What to do and see in Mahabalipuram, Tamil Nadu: The Best Budget-friendly Things to do

April 22, 2022 Hana Mouser

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. Apollo Books

89 Fisherman Colony Opposite Le Yogi Restaurant, Mahabalipuram 603104 India +91 98403 64422 [email protected]
Excellent
97%
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5.0 based on 62 reviews

Apollo Books

The Apollo Book Club provides you novels, guides,Indian writing, philosophy in many different languages. Book Exchange &Tourist Information.

2. Mumu Surf School

Excellent
84%
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5.0 based on 130 reviews

Mumu Surf School

WHAT IS SURFING? When surfing in India started, the people in the few fisherman villages with good waves did not understand why people are riding waves with these weird white boards. Just for fun? Isn’t it a waste of time? A surf student is taking one of her first green waves Until you finally take your first own wave, cruising from side to side, almost flying on the pure energy of the ocean you probably will not understand. Surfing is a sport, a challenge, a passion, a connection to nature or just pure exercise. It became the life of so many people around the world. Mumu Surf School was the first surf shop located near Chennai and we have an intimate knowledge of the sea, the waves and how to ride them best. Raised in a fishing family in Mamallapuram, we are always connected with the ocean. Besides the pure passion for surfing, Mumu is a qualified in ISA Instructor with a Surf Rescue License, PADI Divemaster and Rescue Scuba Diver.

3. Monuments at Mahabalipuram

Mahabalipuram India
Excellent
66%
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4.5 based on 1,684 reviews

Monuments at Mahabalipuram

Many interesting rock-cut temples and giant open-air reliefs from the 7th and 8th centuries.

Reviewed By 369gillianj - Clitheroe, United Kingdom

Beautiful beach side setting, lovely village with good shops and restaurants, and so many amazing things to see - ancient rock carvings, cave-like temples hewn from granite, beautiful shore temple, lovely old working lighthouse and gravity-defying Krishna's Butterball Boulder! All within easy walking distance - a real treasure trove.

4. Shore Temple

Shore Temple Rd, Mahabalipuram 603104 India http://www.tamilnadutourism.org/places/CitiesTowns/Mamallapuram0.aspx?catid=010105P02
Excellent
52%
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35%
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9%
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4.5 based on 1,644 reviews

Shore Temple

Reviewed By vikas-Maheshwari - Jaipur, India

The Shore Temple is so named because it overlooks the shore of the Bay of Bengal. It is a structural temple, built with blocks of granite, dating from the 8th century AD. At the time of its creation, the site was a busy port during the reign of Narasimhavarman II of the Pallava dynasty.

5. Pancha Rathas

Kancheepuram District, Mahabalipuram 603104 India 914427442226 http://www.tamilnadutourism.org/places/citiestowns/Mamallapuram.aspx
Excellent
60%
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4.5 based on 901 reviews

Pancha Rathas

Reviewed By Donna_in_India - New York City, United States

Panch Rathas, also known as Five Rathas, is a complex of monolithic rock-cut temples dating back to the mid-7th century. The Panch (five) Rathas (processional temple chariots) are named after the five Pandava brothers, heroes of the Indian epic Mahabharata. They are Draupadi Ratha, Nakula Sahadeva Ratha, Bhima Ratha, and Dharmaraja Ratha. The shrine panels are richly carved with Hindu deities. Two things make the rathas unique. The first is that the stones were cut in situ. The second is that the styles and techniques of wooden architecture were imitated in stone creating a variety of forms. These would later influence the very distinct South Indian temple design. The temples were never finished so none were ever used for worship.

6. Mahishasuramardini Cave

Mahabalipuram India
Excellent
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4.5 based on 96 reviews

Mahishasuramardini Cave

Reviewed By Mikan999 - Bristol, United Kingdom

The Mahishasuramardini cave is part of the Mahabalipuram complex but is easily missed because it is a little way from the other temples, however it had some of the most interesting carvings. Especially superb is the panel showing Durga fighting the buffalo-headed demon Mahisha. It is worth learning a bit about Hindu Art and Architecture before visiting. The book on this subject by George Michell is great for this. This cave temple is a must.

7. Arjuna's Penance

West Raja Street Near Ganesha Ratha, Mahabalipuram 603104 India +91 96001 41033 http://www.tripgo.co.in
Excellent
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4.5 based on 722 reviews

Arjuna's Penance

This bas-relief with life-size images from a mythical story adorns a huge rock.

Reviewed By Honisoiquimalypense - Derby, United Kingdom

A must visit - it is a huge rock face (96 feet long and 43 ft high);covered with hundreds of carves statues and on the right a family of elephants! It really an eyeful and is the second longest carver mural in the world ( so we were told). It tells a tale of Arjuna but there is some dispute about this too! Still whatever- it is a must see!

8. Krishna Mandapam

Mahabalipuram India +91 81222 33900 http://www.tripgo.co.in
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4.5 based on 145 reviews

Krishna Mandapam

Reviewed By Trvelly

Mammalapuram,(Mahabalipuram) has a lot to offer, which would pave way to the history/civilisation and a lot more to think. When you are here you forget your time and go on to memories. Great place to see all the Sculptures and do visit the temple inside the mandapam

9. Descent Of The Ganges

Mahabalipuram India +91 81222 33700 http://www.tripgo.co.in
Excellent
72%
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4.5 based on 239 reviews

Descent Of The Ganges

Reviewed By Tanumita - Kolkata (Calcutta), India

A beautiful piece of art carved on a monolithic rock. It is built on the same rock as Arjuna's penance and has a mythological and historical significance to it. The descent of the Ganges is depicted in the form of Cobras and it is an exceptional sculpture built during the Pallava rule.

10. Trimurti Cave

Mahabalipuram India +91 81222 33900 http://www.tripgo.co.in
Excellent
45%
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4.5 based on 77 reviews

Trimurti Cave

Reviewed By milindpk - Nagpur, India

Again it is a part of monuments at Arjuna's penance complex. Different and nice carvings. Good photo opportunities.

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