Mahabalipuram Overview

Mahabalipuram, also known as Mamallapuram or Mamalla, is a historic town located 58 km from Chennai in Tamil Nadu, India. Renowned for its stunning beaches, scenic landscapes, and ancient monuments, it serves as a historical treasure and a recreational destination. Founded by the Pallavas, Mahabalipuram has been an important seaport for international trade since the first century AD. Many of its monuments are recognized on the UNESCO World Heritage List, reflecting the town’s rich cultural and architectural heritage.

Top Things to Do in Mahabalipuram

Exploring Monuments of Mahabalipuram

Mahabalipuram is home to nearly 40 UNESCO World Heritage sites, including the Shore Temple, Arjuna’s Penance, Krishna’s Butterball, Varaha Cave Temple, Mahishasuramardhini Cave, Pancha Ratha, and many more. Among these, the Sthala Shayana Perumal Temple is a functioning temple managed by the Tamil Nadu Government’s Hindu Religious and Endowment Board. The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) preserves and maintains all the other monuments.

Sculpture And Seashell Museum

The Mahabalipuram Sculpture Museum is renowned for its extensive Hindu mythological sculptures and paintings collection. It stands out from other sculpture museums by showcasing a diverse range of works in stone, wood, and metal, featuring both ancient masterpieces and contemporary creations.

The India Seashell Museum is located close to the Pancha Ratha. This unique museum displays a collection of over 40,000 seashells and fossils from around the globe. It is open daily from 8 am to 8 pm, with an entry fee of 300 rupees.

Mahabalipuram Lighthouse

The Mahabalipuram Lighthouse, located near the Mahishasuramardhini Cave, offers a unique experience for visitors. The lighthouse features a small museum that displays miniature ships and submarines, which are particularly fascinating for children. You can purchase your ticket at the base and climb to the top to enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of the surroundings. In the evening, the lighthouse lights up, creating a beautiful illumination.

Mahabalipuram Beach

Mahabalipuram Beach, located along the coast of the Bay of Bengal, is known for its golden sands and stunning sunrise views. The beach offers a beautiful perspective of the surrounding area and a variety of water and land activities for visitors to enjoy. It sits adjacent to the Shore Temple, with the stretch of sand on the other side known as Fishing Beach. Due to its deeper shoreline, caution is advised while enjoying the water at Fishing Beach.

Mahabalipuram Travel Itinerary

Two days are perfect for a high-level exploration of Mahabalipuram. Use one day to enjoy the beaches and museums, and dedicate the second day to visiting the monuments. I recommend starting your monument exploration on a fresh day. With a single ticket, you can visit all the monuments, making it easier to explore each site at your own pace. This way, you can fully appreciate all the highlights without feeling rushed. Below is the suggested itinerary for 2 days Mahabalipuram trip.

Day 1

Arrive in Mahabalipuram before noon and explore the Mahabalipuram Sculpture Museum to marvel at its treasures. If the afternoon heat gets to you, take a well-deserved break and cool off. Come evening, visit the Sthala Shayana Perumal Temple and then head to Mahabalipuram Beach to relax by the shore. Later, make your way to Fishing Beach to enjoy the refreshing night breeze.

Day 2

Start your day early the next morning, ideally around sunrise, to witness the stunning views. Start your exploration at the Shore Temple, where you can buy a single-entry ticket at the kiosk. This ticket covers all three sections of the Mahabalipuram monuments and is valid for the entire day. After visiting the Shore Temple, proceed to the Pancha Ratha. Next, explore the lighthouse complex, which includes Olakanneshwara Temple, Mahishasuramardhini Cave, Draupadi’s Bath, Royagopuram, Varaha Cave Temple, Ganesha Ratha, Krishna’s Butterball, and Trimurti Cave. Just outside this complex, you can visit Arjuna’s Penance and Krishna Mantapa.

If you start early and maintain a leisurely pace, you should be able to explore all these sites by noon, before the day becomes too hot. However, you will need additional time if you prefer a more in-depth exploration of each landmark.

Besides, if you have limited time and want to explore other locations, consider heading to Chennai or Pondicherry, both of which are nearby tourist spots. Alternatively, take a break in the afternoon and enjoy a relaxing evening at the beach.

Attractions Nearby Mahabalipuram

Here are some preferable sights to explore on your way to Mahabalipuram from Chennai. If you’re traveling by car, you can easily stop at any of these locations, as all of them offer convenient parking. For those taking a city bus, each of these spots has a nearby bus stop where you can hop off and catch another bus to continue your journey. Dizzee World and Crocodile Park are about a kilometer from the bus station, while Muttukadu Lake and Kovalam Beach have their dedicated stops.

Muttukadu Lake

Muttukadu Lake, a backwater of the Bay of Bengal, is located along the East Coast Road. The Muttukadu Boat House is a popular water sports complex, that offers a range of activities, including rowing, water skiing, speedboat rides, windsurfing, and pedal boating. Open daily from 9 am to 6 pm, it is a great stop for anyone who enjoys water sports. In addition to the fun activities, the boat house provides stunning views of the surrounding countryside and the tranquil backwaters.

Kovalam Beach

Kovalam Beach, also known as Covelong Beach, is located along the Bay of Bengal on the East Coast Road in Chennai, adjacent to Muttukadu Lake. This crescent-shaped beach is popular for its stunning views and a variety of water sports, including surfing, kayaking, and more. You can also see numerous fishing boats along the shore.

MGM Dizzee World

MGM Dizzee World, a popular theme park on East Coast Road, is managed by the MGM group of enterprises. The park is open daily from 10:30 am to 6:00 pm, with extended hours on weekends and holidays. It features around 47 exciting rides, including a Ferris wheel, roller coaster, and bumper cars, as well as “Water World,” which includes two water parks. The rides cater to both children and adults. However, be prepared for crowds, especially on weekends and holidays, as the park is a favorite destination for families and tourists.

Crocodile Park

Crocodile Park, operated by the Madras Crocodile Bank Trust and Centre for Herpetology (MCBT), is open daily from 9 am to 5 pm, except on Mondays. As a reptile zoo and a research station dedicated to herpetology, the park focuses on rescuing and conserving endangered crocodile species, including the mugger crocodile, saltwater crocodile, and gharial, all native to India. Spanning 8.5 acres, it is India’s largest crocodile sanctuary and houses the world’s most extensive collection of crocodiles and alligators. You can also explore exhibits featuring various species of turtles, snakes, and lizards.

How To Reach Mahabalipuram

From Chennai

Mahabalipuram is around 57 km from Chennai.

By Road

Car/Bike:

• The travel from Chennai would take about 50 minutes, and the roads are in good condition.

Bus:

• If you prefer public transportation, city buses run every 30 minutes from various parts of Chennai, taking around 2 hours to reach Mahabalipuram.
• Although there are few direct buses from Chennai Central, you will find plenty departing from the Thiruvanmiyur Bus Depot.

By Rail

• There is no train service between Chennai and Mahabalipuram.

By Air

• The nearest airport to Mahabalipuram is Chennai International Airport, which is about 60 km away. From the airport, you can easily catch a cab or a city bus to reach Mahabalipuram.

Check out our post on Badami Caves, Aihole, and Pattadakal for more on exploring and experiencing similar monuments.

Travel Tips To Visit Mahabalipuram

• Visiting all of Mahabalipuram’s major attractions will take an entire day. I suggest arriving in the evening to explore the beach first and then visiting the monuments early the next morning. By midday, you will have covered most of the sites, allowing you to rest in the afternoon and return to the beach in the evening if you stay another day.
• Parking is available throughout Mahabalipuram, except near the Sculpture Museum and Fishing Beach. You can park your vehicle nearby and walk to these locations.
• Remember to bring sunglasses, hats, and sunscreen for protection against the sun.
• Wear comfortable sandals for the sandy walk to the beach and while exploring the monuments. Since all attractions are easily accessible by foot, you can skip wearing heavy shoes and opt for comfortable slippers suitable for both beach walks and sightseeing.
• If you plan to swim or play at Mahabalipuram Beach and are not staying nearby, you can use the changing facilities available at the washroom near the Shore Temple.
• Restrooms and drinking water are available at all the main sites. As you explore the monuments, it’s a good idea to carry water and some snacks or fruits with you—walking around can be tiring! If you need a quick refresh, you can also buy snacks, cucumber slices, coconut water, and other small items from local vendors inside the complexes.
• Most temples in Mahabalipuram are monuments and do not require a specific dress code. However, when visiting the Sthala Shayana Perumal Temple, it is advisable to wear modest clothing.

General Tips

• The best time to visit Mahabalipuram is from October to February when the weather is mild and pleasant. The rainy season is less ideal due to frequent showers, and the summer months can be excessively hot and humid.
• Mahabalipuram offers a range of accommodations, from budget lodges to luxurious stays, near the bus stop and fishing colony. If you’re traveling during the summer, booking an air-conditioned room is highly recommended.
• For dining, several vegetarian restaurants are conveniently located near the bus station. Anandha Bhavan, Mamalla Bhavan, and Golden Palate are excellent choices, all offering delicious cuisine. Golden Palette and Mamalla Bhavan, in particular, are close to the central bus station.
• Don’t forget to explore local craftsmanship; you can purchase exquisite sculptures as unique keepsakes from your visit.

Mahabalipuram, with its rich history and stunning attractions, offers a perfect blend of culture and relaxation. Discover the rich heritage and captivating beauty of this UNESCO World Heritage site on your next trip.