Journey Through Time: Chennai to Mahabalipuram Excursion

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6 to 7 hours (approximately)
Pickup offered
Offered in: English

Embark on a captivating journey with the "Journey Through Time: Chennai to Mahabalipuram Excursion." Your private driver will pick you up from your Chennai hotel, initiating a comfortable ride to Mahabalipuram in an air-conditioned vehicle. Upon arrival at Mahabalipuram, explore the ancient Shore Temple, a masterpiece of 8th-century Dravidian architecture dedicated to Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu. Marvel at intricate carvings before proceeding to the Pancha Rathas, five monolithic rock temples resembling chariots. Relish a South Indian feast at a local restaurant and explore the Tiger Caves, a rock-cut shelter adorned with ancient carvings. Witness Krishna's Butter Ball defying gravity, unwind at Mahabalipuram Beach, and conclude the journey with a visit to Arjuna's Penance, an enormous bas-relief sculpture. Depart from Mahabalipuram and reach your Chennai hotel, completing a day brimming with historical wonders and scenic beauty.

What's Included

English speaking local guide, if option selected.
Entrance fees to monuments, if option selected.
Private AC car/van for pick up and drop off from/to your hotel.
Lunch, if option selected.
Government Taxes.
Bottled water in the car.
Camera charges at monuments.
Gratuities and optional activities.
Anything not mentioned in the inclusions.

Meeting and pickup

Pickup points
You can choose a pickup location at checkout (multiple pickup locations are available).
Pickup details:

Please provide your hotel name and address at the time of booking or at least 3 days prior to the trip date. Our guide and driver will meet you in the hotel lobby at the scheduled time. Contact details will be shared one day prior to the tour.

Itinerary

Duration: 6 to 7 hours (approximately)
  • (Pass by)

    8:00 AM - Pick up from your hotel in Chennai by your private driver in a comfortable air-conditioned vehicle.

    Admission ticket free
  • 1

    9:30 AM - Arrive in Mahabalipuram, a UNESCO World Heritage site located 60 km south of Chennai, and start your tour with a visit to the Shore Temple. This ancient temple, dating back to the 8th century, is a masterpiece of Dravidian architecture and is dedicated to Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu. Marvel at the intricate carvings and beautiful sculptures that adorn the temple, and learn about its fascinating history from your local guide.

    1 hour • Admission ticket free
  • 2

    11:00 AM - Next, visit the Pancha Rathas, a complex of five monolithic rock temples, each carved out of a single granite boulder to resemble a chariot. The Rathas are named after the Pandavas and their wife Draupadi, characters from the epic Mahabharata, and are an excellent example of Indian rock-cut architecture. 12:30 PM - After sightseeing, head to a local restaurant for a delicious lunch of South Indian cuisine. Try some local specialties such as dosa, idli, sambar, and chutney.

    2 hours • Admission ticket included
  • 3

    1:30 PM - After lunch, drive to the Tiger Caves, located about 5 km from Mahabalipuram. The Tiger Caves are a group of rock-cut caves that are believed to have been used as a shelter by Jain monks. The name Tiger Caves comes from the intricate carvings of tigers, elephants, and other animals that adorn the cave walls. Explore the caves with your guide and marvel at the intricate carvings that date back to the 7th century.

    30 minutes • Admission ticket included
  • 4

    3:00 PM - Next, visit the Krishna's Butterball, a giant natural rock balancing on a slope. The rock, which weighs several tons, appears to be defying gravity and has become a popular tourist attraction. Take some memorable photos of this unusual rock formation and enjoy the scenic beauty of the surrounding landscape.

    30 minutes • Admission ticket free
  • 5

    3:30 PM - Drive to Mahabalipuram Beach and enjoy the stunning views of the Bay of Bengal. You can take a stroll along the beach or just sit back and relax while watching the waves crash against the shore.

    30 minutes • Admission ticket free
  • 6

    4:00 PM - Visit the Arjuna's Penance, an enormous open-air bas-relief sculpture that dates back to the 7th century. The sculpture, which is 43 feet high and 96 feet long, depicts the story of the descent of the Ganges, a Hindu mythological tale. Your guide will explain the significance of the sculpture and the fascinating stories behind it.

    30 minutes • Admission ticket included
  • (Pass by)

    5:00 PM - Depart from Mahabalipuram and drive back to Chennai. 6:30 PM - Arrive back at your hotel in Chennai.

    Admission ticket free

Additional info

  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Specialized infant seats are available
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Supplied by Agora Voyages Pvt. Ltd.

Tags

Day Trips
Bus Tours
Private Sightseeing Tours
Cultural Tours
Historical Tours
Archaeology Tours
Car Tours
Short term availability

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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