Journey Through Time: Chennai to Mahabalipuram Excursion
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At a glance
- Duration
- 6–7 hours
- Price from
- $78 / person
- Location
- Chennai, India
- Languages
- EN
- Group
- Private
- Cancellation
- Free cancellation up to 24 hours before
- Hotel pickup
- Available
- Confirmation
- Instant
- Ticket
- Mobile or paper ticket accepted
- Operator
- Agora Voyages Pvt. Ltd.
Description
Embark on a captivating journey with the "Journey Through Time: Chennai to Mahabalipuram Excursion." Your private driver will pick you up from your Chennai hotel, initiating a comfortable ride to Mahabalipuram in an air-conditioned vehicle. Upon arrival at Mahabalipuram, explore the ancient Shore Temple, a masterpiece of 8th-century Dravidian architecture dedicated to Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu. Marvel at intricate carvings before proceeding to the Pancha Rathas, five monolithic rock temples resembling chariots. Relish a South Indian feast at a local restaurant and explore the Tiger Caves, a rock-cut shelter adorned with ancient carvings. Witness Krishna's Butter Ball defying gravity, unwind at Mahabalipuram Beach, and conclude the journey with a visit to Arjuna's Penance, an enormous bas-relief sculpture. Depart from Mahabalipuram and reach your Chennai hotel, completing a day brimming with historical wonders and scenic beauty.
Schedule & prices
- Runs
- Every day
- Next available
- Sun, Oct 11
- Adult (ages 11+)
- $78
- Child (ages 5–10)
- $31
- Infant (ages 0–4)
- Free
Prices change with the date; the lowest is shown.
Prices are per person when two book together; a solo traveller pays $157.
Larger groups pay less per person.
From the operator’s live schedule on Viator, checked Oct 10.
Tour Options
Itinerary
Chennai (Madras)
8:00 AM - Pick up from your hotel in Chennai by your private driver in a comfortable air-conditioned vehicle.
Mahabalipuram
9:30 AM - Arrive in Mahabalipuram, a UNESCO World Heritage site located 60 km south of Chennai, and start your tour with a visit to the Shore Temple. This ancient temple, dating back to the 8th century, is a masterpiece of Dravidian architecture and is dedicated to Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu. Marvel at the intricate carvings and beautiful sculptures that adorn the temple, and learn about its fascinating history from your local guide.
Pancha Rathas
11:00 AM - Next, visit the Pancha Rathas, a complex of five monolithic rock temples, each carved out of a single granite boulder to resemble a chariot. The Rathas are named after the Pandavas and their wife Draupadi, characters from the epic Mahabharata, and are an excellent example of Indian rock-cut architecture. 12:30 PM - After sightseeing, head to a local restaurant for a delicious lunch of South Indian cuisine. Try some local specialties such as dosa, idli, sambar, and chutney.
Tiger Cave
1:30 PM - After lunch, drive to the Tiger Caves, located about 5 km from Mahabalipuram. The Tiger Caves are a group of rock-cut caves that are believed to have been used as a shelter by Jain monks. The name Tiger Caves comes from the intricate carvings of tigers, elephants, and other animals that adorn the cave walls. Explore the caves with your guide and marvel at the intricate carvings that date back to the 7th century.
Krishna's Butter Ball
3:00 PM - Next, visit the Krishna's Butterball, a giant natural rock balancing on a slope. The rock, which weighs several tons, appears to be defying gravity and has become a popular tourist attraction. Take some memorable photos of this unusual rock formation and enjoy the scenic beauty of the surrounding landscape.
Mahabalipuram Beach
3:30 PM - Drive to Mahabalipuram Beach and enjoy the stunning views of the Bay of Bengal. You can take a stroll along the beach or just sit back and relax while watching the waves crash against the shore.
Arjuna's Penance
4:00 PM - Visit the Arjuna's Penance, an enormous open-air bas-relief sculpture that dates back to the 7th century. The sculpture, which is 43 feet high and 96 feet long, depicts the story of the descent of the Ganges, a Hindu mythological tale. Your guide will explain the significance of the sculpture and the fascinating stories behind it.
Chennai (Madras)
5:00 PM - Depart from Mahabalipuram and drive back to Chennai. 6:30 PM - Arrive back at your hotel in Chennai.
What's included
Included
English speaking local guide, if option selected.
Entrance fees to monuments, if option selected.
Private AC car/van for pick up and drop off from/to your hotel.
Lunch, if option selected.
Government Taxes.
Bottled water in the car.
Not included
Camera charges at monuments.
Gratuities and optional activities.
Anything not mentioned in the inclusions.
Pickup Locations & Times
Pickup is available from all hotels, residences, and other accommodations within Chennai. Please provide your hotel or accommodation details at the time of booking or at least 3 days before the tour. Your driver and guide will meet you at the scheduled pickup time. Driver and guide contact details will be shared one day prior to the tour.
How it compares in Chennai
- Starting price $78 is 24% below the typical $103 for tours of similar length in Chennai
Excurgo comparison of 314 Viator tours, recalculated daily.
Important Information
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Cancellation
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
1+ days before100% refund
0–1 days before0% refund
Frequently asked questions
How long does Journey Through Time: Chennai to Mahabalipuram Excursion take?
Journey Through Time: Chennai to Mahabalipuram Excursion lasts about 6–7 hours. The itinerary has 8 stops.
How much does Journey Through Time: Chennai to Mahabalipuram Excursion cost?
Prices start at $78 per person for this Chennai experience, booked through Viator with the price shown before checkout. That is the per-person price when two book together; a solo traveller pays $157. There are 4 booking options, so the final price depends on the option you choose.
What days does Journey Through Time: Chennai to Mahabalipuram Excursion run?
According to the operator’s current schedule, it runs every day.
How much does Journey Through Time: Chennai to Mahabalipuram Excursion cost for children?
Children aged 5–10 pay from $31, adults from $78. Infants go free.
Can I cancel Journey Through Time: Chennai to Mahabalipuram Excursion for free?
Yes. Cancel at least 1 day before the start for a full refund. Later cancellations are non-refundable.
Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, pickup is offered. Pickup is available from all hotels, residences, and other accommodations within Chennai. Please provide your hotel or accommodation details at the time of booking or at least 3 days before the tour. Your driver and guide will meet you at the scheduled pickup time. Driver and guide contact details will be shared one day prior to the tour. Pickup points include Collection O 13574 Balaji Dental College, Grand Continent T Nagar.
What languages is Journey Through Time: Chennai to Mahabalipuram Excursion offered in?
The experience is available in EN.
Is this a private or a group tour?
It is a private experience: only your party takes part. Up to 10 travellers can book together.
Is the tour suitable for children?
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller Specialized infant seats are available
Will my booking be confirmed immediately?
Yes, bookings are confirmed instantly.
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|---|---|---|---|---|
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from$78
Free cancellation