What to do and see in Mahabalipuram, Tamil Nadu: The Best Free Things to do

May 28, 2021 Myesha Cogley

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%
Good
2%
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2%
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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. Jewel Mount.

27/25 East Raja Street, Mahabalipuram 603104 India +91 98842 61705 [email protected]
Excellent
100%
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5.0 based on 11 reviews

Jewel Mount.

Jewel Mount is a place of Gems and Artifacts. Handwoven Cashmeer Shawls very uniquely crafted Crystals A place where one can find some rare Tribal Arts. And much more to offer...

3. Arjuna's Penance

West Raja Street Near Ganesha Ratha, Mahabalipuram 603104 India +91 96001 41033 http://www.tripgo.co.in
Excellent
64%
Good
31%
Satisfactory
5%
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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!

4. Krishna Mandapam

Mahabalipuram India +91 81222 33900 http://www.tripgo.co.in
Excellent
44%
Good
43%
Satisfactory
13%
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0%
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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

5. Descent Of The Ganges

Mahabalipuram India +91 81222 33700 http://www.tripgo.co.in
Excellent
72%
Good
27%
Satisfactory
1%
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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.

6. Trimurti Cave

Mahabalipuram India +91 81222 33900 http://www.tripgo.co.in
Excellent
45%
Good
42%
Satisfactory
13%
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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.

7. Krishna's Butter Ball

E Raja St, Mahabalipuram 603104 India +91 81222 33700 http://tripgo.co.in
Excellent
48%
Good
36%
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14%
Poor
2%
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4.5 based on 869 reviews

Krishna's Butter Ball

Reviewed By Manasi_2004 - Mumbai, India

If you are fond of sculptures this is place. Please be sure to start your day early as lighthouse, maritime museum, Krishna butter ball, Arjuna penance, varaha temple all are in same premises and it is a bit of a walk. But very clean and neat place.

8. Mahishasura Rock

Shore Temple Rd Fisherman Colony, Mahabalipuram India
Excellent
55%
Good
27%
Satisfactory
18%
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4.5 based on 11 reviews

Mahishasura Rock

no 127/2 T.K.M Road, Mahabalipuram India +91 99529 09723 [email protected]
Excellent
31%
Good
31%
Satisfactory
31%
Poor
8%
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4.0 based on 13 reviews

Little Art Gallery

10. Sri Sthala Sayanaperumal Temple

West Raja Street, Mahabalipuram India
Excellent
41%
Good
39%
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20%
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4.0 based on 66 reviews

Sri Sthala Sayanaperumal Temple

Reviewed By pradhikar

The expressions on the deities, especially the Mahalaxmi Amman and Shri Anjaneya is spell binding. The atmosphere inside the premises is all pervading.

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