Mahabalipuram walking tour by tourism ministry approved company
Overview
Available languages
3 hours
Mobile ticket
Over 3 hours, the Mahabalipuram walking tour will teleport you to the 7th century incredible rock cut monuments. It is hosted by a company approved by the ministry of tourism and is a member of Indian Tour Operators Association.
This tour can be done by walk or in your vehicle. We can also arrange a tuk tuk or autorickshaw.
You will experience masterpieces from this world heritage site like the Pancha Rathas which are rock cut monolith temples, Arjuna's Penance the giant open air rock relief, the gravity defying Krishna's butterball and the Shore temple which is the last remaining of the 7 Pagodas mentioned by Marco Polo.
Mahabalipuram is the proud recipient of world's first stone carving city declaration. However, the next generation of sculptors are moving to the cities for jobs threatening a slow death for this fine art. Our company is helping this community by training & employing local guides and by procuring their wares to strengthen their livelihood.
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Additional Info
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
What To Expect
Pancha Rathas
We reach the World Heritage Site of Mahabalipuram. Panch Rathas, or the 5 chariots is our first destination. These are rock cut monolith structures, where of the chariots are dedicated to the lead cast of the Mahabharata epic- Draupadi, Arjuna, Nakul-Sahadeva, Bhima and Yudhister. There is also a sculpture of an elephant next to the ratha of Nakul-Sahadeva.
Pancha Pandava Cave
Pandava cave is the largest cave-temple at Mahabalipuram The cave is supported on six pillars and two pilasters. There are 3 spectacular sculptures of mythical creatures called Yali on the pillars.
Options
Private walk without pick up
Meet at meeting point
Group walk without pick up
Private tour by tuk tuk
Tuk tuk (Auto Rickshaw): We will arrange a tuk tuk (auto rickshaw) and our guide will accompany you
What‘s Included
Professional guide
Entrance charges
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
117 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Excellent tour with Ramesh!
Samantha J,May 25, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00My partner and I had a wonderful time on this tour. Ramesh was very knowledgeable and friendly giving us the perfect mix of history and time to wander. All the temples were amazing and we enjoyed learning how they were made and what they represent. A must visit with an excellent guide!
Great tour of a world heritage sight ! Must see !
Pookerchu,Apr 11, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great experience and narration by Ramesh. I thoroughly enjoyed the tour, Ramesh and my transporter Ahamed were very freindly, hospitable and professional. Great tour as Ramesh was very knowledgable historically.
Time travel
Anne-Catherine E,Mar 14, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Very impressive, lots to see and learn, tour to recommend
Really interesting
l aw817,Mar 14, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Really nice guide with lot of interesting stories and anecdotes
3 hours passed just like that!
668lilol,Mar 12, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Ramesh our Guide is impeccable! He omitted no details and explained every monument and carving with much passion and enthusiasm. Such an experience to uncover visually, sensory, the history and stories behind every touch points
Good introduction to amazing temples and carvings
Sightsee14480434459,Feb 27, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Informative guide who led me around the monuments at my own pace and offered much useful context and history when asked
Fun and informative tour!!
Daydream614294,Feb 25, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Jainath did an excellent job and was very thorough in explaining each site. The driver, Udhaya also did a great job getting us from place to place safely and efficiently! Would 10/10 recommend
Simply amazing
Karen B,Feb 24, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00This tour was the ideal way to visit all the wondrous sights of this fascinating and historically important town. Gopal was very knowledgeable and explained everything in a way that allowed us to truly appreciate what we were seeing, and it's true wonder. Incredible place and great guide.
Excellent visit
Shashirekha S,Feb 19, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Wonderful visit v informative and a great guide . Viator needs to not force us to write a lengthy review
Amazing tour. Incredible history.
reshiep,Feb 16, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I had a solo tour with Ramesh. He was amazing. I arrived 40mins early and he was really accommodating. The tour was incredible, such beautiful sights. He was so knowledgeable, passionate and thoroughly engrossing. He was a gentleman, holding my rucksack, took lovely photos of me and was really professional too. It is worth getting the rickshaw driver because the walks between sights will be long and very hot.
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