Booking fee
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* This tour requires at least one of the following per booking: Adult, Senior
This private tour takes you to Mahabalipuram famous for its rock cut temples dating back to the 7th century along a lovely sea shore. We will spend the day exploring this World Heritage Site of Mahabalipuram which used to serve as a sea port in ancient times. The highlights include masterpieces like the Five Chariots which are rock cut monolith temples, Arjuna's Penance the giant open air rock relief, the gravity defying Krishna's butterball and the Shore temple which is the last remaining of the 7 Pagodas mentioned by Marco Polo. This package includes pick and drop, private car, lunch, and a professional guide.
Pick and drop to Chennai hotel
Lunch
Entrance charges
Professional tour guide
Beverages
Departure Point
Traveler pickup is offered
Pick up from all hotels in Chennai
Traveler pickup
37MV+M95, Chennai Port Trust, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600001, India
Pancha Rathas, Mahabalipuram, India Make the first stop of the day at the Pancharathas, or five chariots, a series of monolithic temples built by the Pallavas.These are rock cut monolith temples structures built in the 7th century. Each of the 5 rathas or chariots are dedicated to the lead cast of the Mahabharat epic- Draupadi, Arjuna, Nakul-Sahadeva, Bhima and Yudhister. There is also a sculpture of an elephant next to the ratha of Nakul-Sahadeva. Once you stand towards the rear of the elephant you will notice that there is an uncanny resemblance between the rear of the chariot and the elephant. 25 minutes
Arjuna's Penance, Mahabalipuram, India We next visit Arjuna’s Penace, a bas-relief monument that’s considered one of India’s most magnificent pieces of ancient art, depicting vivid scenes from the Mahabharata. The relief is 100 feet long and 45 feet tall! The main story being told is how Arjuna, one of the Pandava brothers, performed severe austerities in order to obtain Lord Shiva's weapon. 20 minutes
Pancha Pandava Cave, Mahabalipuram, India Pandava cave is the largest cave-temple at Mahabalipuram The cave is supported on six pillars and two pilasters. The highlight of the architecture are the spectacular sculptures of mythical creatures called Yali on the pillars. 15 minutes
Krishna's Butter Ball, Mahabalipuram, India The next stop is Krishna’s Butterball, a granite boulder that’s poised on a stony slope. This curious boulder seems to defy Newton's laws of gravity and has not moved an inch despite being in this precarious position on the slope for more than a thousand years. 15 minutes
Varaha Cave Temple, Mahabalipuram, India The Varaha cave is carved out of huge piece of granite and dates back to the 7th century. This temple took several decades to be completed. There are squatting lions adorning the pillars which support the hall. Another highlight are the sculptures of two guardian angels who protect the sanctum. 15 minutes
Trimurti Cave, Mahabalipuram, India This cave is a fine example of the spectacular architecture style of the Pallavas. The rock cut temple is dedicated to the holy trinity of Hindu Gods- Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva. There are fine carvings of elephants as well. 15 minutes
J59R+9XF, Mada Koil St, Mahabalipuram, Tamil Nadu 603104, India This is a imposing chariot carved out of a single stone. Originally dedicated to Lord Shiva, it now has the deity of his son Lord Ganesh. It was built in the 7th century by King Mahendravarman I. The other highlight of this temple are the 18 inscriptions in ancient grantha and nagari scripts of Sanskrit. 15 minutes
J58R+HMQ, Mahabalipuram, Tamil Nadu 603104, India Built in the year 640, it is India’s oldest light house and one of the oldest in the world. Mahabalipuram was a very busy port since the 7th century and hence this lighthouse played a significant role in keeping mariners safe. 15 minutes
Mahishasuramardini Cave, Mahabalipuram, India Two of the most impressive works of art of Mahabalipuram reside in this cave. It has 2 imposing bas-reliefs on the walls. The first one is Lord Vishnu sleeping on top of the coils of a serpent. The other is with Goddess Durga fighting with the demon Mahishasura on a lion. 15 minutes
Shore Temple, Mahabalipuram, India Our last port of call is the Shore Temple. The magnificent temple overlooks the Bay of Bengal and was an important centre during the reign of the Pallavas when Mahabalipuram was the main port of their Kingdom. Built by King Raja Simha during the early 8th century, the Shore Temple is a landmark in the architectural landscape of India. Marco Polo referred to this as the seven pagodas. The existing temple is the last surviving of the 7 which once stood as a beacon for sea farers.
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
Cut-off times are based on the experience’s local time.
Bhushan_Hathi
23 Apr 2023
Wonderful team of booking, driver and guide. They did an excellent job and made my day. I would certainly feel that this team has work wonderfully for my trip.
T906RDjulianak
22 Apr 2023
Beautiful place full of history and culture! The guides Ramesh and Ganesh were knowledgeable and accommodating, we went on a super hot day and they helped us find shade to rest while sharing details of all the monuments. Definitely recommend to anyone visiting Chennai!
Scenic20714881170
22 Apr 2023
It was very great experience, Ganesh and Ramesh were very helpful and appreciate their patience alot
Thank you
This tour in
Tamil Nadu
is organized by
5 Senses Walks
We always double-check the availability with our local partners for each booking. Even though this is usually a swift process, it can take up to 24 hours. Once this process is completed you will receive your voucher or ticket by email. If our local partner is not able to confirm your booking we will offer you the best possible alternative. If the new date and/or time doesn’t fit your itinerary, we will reimburse the full amount paid.
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