Mahabalipuram’s tales are sculptured in novels and Upanishads is a small and eye-catching town. Situated between the Great Salt Lake and the Bay of Bengal attracts a huge number of pilgrims and tourists due to its soothing sunsets and historical temples. Every exotic place in Mahabalipuram depicts a tale that is thousands of years old, and if you are planning to visit South India, make sure to keep Mahabalipuram on your bucket list.
You would be highly thankful for every moment that you would spend here admiring the art, architecture, and culture of a small town. Various tourist attractions would keep you busy sightseeing. Ensure to visit some most popular places in Mahabalipuram during your itinerary.
Learn about the History of Mahabalipuram:
Situated in the Kancheepuram district, Mahabalipuram serves as one of the oldest cities in India and is well-known for its certain ancient temples and stone-carved monuments. Lies in Tamil Nadu is a port town in the 1st century that was ruled by the Pallava dynasty.
The place’s various historical monuments were designed by the Pallava’s dynasty kings and still boast of its beauty. Moreover, the group of various historical monuments has been registered as a UNESCO World Heritage site that captures attractions from across the world. Let’s quickly dive into the list of various places to visit in Mahabalipuram.
Checkout the 10 Places to Visit in Mahabalipuram:
1. India Seashell Museum
Experience gorgeous sea elements and make your Mahabalipuram itinerary worthwhile and exciting. India Seashell Museum is home to conch, seashells, and various other natural substances that are derived from the sea.
The museum also includes a huge and stunning aquarium that owns varying types of sea creatures such as starfishes, fishes, sharks, and many others. Spend your two to three hours exploring this beautiful place, but make sure to hire a guide who could guide you about the museum.
Location: Mahabalipuram, Tamil Nadu
Best Time to Visit: October to March
Entry Fee: ₹130 for adults, ₹70 for children
Opening Hours: 8 AM to 8 PM
Travel Experience:
- Scenic Beauty: Home to a vast collection of seashells and marine artifacts.
- Activities: Exploring the museum’s extensive collections, learning about marine life, and visiting the attached aquarium.
- Local Attractions: Nearby Mahabalipuram town.
- Travel Tips: Allocate about 1-2 hours for the visit, and don’t miss the souvenir shop.
2. Shore Temple
Shore temple – beautifully carved architecture and is the only surviving temple among the seven pagodas. It was manufactured of granite stones and depicts a Dravidian architectural style and now is not a place of worship. To take a view of this temple, you need to cruise in the ocean as the temple is an underwater temple and these temples hold historical significance for various locals.
As the temple lies in the Bay of Bengal, it comes over the surface when the water level goes down. Shore temple is now under UNESCO world heritage site and Lord Vishnu’s statue in a resting posture is a major tourist attraction.
Location: Mahabalipuram, Tamil Nadu
Best Time to Visit: November to February
Entry Fee: ₹40 for Indians, ₹600 for foreigners
Opening Hours: 6 AM to 6 PM
Travel Experience:
- Historical Significance: A UNESCO World Heritage site built in the 8th century.
- Activities: Exploring the temple architecture, photography, and learning about the Pallava dynasty.
- Local Attractions: Close to Mahabalipuram Beach.
- Travel Tips: Visit early in the morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds and heat.
Also Read: Must-Visit Destinations in Tamil Nadu in December
3. Five Rathas
Five Rathas depict significance to Hindu epic and are the most famous historical place that you should not miss. The famous tourist attraction area links back to the era of the great Indian epic Mahabharata and the five Pandavas that have a special role in Hinduism.
Explore the true Dravidian architecture along with a tour around chariots and Rathas. Witness yourself into the beautiful bygone era with the sight of huge elephant structures. A must place to visit for all architecture lovers and history lovers.
Location: Mahabalipuram, Tamil Nadu
Best Time to Visit: November to February
Entry Fee: ₹40 for Indians, ₹600 for foreigners
Opening Hours: 6 AM to 6 PM
Travel Experience:
- Historical Significance: A UNESCO World Heritage site built in the 8th century.
- Activities: Exploring the temple architecture, photography, and learning about the Pallava dynasty.
- Local Attractions: Close to Mahabalipuram Beach.
- Travel Tips: Visit early in the morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds and heat.
4. Arjuna’s Penance
Arjuna’s Penance is considered to be one of the largest open rock-cut reliefs in the entire world representing how Arjuna performs various rituals to grab superpowers from Lord Shiva. Also popularly known as “Descent of the Ganges” due to its unique architecture that resembles two symbolic and eminent events in Hindu mythology.
An ideal place for scholars, historians, tourists, and academics who are fond of Tamilian architecture. It is another UNESCO World Heritage site and is famous for its unique form of sculpture and carving that offers its distinct shape.
Location: Mahabalipuram, Tamil Nadu
Best Time to Visit: November to February
Entry Fee: ₹40 for Indians, ₹600 for foreigners
Opening Hours: 6 AM to 6 PM
Travel Experience:
- Historical Significance: A giant open-air rock relief depicting scenes from Hindu mythology.
- Activities: Viewing the intricate carvings, photography, and learning about the stories depicted.
- Local Attractions: Close to Krishna’s Butterball and Five Rathas.
- Travel Tips: Hire a local guide to understand the historical context.
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5. Krishna’s Butterball
A very interesting rock formation that defies gravity and attracts lots of tourists towards it, as the rock position is surprising and has left various scientists awestruck. The huge rock stands on a slope with less surface contact and could roll down from the slope at any time, but this has not happened yet.
Nowadays, the destination has become a spot for taking selfies and the most famous attraction point in Mahabalipuram. Hence, locals believe the rock to be the Stone of the Sky God and various other beliefs.
Location: Mahabalipuram, Tamil Nadu
Best Time to Visit: November to February
Entry Fee: Free
Opening Hours: Open 24 hours
Travel Experience:
- Scenic Beauty: A massive boulder balanced on a small hillock.
- Activities: Climbing around the boulder, photography, and enjoying the park area.
- Local Attractions: Close to Arjuna’s Penance and other rock-cut monuments.
- Travel Tips: Great spot for family photos and picnics.
6. Tiger Cave
Tiger Cave is a rock-cut temple and an ideal place for history lovers as it possesses stunning architectural design along with great historical significance. The structure is like a mandap and the primary deity in tiger caves is Goddess Durga the cave includes 11 heads of tigers that are carved uniquely on the cave’s walls.
However, now the place is a famous picnic spot under plenty of shade along with tender coconuts that make your picnic more refreshing.
Location: 5 km north of Mahabalipuram, Tamil Nadu
Best Time to Visit: November to February
Entry Fee: Free
Opening Hours: 6 AM to 6 PM
Travel Experience:
- Historical Significance: Ancient rock-cut shrine dedicated to Goddess Durga.
- Activities: Exploring the caves, picnicking, and photography.
- Local Attractions: Close to Mahabalipuram town.
- Travel Tips: Visit in the morning to avoid the midday heat.
7. Mahabalipuram Beach
The well-known Mahabalipuram Beach, which the locals also refer to as Mamallapuram, is one of the town’s top tourist attractions and is situated on the Bay of Bengal. You’re bound to fall in love with its numerous notable rock sculptures!
This beach draws hundreds of pilgrims, enthusiasts of architecture, and history nerds each month, and it enchants them with its magnificent caves, enormous rathas, chariots, and temples. In addition to touring the unusual Mahabalipuram temples and caves, you should visit this beach to unwind and spend time with your loved ones.
Location: Mahabalipuram, Tamil Nadu
Best Time to Visit: November to March
Opening Hours: Open 24 hours
Travel Experience:
- Scenic Beauty: A beautiful beach with golden sands and clear waters.
- Activities: Swimming, sunbathing, and beach sports.
- Local Attractions: Nearby Shore Temple and local seafood restaurants.
- Travel Tips: Carry sunscreen and stay hydrated.
8. Alamparai Fort
This city’s fascinating fort is a key historical location. It resembles a long-gone trading post and has stunning and imposing architecture. The views from its summit will leave you speechless. Even if it’s not in ideal shape anymore, walking around this abandoned but fascinating fort will make you feel as though you’ve traveled back in time.
It is a beautiful example of an ancient building that has let nature take over and integrated nicely with the surrounding flora because of the abundance of shrubs, creepers, bushes, and trees in this area.
Location: 50 km south of Mahabalipuram, Tamil Nadu
Best Time to Visit: November to March
Entry Fee: Free
Opening Hours: Open 24 hours
Travel Experience:
- Historical Significance: Ruins of a 17th-century Mughal fort with scenic views.
- Activities: Exploring the fort ruins, photography, and enjoying the coastal views.
- Local Attractions: Nearby backwaters and fishing villages.
- Travel Tips: Combine with a visit to nearby villages for a full-day trip.
9. Crocodile Bank
Don’t forget to stop by the thrilling Crocodile Bank, which is located around 14 miles from the main city of Mahabalipuram. This conservation facility, founded by herpetologist Romulus Whitaker in 1976, is home to a variety of alligator, crocodile, and snake species from Africa and India.
Here in these open pools that have been created to simulate their native habitat, you may see these fearsome creatures. The snake farm close to this facility features a lab where antivenom is made, providing a source of income for the indigenous tribes who gather snakes.
Location: 14 km from Mahabalipuram, Tamil Nadu
Best Time to Visit: October to March
Entry Fee: ₹50 for adults, ₹30 for children
Opening Hours: 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM
Travel Experience:
- Scenic Beauty: A reptile zoo and herpetology research station.
- Activities: Viewing crocodiles and alligators, learning about reptile conservation, and attending feeding sessions.
- Local Attractions: Close to Mahabalipuram town.
- Travel Tips: Visit during feeding times for an exciting experience.
10. Covelong Beach
The famed Covelong Beach, a well-known tourist destination on the Bay of Bengal coast, is situated in Covelong Village a few kilometers outside of Mahabalipuram. One of the greatest beaches near Chennai for nature enthusiasts, beachgoers, and couples looking to spend quality time together among its silver sands, palm palms, and crashing waves is this beautiful refuge.
This beach, which was formerly embroiled in protracted political disputes, is today one of the trendiest places to go for a picnic close to Chennai. The fact that this village is home to India’s first surfing school makes it one of the most fascinating attractions in Mahabalipuram.
Location: 20 km north of Mahabalipuram, Tamil Nadu
Best Time to Visit: October to March
Opening Hours: Open 24 hours
Travel Experience:
- Scenic Beauty: A serene beach known for its clean sands and water sports.
- Activities: Swimming, surfing, jet skiing, and fishing.
- Local Attractions: Covelong Fort and local seafood restaurants.
- Travel Tips: Ideal for water sports enthusiasts and beach lovers.
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FAQs About Visiting Mahabalipuram:
1. What is the Shore Temple known for?
The Shore Temple is known for its stunning architecture and historical significance as one of the oldest stone temples in South India.
2. What are the visiting hours for Mahabalipuram Beach?
Mahabalipuram Beach is open to visitors from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM daily.
3. How far is Mahabalipuram from Chennai?
Mahabalipuram is approximately 60 kilometers from Chennai, making it a popular day trip destination.
4. What is the entry fee for the monuments in Mahabalipuram?
The entry fee for the monuments in Mahabalipuram is around INR 40 for Indian citizens and INR 600 for foreign tourists.
5. What is Mahabalipuram famous for?
Mahabalipuram is famous for its rock-cut temples, intricate sculptures, and UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
6. Are there any unique places to visit in Mahabalipuram?
Yes, unique places include the Varaha Cave Temple, Pancha Rathas, and the Mahishasuramardini Cave.
7. What is the best time to visit Mahabalipuram?
The best time to visit Mahabalipuram is from November to February when the weather is pleasant.
8. What can I do in Mahabalipuram in one day?
In one day, you can visit the Shore Temple, Five Rathas, Arjuna’s Penance, Krishna’s Butter Ball, and relax at Mahabalipuram Beach.
9. How do I reach Mahabalipuram?
Mahabalipuram is accessible by road from Chennai via East Coast Road. The nearest railway station is Chengalpattu, and the nearest airport is Chennai International Airport.
10. Are there any nearby places to visit from Mahabalipuram?
Yes, nearby places to visit include Covelong Beach, the DakshinaChitra Cultural Museum, and the town of Kanchipuram, known for its temples and silk sarees.
