What to do and see in Mahabalipuram, Tamil Nadu: The Best Points of Interest & Landmarks

October 30, 2021 Matilde Konrad

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. Pancha Rathas

Kancheepuram District, Mahabalipuram 603104 India 914427442226 http://www.tamilnadutourism.org/places/citiestowns/Mamallapuram.aspx
Excellent
60%
Good
33%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 901 reviews

Pancha Rathas

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.

2. Arjuna's Penance

West Raja Street Near Ganesha Ratha, Mahabalipuram 603104 India +91 96001 41033 http://www.tripgo.co.in
Excellent
64%
Good
31%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
0%
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0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 722 reviews

Arjuna's Penance

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!

3. Krishna's Butter Ball

E Raja St, Mahabalipuram 603104 India +91 81222 33700 http://tripgo.co.in
Excellent
48%
Good
36%
Satisfactory
14%
Poor
2%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 869 reviews

Krishna's Butter Ball

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.

4. Mahishasura Rock

Shore Temple Rd Fisherman Colony, Mahabalipuram India
Excellent
55%
Good
27%
Satisfactory
18%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 11 reviews

Mahishasura Rock

5. Tiger Cave

Mahabalipuram 603104 India +91 81222 33700
Excellent
35%
Good
47%
Satisfactory
15%
Poor
1%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.0 based on 88 reviews

Tiger Cave

Reviewed By Vineethkcm - Chennai (Madras), India

Tiger cave is a wonderful rock-cut cave where the carved shapes of horses, tigers, and elephants amaze us. A must watch place in the evenings. A beautiful beach is near by.

6. Lion Throne Mahabalipuram Hill

Mahabalipuram Hill, Lion Throne, Mahabalipuram India
Excellent
100%
Good
0%
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0%
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0%
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0%
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5.0 based on 1 reviews

7. Ramanuja Mandapam shrine, Mahabalipuram Hill

Mahabalipuram hill, Ramanuja Mandapam, Mahabalipuram India
Excellent
100%
Good
0%
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0%
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0%
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0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 1 reviews

8. Olakkannesvara Temple

Mahabalipuram India
Excellent
100%
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0%
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0%
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0%
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5.0 based on 1 reviews

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