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Things to Do in Mahabalipuram

Mahabalipuram is a city located near Chennai and some of the best things to do in Mahabalipuram include sightseeing. It is town located on a small strip of land on the Bay of Bengal and is an amazing place to visit. The town is not a very populous one but thousands of people visit the city throughout the year. The city is surrounded by water on three sides due to which it houses some outstanding beaches. The beaches of Mahabalipuram are one of the major tourist attraction of the city. Laying down on the sand to relax and enjoy the atmosphere at the beaches are one of the several things that one can do here. Mahabalipuram is a city which is known to culturally very rich. The city is considered to be one of the most spiritually inclined places in India.

The temples and religious places in Mahabalipuram speaks a lot about the culture and traditions of the people here. The Shore Temple is the most famous temple in and around Mahabalipuram. All the people living in the vicinity of the city come to the Shore Temple if they are in search of hope and want to find their spirituality. Caves of Mahabalipuram have also played a very important role in attracting tourists towards itself. The Tiger Cave is a cave which has carvings of Hindu Gods and is often considered as a temple. The Descent of the Ganges and the Pancha Rathas are other caves which along with being a tourist attraction for its beautiful bearing also serve the religious purpose of the people residing there. Mahabalipuram is the ideal town to spend one’s vacation as it is away from the noise of the city. People can have a really peaceful and amazing time in the city and return back to their normal life rejuvenated. So, come and explore the best things to do in Mahabalipuram.

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Shore Temple
Dating back to the 8th century AD, Shore Temple is one of the oldest temples which represent the ancient designs, carving art and constructions. It is claimed to be a part of Seven Pagodas by the legends and is one of the finest places to visit in Mahabalipuram. One can also locate the decorative top of the temple covered with sculptures and carvings, which indeed adds somewhat authentic beauty to it.

The temple is standing strong with the help of the supporting stone that resists it from erosion. Shore Temple is located at the shore of Bay of Bengal which offers a beautiful view of the never ending ocean. This temple has three shrines where two of them are dedicated to Lord Shiva and the other one is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. The place is very clean and its location made it a major attraction among the tourists.

Location: Mahabalipuram, Tamil Nadu 603104.

Entry-Fee: INR 340 for foreigners and INR 10 for locals, free for children (below 15 years).

Timing: 6 am to 6 pm every day.

Best time to visit: The best time to visit this historical temple is from October to March, or in the months of January and February, considering the climatic factor.
Pancha Rathas
The word Pancha means five, hence the place presents five Rathas built with rocks. It denotes the evolution or rise of the Dravidian architects. The temple also resembles the historical monarchs and shrines of Buddhists, while the Rathas are associated with Mahabharat. Describing the rath, the first one is Drupati's, which stands in on the right side by the entrance.

Arjuna’s rath is situated just beside Draupadi’s whereas, stands Nakula Sahadev Rath and Bhima is located at the front. Dharamraj Yudhistar’s Rath is the largest. This place seems to be one of the best tourist places in Mahabalipuram.

Location: Mamallapuram, Kanchipuram district, Tamil Nadu 

Entry-Fee: INR 10 for the India-based tourists and INR 250 for the foreigners.

Timing: 6 am to 6 pm every day.

Best time to visit: The perfect time to visit this place is during the winter months, i.e., from September to March.
Descent Of The Ganges
Descent of the Ganges is one of the giant open-air sculptures which was engraved on two stiff rock boulders and it is one of the significant places to visit in Mahabalipuram. This is a great place to explore the history for some time with your family as it has some of the beautiful sculptures and carvings.

This interesting rock relief has very sensitive and realistic carvings to explore and remember for lifetime. This monument was created by King Narsimhavarman of Pallava dynasty and it portrays his great imagination which was used by the workers to carve such an amazing and appealing rock-cut sculpture.

Location: W Raja St, Mahabalipuram, Tamil Nadu 603.

Entry-Fee: INR 10 for Indians and INR 250 for foreigners and Free for children below the age of 15.

Timing: 6 am to 6 pm every day.

Best time to visit: The most ideal months to visit Descent of the Ganges is from  September to May.
Group Of Monuments At Mahabalipuram
The group of monuments date to the reigning period of the Pandavas, 7th and 8th century. You can also explore one of the largest open-air rock relief in the world, which is included in the group of monuments. This place offers too many antique temples at one stop. And this place seems to be the perfect destination for the historical enthusiasts.

It is spread over a large area and it is favourable to get a guide who can help you in knowing the stories about each of the temples. It takes an entire day to see the places properly if one is interested to see all of the temples closely. The carvings and sculptures are unique from one another and all of the monuments are well-maintained and clean.

Location: Fisherman Colony, Mahabalipuram, Tamil Nadu 603104.

Entry-Fee: INR 250 for foreigners and INR 10 for locals, free for children below the age of 15.

Timing: 6 am- 6 pm every day.
Krishna's Butterball
The Krishna's Butterball is a strange 250-ton rock boulder, which is standing or resting inclined on a slope. It is known as Stone of Sky God. This is one of the most exciting tourist places in Mahabalipuram due to the mysterious scene it presents. It seems that this giant boulder, known as Krishna’s butterball refuses to give in to gravity, no one is quite sure why.

This place is the perfect destination to spend some great time with family and kids. Tourists love to capture pictures while posing at different angles around the rock. Krishna’s Butterball is the ideal place for aged people to sit and chat. Also, this place offers a huge ground where the kids end up to enjoy a lot.

Location: E Raja St, Mahabalipuram, Tamil Nadu 603104.

Entry-Fee: INR 40 for Indians and INR 600 for foreigners

Timing: 6 am to 6 pm every day.

Best time to visit: The best time to visit the place is within the months of November to February.
Varaha Cave Temple
Varaha Cave Temple is a rock-cut Hindu temple that is carved beautifully revealing the ancient South Indian architecture. It is one of the must-visit places to visit in Mahabalipuram, situated behind the Arjuna’s Penance. It is made on a giant piece of granite and has some of the finest pieces of sculptures.

At the entrance of the temple, a primitive veranda can be seen with two independent pillars and two pillars attached to the side walls. All fours pillars are designed to reflect greeting for entrance and horned lions. The carvings are extremely prominent even on today and this place is still so beautiful and underrated at the same time. Varaha Cave Temple seems to be one of the hidden gems of Mahabalipuram.

Location: Mada Koil St, Mahabalipuram, Tamil Nadu 603104.

Entry-Fee: INR 10 for Indian nationals and INR 250 for foreign visitors.

Timing: Thursdays to Tuesday- 9 am to 6 pm and Closed on Wednesday

Best time to visit: The most ideal months to visit are from September to May.
Mahabalipuram Beach
To please the eyes of the visitors, Mahabalipuram Beach is one of the perfect places to visit in Mahabalipuram. The tourists mostly prefer to relax while listening to the shores of the waves and witnessing the elegantly carved rock-cut sculptures. It presents a perfect scene of nature and art at once.

Alongside, it also offers caves, rathas, temples and chariots, thus providing a complete package for holidays to both locals and foreign visitors. There are a number of attractions located at the beach which includes a school of art and culture, snake venom extracting centre and a crocodile bank housing about 5000 crocodiles of 6 different species.

Location: Mahabalipuram Beach is located on the east coast, next to E Raja Street, Tamil Nadu 603104.

Entry-Fee: Not applicable.

Timing: Not applicable.

Best time to visit: The best time to visit Mahabalipuram Beach is between October to March.
Thirukadalmallai
Thirukadalmallai or Sri Sthala Sayana Perumal Temple is dedicated to Lord Sthalasayana Perumal (Vishnu) and Goddess Nilamangai Thayar (Lakshmi) and is among the 108 Divyadesam. With an exquisite carving, it is considered as one of the tourist places in Mahabalipuram. Thirukadalmallai is one of the perfect examples of Dravidian architectural style.

This place is extremely calm and peaceful and that is what makes this temple completely different from the other ones. Even when tourists visit this place from all around the world, the priests make sure to maintain the silence of this place which offers a unique atmosphere to the temple. It is one of the oldest temples of Mahabalipuram and one can easily feel the rise in spiritual energy after entering the temple.

Location: S Mada St, Mahabalipuram, TL 603104.

Entry-Fee: Free for all.

Timing: 6 am to 12 pm and 3 pm to 8:30 pm.

Best time to visit: The months of October and November are the best ones to visit this place.
Krishna Mandapam
Krishna Mandapam is popular among the tourists for its caves and amazing rock carvings which signify some of the glorious past of the region. It is also the largest among the rock-cut caves located in Mahabalipuram. The temple was built in the mid-seventh century and is dedicated to Lord Krishna.

It is the oldest and one among the ten such cave temples of Mahabalipuram. The architecture of this cave is impressive and simple with nine reliefs carved on the surface of the cave which depicts different events from Indian mythology. The most attractive incident carved here is of Lord Krishna lifting the whole Govardhana mountain to save the people from heavy rainfall.

Location: W Raja St, Mahabalipuram, Tamil Nadu 603104.

Entry-Fee: Not applicable.

Timing: From 7 am to 6 pm every day.

Best time to visit: One can visit the place within the months of June to February.
India Seashell Museum
Looking for something unique and different to visit? Well here's a place that will fit the bill perfectly. India seashell museum is the largest museum in its own type and is one of the unique places to visit in Mahabalipuram. Irrespective of one’s age, most of the tourists love this place like nothing else in the world.

The museum houses more than 40,000 varieties of exhibits. The architecture of the museum grants an illusion of the sea and its life. It also houses a shopping area known as Maya Bazaar where one can get different things related to sea lives. Moreover, there is a beautiful and attractive aquarium and a SeaFood Restaurant within its compound.

Location: 191/1A2, Kalpakkam Road, Mahabalipuram, Tamil Nadu 603104

Entry-Fee: INR 100

Timing: 8 am to 8 pm every day.

Best time to visit: The best time to visit this place will be the winter months, from November to February.
Mahishasuramardini Mandapa
Mahishasuramardini Mandapa is a temple which was erected a long time ago, in the 7th century. This beautiful ancient architecture is something to look forward to for sure. UNESCO added it as a world heritage site in the year 1984. This temple is an incomplete structure and is located at the base of diorite hillock.

It is one of the fourteen cave temples of Mahabalipuram and it houses several elegant reliefs portraying artistic abilities of the sculptures in Pallava times. The front of the cave temple is adorned with four columns and two pilasters, floor and the ceiling are incomplete even today. The columns have diverse designs and all the panels depict different stories and incidents of Gods and Goddesses.

Location: Mada Koil St, Mahabalipuram, Tamil Nadu 603104

Entry-Fee: Not applicable

Timing: Not applicable

Best time to visit: The best time to visit this temple will be in the month of April.
Mahabalipuram Light House
This is something that is a new addition to the list of the places to visit in Tamil Nadu. Before 2010, it wasn't open for tourists to walk in here and enjoy the view from the lighthouse. But in 2011, it was finally made open to the tourists to have a mesmerizing view of the surroundings from here.

The first light commissioned in this lighthouse was in 1887. India’s oldest lighthouse dating back to 640 AD is standing next to this modern one and was built by Pallava Kind Mahendra Pallava.

Location: Mada Koil St, Mahabalipuram, Tamil Nadu 603104

Entry-Fee: INR 10 for Indians and locals, INR 25 for foreigners and INR 5 for children.

Timing: 9 am to 5:30 pm. Each visitor is only allowed to enter for ten minutes.

Best time to visit: You should visit the place in the months of September to March and also prefer to visit the evening time since it will give you a better view.
Ganesha Ratha
Ganesha Ratha is also a temple in Mahabalipuram. It was one of the ten rathas erected out of the pink granite within the group of monuments of the Pallava period of Mahabalipuram. It is a very different sight here than that of the other places that you include in your itinerary.

This ratha is a major example of monolith Indian rock-cut architecture dating back to the late seventh century which was the reigning period of King Mahendravarman I and his son Narasimhavarman I.

Location: Mada Koil St, Mahabalipuram, Tamil Nadu 603104

Entry-Fee: No fees are required to enter here. It is on you if you want to pay a certain amount to be there or you do not. 

Timing: 9 am to 6 pm.

Best time to visit: You should not visit it in the summer, which is why any month before May from the start of the year will be apt for you.
Sculpture Museum
Located near the Mahabalipuram Bus Station, the Sculpture Museum is one of the best places to visit in Mahabalipuram. It houses more than 3,000 sculptures of the Hindu mythology characters which have rich historical importance and also the tales of the ancient days.

Walk around this museum and feel the significance and greatness of the sculptures and paintings which were created by ancient artists. They utilised a variety of materials which includes metal, cement, wood and brass. This place is an amazing escape amidst the history, art and culture of both Hindu and Buddhist memoirs. If you are someone, who loves art and history, spend a day here and cherish the enduring experience forever.

Location: East Raja Street, Mahabalipuram, Kancheepuram, Tamil Nadu-603104

Entry-Fee: Rs. 10/- per person.

Timing: 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM

Best Time to Visit: The best time to visit this place is from the months of October to March.
Arjuna's Penance
Also known as the Descent of the Ganges, this is one of the majestic monuments of Mahabalipuram. The megalith was engraved upon two adjacent boulders. The magnificent structure is 43 feet high and 96 feet wide and thus its mesmerizing beauty can not be felt completely without viewing it with your own eyes.

Arjuna’s Penance is an important excerpt from the Mahabharata whereas the Descent of the Ganges narrates the story of the penance of Bhagirathi. Each and every part of this megalith expresses its own story. This penance is the perfect destination for history enthusiasts and photographers. The artworks are really amazing and have great historical significance.

Location: West Raja Street, Near Ganesha Ratha, Mahabalipuram- 603104, Tamil Nadu

Entry-Fee:  
- For Indians- Rs. 10/- per head
- For children below age 15- Free
- Foreigners- Rs. 250/- per head

Timing: 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM

Best Time to Visit: The ideal months to visit this place are from November to February.
Tiger Cave
Situated far from the constraints of the city, the Tiger Cave is an excellent place for people to relax after completing a 5 km trek from Mahabalipuram. The cave consists of a crown made up of the heads of eleven tiger-like creatures called ‘yeli’ (a crossbreed of a lion and tiger).

There is also a Goddess Durga carved on the top of these heads. Like most of the other Mahabalipuram monuments, this too was built by the Pallavas in the eighth century on the coast of the Bay of Bengal. Today, the site is a famous picnic spot and is managed under the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).

Location: Mahabalipuram, Tamil Nadu 603104. 

Entry-Fee: No entry fee is required. Parking will cost INR 10. 

Timing: 7 am to 7 pm.

Best time to visit: November to February is recommended for the pleasant and comfortable weather. Months between June and September are not recommended due to high temperatures and heavy rainfall.
Dharmaraja Ratha
Dharmaraja Ratha is a part of the five ‘Ratha’ structures, commonly known as the Pancha Rathas, situated in Mahabalipuram. The architectural style is monolith Indian rock-cut and it is sculpted out of single pink granite stone.

Built during the end of the seventh century, this cave temple has some of the most unique structures and innovative stone works. This is one of the best places to spend some quality time with your family. Click some amazing photographs of the temple and spend some great moments in this peaceful historic place.

Location: Pancha Rathas complex, Mahabalipuram, Coromandel Coast, the Bay of Bengal, Kancheepuram district, Tamil Nadu. 

Entry-Fee: INR 10 and INR 250 for Indians and foreigners, respectively (Extra INR 25 for shooting videos). Children below 15 do not need to buy tickets. 

Timing: 6 am to 6 pm.

Best time to visit: The apt months to visit here is from November to February.
Shore Beach Temple
Standing on the beach of Mahabalipuram along the shore of the Bay of Bengal, the Mahabalipuram Shore Beach Temple is a UNESCO classified World Heritage Site. The temple was constructed under the reign of the Pallavas and was also the first-ever stone structure built by them.

It is a monolithic structure devoted mainly to the deities of Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva. The temple is now a place of mass gathering during the time of the Indian Dance Festival. Other attractions include the lighthouse, sculpture shops and submerged temples.

Location: Mahabalipuram, Saluvankuppam, Tamil Nadu 603104. 

Entry-Fee: INR 10 for Indians and INR 340 for foreigners. (Extra INR 25 for shooting videos). Children below 15 do not need to buy tickets. 

Timing: 6 am to 6 pm. Tickets are sold till 5:30 pm.

Best time to visit: Evenings or early morning and during monsoon, that is between the months of August and September.
Olakkannesvara Temple
Built entirely out of greyish-white granite, the Olakkannesvara Temple is situated on the coast of Coromandel overlooking the Bay of Bengal. It was constructed in the 8th century in the Dravidian architecture style by the Pallavas. On the walls of this temple are sculpted several structures of Lord Shiva meditating on the top of the Kailash mountain.

The word ‘Olakkannesvara’ means one who has a third eye (flame eye) and holds the crescent moon on his head, thus referring to God Shiva. The temple was originally called ‘Ulaikkannisvaram’. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Clicking photographs here is against the law as it lies within the radius of a highly protected sector consisting of a nuclear power plant. The site can be reached easily through a well-connected network of roadways using local bus and taxi services.

Location: Mada Koil St, Mahabalipuram, Tamil Nadu 603104. 

Entry-Fee: No entry fee is required.

Timing: 6 am to 6 pm.

Best time to visit: The period between November and February is recommended. Specific months include March, July and September.
Draupadi Ratha
The Draupadi Ratha is located in the complex of Pancha Ratha at Mahabalipuram. If you are a history buff then you might feel thrilled to know that this is a great example of monolithic Indian rock-cut architecture. Draupadi Ratha is built in the form of a traditional South Indian hut.

This chariot has carvings of Goddess Durga sitting on a lotus while a lion stands outside of it as a guard. The entire complex was designated as a UNESCO Heritage Site since the year 1984. The complete chariot is carved out of a long stone of granite. Though this chariot is named after the common spouse of the Pancha Pandavas, Draupadi of Mahabharata, this unfinished structure is dedicated to Goddess Durga.

Location: Mahabalipuram- 603104, Tamil Nadu

Entry-Fee: 
- For Indians- Rs. 10/- per person
- For Foreigners- Rs. 250/- per person

Timing: 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM

Best Time to Visit: The best time to visit this place is from the months of October to March.

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Mahabalipuram Things To Do FAQs

Which are the activities that I can do in Mahabalipuram?

Mahabalipuram is a city located on a strip of land on the Bay of Bengal. It is a beautiful place to visit and one can several things here. The best activities to do in Mahabalipuram are:

  • Fishing Safari- Mahabalipuram is city located on a strip of land and is surrounded by water on three sides. Fishing is a common occupation here and many tourists go on fishing expeditions here.
  • Surfing- Being a coastal town, Mahabalipuram has beaches where one can do surfing. Surfing is an exciting activity but is advisable to people who know swimming well.
  • Boat Rides- Boat rides are a lot of fun in Mahabalipuram as it is not everywhere that people can go on boat rides in a sea.

Which are best places to explore in Mahabalipuram on a cycling trip?

Cycling is an activity which is a lot of fun. It is probably the best way to keep oneself fit. Mahabalipuram is a town which is toured by many people throughout the year. The city has many places where one can visit on their vacation. Cycling tours are the best way to explore the as one gets to enjoy the rides of a cycling along with it. The most famous places to visit on a cycling trip are:

  • Crocodile Bank
  • Tiger Cave
  • Kadumbadi Village

Which are some famous locations for sightseeing in Mahabalipuram?

Mahabalipuram is a town which is very rich in its culture. The city hosts thousands of tourists throughout the year and there are many places, in Mahabalipuram, which one can visit during their stay here. Some of the famous locations for sightseeing are:

  • Shore Temple- it is the place every person in the vicinity of Mahabalipuram come to this temple to find their spirituality.
  • Tiger Cave- The Tiger Cave is a major tourist attraction of Mahabalipuram. It is a Hindu temple carved in the rocks of the cave.
  • The Descent of Ganges- it is a monument located on the Coromandel Coast. The monument is amongst the world heritage sites of UNESCO.

Which are some famous temples to visit in Mahabalipuram?

Mahabalipuram is a town which is very rich in its culture and heritage. People of the city are very religious and they take a lot of pride in their religions. The religious places of Mahabalipuram speak a lot about the culture of the people here. The city has many pilgrimage spots in it. There are numerous temples present in the city. The temples of Mahabalipuram holds a lot of importance in the history of the place as well. Some of the most famous temples to visit in Mahabalipuram are:

  • Shore Temple
  • Pancha Rathas
  • Descent of Ganges
  • Varaha Cave Temple

Which are some famous caves to explore in Mahabalipuram?

Cave tours are very interesting expeditions. The natural formations which take inside a cave are quite intriguing. Touring caves are not an easy task as one has to have proper training or traveling in a cave before entering one. Mahabalipuram has several caves in it and the caves present in the city are very important for the city. The caves in Mahabalipuram are important as they hold a lot of religious value for the people residing in the city. The carving on the caves here are also very interesting and it is difficult to caves of the same kind anywhere in the country. Some of the best caves to visit in Mahabalipuram are:

  • Tiger Caves
  • Descent of Ganges
  • Pancha Rathas
  • Varaha Cave Temple

When can I visit the crocodile farm in Mahabalipuram? What are the timings and charges?

Crocodiles are one of the most intimidating animals in the world. They can be very friendly as well as very scary at the same time. Mahabalipuram has a farm which is filled with crocodiles. The crocodile farm of the city is a major tourist attraction of Mahabalipuram. One can visit the farm any day except for Monday. The farm is open from 8:30 am to 5 pm and the charge for a single person is Rs. 35.

Which are best places to see wildlife in and around Mahabalipuram?

Mahabalipuram is a city which has a pleasant weather throughout the year. The city has the ideal weather for the animals to thrive. Many people, from all over the country, come to Mahabalipuram to get a glimpse of the wildlife animals here and capture a moment of these creatures in their camera. There are many sanctuaries and national parks located in and around Mahabalipuram which help in providing a natural habitation to the animals here. Some of the best places to see the wildlife in and around Mahabalipuram are:

  • Crocodile Farm
  • Agumbe Rainforest

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Mahabalipuram Things To Do Reviews

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Arjun Kaul
Reviewed: 17 Feb 2020
5.0/5
Overall it was an awesome experience at the Ideal Beach Resort, Good management, and well-organized. Definitely worth recommend this Resort.
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Chidambar Chaturvedi
Reviewed: 06 Dec 2019
5.0/5
Amazing getaway at the weekend with family and friends, The resort itself is beautiful, nice pool, fun indoor and outdoor games, clean and good facilities, delicious meals and meticulous staff. My family and I had a great day out there.
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Sarisha Chaturvedi
Reviewed: 26 Feb 2020
4.0/5
Overall it was an awesome experience at the Ideal Beach Resort, Good management, and well-organized. Definitely worth recommend this Resort.
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Kashyapi Rana
Reviewed: 19 Jan 2020
4.0/5
The transport they provided to us was very spacious, clean, comfortable with all facilities and a professional driver, in just a day we complete all the major sightseeing of the place... I highly recommend this trip and Thrillophilia to everyone...
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Preity Sinha
Reviewed: 15 Jan 2020
4.0/5
A great outing with family and friends, Affordable package. The service, journey, sightseeing and experience were extremely awesome... Must visit...
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Gudakesa Chaturvedi
Reviewed: 06 Dec 2019
4.0/5
The day tour was thoughfully planned... The whole tour went as per time schedule provided in the itinerary which we were able to explore all the major sightseeing of Mahabalipuram on-time as given... Our driver was very punctual, informative, and helpful... The highlight of our trip was Arjuna's Pen... Read More

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