Top 10 Historical & Heritage Tours in Mahabalipuram, Tamil Nadu

May 11, 2022 Mollie Coke

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. Mahabalipuram and Kanchipuram in a day trip from Chennai by Wonder tours

Wonder tours
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You can easily spend a full day exploring Kanchipuram and Mamallapuram's marvellous temples, caves and rock carvings. Most were carved from the rock during the 7th-century reign of Pallava king Narasimhavarman I, whose nickname Mamalla (Great Wrestler) gave the town its name. Official Archaeological Survey of India guides can be hired at sites.

Inclusions: Hotel pickup and drop-off, Local guide, Entry/Admission - Mahabalipuram Monuments, Entry/Admission - Kanchipuram temples

Exclusions: Gratuities, Drinks

Reviewed By thegoguy

I had a blast touring the bustling Sowcarpet Market in Chennai with Rajesh. I'm a vlogger so Rajesh had to take extra time to allow me to properly film the shots that I wanted to capture, which he did. He also explained the important facts of the market and the food so that I could get myself situated in this maze of history and food. All in all, an awesome experience. I highly recommend you book this tour!

2. 2 Day Royal Enfield Motorcycle tour from Chennai to Pondicherry & Mahabalipuram

5 Senses Motorcycle Tours
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5.0 based on 4 reviews

We ride along coast on Royal Enfield Classic Motorcycle to explore World Heritage site of rock cut monuments in Mahabalipuram and French heritage at Pondicherry. An escort rider ensures ease of navigation through the traffic.

Inclusions: Breakfast, Escort rider , Entrance charges, Royal Enfield Motorcycle, Helmet

Exclusions: Lunch & Dinner, Personal & Accident Insurance for travellers, Guards, Jacket and Gloves

Reviewed By James B

Thanks Vijay for a wonderful day trip on a Royal Enfield. Due to my time constraints we had to modify the plan, but I still managed to have a great experience on the road. Winding in and out of Kanchipuram, the silk Saree capital, we were greeted by groups of wedding parties in their vivid red and glistening gold sarees, illuminating the streetscape. There is nothing like exploring India on an Enfield, it is totally immersive, you are part of the action, see it, hear it, smell it, taste it, while feeling the thumping Enfield engine propel you along for more. Then into the sanctuary of the temple with informative descriptions by Vijay of the stories, legends and history of this very holy site. Thanks for a great day! James

3. Mahabalipuram Trip with Archaeologist

KeyTerns
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- Mesmerising narration by an young Archaeologist, unheard stories, unseen places. - Perspectives covering History, Archaeological, Architecture & Mythological - Visiting 7th Century Built monuments & temples – Rock-cut architecture, Shore temple, Lighthouse, - Walking around 2004 incident unearthed 2000 years old Subramaniya temple excavated site (Optional) - Looking at wonders of nature – Krishna Butter Ball, Sea Shell Museum (Optional) - Shopping seashells, stone sculptures and handicrafts

Inclusions: Veg South Indian Lunch, Tender Coconut Water, Coffee / Tea,.All Indian Citizens entry fees

Exclusions: Camera / Video fees, All fess for Foreigner, Anything other than inclusions.

Reviewed By Meethi500

My first trip with keyterns but they made last moment nice arrangements for hotel, cab. Recommended.

4. Best of South India in 15 days with guide, hotels and car

Five Senses Tours
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In this South India tour over 15 days, guests will experience the unique culture of the 3 South Indian States of Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Karnataka. We will explore the architectural marvels built by patron Kings over the last 1000 years. We will also unravel the mysteries behind colourful rituals in magnificent temples. World heritage monuments of Mahabalipuram, Brihadeswar temple as well as Hampi will be the key highlights. The tour also includes a blissful 24 hours on a house boat in Kerala over the backwaters of the Arabian Sea!

Inclusions: Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Lunch, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Dinner, Private car, 13 nights accommodation in hotels, 24 hours in houseboat with all meals in Alleppey, Guide, All entrance charges

Exclusions: Food and beverages, Activities like boating

Reviewed By marthahG6435DB

I came to chennai on work and was alone on a weekend. So decided to book a day trip to Pondicherry through Five senses tours as their reviews were very good. It was a lovely day and the tour company was both professional and friendly. Our gudie balaji was very informative as he was born and brought up there. He also ensured we got a very good feel for the French heritage. He took us to magnificent churches and also took us on a architecture walk along the French quarters. I enjoyed Auroville the most. The tranquility at the dome was absolute. All arrangements by Five senses tours were impeccable. They send a clean and air-conditioned car. The driver was safe and courteous. Out guide Balaji was there to pick us in morning and was with us till the drop back at night . He had also organised simple and delicious lunch. It was a fully paid tour so no hassles and Five senses organised everything so I could just seep in the beauty of Pondicherry!

5. Mahabalipuram day trip from Chennai by Wonder tours

Wonder tours
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4.7 based on 3 reviews

Mamallapuram (also called Mahaballipuram) is about an hour's drive from Chennai on the East Coast Road. It was the second capital and seaport of the Pallava Kings who ruled in the 5th century. Local legend has it that there was once a beautiful city here with seven temples, which the Gods submerged under the sea in anger.until in 2002, an Indo-British team of divers discovered a series of man-made structures under water, covering an area of several square miles.Today at Mamallapuram, you can see the famous Shore Temple, the only surviving temple out of the original seven (the rest have sunk under the sea). The Shore Temple is among the oldest temples of South India and represents the final flowering of Pallava art. Arjuna's Penance, one of the world's biggest bas-reliefs depicts the story of the descent of the River Ganges from Heaven to Earth. Cave temples and massive monolithic sculptures (carved from a single large block of granite) make Mamallapuram a place to remember.

Inclusions: Hotel pick-up and drop-off, Air-conditioned vehicle, Bottled water, Lunch, Entry/Admission - Mahabalipuram

Exclusions: Personal expenses, Gratuities, Beverages

Reviewed By thegoguy

I had a blast touring the bustling Sowcarpet Market in Chennai with Rajesh. I'm a vlogger so Rajesh had to take extra time to allow me to properly film the shots that I wanted to capture, which he did. He also explained the important facts of the market and the food so that I could get myself situated in this maze of history and food. All in all, an awesome experience. I highly recommend you book this tour!

6. Pondicherry Sightseeing Tour Including Transportation to Chennai

Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India MPM Travel XS - Day Tours

Start your 10-hour day trip from Pondicherry with a drop-off in Chennai. Witness the French buildings in the French Quarter, visit the Shri Aurobindo Ashram, the Ganesha Temple, the Church of our Lady of the Immaculate Conception and the Gandhi Statue on the boulevard.

Inclusions: Hotel pickup in Pondicherry and drop-off in Chennai, Driver/guide, Transport by private vehicle, 1 bottled water per person

Exclusions: Food and drinks, Gratuities

Reviewed By Arleyriff

First this travel agency help us to customize our 14 days road trip in Tamil Nadu at a fair price, but alos booked our train tickets and some of our hotels along the way... Showing not only the best of what professionalism is, but also patience and creative ways to make our trip the most interesting it could be. But when the Covid19 disrupted everything, they really did their absolute best to help us to get back home in time and again, at the cheapest way possible, organizing our flight back home, our transfer to a hotel in Chennai in between etc. Mrs Mahimai Julie R, Senior Manager, really went beyong the call of duty to help us, showing an extraordinary professionalism and patience doing so and I will never be able to thank her enough to make it happen... So, we were able to go back home with one of the last plane leaving India before the the total lockdown of Chennai airport. That is why I can only highly recommand this travel agent and agency for any traveling option you may wish when everything will be back into normal or problem you may encounter while doing so... Thanks again and forever!

7. 2 Days - Private Tour to Mamallapuram and Pondicherry from Chennai

Uvamai Niche Tourism

Escape from the hustle and bustle city of Chennai and feel the peaceful Pondicherry with Mahabalipuram, it's one of best short break itinerary that is recommended for who are looking for heritage experience while enjoying a beach holiday.

Inclusions: Hotel pickup and drop-off, Air-conditioned vehicle, Fuel surcharge, Gratuities, Bottled water, Toll, Parking and all other expenses related to vehicle

Exclusions: Food and drinks, Over night accommodation, Entrance Fees (wherever it's necessary)

Reviewed By kumarkyal

overall nices experinces and good places i seen many shopping areas nices . food court aslo very nices

8. Full Day Excursion to Dakshinachitra and Mamallapuram from Chennai

Chennai (Madras), Chennai (Madras), Chennai District, Tamil Nadu SITA World Tours

On this day-excursion from Chennai visit the UNESCO World Heritage site of Mamallapuram. Situated on the coast of the Bay of Bengal, the site has a fascinating collection of ancient cave and rock temples and sculptures dating back to the 7th and 8th century. En route stop at the village complex of Dakshinachitra. Overlooking the Bay of Bengal, this is a living arts and crafts museum where you can also see artisans and craftsmen at work. Highlights • Living museum of Dakshinachitra • Five monolithic stone chariots • Shore temple • Cave temples • Sculpture of ‘The Descent of the Ganges’

Inclusions: Transport by private air-conditioned vehicle, Hotel pick-up and drop-off, Local English speaking guide, Lunch (beverage excluded), 02 bottles of mineral water per person

Exclusions: Gratuities

Reviewed By rudra254

This is an amazing place to have all types of South Indian cuisines. The staff is really helpful and courteous and provide very good guidance in selecting the dishes.

9. Private Cultural Tour: Day Trip to Kanchipuram and Mahabalipuram from Chennai

Chennai (Madras), Chennai (Madras), Chennai District, Tamil Nadu MPM Travel XS - Day Tours

Enjoy a private cultural tour from Channai to Kanchipuram and Mahabalipuram which showcases authentic South Indian culture, architecture, religion and spiritual experiences. Join our 4 Days Private Cultural Tour: Day Trip to Kanchipuram and Mahabalipuram from Chennai on a comfortable air-conditioned transport along with english speaking guide as you make your way to two of historical places. Drive to Kanchipuram, 'The City of Thousand Temples’. Travel with your knowledgeable guide to some of the most iconic temples, including Ekambareswarar Temple, Varadaraja Perumal Temple and Kailasanathar Temple. Gain a deeper understanding of Hinduism and watch a traditional silk weaving demonstration. Private cultural tour of Mahabalipuram visit UNESCO World Heritage-listed Mahabalipuram to explore its rock-cut cave temples and structures. See local artisans at work and gain insight into customs and traditions before wandering the halls of its small but impressive museum.

Inclusions: 3 nights accommodation, All taxes, fees and handling charges, GST (Goods and Services Tax), Bottled water, Continental breakfast, Local guide, Private tour, Round-trip private transfer, Transport by private vehicle

Exclusions: Food and drinks, unless specified, Lunch, Gratuities

Reviewed By Arleyriff

First this travel agency help us to customize our 14 days road trip in Tamil Nadu at a fair price, but alos booked our train tickets and some of our hotels along the way... Showing not only the best of what professionalism is, but also patience and creative ways to make our trip the most interesting it could be. But when the Covid19 disrupted everything, they really did their absolute best to help us to get back home in time and again, at the cheapest way possible, organizing our flight back home, our transfer to a hotel in Chennai in between etc. Mrs Mahimai Julie R, Senior Manager, really went beyong the call of duty to help us, showing an extraordinary professionalism and patience doing so and I will never be able to thank her enough to make it happen... So, we were able to go back home with one of the last plane leaving India before the the total lockdown of Chennai airport. That is why I can only highly recommand this travel agent and agency for any traveling option you may wish when everything will be back into normal or problem you may encounter while doing so... Thanks again and forever!

10. Private Cultural Tour Trip to Kanchipuram, Tiruvannamalai and Mahabalipuram

Chennai (Madras), Chennai (Madras), Chennai District, Tamil Nadu MPM Travel XS - Day Tours

Enjoy a private cultural tour to Kanchipuram, Tiruvannamalai and Mahabalipuram which showcases authentic South Indian culture, architecture, religion and spiritual experiences. Join our 05 Days Private Cultural Tour: Trip to Kanchipuram, Tiruvannamalai and Mahabalipuram on a comfortable air-conditioned transport along with english speaking guide as you make your way to two of historical places. Kanchipuram, 'The City of Thousand Temples’. Travel with your knowledgeable guide to some of the most iconic temples, including Ekambareswarar Temple, Varadaraja Perumal Temple and Kailasanathar Temple. Tiruvannamalai, head off to the famous Arunachaleshwara temple.  Private cultural tour of Mahabalipuram visit UNESCO World Heritage-listed Mahabalipuram to explore its rock-cut cave temples and structures. See local artisans at work and gain insight into customs and traditions before wandering the halls of its small but impressive museum.

Inclusions: 4 nights accommodation, GST (Goods and Services Tax), Bottled water, Continental breakfast, Local guide at Kanchipuram & Mahabalipuram, Private tour, Round-trip private transfer, Transport by private vehicle

Exclusions: Food and drinks, unless specified, Lunch, Gratuities, Entrance Fees

Reviewed By Arleyriff

First this travel agency help us to customize our 14 days road trip in Tamil Nadu at a fair price, but alos booked our train tickets and some of our hotels along the way... Showing not only the best of what professionalism is, but also patience and creative ways to make our trip the most interesting it could be. But when the Covid19 disrupted everything, they really did their absolute best to help us to get back home in time and again, at the cheapest way possible, organizing our flight back home, our transfer to a hotel in Chennai in between etc. Mrs Mahimai Julie R, Senior Manager, really went beyong the call of duty to help us, showing an extraordinary professionalism and patience doing so and I will never be able to thank her enough to make it happen... So, we were able to go back home with one of the last plane leaving India before the the total lockdown of Chennai airport. That is why I can only highly recommand this travel agent and agency for any traveling option you may wish when everything will be back into normal or problem you may encounter while doing so... Thanks again and forever!

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