Private Day Trip to Mahabalipuram from Chennai with Expert Guide
Description
A treasure trove of art and architectural masterpieces and home to many rock-cut sculptures and majestic temples, Mahabalipuram is a beautiful heritage site located in the heart of Southern India. A Chennai to Mahabalipuram tour package will make sure that you enjoy and explore a wide variety of attractions, that too in a single day. Get picked up from your stay in Chennai, followed by a transfer to Mahabalipuram. The sightseeing will start by visiting the Mahabalipuram Seashore Temple. This is one of the oldest granite stone temples in Southern Asia and exhibits the ancient finesse of art.
Tour Options
Itinerary
The magnificent temple overlooks the Bay of Bengal and was an important centre during the reign of the Pallavas when Mahabalipuram was the main port of their Kingdom. Built by King Raja Simha during the early 8th century, the Shore Temple is a landmark in the architectural landscape of India.
This cave has 2 imposing bas-reliefs on the walls. The first one is Lord Vishnu sleeping on top of the coils of a serpent. The other is with Goddess Durga fighting with the demon Mahishasura on a lion.
Built in the year 640, it is India's oldest light house and one of the oldest in the world. Mahabalipuram was a very busy port since the 7th century and hence this lighthouse played a significant role in keeping mariners safe.
This is a imposing chariot carved out of a single stone. Originally dedicated to Lord Shiva, it now has the deity of his son Lord Ganesh. It was built in the 7th century by King Mahendravarman I. The other highlight of this temple are the 18 inscriptions in ancient grantha and nagari scripts of Sanskrit.
This cave is a fine example of the spectacular architecture style of the Pallavas. The rock cut temple is dedicated to the holy trinity of Hindu Gods- Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva. There are fine carvings of elephants as well.
The next stop is Krishna’s Butterball, a granite boulder that’s poised on a stony slope. This curious boulder seems to defy Newton's laws of gravity and has not moved an inch despite being in this precarious position on the slope for more than a thousand years.
We next visit Arjuna’s Penace, a bas-relief monument that’s considered one of India’s most magnificent pieces of ancient art, depicting vivid scenes from the Mahabharata. The relief is 100 feet long and 45 feet tall! The main story being told is how Arjuna, one of the Pandava brothers, performed severe austerities in order to obtain Lord Shiva's weapon.
Panch Rathas, or the 5 chariots is our first destination. These are rock cut monolith structures, where of the chariots are dedicated to the lead cast of the Mahabharata epic- Draupadi, Arjuna, Nakul-Sahadeva, Bhima and Yudhister. There is also a sculpture of an elephant next to the ratha of Nakul-Sahadeva.
Last,We have South Indian Lunch is Hotel Mamalla Bhavan.
Highlights
What's included
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Reviews(30)
Our guides Basha and Rajesh done fabulous job.Overall good tour.
Hi We are happy that you enjoyed your Mahabalipuram tour. It was our pleasure to hosting you. We are doing Multi-day tours in North and South India.We are waiting to do more tours with you and it definitely gives you a Wonderful experience. Cheers, The Wonder tours
Had a short stopover in Chennai and took the opportunity to visit this amazing place. Great tour and guide. Recommended.
Hi We are happy that you enjoyed your Mahabalipuram tour. It was our pleasure to hosting you. We are doing Multi-day tours in North and South India.We are waiting to do more tours with you and it definitely gives you a Wonderful experience. Cheers, The Wonder tours
We had a great tour of Mahabalipuram and the UNESCO site. Rajesh was very flexible to accommodate our change in the timetable. The guide was very knowledgeable and made the excursion interesting.
Hi We are happy that you enjoyed your Mahabalipuram tour. It was our pleasure to hosting you. We are doing Multi-day tours in North and South India.We are waiting to do more tours with you and it definitely gives you a Wonderful experience. Cheers, The Wonder tours
Amazing guided tour filled with fascinating history, captivating stories, and hidden gems of Mahabalipuram though it involved quite a bit of walking. Rajesh and Basha our exceptional guides both having incredible knowledgeable.
Hi We are happy that you enjoyed your Mahabalipuram tour. It was our pleasure to hosting you. We are doing Multi-day tours in North and South India.We are waiting to do more tours with you and it definitely gives you a Wonderful experience. Cheers, The Wonder tours
We had the wonderful experience with our guide’s both Basha and Rajesh.Vehicle is very neat and clean.Driver is so humble.
Hi We are happy that you enjoyed your Mahabalipuram tour. It was our pleasure to hosting you. We are doing Multi-day tours in North and South India.We are waiting to do more tours with you and it definitely gives you a Wonderful experience. Cheers, The Wonder tours
It's not really a day trip, more like a half day trip. It's an hours drive there from Chennai, you then get a two hour tour which is good apart from the awkward visit to a stone carving shop at the end where you are expected to buy over priced pieces. Then an hour back. We were offered a lunch which I guess could have been stretched out to an hour at a push. But really it's a two hour trip plus two hour tour. It seemed very over priced claiming to be 6 hours+. My advise would be to get your own transport there and a guide when you are there and it will probably work our a lot cheaper. We have done lots of tours all over the world including India this was definitely over sold and over priced.
Hi We are happy that you enjoyed your Mahabalipuram tour.We strive to balance the cultural aspects of the tour with the opportunity for guests to explore local crafts, but we understand that it may not appeal to everyone. We appreciate your suggestion to organize transport and a local guide independently. However, we’d like to highlight that our company ensures a high level of service by providing certified, professional guides and experienced drivers.Additionally, we take great care in selecting professional drivers who ensure a safe and comfortable journey throughout the tour. We are doing Multi-day tours in North and South India.We are waiting to do more tours with you and it definitely gives you a Wonderful experience. Cheers, The Wonder tours
Rajesh was a lively tour guide who made the experience enjoyable, entertaining, and exciting! A great way to cover some of the highlights in an easily accessible way.
Hi We are happy that you enjoyed your Mahabalipuram tour. It was our pleasure to hosting you. We are doing Multi-day tours in North and South India.We are waiting to do more tours with you and it definitely gives you a Wonderful experience. Cheers, The Wonder tours
Excellent trip. Very good Leader in Rijesh and careful driver. The local guide was excellent and we enjoyed the chai and lunch. Mahabalipuram is a very special place and a must see from Chennai
Hi We are happy that you enjoyed your Mahabalipuram tour. It was our pleasure to hosting you. We are doing Multi-day tours in North and South India.We are waiting to do more tours with you and it definitely gives you a Wonderful experience. Cheers, The Wonder tours
A perfect day trip from Chennai.Our guide and driver picked us from hotel then drive to Mahabalipuram. They also used the local guide to cover more places.
Hi We are happy that you enjoyed your Mahabalipuram tour. It was our pleasure to hosting you. We are doing Multi-day tours in North and South India.We are waiting to do more tours with you and it definitely gives you a Wonderful experience. Cheers, The Wonder tours
The tour provides a captivating glimpse into the Pallava dynasty’s artistry, with highlights including the Arjuna’s Penance bas-relief and the Pancha Rathas.Our guide done a great job.It’s a must-visit for history enthusiasts and anyone keen to explore India’s rich cultural heritage in a picturesque setting.
Hi We are happy that you enjoyed your Mahabalipuram tour . It was our pleasure to hosting you. We are doing Multi-day tours in North and South India.We are waiting to do more tours with you and it definitely gives you a Wonderful experience. Cheers, The Wonder tours team
