Overview
Mamallapuram (also called 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.
Local legend has it that there was once a beautiful city here with seven temples, which the Gods submerged under the sea in anger.until in 2002, an Indo-British team of divers discovered a series of man-made structures under water, covering an area of several square miles.Today at Mamallapuram, 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. Cave temples and massive monolithic sculptures (carved from a single large block of granite) make Mamallapuram a place to remember.
- Recommended by 98% of travelers
- Badge of Excellence
- Free cancellation up to 24 hours before
- Mobile ticket
What's included
Entry/Admission - Trimurti Cave
Pick and drop to Chennai hotel
Lunch
Entrance charges
Professional tour guide
Personal expenses
Gratuities
Beverages
Meeting and pickup
Pickup is offered for all travelers.
What to expect
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Pancha Rathas
45 min
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.
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Arjuna's Penance
30 min
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.
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Krishna's Butter Ball
15 min
The next stop is Krishna’s Butterball, a granite boulder that’s poised on a stony slope. This curious boulder seems to defy Newton's laws of gravity and has not moved an inch despite being in this precarious position on the slope for more than a thousand years.
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Shore Temple
45 min
Our last port of call is the Shore Temple. The magnificent temple overlooks the Bay of Bengal and was an important centre during the reign of the Pallavas when Mahabalipuram was the main port of their Kingdom. Built by King Raja Simha during the early 8th century, the Shore Temple is a landmark in the architectural landscape of India. Marco Polo referred to this as the seven pagodas. The existing temple is the last surviving of the 7 which once stood as a beacon for sea farers.
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Varaha Cave Temple
15 min
The Varaha cave is carved out of huge piece of granite and dates back to the 7th century. This temple took several decades to be completed. There are squatting lions adorning the pillars which support the hall. Another highlight are the sculptures of two guardian angels who protect the sanctum.
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Pancha Pandava Cave
15 min
Pandava cave is the largest cave-temple at Mahabalipuram The cave is supported on six pillars and two pilasters. The highlight of the architecture are the spectacular sculptures of mythical creatures called Yali on the pillars.
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Mahishasuramardini Cave
15 min
Two of the most impressive works of art of Mahabalipuram reside in this cave. It has 2 imposing bas-reliefs on the walls. The first one is Lord Vishnu sleeping on top of the coils of a serpent. The other is with Goddess Durga fighting with the demon Mahishasura on a lion.
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15 min
This is a imposing chariot carved out of a single stone. Originally dedicated to Lord Shiva, it now has the deity of his son Lord Ganesh. It was built in the 7th century by King Mahendravarman I. The other highlight of this temple are the 18 inscriptions in ancient grantha and nagari scripts of Sanskrit.
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Mahabalipuram Lighthouse
15 min
Built in the year 640, it is India’s oldest light house and one of the oldest in the world. Mahabalipuram was a very busy port since the 7th century and hence this lighthouse played a significant role in keeping mariners safe.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the start time.
Times are local to the experience (Asia/Kolkata).
Additional Information
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Mobile or paper ticket accepted
- Up to 15 travelers per booking
FAQs about Mahabalipuram Private tour from Chennai by car with guide and lunch by Wonder
Can I cancel Mahabalipuram Private tour from Chennai by car with guide and lunch by Wonder for free?
Yes. For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the start time.
How long does it take?
It takes about 7 hours.
Is pickup offered?
Pickup is offered for all travelers.
What's included?
- Entry/Admission - Trimurti Cave
- Pick and drop to Chennai hotel
- Lunch
- Entrance charges
- Professional tour guide
What's not included?
- Personal expenses
- Gratuities
- Beverages
Which places does it visit?
It visits Pancha Rathas, Arjuna's Penance, Krishna's Butter Ball, Shore Temple, Varaha Cave Temple, Pancha Pandava Cave, Mahishasuramardini Cave, Mahabalipuram Lighthouse.
Which languages is it offered in?
It is offered in English, French.
What fitness level is needed?
It is suitable for all physical fitness levels.
Operated by Wonder tours
