Mahabalipuram tour by Tourism Ministry approved company
Overview
Available languages
7 hours
Mobile ticket
When Marco Polo sailed past this coastline in the 13th century he recorded seeing a city of seven pagodas rising above the sea. Only one still stands. Archaeologists have found the others submerged offshore.
The Pallava kings of the 7th and 8th centuries carved an entire world from the boulders here — five Mahabharata chariots from single rocks, a hundred-foot bas-relief with a satirical cat imitating a holy man while mice gather around it, a five-metre boulder balanced on a slope for thirteen centuries that a British administrator failed to move with an elephant, and the Shore Temple still reflecting in the Bay of Bengal at high tide.
Our private Mahabalipuram tour from Chennai covers all of it with a cultural guide who brings every stone to life.
Private car, expert guide, all entry fees and lunch included.
5 Senses Tours is recognised by the Department of Tourism, a winner of the Outlook Responsible Tourism Award and the Tripadvisor Travellers Choice Award.
Additional Info
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
What To Expect
Pancha Rathas
Make the first stop of the day at the Pancharathas, or five chariots, a series of monolithic temples built by the Pallavas.These are rock cut monolith temples structures built in the 7th century. Each of the 5 rathas or chariots are dedicated to the lead cast of the Mahabharat epic- Draupadi, Arjuna, Nakul-Sahadeva, Bhima and Yudhister. There is also a sculpture of an elephant next to the ratha of Nakul-Sahadeva. Once you stand towards the rear of the elephant you will notice that there is an uncanny resemblance between the rear of the chariot and the elephant.
Arjuna's Penance
We next visit Arjuna’s Penace, a bas-relief monument that’s considered one of India’s most magnificent pieces of ancient art, depicting vivid scenes from the Mahabharata. The relief is 100 feet long and 45 feet tall! The main story being told is how Arjuna, one of the Pandava brothers, performed severe austerities in order to obtain Lord Shiva's weapon.
Options
By Royal Enfield Motorcycle
Led by Escort Rider: Riders need International driving permit along with motorcycle license Pickup included
By Private car
Pickup included
What‘s Included
Pick and drop to Chennai hotel
Lunch
Entrance charges
Professional tour guide
Beverages
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
441 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Mahabalipuram
gowrir99,Jun 20, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Just back from an incredible trip to Mahabalipuram. A definite must go!!! Kannan was our guide who was exceptionally knowledgeable. Finished with a beautiful thali South Indian lunch which was an experience in itself. 5 stars all the way!
Good experience
Sightseer27200456701,Jun 16, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had a good experience on this tour. It was very interesting, and the guides explained everything clearly and professionally. We felt well looked after throughout the day, and the staff were friendly and helpful. We also had the chance to try some traditional local food, which was nice and gave us a taste of the local culture. Overall, the tour was well organized and enjoyable. It was a worthwhile experience, and we would recommend it to anyone interested in learning more about the area and its traditions.
Very interesting tour with an amazing guide
Dream07379651116,Jun 10, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The tour was really interesting showcasing all types of architecture. Our guide Kannan was very friendly and offered us greatly detailed explanations on all sights.
Must do in Chennai
Andreea N,Jun 1, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great walk through history with a very passionate guide
Amazing immersive experience
Guide53755490312,May 23, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00What an amazing experience! It was all the more memorable with a culture evangelist like Kannan that passionately shared so much of the rich heritage of India and Chennai specifically. Well spoken, accommodating, friendly and considerate, he and Ramesh made sure I had a wonderful time, with lots of great photos they took of me. Thank you
UNESCO world heritage day tour to Mamallapuram.
369ylvak,May 22, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Fantastic day, highly recommend! Professional, knowledgeable and friendly guides. Very comfortable air conditioned car. Great colourful & flavourful lunch. Authentic. Five stars.
Suggestive!
BarbaraFrosinone,May 9, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00My husband and I visited this wonderful site on 23/04/26 and we loved it. Mahabalipuram extends over different areas: in the first area we visited there are buildings carved in monoliths, in another there are carved caves and relief sculptures, then there is the Butter Ball of Krishna, a huge rock balancing on a hill, and finally the temple a few steps from the beach (hope I haven't forgotten something!) All the sites are beautiful and suggestive, we were lucky enough to find them almost deserted and with a perfect outdoor temperature.
Reliable day tour to Mahabalipuram
Sightseer63714908697,Apr 12, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The trip started with a punctual pick up with an experienced driver and knowledgeable guide, Kannan. He provided us with a detailed history of Mahabalipuram during the day. The visit was flexible and adjusted according to our requests. We had a great lunch at a local restaurant which we got to experience both South and North Indian food. Kannan also recommended us a few other locations to visit at our own leisure which were also great to see. Thank you Kanan for making our journey comfortable and memorable.
We have had a great day with private tour Thank you
Alois S,Apr 9, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We have had a great day with private tour Thank you
These guys delivered an exceptional experience...
Navigator809489,Apr 5, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Exceptional experience, one of the best tours we have experienced in many years! We have just returned from this tour, our guide was Kannan, who was a perfect guide, he was supported by an excellent driver and an on-site guide who provided additional information and insights. The Site is World heritage and if you are in Chennai you need to see this, and these guys delivered an exceptional experience
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