Private Tour

Chennai & Mahabalipuram day trip with private car, Lunch & Guide

Overview

Available languages

English

French

9 hours

Mobile ticket

Morning you will be picked up from your hotel in Chennai.Spend your day exploring Marina Beach,Chennai's cultural hub of Mylapore Kapaleeshwar Temple,St.George fort and the San Thome Basilica, followed by a traditional South Indian lunch in a local restaurant.

Then visit Mahaballipuram is about an hour's drive from Chennai on the East Coast Road. It was the second capital and seaport of the Pallava Kings who ruled in the 5th century.you can see the famous Shore Temple, the only surviving temple out of the original seven (the rest have sunk under the sea). The Shore Temple is among the oldest temples of South India and represents the final flowering of Pallava art. Arjuna's Penance, one of the world's biggest bas-reliefs depicts the story of the descent of the River Ganges from Heaven to Earth.

Additional Info

Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap

Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries

Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health

Not recommended for pregnant travelers

Public transportation options are available nearby

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Cancellation Policy

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

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.

30 minutes • Admission Included

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.

30 minutes • Admission Included

What‘s Included

Private transportation

Headsets to hear the guide clearly

Local tour guide

Lunch

Entry/Admission - Monuments

Personal expenses

Gratuities

Beverages

Options

Chennai & Mahabalipuram day trip with private car, Lunch & Guide

Pickup included

Reviews

5.00

10 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

Highly recommended!
V5942SLlaram,,Dec 27, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
One of the fantastic tour with our guide Rajesh and Basha.They explained culture and history about Chennai and Mahabalipuram.
Friendly Guide and driver
parthibhans2016,,Aug 10, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Very friendly people. Knowledgeable and accommodating our extra requests. It was a memorable experience to us. Would recommend this tour.
Awesome trip!
151olivel,,May 12, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Great tour and Great service by the wonder tours team.They arranged best car and best guide for the trip.Awesome lunch in middle of the day.
City and Mahabalipuram tour!!
471kennedyj,,Apr 27, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
We visited temple, church and museum in Chennai.After lunch at local restaurant,we went to Mahabalipuram monuments like Seashore temple,5 rather,Butterball etc.Its a wonderful experience with our guide Rajesh and Basha!!
Highly recommend
B6701TKkarenj,,Apr 22, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Amazing tour with our guide Nanda and the driver venkatesh.Lots of history and culture information with our guide.Highly recommend.
Excellent trip!
B3887WWcarls,,Apr 7, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
The guide Basha and Rajesh was very friendly.The temple we visited at Chennai is so wonderful.In Mahabalipuram the beautiful monuments and history.
Amazing tour!!
691lyna,,Mar 31, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
We contacted wonder tours for customized day trip to Mahabalipuram and Chennai. They arranged good car and brilliant guide for this trip.We highly recommend them!!
Excellent tour
H1548SXjamesc,,Feb 27, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Both Chennai and Mahabalipuram places are awesome.our guide gave the great explanation about the places.he is so friendly
Great experience
kengL175PU,,Dec 2, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Best tour in Chennai.Started with Chennai sightseeing and then visited Mahabalipuram.our guide is very friendly and knowledgeable.
Highly recommended!
sarahlC1857OW,,May 12, 2023
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Timely pick up and Rajesh explained about the culture and history of both places.Highly recommended!