Top Things to do in Mahabalipuram
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The 10 Best Things to do Good for Big Groups in Mahabalipuram, Tamil Nadu
Just 45 minutes out of the city, the East Coast Road first stops at the historic town of Mahabalipuram. The 7th century erstwhile port city is famous for its rock-cut shore temples. A lone lighthouse on a hill watches over a group of temples below. Mahabalipuram also has some great cafes that serve good sea food. A backpacker’s delight, one can find cheap accommodations and plenty of activities.
Restaurants in Mahabalipuram
1. Monuments at Mahabalipuram
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,684 reviews
Many interesting rock-cut temples and giant open-air reliefs from the 7th and 8th centuries.
Reviewed By 369gillianj - Clitheroe, United Kingdom
Beautiful beach side setting, lovely village with good shops and restaurants, and so many amazing things to see - ancient rock carvings, cave-like temples hewn from granite, beautiful shore temple, lovely old working lighthouse and gravity-defying Krishna's Butterball Boulder! All within easy walking distance - a real treasure trove.
2. Shore Temple
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,644 reviews
Reviewed By vikas-Maheshwari - Jaipur, India
The Shore Temple is so named because it overlooks the shore of the Bay of Bengal. It is a structural temple, built with blocks of granite, dating from the 8th century AD. At the time of its creation, the site was a busy port during the reign of Narasimhavarman II of the Pallava dynasty.
3. Pancha Rathas
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 901 reviews
Reviewed By Donna_in_India - New York City, United States
Panch Rathas, also known as Five Rathas, is a complex of monolithic rock-cut temples dating back to the mid-7th century. The Panch (five) Rathas (processional temple chariots) are named after the five Pandava brothers, heroes of the Indian epic Mahabharata. They are Draupadi Ratha, Nakula Sahadeva Ratha, Bhima Ratha, and Dharmaraja Ratha. The shrine panels are richly carved with Hindu deities. Two things make the rathas unique. The first is that the stones were cut in situ. The second is that the styles and techniques of wooden architecture were imitated in stone creating a variety of forms. These would later influence the very distinct South Indian temple design. The temples were never finished so none were ever used for worship.
4. Arjuna's Penance
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 722 reviews
This bas-relief with life-size images from a mythical story adorns a huge rock.
Reviewed By Honisoiquimalypense - Derby, United Kingdom
A must visit - it is a huge rock face (96 feet long and 43 ft high);covered with hundreds of carves statues and on the right a family of elephants! It really an eyeful and is the second longest carver mural in the world ( so we were told). It tells a tale of Arjuna but there is some dispute about this too! Still whatever- it is a must see!
5. Krishna Mandapam
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 145 reviews
Reviewed By Trvelly
Mammalapuram,(Mahabalipuram) has a lot to offer, which would pave way to the history/civilisation and a lot more to think. When you are here you forget your time and go on to memories. Great place to see all the Sculptures and do visit the temple inside the mandapam
6. Descent Of The Ganges
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 239 reviews
Reviewed By Tanumita - Kolkata (Calcutta), India
A beautiful piece of art carved on a monolithic rock. It is built on the same rock as Arjuna's penance and has a mythological and historical significance to it. The descent of the Ganges is depicted in the form of Cobras and it is an exceptional sculpture built during the Pallava rule.
7. Ganesh Ratha Temple
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 111 reviews
Reviewed By prpal2009 - Navi Mumbai, India
After seeing Arjuna's Penace or Descent of the Ganges , we moved into a protected section , known as 'hill area' ..... This age old granite hill contains many monuments hidden within. The first one is 'Ganesha Ratha' ..... this is one of the ten Rathas or Chariots carved out of pink granite within the group of monuments of Pallava kingdom at Mahabalipuram. This is now a UNESCO world heritage site. The Ganesha Ratha temple can be accessed on foot . A self - guided walking tour of the ruins in Mahabalipuram is an excellent way to see the sites. It is located south of Krishna's Butter Ball monument. I think this Ganesha Ratha is the only one where daily aarti / pooja is still held. The west facing two - storey, relatively undamaged Ganesha Ratha is very similar to Bhima Ratha (of Pancha Rathas). It is 19ft (5.8m) long, 11.25ft (3.43m) wide and 28ft (8.5m) high. The first storey has five small vimanas ; the second storey has four, with repeating patterns. There is a Gopuram (arch) and the sala has nine Kalasas. One end has a Trishula at its top. The temple facade has two pillars and two pilasters. The column bases are shaped like seated lions. At the side of the entrance Mandapa, there are two standing dvarapalas with welcoming, bend heads. Initially this temple was constructed with a 'Shiva Linga', but it is now deified with a Ganesha deity after the linga was removed during British era ..... Lovely greeneries and surroundings ..... added to the charm. But don't forget to carry your own hat, sunscreen & water bottle during this foot journey to this hill area. A must visit site at Mahabalipuram !!
8. Varaha Cave Temple
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 162 reviews
Reviewed By Tanumita - Kolkata (Calcutta), India
Beautiful sculptures dedicated to the Varaha King. It is located in the Krishna's butter ball complex and is worth a visit.
9. India Seashell Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 242 reviews
Reviewed By pandyanathanb
During our stay in a resort in Mahabalipuram with our full family, we decided to spend half a day for the routine sight seeing to educate my grandsons on the Indian History aspect of this area. At first we were skeptical to visit the Sea Shell Museum, as we did not know what to expect. After going in, we were stunned and mind blown by what we saw. There were 40,000 shells from all over the world --very neatly displayed and labelled. My grandsons refused to come out of the museum. There is an aquarium and a Pearl Museum also which the kids enjoyed and which were very interesting and educational. The shop called Maya Bazaar also had some v nice things which can be bought as souvenirs. I highly recommend this Museum for all.. young and old.. It has to be seen to be believed.
10. Krishna's Butter Ball
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 869 reviews
Reviewed By Manasi_2004 - Mumbai, India
If you are fond of sculptures this is place. Please be sure to start your day early as lighthouse, maritime museum, Krishna butter ball, Arjuna penance, varaha temple all are in same premises and it is a bit of a walk. But very clean and neat place.
