cut architecture, Shore temple, Lighthouse, - Walking around 2004 incident unearthed 2000 years old Subramaniya temple excavated site (Optional) - Looking at wonders of nature – Krishna Butter Ball, Sea Shell Museum (Optional) - Shopping seashells, stone sculptures and handicrafts

Inclusions: Veg South Indian Lunch, Tender Coconut Water, Coffee / Tea,.All Indian Citizens entry fees

Exclusions: Camera / Video fees, All fess for Foreigner, Anything other than inclusions.

Reviewed By Meethi500

My first trip with keyterns but they made last moment nice arrangements for hotel, cab. Recommended.

6. Wild life tour in Chennai with guide and private car

Five Senses Tours
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4.7 based on 3 reviews

Wildlife Trail in Chennai is a day trip in Chennai organized in a private vehicle. The highlights include the famed Madras Crocodile Bank, Guindy National Park , Snake Park and Arignar Anna Zoo at Vandalur. This is an all-inclusive trip where we take care of transport,  lunch, activities and the services of a full-time tour guide.

Inclusions: All taxes, fees and handling charges, Lunch

Exclusions: Drinks

Reviewed By marthahG6435DB

I came to chennai on work and was alone on a weekend. So decided to book a day trip to Pondicherry through Five senses tours as their reviews were very good. It was a lovely day and the tour company was both professional and friendly. Our gudie balaji was very informative as he was born and brought up there. He also ensured we got a very good feel for the French heritage. He took us to magnificent churches and also took us on a architecture walk along the French quarters. I enjoyed Auroville the most. The tranquility at the dome was absolute. All arrangements by Five senses tours were impeccable. They send a clean and air-conditioned car. The driver was safe and courteous. Out guide Balaji was there to pick us in morning and was with us till the drop back at night . He had also organised simple and delicious lunch. It was a fully paid tour so no hassles and Five senses organised everything so I could just seep in the beauty of Pondicherry!

7. Mahabalipuram day trip from Chennai by Wonder tours

Wonder tours
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4.7 based on 3 reviews

Mamallapuram (also called Mahaballipuram) is about an hour's drive from Chennai on the East Coast Road. It was the second capital and seaport of the Pallava Kings who ruled in the 5th century. Local legend has it that there was once a beautiful city here with seven temples, which the Gods submerged under the sea in anger.until in 2002, an Indo-British team of divers discovered a series of man-made structures under water, covering an area of several square miles.Today at Mamallapuram, you can see the famous Shore Temple, the only surviving temple out of the original seven (the rest have sunk under the sea). The Shore Temple is among the oldest temples of South India and represents the final flowering of Pallava art. Arjuna's Penance, one of the world's biggest bas-reliefs depicts the story of the descent of the River Ganges from Heaven to Earth. Cave temples and massive monolithic sculptures (carved from a single large block of granite) make Mamallapuram a place to remember.

Inclusions: Hotel pick-up and drop-off, Air-conditioned vehicle, Bottled water, Lunch, Entry/Admission - Mahabalipuram

Exclusions: Personal expenses, Gratuities, Beverages

Reviewed By thegoguy

I had a blast touring the bustling Sowcarpet Market in Chennai with Rajesh. I'm a vlogger so Rajesh had to take extra time to allow me to properly film the shots that I wanted to capture, which he did. He also explained the important facts of the market and the food so that I could get myself situated in this maze of history and food. All in all, an awesome experience. I highly recommend you book this tour!

8. 2 Days - Private Tour to Mamallapuram and Pondicherry from Chennai

Uvamai Niche Tourism

Escape from the hustle and bustle city of Chennai and feel the peaceful Pondicherry with Mahabalipuram, it's one of best short break itinerary that is recommended for who are looking for heritage experience while enjoying a beach holiday.

Inclusions: Hotel pickup and drop-off, Air-conditioned vehicle, Fuel surcharge, Gratuities, Bottled water, Toll, Parking and all other expenses related to vehicle

Exclusions: Food and drinks, Over night accommodation, Entrance Fees (wherever it's necessary)

Reviewed By kumarkyal

overall nices experinces and good places i seen many shopping areas nices . food court aslo very nices

9. Full Day Excursion to Dakshinachitra and Mamallapuram from Chennai

Chennai (Madras), Chennai (Madras), Chennai District, Tamil Nadu SITA World Tours

On this day-excursion from Chennai visit the UNESCO World Heritage site of Mamallapuram. Situated on the coast of the Bay of Bengal, the site has a fascinating collection of ancient cave and rock temples and sculptures dating back to the 7th and 8th century. En route stop at the village complex of Dakshinachitra. Overlooking the Bay of Bengal, this is a living arts and crafts museum where you can also see artisans and craftsmen at work. Highlights • Living museum of Dakshinachitra • Five monolithic stone chariots • Shore temple • Cave temples • Sculpture of ‘The Descent of the Ganges’

Inclusions: Transport by private air-conditioned vehicle, Hotel pick-up and drop-off, Local English speaking guide, Lunch (beverage excluded), 02 bottles of mineral water per person

Exclusions: Gratuities

Reviewed By rudra254

This is an amazing place to have all types of South Indian cuisines. The staff is really helpful and courteous and provide very good guidance in selecting the dishes.

10. Mahabalipuram Day tour (Pick up and drop from Chennai hotel)

Wanna Navigers

Designed and operated by ex IT professional. A day tour to Mahabalipuram from Chennai to self explore. There will be someone to assist you to buy entry tickets for light house and other monuments. Entry Ticket for monuments for NON INDIANS are not included. Pick up from hotel and drop back at hotel GUARANTEED. Very safe On the coast of Bay of Bengal Mahabalipuram (Mamallapuram) is an ancient historic town with beautiful rock carvings from 7th and 8th centuries, classified as UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Inclusions: Pick up from hotel and drop back at hotel GUARANTEED, Hotel or Airport pick up and drop and all, Sightseeing and transfers from Chennai and back to Chennai, Road taxes, toll and parking and driver charges are included, Mineral Water bottles

Exclusions: 1. Entry ticket fees of NON INDIAN to tourist places, 2. Any Visa fee, Travel insurance, medical, guide service, personal expense not exclusively listed here, 3. Meals other than mentioned in the package, Guide

Reviewed By akhiphopak90

It's just a heaven on Earth & a must visit place.Make sure you'll go to see the sunrise at 05:30-06:00am IST.

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