Tourist Places to Visit in Mahabalipuram

Shore Temple, Pancha Rathas, Descent of the Ganges, Group of Monuments at Mahabalipuram, Krishna's Butterball, Varaha Cave Temple, Mahabalipuram Beach, Thirukadalmallai, Krishna Mandapam, India seashell museum, Mahishasuramardini Mandapa and many more.

Mahabalipuram, also known as Mamallapuram is a small and beautiful town located in the state of Tamil Nadu. Known for its cultural diversity and heritage, the strip of land is blessed with the best tourist places in Mahabalipuram which includes some of the amazing temples, which is why it is referred to as the ‘temple town by the sea’.

Besides, it is home to age-old rock carvings, dating back to the 7th century. One can find the architecture of the Dravidian architectural style and Pallava art in most of the temples and caves. Visit Mahabalipuram Beach for a splendid view or admire the Sculpture Museum, this town has a lot to offer to its visitors. Among the best tourist places in Mahabalipuram, one can visit Shore Temple which is located just next to the sea.

Here are some of the best places to visit in Mahabalipuram:

Image description
Bigger Group? Get special offers upto 50% off!
We create unforgettable adventures, customised for your group.
Connect with a group tour expert
Full Name
Email
Phone number
Travel Date
Traveller Count
Message
01

Shore Temple

Shore Temple
Dating back to the 8th century AD, Shore Temple is one of the oldest temples which represent the ancient designs, carving art and constructions. It is claimed to be a part of Seven Pagodas by the legends and is one of the finest places to visit in Mahabalipuram. One can also locate the decorative top of the temple covered with sculptures and carvings, which indeed adds somewhat authentic beauty to it.

The temple is standing strong with the help of the supporting stone that resists it from erosion. Shore Temple is located at the shore of Bay of Bengal which offers a beautiful view of the never ending ocean. This temple has three shrines where two of them are dedicated to Lord Shiva and the other one is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. The place is very clean and its location made it a major attraction among the tourists.

Location: Mahabalipuram, Tamil Nadu 603104.

Entry-Fee: INR 340 for foreigners and INR 10 for locals, free for children (below 15 years).

Timing: 6 am to 6 pm every day.

Best time to visit: The best time to visit this historical temple is from October to March, or in the months of January and February, considering the climatic factor.
Read more
Tamil Nadu

Best of
Tamil Nadu

Explore
15 Hill Stations in Tamil Nadu {{year}}: Updated With Distance
15 Hill Stations in Tamil Nadu
7 Resorts In Hasanur, Book NOW & Get Upto 50% Off
7 Resorts In Hasanur
5 Homestays in Kolli Hills, Book Now & Get Upto 50% Off
5 Homestays in Kolli Hills
Stay at Jungle Homestay in Masinagudi
4.0
Stay at Jungle Homestay in Masinagudi
₹ 2,200
Hilltop Camping in Coonoor
4.0
Hilltop Camping in Coonoor
₹ 1,400
Confluence Resort Chennai Stay
4.0
Confluence Resort Chennai Stay
₹ 3,499
02

Pancha Rathas

Pancha Rathas
The word Pancha means five, hence the place presents five Rathas built with rocks. It denotes the evolution or rise of the Dravidian architects. The temple also resembles the historical monarchs and shrines of Buddhists, while the Rathas are associated with Mahabharat. Describing the rath, the first one is Drupati's, which stands in on the right side by the entrance.

Arjuna’s rath is situated just beside Draupadi’s whereas, stands Nakula Sahadev Rath and Bhima is located at the front. Dharamraj Yudhistar’s Rath is the largest. This place seems to be one of the best tourist places in Mahabalipuram.

Location: Mamallapuram, Kanchipuram district, Tamil Nadu 

Entry-Fee: INR 10 for the India-based tourists and INR 250 for the foreigners.

Timing: 6 am to 6 pm every day.

Best time to visit: The perfect time to visit this place is during the winter months, i.e., from September to March.
Read more
Chennai

Best of
Chennai

Explore
20 Beach Resorts in Chennai, Book Now & Get Upto 50% Off
20 Beach Resorts in Chennai
45 Places to Visit near Me - Chennai Tourist Places & Attractions
45 Places to Visit near Me - Best Tourist Attractions in Chennai
Trekking near Chennai: Book Best Treks near Chennai @ ₹1800
Trekking near Chennai
Confluence Resort Chennai Stay
4.0
Confluence Resort Chennai Stay
₹ 3,499
Chennai Day Outing Flat 27% off
4.0
Chennai Day Outing
₹ 950
One Day Outing to Yercaud Rain Forest Resorts
4.0
One Day Outing to Yercaud Rain Forest Resorts
₹ 1,750
03

Group Of Monuments At Mahabalipuram

Group Of Monuments At Mahabalipuram
The group of monuments date to the reigning period of the Pandavas, 7th and 8th century. You can also explore one of the largest open-air rock relief in the world, which is included in the group of monuments. This place offers too many antique temples at one stop. And this place seems to be the perfect destination for the historical enthusiasts.

It is spread over a large area and it is favourable to get a guide who can help you in knowing the stories about each of the temples. It takes an entire day to see the places properly if one is interested to see all of the temples closely. The carvings and sculptures are unique from one another and all of the monuments are well-maintained and clean.

Location: Fisherman Colony, Mahabalipuram, Tamil Nadu 603104.

Entry-Fee: INR 250 for foreigners and INR 10 for locals, free for children below the age of 15.

Timing: 6 am- 6 pm every day.
Read more
Pondicherry

Best of
Pondicherry

Explore
40 Things To Do in Pondicherry - {{year}} | Get Upto 30% Off
40 Things to Do in Pondicherry
15 Beach Resorts in Pondicherry, Book & Get Upto 50% Off
15 Beach Resorts in Pondicherry
10 Beaches in Pondicherry For A Sun-Kissed Getaway {{year}}
10 Beaches in Pondicherry
Places to Visit in Pondicherry, Tourist Places & Attractions
Places to Visit in Pondicherry, Tourist Places & Attractions
20 Resorts in Pondicherry, Book Now & Get Upto 50% Off
20 Resorts in Pondicherry
15 New Year Parties in Pondicherry {{year}}: List Of Events & Shows
New Year Parties in Pondicherry 2025
04

Thirukadalmallai

Thirukadalmallai
Thirukadalmallai or Sri Sthala Sayana Perumal Temple is dedicated to Lord Sthalasayana Perumal (Vishnu) and Goddess Nilamangai Thayar (Lakshmi) and is among the 108 Divyadesam. With an exquisite carving, it is considered as one of the tourist places in Mahabalipuram. Thirukadalmallai is one of the perfect examples of Dravidian architectural style.

This place is extremely calm and peaceful and that is what makes this temple completely different from the other ones. Even when tourists visit this place from all around the world, the priests make sure to maintain the silence of this place which offers a unique atmosphere to the temple. It is one of the oldest temples of Mahabalipuram and one can easily feel the rise in spiritual energy after entering the temple.

Location: S Mada St, Mahabalipuram, TL 603104.

Entry-Fee: Free for all.

Timing: 6 am to 12 pm and 3 pm to 8:30 pm.

Best time to visit: The months of October and November are the best ones to visit this place.
Read more
Tirupati

Best of
Tirupati

Explore
15 Places to Visit near Tirupati: {{year}} (Updated with Distance)
15 Places to Visit near Tirupati
Places to Visit in Tirupati, Tourist Places & Top Attractions
Places to Visit in Tirupati, Tourist Places & Top Attractions
05

Mahabalipuram Light House

Mahabalipuram Light House
This is something that is a new addition to the list of the places to visit in Tamil Nadu. Before 2010, it wasn't open for tourists to walk in here and enjoy the view from the lighthouse. But in 2011, it was finally made open to the tourists to have a mesmerizing view of the surroundings from here.

The first light commissioned in this lighthouse was in 1887. India’s oldest lighthouse dating back to 640 AD is standing next to this modern one and was built by Pallava Kind Mahendra Pallava.

Location: Mada Koil St, Mahabalipuram, Tamil Nadu 603104

Entry-Fee: INR 10 for Indians and locals, INR 25 for foreigners and INR 5 for children.

Timing: 9 am to 5:30 pm. Each visitor is only allowed to enter for ten minutes.

Best time to visit: You should visit the place in the months of September to March and also prefer to visit the evening time since it will give you a better view.
Read more
Rameswaram

Best of
Rameswaram

Explore
Places to Visit in Rameswaram, Tourist Places & Attractions
Places to Visit in Rameswaram, Tourist Places & Attractions
06

Tiger Cave

Tiger Cave
Situated far from the constraints of the city, the Tiger Cave is an excellent place for people to relax after completing a 5 km trek from Mahabalipuram. The cave consists of a crown made up of the heads of eleven tiger-like creatures called ‘yeli’ (a crossbreed of a lion and tiger).

There is also a Goddess Durga carved on the top of these heads. Like most of the other Mahabalipuram monuments, this too was built by the Pallavas in the eighth century on the coast of the Bay of Bengal. Today, the site is a famous picnic spot and is managed under the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).

Location: Mahabalipuram, Tamil Nadu 603104. 

Entry-Fee: No entry fee is required. Parking will cost INR 10. 

Timing: 7 am to 7 pm.

Best time to visit: November to February is recommended for the pleasant and comfortable weather. Months between June and September are not recommended due to high temperatures and heavy rainfall.
Read more
Kanchipuram

Best of
Kanchipuram

Explore
Places to Visit in Kanchipuram, Tourist Places & Attractions
Places to Visit in Kanchipuram, Tourist Places & Attractions

People Also Ask About Mahabalipuram

  1. Which are the best places to visit in Mahabalipuram in 2 days?

    Descent of the Ganges: Carved on two monolith rock boulders, this is a gigantic relief. This UNESCO Heritage site denotes the Ganges descending from the hair of Lord Shiva along with hundreds of animals, half-gods, and kinnara figurines carved intricately.

    Shore Temple: Built in 700 AD, named after its location that overlooks the Bay of Bengal shores, this is one of the oldest structural rock-cut temple complexes in Southern India. A part of the Seven Pagodas legend dating to the time of Marco Polo, the temple is famous for its intricate shrines, stone sculptures, and the annual dance festival.

    India Seashell Museum: The largest such museum in India, the place displays over 40,000 species of shells including the Breath Maria, which is one of the 4 such existing shells in the world. You can enjoy a fish pedicure and buy pearl jewellery here.

    Lighthouse: This 18th-century lighthouse is famous for its masonry architecture and the nearby 640 AD lighthouse, the first-ever built in the country. The top of the tower offers fantastic views of the surrounding sea.

  2. What is famous in Mahabalipuram?

    Mahabalipuram is one of the oldest cities in India famous for its rich and unique architectural heritage of rock-cut monuments, culture, monoliths, and beaches. The place is also known for offering the delectable Tamilian cuisine and seafood along with the local Kovai Kora and Kanchipuram textiles.

  3. How do I spend a day in Mahabalipuram?

    You can start your day by visiting the Shore Temple and the unique Tiger Cave, which is also considered to be a worship place. Visit the India Seashell Museum and spend time at the Descent of the Ganges monolith. End the day by enjoying beautiful sunset views at the Mahabalipuram beach as you enjoy delicious seafood.

  4. What is the best time to visit Mahabalipuram?

    Winter (October-February) is the best time to visit Mahabalipuram when the days are pleasant and night is cool and the temperatures range between 23-30°C. You can enjoy sightseeing, being on the beach, the annual Mahabalipuram Dance Festival that is held in December, and the world-famous celebrations of Pongal here.

  5. How can I reach Mahabalipuram from Chennai?

    Located around 58 kilometres from Chennai, the best way to travel between the two places is by road. You can self-drive or hire a cab to cover this 51-minute distance. The route goes through the Grand Southern Trunk Road and the East Coast Road. 

  6. Is one day enough for Mahabalipuram?

    Yes, one day is enough to see this compact yet beautiful city and all its architectural wonders, temples, and relax at the beaches. You can also visit the local markets to shop for handicrafts & seashells jewellery and try a range of Tamilian cuisine. 

  7. What should I wear in Mahabalipuram?

    While in the city, you can wear the usual clothes that you’d do anywhere else. However, when you are visiting the temples here, men are expected to wear a dhoti-kurta, and women are advised to wear a saree or suit.
Newly Added Mahabalipuram Experience
Stay in luxurious comfort at Chariot Beach Resort
  • 2D/1N
109 Ratings
Chariot Beach Resort, Mahabalipuram | Luxury Staycation Deal
₹ 10,250 ₹ 8,699 per room
Ap4xajfx3p0yslaqb804z1i8lcsa 1600351283 image (13)
  • 2D/1N
29 Ratings
Inter Continental Chennai Mahabalipuram Resort
₹ 9,473 ₹ 7,579 per adult
Beautiful Kodaikanal Lake, Tamil Nadu
  • 5D/4N
40 Ratings
Best of Tamil Nadu | Weaving Through History and Culture
₹ 35,990 ₹ 30,500 per adult
Colourful gopuram at Kapaleeshwarar Temple, Mylapore
  • 4D/3N
35 Ratings
Discovering Tamil Nadu | From Historic Landmarks to Scenic Shores
₹ 25,270 ₹ 19,000 per adult

Mahabalipuram Travel Guides

20 Beach Resorts In Mahabalipuram, Book & Get Upto 50% Off
20 Beach Resorts In Mahabalipuram
15 Resorts in Mahabalipuram, Book Now & Get Upto 50% Off
15 Resorts In Mahabalipuram: Deals Upto 50% Off

Mahabalipuram Reviews

Sri Gowthem Ideal Beach Resort
Excellent
It was nice arrangements by the hotel. Food and amenities were good. Preeti from Thrillophilia team guided and gave us hope on booking. Her follow up was good. Overall it was good experience. Thank u team Thrillophilia.
Chidambar Chaturvedi Ideal Beach Resort
Excellent
Amazing getaway at the weekend with family and friends, The resort itself is beautiful, nice pool, fun indoor and outdoor games, clean and good facilities, delicious meals and meticulous staff. My family and I had a great day out there.
Gudakesa Chaturvedi Chennai to Mahabalipuram Tour Package
Superb
The day tour was thoughfully planned... The whole tour went as per time schedule provided in the itinerary which we were able to explore all the major sightseeing of Mahabalipuram on-time as given... Our driver was very punctual, informative, and helpful... The highlight of our trip was Arjuna's Penance, Cocrodile Visit and Iskcon Temple... This tour was totally paid off...
Jay Jain Chennai One Day Tour Package
Excellent
We enjoyed the whole tour, our guide explained well about each spot we visit, Thanks, Thrillophilia for this amazing arrangement
Arjun Kaul Ideal Beach Resort
Excellent
Overall it was an awesome experience at the Ideal Beach Resort, Good management, and well-organized. Definitely worth recommend this Resort.
Aditya Gandhi Chennai One Day Tour Package
Excellent
We enjoyed the whole tour, our guide explained well about each spot we visit, Thanks, Thrillophilia for this amazing arrangement
Kashyapi Rana Chennai to Mahabalipuram Tour Package
Superb
The transport they provided to us was very spacious, clean, comfortable with all facilities and a professional driver, in just a day we complete all the major sightseeing of the place... I highly recommend this trip and Thrillophilia to everyone...
Preity Sinha Chennai to Mahabalipuram Tour Package
Superb
A great outing with family and friends, Affordable package. The service, journey, sightseeing and experience were extremely awesome... Must visit...

Popular Related Destinations

Tamil Nadu
Tamil Nadu 15 Places to visit in Tamil Nadu
Chennai
Chennai 8 Places to visit in Chennai
Pondicherry
Pondicherry 0 Places to visit in Pondicherry
Tirupati
Tirupati 0 Places to visit in Tirupati
Rameswaram
Rameswaram 0 Places to visit in Rameswaram
Kanchipuram
Kanchipuram 0 Places to visit in Kanchipuram

Best Domestic Packages

Ladakh Tour Packages Kashmir Tour Packages Rajasthan Tour Packages Andaman Tour Packages Spiti Valley Tour Packages North East Tour Packages Sikkim Tour Packages Manali Tour Packages Meghalaya Tour Packages Leh Ladakh Bike Trip Packages Kerala Tour Packages

Best International Packages

Maldives Package Bali Tour Packages Dubai Tour Packages Europe Tour Packages Switzerland Tour Packages Singapore Tour Packages Thailand Tour Packages Bhutan Tour Packages Sri Lanka Tour Packages Mauritius Tour Packages Greece Tour Packages Italy Tour Packages Iceland Tour Packages Malaysia Tour Packages Vietnam Tour Packages Japan Tour Packages Africa Tour Packages Kenya Tour Packages New Zealand Tour Packages Kenya Safari Packages

Domestic Honeymoon Packages

Kashmir Honeymoon Packages Kerala Honeymoon Packages Andaman Honeymoon Packages Manali Honeymoon Packages

International Honeymoon Packages

Maldives Honeymoon Packages Europe Honeymoon Packages Bali Honeymoon Packages

Places to Visit in India

Places to Visit in Jaipur Places to Visit in Chennai Places to Visit in Delhi Places to Visit in Hyderabad Places to Visit in Goa Places to Visit in Bangalore

International Places to Visit

Places to Visit in Dubai Places to Visit in Bali Places to Visit in Switzerland

Things to Do in India

Things to Do in Delhi Things to Do in Goa Things to Do in Bangalore Things to Do in Mumbai

International Things to Do

Things to Do in Dubai

Popular On Thrillophilia

Museum of the Future Tickets Chadar Trek Pawna Lake Camping Everest Base Camp Trek Burj Khalifa Tickets Eiffel Tower Tickets Triund Trek Skandagiri Trek
Thank You!

Your enquiry has been received successfully. Our destination expert will reach out to you soon!

Currency Picker
Commonly Used Currencies
INR - ₹
Indian Rupee
USD - $
United States Dollar
EUR - €
Euro
SGD - $
Singapore Dollar
AUD - $
Australian Dollar
GBP - £
British Pound
AED - د.إ
United Arab Emirates Dirham
All Other Currencies
ALL - L
Albanian Lek
AMD - դր.
Armenian Dram
ARS - $
Argentine Peso
AWG - ƒ
Aruban Florin
BBD - $
Barbadian Dollar
BDT - ৳
Bangladeshi Taka
BMD - $
Bermudian Dollar
BND - $
Brunei Dollar
BOB - Bs.
Bolivian Boliviano
BSD - $
Bahamian Dollar
BWP - P
Botswana Pula
BZD - $
Belize Dollar
CAD - $
Canadian Dollar
CHF - CHF
Swiss Franc
CNY - ¥
Chinese Renminbi Yuan
COP - $
Colombian Peso
CRC - ₡
Costa Rican Colón
CZK - Kč
Czech Koruna
DKK - kr.
Danish Krone
DOP - $
Dominican Peso
DZD - د.ج
Algerian Dinar
EGP - ج.م
Egyptian Pound
ETB - Br
Ethiopian Birr
FJD - $
Fijian Dollar
GHS - ₵
Ghanaian Cedi
GIP - £
Gibraltar Pound
GMD - D
Gambian Dalasi
GTQ - Q
Guatemalan Quetzal
GYD - $
Guyanese Dollar
HKD - $
Hong Kong Dollar
HNL - L
Honduran Lempira
HRK - kn
Croatian Kuna
HTG - G
Haitian Gourde
HUF - Ft
Hungarian Forint
IDR - Rp
Indonesian Rupiah
ILS - ₪
Israeli New Sheqel
JMD - $
Jamaican Dollar
KES - KSh
Kenyan Shilling
KGS - som
Kyrgyzstani Som
KHR - ៛
Cambodian Riel
KYD - $
Cayman Islands Dollar
KZT - ₸
Kazakhstani Tenge
LAK - ₭
Lao Kip
LBP - ل.ل
Lebanese Pound
LKR - ₨
Sri Lankan Rupee
LRD - $
Liberian Dollar
LSL - L
Lesotho Loti
MAD - د.م.
Moroccan Dirham
MDL - L
Moldovan Leu
MKD - ден
Macedonian Denar
MMK - K
Myanmar Kyat
MNT - ₮
Mongolian Tögrög
MOP - P
Macanese Pataca
MUR - ₨
Mauritian Rupee
MVR - MVR
Maldivian Rufiyaa
MWK - MK
Malawian Kwacha
MXN - $
Mexican Peso
MYR - RM
Malaysian Ringgit
NAD - $
Namibian Dollar
NIO - C$
Nicaraguan Córdoba
NOK - kr
Norwegian Krone
NPR - Rs.
Nepalese Rupee
NZD - $
New Zealand Dollar
PEN - S/
Peruvian Sol
PGK - K
Papua New Guinean Kina
PHP - ₱
Philippine Peso
PKR - ₨
Pakistani Rupee
QAR - ر.ق
Qatari Riyal
RUB - ₽
Russian Ruble
SAR - ر.س
Saudi Riyal
SCR - ₨
Seychellois Rupee
SEK - kr
Swedish Krona
SLL - Le
Sierra Leonean Leone
SOS - Sh
Somali Shilling
SVC - ₡
Salvadoran Colón
SZL - E
Swazi Lilangeni
THB - ฿
Thai Baht
TTD - $
Trinidad and Tobago Dollar
TZS - Sh
Tanzanian Shilling
UYU - $U
Uruguayan Peso
UZS - so'm
Uzbekistan Som
YER - ﷼
Yemeni Rial
ZAR - R
South African Rand
JPY - ¥
Japanese Yen
VND - ₫
Vietnamese dong