Mahabalipuram
A world heritage site and showcase of Dravidian skills
Mahabalipuram Tourism
Mahabalipuram (also known as Mamallapuram) is a small town along the Coromandel coast of The Bay of Bengal. Mahabalipuram can be visited throughout the year. It is famous for its archeological heritage and beaches. The shore temple of Mahabalipuram has been included in Heritage Project of UNESCO. Mahabalipuram is 65km from Chennai and can be reached in an hour via Each Coast Road (ECR).
Attractions
Kovalam
Arjuna's Penance
2.Arjuna's Penance
1 kilometres from city centre
These stone carvings (known as 'Arjuna's penance' and 'The Descent of Ganga' ) is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It was built in 7th and 8th centuri...
Read moreFive Rathas
3.Five Rathas
2 kilometres from city centre
The Panch Rathas (or Five Rathas) is a complex of temples built in Dravidian architecture.Each Ratha ( or chariot ) is carved on a monolithic rock.
Read moreShore Temple
4.Shore Temple
1 kilometres from city centre
The temple made of granite pieces lies near the Bay of Bengal. It was built in the 8th century by Pallava Kings. It has become a popular tourist at...
Read moreCrocodile Bank
5.Crocodile Bank
14 kilometres from city centre
The park had many species of crocodiles and alligators from different continents. It is located 14km from away Mahabalipuram town.
Read moreAlamparai Fort
6.Alamparai Fort
45 kilometres from city centre
It is located at around 45km from Mahabalipuram. This is a ruined fort which overlooks the Bay of Bengal.
Read moreMahabalipuram Beach
7.Mahabalipuram Beach
2 kilometres from city centre
The beach has become a popular choice for the tourists. It is known for its clean white sand. The beach will be crowded during evenings.
Read moreTiger's Caves
8.Tiger's Caves
4 kilometres from city centre
The caves contain a shrine dedicated to Goddess Durga. It is at a distance of 5km from Mahabalipuram city center.
Read morePhotos
Where to Eat
There are a lot of food stalls available. Seafood restaurants are recommended as the town is near beach and fish is available fresh. Moon Rakers is a quite popular restaurant among foreign tourists.
Drinks
There is no government running TASMAC wine shops.
Beer is served at many restaurants.
Tender Coconut based drinks are popular in Mahabalipuram
How to reach
Nearest Airport is Chennai which is well connected to other major cities in India. State-run Buses operate between CMBT bus stand in Tiruvanmiyur and Mahabalipuram. Taxis cost between Rs 600-800 oneway from Chennai.
How to Reach by Flight
The nearest airport is Chennai (MAA) which is at a distance of 60km.
How to Reach by Train
Mahabalipuram does not have a railway station.
How to Reach by Bus
Mahabalipuram is well connected to Chennai by regular buses. Chennai is connected to other cities in India via train, air and road.
How to Reach by Road
Mamallapuram is at a distance of 60km from Chennai. Drive from Chennai to Mahabalipuram will take around 1-1:30 hours. The drive through East Coast Road(ECR) is very scenic.
Safety tips
Town is almost dead after 11:00pm, shops will be closed and there won't be anyone around.
Do not wander is restricted area.
Mahabalipuram Itinerary
Day 1 : Krishna's Butterbal, Five Rathas, Sculpture Museum and Shore Temple
