Share this tour
Offered languages
- English
Embark on a captivating full-day excursion from Chennai to the historic coastal town of Mahabalipuram. Begin your journey with a visit to the serene ISKCON Temple, offering a peaceful spiritual experience. Continue towards the Madras Crocodile Bank, home to a fascinating collection of reptiles including crocodiles, alligators, and turtles in a naturalistic setting.
Upon reaching Mahabalipuram, a UNESCO World Heritage site, explore its iconic landmarks such as the Shore Temple, Arjuna’s Penance, Five Rathas, and the Krishna’s Butter Ball—each showcasing the architectural brilliance of the Pallava dynasty.
Enjoy a delicious lunch at a local seaside restaurant, soaking in the coastal breeze before heading back to Chennai by evening. This tour perfectly blends heritage, wildlife, and spiritual charm for a memorable day out.
What's Included
Meeting and pickup
For airport pickups, customers should proceed to the arrival gate (exit area) of Chennai International Airport after collecting their luggage. Our driver will be waiting with a placard bearing the guest’s name for easy identification. Please ensure your phone is active in case the driver needs to contact you. For hotel pickups within Chennai city limits, the driver will meet you at the main hotel lobby or reception area at the scheduled time. Kindly be ready at least 10 minutes prior to avoid delays. If you're staying at a serviced apartment or guesthouse, please wait at the main entrance for easy pickup. Our support team is available by phone or WhatsApp for any assistance during pickup.
Itinerary
-
1
Experience a delightful full-day excursion from Chennai to the coastal heritage town of Mahabalipuram, offering a perfect blend of spirituality, nature, and ancient architecture. This well-paced tour begins with a comfortable 2-hour drive along the scenic East Coast Road, known for its sea views and peaceful ambiance. The first stop is the ISKCON Temple in Chennai, a spiritual haven dedicated to Lord Krishna. The temple's serene atmosphere, intricate carvings, and devotional music offer a calming start to the journey. Spend some quiet moments in prayer or simply soak in the divine surroundings.
1 hour • Admission ticket included -
2
Continue to visit the Madras Crocodile Bank, one of India’s largest reptile conservation centers. Founded by renowned herpetologist Romulus Whitaker, this facility houses over 2,000 reptiles including crocodiles, alligators, turtles, snakes, and lizards. Visitors get an up-close look at these fascinating creatures while learning about their conservation and habitat.
1 hour • Admission ticket included -
3
Next, arrive in Mahabalipuram (Mamallapuram), a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its rock-cut temples and ancient monuments built by the Pallava dynasty in the 7th and 8th centuries. Begin your guided tour with the iconic Shore Temple, standing elegantly on the seafront and dedicated to Lord Shiva
30 minutes • Admission ticket included -
4
Explore the Five Rathas, monolithic rock-cut temples shaped like chariots, and admire the massive open-air bas-relief Arjuna’s Penance, depicting scenes from Hindu mythology.
30 minutes • Admission ticket included -
5
Don’t miss the Krishna’s Butter Ball, a giant boulder balancing miraculously on a slope — a favorite photo stop. Enjoy a relaxing lunch at a local seaside restaurant, where you can savor authentic South Indian or seafood delicacies while enjoying the ocean breeze. After lunch, spend a little more time strolling through the markets or the beach before beginning the return journey. Arrive back in Chennai by evening, bringing back memories of a day filled with culture, nature, and timeless history.
3 hours • Admission ticket included -
6
Cave Temples: Step into ancient cave sanctuaries like the Mahishasuramardini Cave and Varaha Cave, where sculptures of deities and mythological scenes are carved into the rock with remarkable detail.
30 minutes • Admission ticket included -
7
**Pickup Location**: Chennai Hotel or Airport **Meet & Greet**: Upon arrival, our professional driver and tour guide will extend a warm welcome. They will assist with your luggage and ensure your comfort while reviewing the itinerary for the day. Then, embark on a scenic 1-hour drive to Kanathur, Chennai, to visit the magnificent ISKCON Temple—renowned for its unique architecture, serene ambiance, and spiritual significance. This beautifully designed temple offers a tranquil atmosphere for reflection and devotion, making it a truly memorable experience.
1 hour • Admission ticket free -
8
After your temple visit, proceed on a 30-minute drive to the Madras Crocodile Bank—a premier reptile conservation center and one of the largest of its kind in Asia. Explore a fascinating collection of crocodiles, alligators, snakes, and other reptiles in a well-maintained natural habitat, offering both education and excitement for visitors of all ages.
30 minutes • Admission ticket included -
9
Continue your journey with a 30-minute drive to Mahabalipuram, a UNESCO World Heritage Site celebrated for its ancient rock-cut temples, magnificent stone carvings, and rich Pallava-era architecture. This coastal town offers a captivating glimpse into South India’s artistic and historical legacy.
30 minutes • Admission ticket free
Additional info
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Tags
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Show more
Cancellation Policy
- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start 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.
- This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
Your guide to the flawless travel experience
Top Searches
Company
Get our app
