Mahabalipuram tour by Tourism Ministry approved company

Visit Mahabalipuram’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites on a private tour from Chennai that includes door-to-door transport, lunch, and all entrance fees. Travel by private car and spend the day exploring temples and a seashell museum in a scenic town, with a personal guide who will tailor the day to your interests.

The most recent 5-bubble reviews, displayed for experiences rated as very good or higher. See all reviews below for more information.Some reviews may have been automatically translated. 5.0 5 of 5 bubbles (408 reviews) - [](https://www.tripadvisor.in/Profile/Sightseer63714908697) Solo Sightseer63714908697Apr 2026 • 1 contribution 5 of 5 bubbles The trip started with a punctual pick up with an experienced driver and knowledgeable guide, Kannan. He provided us with a detailed history of Mahabalipuram during the day. The visit was flexible and adjusted according to our requests. We had a great lunch at a local restaurant which we got to experience both South and North Indian food. Kannan also recommended us a few other locations to visit at our own leisure which were also great to see. Thank you Kanan for making our journey comfortable and memorable. Read more - [](https://www.tripadvisor.in/Profile/aloiss680) Couples Alois S,Austria Apr 2026 • 5 contributions 5 of 5 bubbles We have had a great day with private tour Thank you Read more - [](https://www.tripadvisor.in/Profile/Navigator809489) Top 1% reviewer Couples barçabloo,Spain Apr 2026 • 221 contributions 5 of 5 bubbles Exceptional experience, one of the best tours we have experienced in many years! We have just returned from this tour, our guide was Kannan, who was a perfect guide, he was supported by an excellent driver and an on-site guide who provided additional information and insights. The Site is World heritage and if you are in Chennai you need to see this, and these guys delivered an exceptional experience Read more - [](https://www.tripadvisor.in/Profile/nathanb9685) Top 1% reviewer Solo Nathan B,United States Mar 2026 • 15 contributions 5 of 5 bubbles Driver Adhil and tour guide Ramesh were great. Informative overview of the temples, and a pretty good lunch too. Read more - [](https://www.tripadvisor.in/Profile/ashsM5295HW) Couples Ash SMar 2026 • 1 contribution 5 of 5 bubbles Great guides good trip nice visit Read more

This is a typical itinerary for this product Stop At: Pancha Rathas, Kancheepuram District, Mahabalipuram 603104 India Make the first stop of the day at the Pancharathas, or five chariots, a series of monolithic temples built by the Pallavas.These are rock cut monolith temples structures built in the 7th century. Each of the 5 rathas or chariots are dedicated to the lead cast of the Mahabharat epic- Draupadi, Arjuna, Nakul-Sahadeva, Bhima and Yudhister. There is also a sculpture of an elephant next to the ratha of Nakul-Sahadeva. Once you stand towards the rear of the elephant you will notice that there is an uncanny resemblance between the rear of the chariot and the elephant. Duration: 25 minutes Stop At: Arjuna's Penance, West Raja Street Near Ganesha Ratha, Mahabalipuram 603104 India 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. Duration: 20 minutes Stop At: Pancha Pandava Cave, West Raja Street, Mahabalipuram India Pandava cave is the largest cave-temple at Mahabalipuram The cave is supported on six pillars and two pilasters. The highlight of the architecture are the spectacular sculptures of mythical creatures called Yali on the pillars. Duration: 15 minutes Stop At: Krishna's Butter Ball, E Raja St, Mahabalipuram 603104 India 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. Duration: 15 minutes Stop At: Varaha Cave Temple, Kancheepuram District, Mahabalipuram India The Varaha cave is carved out of huge piece of granite and dates back to the 7th century. This temple took several decades to be completed. There are squatting lions adorning the pillars which support the hall. Another highlight are the sculptures of two guardian angels who protect the sanctum. Duration: 15 minutes Stop At: Trimurti Cave, Mahabalipuram India 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. Duration: 15 minutes Stop At: Ganesha Ratha, J59V+92F, Madha Kovil St, Mahabalipuram, Tamil Nadu 603104, India 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. Duration: 15 minutes Stop At: Old Light House, J58R+2H2, Mahabalipuram, Tamil Nadu 603104, India 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. Duration: 15 minutes Stop At: Mahishasuramardini Cave, Mahabalipuram India Two of the most impressive works of art of Mahabalipuram reside in this cave. It 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. Duration: 15 minutes Pass By: Shore Temple, Beach Rd, Mahabalipuram 603104 India Our last port of call is the Shore Temple. 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. Marco Polo referred to this as the seven pagodas. The existing temple is the last surviving of the 7 which once stood as a beacon for sea farers.

Start:Traveller pickup offered. Pickup details - Pick up from all hotels in Chennai Port pickup offered During checkout you will be able to select from the list of included ports. - CHENNAI PORT, 37MV+M95, Chennai Port Trust, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600001, India

- Not wheelchair accessible - Near public transportation If you have questions about accessibility, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 18983P8 [000-800-050-4514](tel:000-800-050-4514)

- Confirmation will be received at time of booking - Most travellers can participate - This is a private tour/activity. Only your group will participate

For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time. - If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded. - Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted. - Cut-off times are based on the experience’s local time. [Learn more about cancellations](https://www.tripadvisorsupport.com/en-IN/hc/traveler/articles/460)

If you have questions about this tour or need help making your booking, we’d be happy to help. Chat now