Puducherry to Mahabalipuram Shore Temple Private Tour
Overview
Available languages
8 hours
Mobile ticket
This private tour takes you to Mahabalipuram famous for its rock cut temples dating back to the 7th century along a lovely sea shore. This tour is available to be done in a private car.
We will spend the day exploring this World Heritage Site of Mahabalipuram which used to serve as a sea port in ancient times. The highlights include masterpieces like the Five Chariots 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. This package includes pick and drop, private car, lunch, and a professional guide.
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 Private car
Pickup included
What‘s Included
Pick and drop to Chennai hotel
Lunch
Entrance charges
Professional tour guide
Beverages
Pickup points
Select a pickup point
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
3 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Amazing sculptures
Inspire30580055750,Mar 28, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had come to Pondicherry on a conference and had an extra day. We had heard a lot about the world heritage site of Mahabalipuram. As 5 senses tours was offering a day trip to Mahabalipuram from Pondicherry!, we signed up. It was a great experience as Ramesh brought the ancient rock cut caves alive for us. The sculptures were some of the world's very best. Very highly recommended
Excellent day out
Samj68p,Oct 4, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The mahabalipuram tour was amazing. We were in pondicherry for few days and took half a day off for this. The scriptures were amazing. Our guide Ramesh was brilliant and told us so many interesting things and helped us understand the place really well . Very highly recommended
Mahabalipuram tour
Meander65680636774,Oct 3, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had a wonderful day out at mahabalipuram. Our guide Ramesh was outstanding. His knowledge and enthusiasm are noteworthy. The monuments per se wete beyond brilliant. Very highly recommended.
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