Mahabalipuram & Kanchipuram by tourism ministry approved company
Overview
Available languages
12 hours
Mobile ticket
In this day tour from Chennai, we will visit the twin wonders of Pallava architecture, Mahabalipuram and Kanchipuram. This tour is hosted by a Five Senses Tours which is a company approved by the ministry of tourism and is also a member of the prestigious Indian association of Tour Operators.
We will cover the magnificent temples of Ekambareswar & Kailashnath in Kanchipuram. After that we visit the ancient sea port of Mahabalipuram and visit the legendary rock cut structures lie Arjuna's penance, Five Rathas and the iconic Shore temple which served literally as the beacon for sea farers from the 8th century onwards.
The company promotes local livelihood by training and employing local guides and patronising local businesses.
This is a fully guided tour with pick up and drop, private car, full time guide, lunch and all entrance charges as well.
Additional Info
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
A dress code is required to enter places of worship and selected museums. No shorts or sleeveless tops allowed. Knees and shoulders MUST be covered for both men and women. You may risk refused entry if you fail to comply with these dress requirements
What To Expect
Ekambareswarar Temple
We visit Ekambareswarar of Pallava dynasty to appreciate these ancient architectural wonders. These were built in 600 AD and are magnificent specimens of the Pallava style of architecture.
We will visit the magnificent temple of Kailasanathar Temple from Pallava times. Kanchipuram was the capital of the medieval South Indian Kingdom of Pallavas. The Pallavas were instrumental in the transition from rock-cut architecture to stone temples. We will appreciate these architectural wonders built in 600 AD.
Options
Hotel pick up Private tour
Private tour in car: Tour will be done in a car only for you Pickup included
What‘s Included
Local guide
Hotel pickup and drop-off
GST (Goods and Services Tax)
Lunch
Drinks
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
280 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Very knowledgeable
Culture21328901594,Apr 4, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Kannan is an excellent guide! He took the time to explain the highlights in a succinct and informative manner. Great sense of humor and very flexible.
A great trip into an amazing culture and history
David G,Apr 3, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had an excellent day exploring these two amazing places with Jainath and his local guides. Both were knowledgeable and passionate about the history. There was time to examine each place and appreciate the history and culture in them. Highly recommended the day. The driver was excellent as well, getting us between sites in the busy traffic. The trip could be improved by using a larger more comfortable car for such a long day.
Touring through history, architecture and culture at Kanchipuram & Mahabalipuram
T9487YXvalentinam,Mar 23, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Five Senses is a great tour company putting focus on the local community. Our guide Jainath was very knowledgeable and friendly and we had a very good time! Not only he showed us the wonders of Kanchipuram and neighborhood town Mahabalipuram, but also got us in touch with the local people who take pride in their work and culture. We also learnt a lot about eating manners to have during a wedding (we are attending one in 2 days). Overall we got a great impression lf history, architecture and culture in only one day!! Highly recommended.
Beautiful Temple Tour to Mamallapuram
Maps24126825701,Mar 23, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had a great time with our guide Jainath. He was very knowledgeable and gave us a good feeling for the South Indian culture and his eye for architecture was impeccable. He even invited us for a quick coffee and breakfast!
5 star tour for ancient temples!
diyashen,Mar 23, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Wonderful day spent with Kalpana. She’s an expert guide and fantastic photographer. Overall this tour ticked all the boxes!
Must to do in Tamil Nadu
784g rkemt,Mar 23, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Fantastic tour. Many historical places and ancient temples to see. We have learned so much about temples, depictions of Hindu Gods and Goddesses. Definitely recommend.
Amazing tour with Kaplana
Lyle A,Mar 23, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Had an amazing tour with Kalpana. Very knowledgeable about the history and information of the different sites we visited, accompanied by a great and patient driver. Really recommend this tour
Explore the cultural and historical richness around Chennai in a single day.
Vacation46772080941,Mar 23, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had an excellent experience on the Mahabalipuram and Kanchipuram day trip from Chennai with Five Senses Tours, and I would highly recommend it. Kannan, our guide, was outstanding throughout the day. He is knowledgeable, professional, and genuinely passionate about what he does. What really stood out is how attentive and well-organised he was, making sure everything ran smoothly while keeping the experience engaging and relaxed. The itinerary itself is very well structured, covering the key highlights in both Kanchipuram and Mahabalipuram, including the temples and the UNESCO heritage sites such as the Shore Temple and the rock carvings. Kannan’s explanations added real depth and context, which made the visit much more meaningful. The private car setup also makes a big difference. It is comfortable, efficient, and allows you to enjoy the day at your own pace without feeling rushed. Overall, this is one of the best ways to explore the cultural and historical richness around Chennai in a single day. A big thank you to Kannan and the Five Senses team for such a well-delivered experience.
Great tour and tour guide
s k,Mar 13, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00This is a day long tour of the temples of kancheepuram and the monuments of mahaballipuram from Chennai. Our guide , Kannan, was punctual and there was good communication. He was happy to conduct the tour at our pace so we spent as much and as little time at each site that we wanted. He was very accommodating and ensured we were comfortable at all times. A very informative guide. We would definitely recommend this tour.
Amazing full day seeing incredible sites with a friendly knowledgeable guide!
CurtisCATL,Mar 3, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Can't say enough about what an amazing experience this was. We were in Chennai for business and had limited time.... So booked the all day tour. Yes, it was a long day. But it was amazing. Saw incredible sights and our guide, Kannan, and our driver Adhil were both cordial, friendly and very knowledgeable. They met us at our hotel right on time and the education started immediately. Lunch was a great sampler of south Indian food too! The folks at 5Senses were easy to work with and the tour itself was well organized and fun! What an experience... Feel safe and book with 5 Senses... We know we will when we return!
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