Mahabalipuram Private tour from Chennai by car with guide and lunch by Wonder | 7 hours

108 Reviews | Chennai
Likely To Sell Out
From $94.05 per person   $99.00 Save $4.95 Lowest Price Guarantee
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Mahabalipuram day trip from Chennai by Wonder tours
2 Adults x $127.00
$254.00
Approx Total
$254.00
Pickup included

Inclusions / Exclusions

  • Mobile ticket
  • Offered in: English, French
  • Entry/Admission - Trimurti Cave
  • Pick and drop to Chennai hotel
  • Lunch
  • Entrance charges
  • Professional tour guide
  • Personal expenses
  • Gratuities
  • Beverages

Overview

Mamallapuram (also called Mahaballipuram) is about an hour's drive from Chennai on the East Coast Road. It was the second capital and seaport of the Pallava Kings who ruled in the 5th century. Local legend has it that there was once a beautiful city here with seven temples, which the Gods submerged under the sea in anger.until in 2002, an Indo-British team of divers discovered a series of man-made structures under water, covering an area of several square miles.Today at Mamallapuram, you can see the famous Shore Temple, the only surviving temple out of the original seven (the rest have sunk under the sea). The Shore Temple is among the oldest temples of South India and represents the final flowering of Pallava art. Arjuna's Penance, one of the world's biggest bas-reliefs depicts the story of the descent of the River Ganges from Heaven to Earth. Cave temples and massive monolithic sculptures (carved from a single large block of granite) make Mamallapuram a place to remember.

Itinerary

  • Pancha Rathas

    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.

    45 minutes

  • Arjuna's Penance

    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.

    30 minutes

  • Krishna's Butter Ball

    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.

    15 minutes

  • Shore Temple

    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.

    45 minutes

  • Varaha Cave Temple

    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.

    15 minutes

  • Pancha Pandava Cave

    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.

    15 minutes

  • Mahishasuramardini Cave

    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.

    15 minutes

  • N/A

    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.

    15 minutes

  • Mahabalipuram Lighthouse

    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.

    15 minutes

Sample Menu

Additional Info

  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
  • Not recommended for pregnant travelers
  • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Free Cancellation

April 26100% refund
April 27No refund

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.

  • 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.
  • This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
Traveler Photos
Reviews

4.8

108 reviews

Total review count and overall rating based on Viator and Tripadvisor reviews
  • 5 stars
    95
  • 4 stars
    6
  • 3 stars
    4
  • 2 stars
    1
  • 1 star
    2

Reviews by TravelOne travelers

Showing 1-5 of 95 reviews with 5 stars

Pallava architecture

Published on Mar, 2025

A fantastic day trip to Mahabalipuram with our guide Rajesh.Lovely monuments with more history about the Pallava kingdom.

Fabulous tour

Published on Mar, 2025

Fabulous day trip from Chennai with our guide Rajesh and our local guide Basha.Both are more knowledgeable and friendly.

Great tour!

Published on Mar, 2025

The tour was really fun and enjoy it with my friend. Despite the hot temperature it was worth it. Also the people in charge were awesome and gave it all for us to have a good experience

Best tour guides ever!

Published on Mar, 2025

It was amazing. Air conditioner, water supply, well explained and best of all, super honest and friendly people! Pick up service also is super comfortable.

My most happiest weekend.....Qatar to Mahabalipuram

Published on Feb, 2025

I really had a good time...a warm welcome by the team...and special tks to Jaslin and all the dining team...lovely people....

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