Mahabalipuram Tour Packages
Mahabalipuram (Mamallapuram) is a seaside town of seventh- and eighth-century Pallava stone carvings, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Mahabalipuram at a glance
- LocationTamil Nadu, India
- Time zoneIndian Standard Time (UTC+5:30)
- Driving sideLeft
- Calling code+91
- CurrencyIndian rupee (INR)
- LanguagesTamil
- Ideal stay1 day
- Getting thereChennai International Airport (MAA), about 55…
Best time to visit: November to February
Top Mahabalipuram travel packages
A few of our Mahabalipuram itineraries in different travel styles. Every one is private and can be changed to suit you.
Couples' holidaysChennai · Mahabalipuram · PuducherryChennai, Mahabalipuram & Pondicherry Coastal Break5 Days | 4 Nights
Honeymoon packagesMahabalipuram · PuducherryEast Coast Road Beach Honeymoon5 Days | 4 Nights
Cultural holidaysChennai · Mahabalipuram · Puducherry ·…Tamil Nadu Grand Tour11 Days | 10 NightsEssential tips for travelling to Mahabalipuram
UPI and cards are widely accepted in cities and hotels; keep some cash for small shops, rural areas, hill towns and tips.
Tipping is not compulsory; around 5–10% in restaurants and a small tip for drivers and guides is appreciated.
Drink bottled or filtered water; it is cheap and easy to find.
112 (all emergencies)
Languages spoken: Tamil.
Chennai, Madurai, Coimbatore, Tiruchirappalli and Thoothukudi have airports. Trains link every major town, and a car with driver is the easiest way to string temples together.
Most large temples ask men to remove shirts in the inner sanctum and everyone to remove footwear; carry socks for hot stone floors.
Temple inner shrines usually close for a few hours in the early afternoon, so plan visits for the morning or evening.
See the monuments early in the morning or late afternoon; the stone gets very hot by midday.
General guidance. Local rules and services change; we confirm details for your dates.
Where is Mahabalipuram?
Who should visit Mahabalipuram?
Plan your Mahabalipuram trip
Everything you need to know about Mahabalipuram
Mahabalipuram (Mamallapuram) is a seaside town of seventh- and eighth-century Pallava stone carvings, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Shore Temple, the giant relief of Arjuna's Penance and the five monolithic Rathas sit within walking distance of a fishing beach.
Highlights include Shore Temple, Arjuna's Penance, Pancha Rathas and Krishna's Butter Ball. Local food worth trying: Fresh grilled fish and prawns, South Indian thali and Banana-leaf seafood meals. Plan 1 day here; it suits history lovers, day trips, couples. Our Mahabalipuram itineraries run from 5 to 11 days and every one can be changed to suit you.
When to go
November to February. Cooler weather for walking between monuments; the Mamallapuram Dance Festival runs in December–January.
How to reach Mahabalipuram
- By air: Chennai International Airport (MAA), about 55 km
- By rail: Chengalpattu railway station, about 30 km
- By road: About 1.5 hours from Chennai on the East Coast Road
View all Mahabalipuram packages
Private, customisable itineraries with prices quoted for your dates, hotel category and group size.
5D / 4NChennai · Mahabalipuram · PuducherryChennai, Mahabalipuram & Pondicherry Coastal Break
A short East Coast Road trip from Chennai: Pallava shore temples at Mahabalipuram, then two easy days in Pondicherry's French Quarter and Auroville.
View itinerary →
5D / 4NMahabalipuram · PuducherryEast Coast Road Beach Honeymoon
Sunrise at Mahabalipuram's Shore Temple, then three slow days in Pondicherry: French Quarter cafés, a sunset walk on the Promenade and lazy mornings at Auroville's beaches.
View itinerary →11D / 10NChennai · Mahabalipuram · Puducherry · ThanjavurTamil Nadu Grand Tour
Ten days across the state, from the coast and Pallava monuments through the Chola heartland and Madurai to the Palani and Nilgiri hills.
View itinerary →3 itineraries
More places in Tamil Nadu
Top things to see in Mahabalipuram
MahabalipuramFive chariot-shaped temples each cut from a single rock
MahabalipuramGiant boulder balanced on a slope
Tamil NaduRock-cut shrine a short drive north
Wildlife in Mahabalipuram
MahabalipuramRock-cut shrine a short drive north
Sightings depend on season and luck and are never guaranteed. Keep your distance, stay with licensed guides and never feed wild animals.
Cultural experiences in Mahabalipuram
Heritage and landmarks
MahabalipuramEighth-century granite temple facing the sea
MahabalipuramFive chariot-shaped temples each cut from a single rock
Experiences
- Seafood dinner by the shore
On the menuFood to try
- Fresh grilled fish and prawns
- South Indian thali
- Banana-leaf seafood meals
Outdoor activities in Mahabalipuram
Many activities are seasonal. Best time for Mahabalipuram: November to February. We check operating seasons for your dates.
Mahabalipuram travel tips
Visa and entry
Indian citizens do not need a visa; carry a government photo ID such as Aadhaar or a passport for hotels and flights.
Health and safety
Travel insurance is a good idea, especially for adventure activities. Carry prescription medicines in their original packaging with a copy of the prescription.
Currency and tipping
The currency is the Indian rupee (INR). Tipping is not compulsory; around 5–10% in restaurants and a small tip for drivers and guides is appreciated.
Best time to visit
November to February. Cooler weather for walking between monuments; the Mamallapuram Dance Festival runs in December–January.
Getting around
Chennai, Madurai, Coimbatore, Tiruchirappalli and Thoothukudi have airports. Trains link every major town, and a car with driver is the easiest way to string temples together.
Local etiquette
- Dress modestly at temples, churches and mosques, and remove footwear where asked.
- Ask before photographing people, and follow photography rules at religious sites and museums.
What to pack
Pack a light jacket or sweater for cool evenings, sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat and swimwear, modest clothing that covers shoulders and knees for religious sites and comfortable walking shoes.
Phone and internet
Mobile data is good in towns and cities.
Budget
We don't publish fixed prices because the season, hotel category, flights and group size change the cost. Your written quote lists exactly what is included, so you can compare like for like.
Mahabalipuram FAQs
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Is tap water safe to drink in Tamil Nadu?
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