Step into history at Mahabalipuram! Marvel at ancient temples, stunning beaches, and rich culture. Start your adventure now!
Book NowMahabalipuram or Mamallapuram is a quaint town on a strip of land that lies between the Great Salt Lake and the Bay of Bengal. We have all heard fables and legendary stories, with mentions of the town in the Upanishads and novels. The intricately designed pre-historic architecture dating back to the 7th and 8th century, the sculptures, tell the tale of thousands of years. Its ancient temples and the many places to visit in Mahabalipuram attract thousands of footfalls every year.
Visit the best places in Mahabalipuram to uncover the rich history that is portrayed through its prehistoric intricately designed architecture on the walls of the ancient temples and monuments. A perfect place for history buffs, keen art enthusiasts, and people interested in uncovering the rich traditional Tamilian art. If you are planning a trip to Tamil Nadu, Mahabalipuram is the one you should keep on the top of your list.
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Best Places To Visit In Mahabalipuram
Mahabalipuram is bestowed with one of the most significant structures, which portrays the rich history and culture of the land. Here is a curated listicle of the best places to visit in Mahabalipuram, which will help you select the best Mahabalipuram tourist places of the lot.
1. Mahabalipuram Shore Temple – Prehistoric Rock Temple
Dating back to the 7th Century CE, the mesmerizing Mahabalipuram Shore Temple is one of the oldest temples in Southern India, located on the Coromandel coast of the Bay of Bengal. Constructed by Narasimhavarman, the temple displays the royal taste of the Pallava Dynasty, which is portrayed through its intricate Dravidian architecture.
The temple complex comprises three shrines, two shrines are dedicated to Lord Shiva, and the oldest and smallest one is to Lord Vishnu. It is seated on a granite boulder, the height of the structural temple is 60 ft and rests on a 50 ft square podium. The temple comprises two smaller temples, gateways, a large temple, open hallways, and many other artifacts, most of which are buried in the sand. Classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Mahabalipuram Shore Temple portrays its intricate carvings and the rich history of Mahabalipuram, which makes it one of the best places to visit in Mahabalipuram.
Location: J58V+JWW, Beach Rd, Mahabalipuram, Tamil Nadu 603104
Timings: 6 AM to 6 PM
Entrance Fee: Indians: INR 10
Foreigners: INR 340
Still Camera: INR 25
You can book your perfect Day Trip to Mahabalipuram (Curated Private Sightseeing Experience) here.
2. Mahabalipuram Beach – Tranquil Atmosphere
Located by the shore of the Bay of Bengal, Mahabalipuram Beach is bestowed with a picturesque landscape, bordered by the dazzling blue sea and steep hills. The golden sandy beach stretches for a distance of about 20 km which provides the perfect environment for a relaxing break from city life. The tranquil atmosphere, accompanied by the intricately carved prehistoric rock-cut sculptures along the beach is a treat to the eye.
Visitors can engage in various water activities like windsurfing, swimming, and other activities, which makes it one of the best Mahabalipuram sightseeing places.The best time to visit Mahabalipuram is during the Mahabalipuram Dance Festival, which commences in December and January, every year. Witness the numerous stellar performances by skilled classical dancers against the mesmerizing backdrop of the endless sea, which is bound to melt your heart.
Location: Kanchipuram District, Tamil Nadu.
3. Arjuna’s Penance – Ancient Tamilian Architecture
Dating back to the 7th Century CE, the Arjuna’s Penance or Bhagiratha’s Penance is one of the best places to visit in Mahabalipuram. Located at walking distance from the Mahabalipuram Bus Stand, the Arjuna’s Penance is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that portrays the rich history and architecture of the land.
Renowned as the Descent of the Ganges, the sculptures portray two most significant events in Hindu Mythology, which is one of the hotspots for history buffs, art lovers, and those keen about ancient Tamilian architecture.
The humongous open-air rock relief is one of the biggest rock-cut reliefs in the world, which is 43 feet high and 96 feet wide. Seated on two large pink granite boulders, the structures depict two legendary stories which depict the legendary story of the Ganges descending on Earth while being watched by Gods, Goddesses, and Puranic figures like Apsara, Kinnara, Nagas, Gandharva, and also animals. The ancient rock relief showcases a collection of 146 figures of Gods, goddesses, humans, half-humans, and animals.
Location: J59V+43J, W Raja St, Mahabalipuram, Tamil Nadu 603104
Timings: 6 AM – 6 PM
Entrance fee: Indians: INR 10
Foreign Nationals: INR 250
Videography: INR 25
Book your perfect Day Trip Kanchipuram and Mahabalipuram tour package, to uncover the best Mahabalipuram tourist places here.
4. Mahishasura Mardini Cave Temple – Rock-cut Relic Temple
Mahishasura Mardini Cave Temple, also known as Yampuri is the torchbearer of the ancient architectural style of the 7th century, which makes it one of the best places to visit in Mahabalipuram. The temple is considered a UNESCO World Heritage Site, as a part of the Group of Monuments at Mahabalipuram. Located atop a hill overlooking the Coromandel Coast of the Bay of Bengal, the temple offers some of the most mesmerizing views, where the sky meets the endless sea over the horizon.
The main deity of the temple is Mahishasurmardini, an incarnation of Goddess Durga. The temple houses numerous eye-catching architectural features, but the three intricately fabricated sculptures steal the show. The three sculptures comprise Lord Vishu reclining on Sesha naga, the seven-hooded serpent, the main deity of the temple, Goddess Durga sitting on a lion while she slays Mahishasur, and the third one is devoted to Lord Shiva. The walls of the caves portray detailed scenes of the Puranas, which make it one of the best places to see in Mahabalipuram.
Location: Mada Koil St, Mahabalipuram, Tamil Nadu
5. Krishna Cave Temple – Remarkable Wall Carvings
Located in the Kancheepuram District on the Coromandel Coast of the Bay of Bengal, The Krishna Cave temple is one of the best places to visit in Mahabalipuram. Krishna Cave Temple or Krishna Mandapam is classified as a part of the Groups of Monuments at Mahabalipuram and is considered a World Heritage Site, which was inscribed in 1984. As the name suggests, the prehistoric temple is devoted to Lord Krishna, which portrays the numerous intricately designed architecture and carvings on the cave walls.
Witness the numerous noteworthy carvings on the walls of the cave, which revolve around the legendary stories of Lord Krishna. The main attraction of the temple is the story’s depiction, where Lord Krishna lifted the Govardhan Parvat with his little finger to save the people and animals from the torrential rain that continued for more than seven days and seven nights. Other carvings include Lord Krishna in a joyous mood with his Gopis or milkmaids, which portrays the other side of Lord Krishna, as divine.
The mesmerizing carvings on the walls of the temple depict the most realistic interpretations of the legendary stories of Krishna Leela, which revolves around Lord Krishna in Hindu mythology.
Location: J58V+X2V, W Raja St, Mahabalipuram, Tamil Nadu 603104
Timings: 10 am to 5 pm
6. Krishna’s Butterball – Gigantic Granite Boulder
A stone’s throw from the Five Rathas is Krishna’s Butterball which is a gigantic balancing rock that attracts tourists from around the world. The perfectly balanced positioning of the boulder on the incline has left scientists scratching their heads. The humongous boulder measures 6 meters in height and 5 meters wide and weighs a whopping 250 tonnes. The Krishnas’s Butterball is also renowned as the Stone of the Sky God, by the locals. The optical illusion created depicts the boulder barely resting on the cliff, which makes it one of the best Mahabalipuram tourist places.
Location: E Raja St, Mahabalipuram, Tamil Nadu 603104
Timings: 6 am to 6 pm
Entrance fee: Indians: INR 40
Foreign Nationals: INR 600
7. Tiger Caves – Perfect place for History Buffs
Visit the Tiger Cave to uncover the rich history and stunning architecture of the land, which dates back to the 7th Century. As the name suggests, the cave temple derives its name from the 11 tiger head carvings at the entrance of the cave. Located in the hamlet of Saluvankuppam, which is 5 km from Mahabalipuram, is one of the best places to visit in Mahabalipuram.The Tiger Cave is considered one of the Group of Monuments at Mahabalipuram by UNESCO and is one of the protected sites by the Archeological Survey of India.
The stunning structures are an example of stunning architecture that has stood the test of time to tell the tale of thousands of years. The temples are the best place for history buffs and people who have a keen interest in art and architecture.
Location: Mahabalipuram, Pattipulam, Tamil Nadu 603104
Timings: 6 am to 6 pm
Also Read: Why Visit The Pancha Rathas At Mahabalipuram
Visiting the above-mentioned best places in Mahabalipuram allows you to grab a bag full of sweet and happy memories on your way back to your abode. It would be great if we could hear which of the above-mentioned best Mahabalipuram tourist places made it to the top of your list.
FAQs
The best time to visit Mahabalipuram is during the winter season, which starts in November and continues until February. The temperatures during the peak season oscillate between 20-28 degrees. The winter season receives a reduced amount of rainfall and pleasant weather, which is perfect for engaging in thrilling outdoor activities and sightseeing.
You need at least 1-2 days to explore the best Mahabalipuram tourist places. And if you wish to add some more neighboring tourist destinations to your list like Pondicherry and Kanchipuram, then it requires additional 1-2 days.
The closest airport to Mahabalipuram is Chennai Airport, which is 61 km apart. Various carriers provide a comfortable commute that caters to both Domestic and International flights. After reaching the airport, you can book from the various cab rental facilities at the airport.
The nearest railhead to Mahabalipuram is Chengalpattu Junction, which is 23 km from the renowned town of Mamallapuram.
Mahabalipuram is famous for its numerous tourist attractions which attract thousands of footfalls every year. Some of the top tourist attractions are Tiger Caves, Mahishasur Mardini Mandapa, Pancha Rathas, Krishna’s Butterball, India Seashell Museum, and Descent of the Ganges, etc to name a few.