Mamallapuram, also known as Mahabalipuram, is a town on a strip of land between the Bay of Bengal and the Great Salt Lake. Situated one and a half hour away from the capital city of Chennai, this city is known for its colossal temples and monuments many of which date back to 7th and 8th centuries. The most prominent of these is the seafront Shore Temple that comprises of 3 ornate granite shrines. Krishna’s Butter Ball is a massive boulder balanced on a small hill near the Ganesha Ratha stone temple. Well, our guide not only knows the local language but will make every effort to understand your likes and preferences before starting your trip of the temple city.
Highlights
From 5 hours to 6 hours
Offered in English
Free Cancellation
Mobile Ticket
From 5 hours to 6 hours
Offered in English
Free Cancellation
Mobile Ticket
What's Included
All current applicable taxes
Admission Fee
Lunch
Private air-conditioned vehicle for sightseeing
Professional English speaking guide
Any items / services not specifically mentioned in the price includes section
Important Information
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Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
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Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
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Not recommended for pregnant travelers
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Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
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Dress code is smart casual
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A dress code is required to enter places of worship and selected museums. No shorts or sleeveless tops allowed. Knees and shoulders MUST be covered for both men and women. You may risk refused entry if you fail to comply with these dress requirements
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A minimum of 1 people per booking is required
Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
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Cut-off times are based on the experience’s local time.
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If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
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This experience requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund.
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Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
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Mamallapuram, also known as Mahabalipuram, is a town on a strip of land between the Bay of Bengal and the Great Salt Lake. Situated one and a half hour away from the capital city of Chennai, this city is known for its colossal temples and monuments many of which date back to 7th and 8th centuries. The most prominent of these is the seafront Shore Temple that comprises of 3 ornate granite shrines. Krishna’s Butter Ball is a massive boulder balanced on a small hill near the Ganesha Ratha stone temple. Well, our guide not only knows the local language but will make every effort to understand your likes and preferences before starting your trip of the temple city.
Highlights
From 5 hours to 6 hours
Offered in English
Free Cancellation
Mobile Ticket
From 5 hours to 6 hours
Offered in English
Free Cancellation
Mobile Ticket
What's Included
All current applicable taxes
Admission Fee
Lunch
Private air-conditioned vehicle for sightseeing
Professional English speaking guide
Any items / services not specifically mentioned in the price includes section
Itinerary
1
Mahabalipuram
Your sightseeing in Mamallapuram starts with a short meeting with your local guide who is well-informed and well versed with the lanes of the city. Thus begins your day long trip to Mamallapuram which is known for its famous stone carvings and colossal temples. The edifices in Mahabalipuram, mostly carved straight out of granite, are among the oldest existing examples of Dravidian (South Indian) architecture and thus feature in the bucket list of various tourists especially the ones interested in ancient architecture. One of the attractions in the itinerary is the Arjuna’s Penance, a giant structure filled with carvings illustrating instances from the great epic, the Mahabharata. Arjuna relief is in the centre of Mahabalipuram, facing the sea at a short distance from the shores of the Coramandel Coast of the Bay of Bengal.
3 hours
2
Mahabalipuram
On your way further, you get to visit the Shore Temple, considered to be one of the oldest Dravidian style architecture in South India. It was initially identified as part of the Seven Pagodas at Mahabalipuram. All the three Temples of the Shore Temple complex are built on the same platform. Viewed from the northern end, the temples appear to be a replica of the Dharmaraja Ratha. The Shore Temples configuration of the two Shiva shrines with the small Vishnu shrine in between illustrates an attempt to balance the different, competing religious requirements. Finally, before heading back to your hotel in Chennai, visit the monolithic temples also known as Five Rathas, named after the five heroes of the epic Mahabharata. After the visit your guide will bring you back to you hotel where your tour would conclude.
