Private Tour
Mahabalipuram tour by Tourism Ministry approved company
Overview
Available languages
7 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 or on a Royal Enfield Motorcycle!
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 (or Motorcycle), lunch, and a professional guide.
Additional Info
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‘s Included
Pick and drop to Chennai hotel
Lunch
Entrance charges
Professional tour guide
Beverages
Meeting and Pickup
Pickup points
Select a pickup point
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
Reviews
336 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Great tour guide
Ben A,
Jun 7, 2025
- Viator
5.00We had a fantastic tour led by Kannan. Very informative and went at the pace that we wanted. We could explore and take longer or move more quickly. Unlike other tour companies that I have used, our guides were very polite and did not push us to buy tourist souvenirs. I would highly recommend Kannan and this experience.
Great day of history!
Jim S,
Feb 3, 2025
- Viator
5.00Ramesh did a fantastic job of ferrying us around to all the sites. His knowledge is second-to-none and we enjoyed spending the day with him!
Tamil Nadu South Indian Journey Through Time
Jill H,
Jul 15, 2024
- Viator
5.00I had a wonderful time with Kennan as my tour guide of Five Senses Tours. He’s very knowledgeable about Indian history and in particular Tamil Nadu sites. Having lunch was absolutely the best part of the tour as Kennan instructed me through tasting the various South Indian cuisine dishes. As a result of receiving such great services, I will use Five Senses tour operators for the rest of my visit throughout India.
Great tour!
Malia M,
Jun 24, 2024
- Viator
5.00I had a wonderful tour. I felt safe and well taken care of. Hareesh my guide provided great historical and cultural information.
Highly recommended
Andrew L,
Mar 1, 2024
- Viator
5.00An excellent trip. The guide in Mahabalipuram was extremely knowledgeable and very articulate in describing each of the sites we visited. The pace of the tour was just right with plenty of time to take pictures and ask questions. Also, the driver who collected me was first class - kind, courteous and very safe. I highly recommend this tour.
Related Experiences
Operated by 5 Senses Walks