Mahabalipuram (Mamallapuram) is an ancient historic town with beautiful rock carvings from 7th and 8th centuries.
The Group of Monuments at Mahabalipuram has been classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Mahabalipuram lies on the Coromandel Coast which faces the Bay of Bengal. This is an elegant place to watch which a well established sea port was during the 7th and 10th centuries of the Pallava dynasty. This was the second capital of the Pallavas who ruled Kanchipuram.
Cave temples, Shore temples, ancient carvings, beaches, forts, sea food, bustling seaport - Mahabalipuram has everything for a perfect historic outing experience.
This seaside heritage getaway is situated 60 km south Chennai on the famous East Coast Road; and is very well connected with its neighbouring cities - forming a perfect getaway for people looking for history, sand, beach and relaxation.
Shopping:
Mahabalipuram markets sell granite rock fine sculptures. These sculptures are mostly of Gods and Goddesses carved delicately.
Seashells are also an important shopping item in Mahabalipuram. You can find different interesting items that are made from sea products such as oysters and conch shells.
Sea shell and pearl jewellery are main attraction for ladies.
Click on "Things To Do" tab to get the complete list of Places to see in Mahabalipuram. Read about the Top Things to do in Mahabalipuram and get best travel tips to plan your trip to Mahabalipuram sightseeing places
Check out the wide range of Mahabalipuram Holiday packages with Navigers, covering top attractions of Mahabalipuram and popular sightseeing tourist places of Mahabalipuram
Shore Temple
Entry Fees :₹ 10 Time To Visit :6 AM to 6 PM
The Shore Temple gains its name, as this beautiful temple overlooks the shores of the Bay of Bengal. It was originally constructed during the 7th century and later it was Narasimha Varman II, (Rajasimha) completed the skilled work in his rule. This finely cut granite temple on the sea shore; is decorated with various rock cut relief and sculptures. Sunrise and sunset add to the scenic charm of the Shore temple. So it is best to visit the temple at dawn and dusk.
The Shore Temple gains its name, as this beautiful temple overlooks the shores of the Bay of Bengal. It was originally constructed during the 7th century and later it was Narasimha Varman II, (Rajasimha) completed the skilled work in his rule. This finely cut granite temple on the sea shore; is decorated with various rock cut relief and sculptures. Sunrise and sunset add to the scenic charm of the Shore temple. So it is best to visit the temple at dawn and dusk.
Arjuna’s Penance
Entry Fees :₹ NA Time To Visit :NA
Arjuna’s Penance is a huge open-air sculpture which depicts the various events that occurred during Arjuna’s Penance. The relief is carved on two big rocks which are approximately 43 feet high. The detailed carving on the rock is a fine sight to see.
Arjuna’s Penance is a huge open-air sculpture which depicts the various events that occurred during Arjuna’s Penance. The relief is carved on two big rocks which are approximately 43 feet high. The detailed carving on the rock is a fine sight to see.
Thirukadalmallai / Sthalasayana Perumal Temple
Entry Fees :₹ NA Time To Visit :6 AM to 12 PM and 3 PM 8:30 PM
Thirukadalmallai, the temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu. It was also built by Pallava Kings during 8th century, in order to safeguard the sculptures from the ocean. The temple is also called Sthalasayana Perumal Temple and is considered as one of 108 holy abodes of Lord Vishnu.
The temple is open from 6 am to 12 pm and 3pm to 8:30 pm and six daily rituals are conducted here.
Thirukadalmallai, the temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu. It was also built by Pallava Kings during 8th century, in order to safeguard the sculptures from the ocean. The temple is also called Sthalasayana Perumal Temple and is considered as one of 108 holy abodes of Lord Vishnu.
The temple is open from 6 am to 12 pm and 3pm to 8:30 pm and six daily rituals are conducted here.
Pancha Rathas
Entry Fees :₹ 10 Time To Visit :6 AM to 6 PM
Pancha Rathas (Five Chariots) is a five monolithic pyramidal structures named after the Pandavas (Arjuna, Bhima, Yudhishtra, Nakula and Sahadeva) and Draupadi. An interesting aspect of the rathas is that, despite their sizes they are not assembled – each of these is carved from one single large piece of stone. These carved monoliths have all been carved out of pink granite and the tallest one of them is around 40 feet high.
Pancha Rathas (Five Chariots) is a five monolithic pyramidal structures named after the Pandavas (Arjuna, Bhima, Yudhishtra, Nakula and Sahadeva) and Draupadi. An interesting aspect of the rathas is that, despite their sizes they are not assembled – each of these is carved from one single large piece of stone. These carved monoliths have all been carved out of pink granite and the tallest one of them is around 40 feet high.
Cave Temples
Entry Fees :₹ Time To Visit :
Mahabalipuram houses a total number of 8 Rock-Cut Cave Temples built in the 7th century by the Pallava Kings. The various cave temples are namely, Krishna, Mahishasuramardini, Varaha, Trimurti, Kotikal, Tiger, Atiranachanda and Panchapandava. The temples feature a number of finely cut rock sculptures in detail.
Mahabalipuram houses a total number of 8 Rock-Cut Cave Temples built in the 7th century by the Pallava Kings. The various cave temples are namely, Krishna, Mahishasuramardini, Varaha, Trimurti, Kotikal, Tiger, Atiranachanda and Panchapandava. The temples feature a number of finely cut rock sculptures in detail.
Mahishamardini Cave temple
Entry Fees :₹ Time To Visit :
Mahishamardini Cave is a monolithic sculpture. One of the sculptures in the cave represents Lord Vishnu, sleeping on serpent and surrounded by gods. Another carving shows Goddess Durga killing the buffalo-headed demon.
Mahishamardini Cave is a monolithic sculpture. One of the sculptures in the cave represents Lord Vishnu, sleeping on serpent and surrounded by gods. Another carving shows Goddess Durga killing the buffalo-headed demon.
Varaha Cave Temple
Entry Fees :₹ Time To Visit :
Varaha Cave Temple is a monolithic rock-cut temple with a mandapam, which dates back to 7th century. It has the beautiful sculpture of Lord Vishnu as Varaha along with the boar, holding Bhudevi, the earth goddess in his arms
Varaha Cave Temple is a monolithic rock-cut temple with a mandapam, which dates back to 7th century. It has the beautiful sculpture of Lord Vishnu as Varaha along with the boar, holding Bhudevi, the earth goddess in his arms
Light House
Entry Fees :₹ 10 Time To Visit :9AM–5:30PM
Light House, built in 1894. It is open to tourists since 2011. It was closed in 2001 following perceived LTTE threat. This lighthouse with a circular masonry tower is made of natural stone. The view from the top of this light house if breathtaking.
Light House, built in 1894. It is open to tourists since 2011. It was closed in 2001 following perceived LTTE threat. This lighthouse with a circular masonry tower is made of natural stone. The view from the top of this light house if breathtaking.
Krishna's Butterball
Entry Fees :₹ Time To Visit :
Krishna's Butterball is a large rock balanced on the hillside. The rock is around 5 m in diameter and is resting on 45 degree angle and is famous spot among tourists.
Krishna's Butterball is a large rock balanced on the hillside. The rock is around 5 m in diameter and is resting on 45 degree angle and is famous spot among tourists.
Mahabalipuram Beach
Entry Fees :₹ Time To Visit :
Mahabalipuram Beach is a beautiful 20 km long beach, which has various activities like diving, wind surfing and motor boating.
Mahabalipuram Beach is a beautiful 20 km long beach, which has various activities like diving, wind surfing and motor boating.
Tiger Caves
Entry Fees :₹ Time To Visit :
Tiger Caves gets its name from the carvings of tiger heads on the mouth of a cave which forms a part of the complex. The Tiger Cave is considered to be one of the Mahabalipuram rock-cut temples constructed by the Pallavas in the 8th century AD. Its is located at a distance of 5 kms from the city centre.
Tiger Caves gets its name from the carvings of tiger heads on the mouth of a cave which forms a part of the complex. The Tiger Cave is considered to be one of the Mahabalipuram rock-cut temples constructed by the Pallavas in the 8th century AD. Its is located at a distance of 5 kms from the city centre.
Sculpture Museum / Archaeological Museum
Entry Fees :₹ Time To Visit :10.00 AM - 5.00 PM
Sculpture Museum has approximately more than 3,000 collections of sculptures of gods and goddesses, which are carved out from rocks. The stone, wooden sculptures and the ancient paintings are the main attractions of the museum.
Sculpture Museum has approximately more than 3,000 collections of sculptures of gods and goddesses, which are carved out from rocks. The stone, wooden sculptures and the ancient paintings are the main attractions of the museum.
Sea shell Museum
Entry Fees :₹ 100 Time To Visit :08:00 AM to 08:00 PM
Sea shell Museum is located 1.5 km away from Panch Rathas. It has around 40,000 kinds of shells on display. These shells have been collected by K Raja Mohamed, the founder of the museum. The museum also has oysters and snails with information about their sizes and origin.
You can also find a shopping centre and fish aquarium at this museum complex.
Sea shell Museum is located 1.5 km away from Panch Rathas. It has around 40,000 kinds of shells on display. These shells have been collected by K Raja Mohamed, the founder of the museum. The museum also has oysters and snails with information about their sizes and origin.
You can also find a shopping centre and fish aquarium at this museum complex.
Crocodile Bank
Entry Fees :₹ 40 Time To Visit :8:30AM–5:30PM
Crocodile Bank is located at a distance of 14 kms from the city centre. It holds a varied species of Indian and African alligators and crocodiles which are kept in open pools. There is a snake farm also here; these snakes are used to create anti-venoms in the nearby laboratory.
Crocodile Bank is located at a distance of 14 kms from the city centre. It holds a varied species of Indian and African alligators and crocodiles which are kept in open pools. There is a snake farm also here; these snakes are used to create anti-venoms in the nearby laboratory.
Dakshinachitra
Entry Fees :₹ Time To Visit :7.00 AM - 7.00 PM
Dakshinachitra is a Craft village on east coast road where one can purchase authentic handcrafts from artisans. This village is developed as a model village representing the 19th century era. It is located at a distance of 23 kms from Mahabalipuram.
Dakshinachitra is a Craft village on east coast road where one can purchase authentic handcrafts from artisans. This village is developed as a model village representing the 19th century era. It is located at a distance of 23 kms from Mahabalipuram.
Kancheepuram / Kanchipuram
Entry Fees :₹ Time To Visit :
Kanchipuram is also known as Golden city of thousand temples. This city is a world renowned centre for silk goods. It is located at a distance of 60 kms from Mahabalipuram.
Kanchipuram is also known as Golden city of thousand temples. This city is a world renowned centre for silk goods. It is located at a distance of 60 kms from Mahabalipuram.
By Air
The nearest airport for Mahabalipuram is Chennai (60 kms).
By Train
The nearest railway station for Mahabalipuram are:
- Chengalpattu(29 kms)
- Chennai(60 kms)
- Kanchipuram(66 kms)
By Road
There is good connectivity of road between Mahabalipuram and its neighbouring cities.
Chennai to Mahabalipuram - 60 kms - 1 hour
Bangalore to Mahabalipuram - 352 kms - 6 hours
