Where to stay
Hotels in Mahabalipuram
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154 Pearl Beach
154 Pearl Beach On The Ecr Paramankeni Village Cheyyur Taluk | Mahabalipuram, 603104, IN
Sivakumar Paradise
No.2 Thirukulam Street Othavadai St Fisherman Colony Mahabalipuram Tamil Nadu 603104 | Mahabalipuram, 603104, IN
Beyond Inn Hotels & Resorts ECR
No.1 Kanathur Village Kuvathur Cheyyur Chengalpattu | Mahabalipuram, 603305, IN
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At a glance
Climate
Tropical
Languages
Tamil and English
Local currency
INR
(INR)
Local time
(GMT+5)
Ideal trip length
2–4 days
Cost level
2 of 5 · our research
Suggested area to stay
Near Shore Temple/Beach
Tap water
Bottled water recommended
Tipping
Appreciated for services
What this place is for
History
95 · Outstanding
Culture
90 · Outstanding
Food
90 · Outstanding
Family
85 · Very good
Our own 0–100 ratings for this one destination. They describe a city; they are not a league table of cities.
Food to try
Dosa
Idli
Seafood Curry
Filter Coffee
When to visit Mahabalipuram
How good each month is here, on this destination's own scale. It compares months within this city, never one city against another.
Best months: January, December
Busiest: Oct-Mar
-
Jan90
Pleasant, sunny, dry
-
Feb85
Warm, sunny, dry
-
Mar75
Getting hot, humid
-
Apr50
Hot, very humid
-
May40
Very hot, humid
-
Jun55
Hot, pre-monsoon
-
Jul60
Monsoon begins, humid
-
Aug65
Monsoon showers, humid
-
Sept70
Monsoon ends, pleasant
-
Oct80
Post-monsoon, pleasant
-
Nov85
Cooler, pleasant
-
Dec90
Cool, dry, ideal
Things to do in Mahabalipuram
7 places worth your time, grouped by when they are at their best.
Showing 7 of 7 places ·
Best in the morning
3 places
Shore Temple
Beach Road 1.5 hrs
Marvel at this ancient granite temple complex by the sea.
Five Rathas (Pancha Rathas)
Southern End 1.5 hrs
Explore unique monolithic rock-cut temples resembling chariots.
Arjuna's Penance
Town Center 1 hr
Admire the massive open-air rock relief depicting mythical scenes.
Best in the afternoon
3 places
Mahabalipuram Beach
East Coast Road 2 hrs
Relax on the sandy shores or watch local fishermen.
Mahabalipuram Lighthouse
Town Center 1 hr
Climb for panoramic views of the town and coastline.
Sculpting Workshops
Town Center 2 hrs
Learn about the traditional art of stone carving.
Any time of day
1 place
Krishna's Butterball
Near Ganesha Ratha 0.5 hrs
See the giant balancing rock defying gravity.
Mahabalipuram itineraries
First-timer highlights
3 Days in Mahabalipuram — First-Timer Highlights
Discover ancient rock-cut wonders and serene coastal beauty in this UNESCO World Heritage town.
This 3-day itinerary is perfect for first-time visitors eager to explore the magnificent UNESCO World Heritage monuments of Mahabalipuram. Delve into ancient temples, intricate rock carvings, and enjoy the tranquil charm of its beaches, offering a blend of history, culture, and relaxation.
3 Days
15 Stops
See the full plan
For couples
2 Days in Mahabalipuram — Romance
Discover ancient wonders and serene coastal beauty hand-in-hand.
Embark on a captivating 2-day romantic escape to Mahabalipuram, where ancient rock-cut marvels meet the tranquil shores of the Bay of Bengal. This itinerary is designed for couples seeking a blend of cultural exploration, breathtaking views, and intimate moments amidst timeless beauty.
2 Days
10 Stops
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With the family
3 Days in Mahabalipuram — Family with Kids
Uncover ancient mysteries and make sandy memories with your little explorers.
This 3-day Mahabalipuram adventure is crafted for families with kids, blending ancient history with engaging activities. Explore magnificent rock-cut temples and monolithic sculptures, enjoy playful beach time, and get up close with fascinating reptiles. It's a perfect mix of education, excitement, and relaxation for all ages.
3 Days
15 Stops
See the full plan
Culture and history
3 Days in Mahabalipuram — Culture & History
Unearth the ancient wonders and artistic legacy of the Pallava dynasty.
This 3-day itinerary immerses you in the rich cultural and historical tapestry of Mahabalipuram, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Explore magnificent rock-cut temples, monolithic sculptures, and intricate bas-reliefs, perfect for history buffs and art enthusiasts. Discover the architectural brilliance of the Pallava dynasty while enjoying the serene coastal charm of this ancient port town.
3 Days
14 Stops
See the full plan
Food and drink
2 Days in Mahabalipuram — Food & Wine
A coastal culinary adventure amidst ancient wonders.
This 2-day itinerary invites you to explore the UNESCO World Heritage sites of Mahabalipuram while indulging in its vibrant food scene, particularly its fresh seafood and authentic South Indian flavors. Perfect for culture enthusiasts and foodies eager to discover the unique blend of history and gastronomy along the Bay of Bengal.
2 Days
8 Stops
See the full plan
Practical ratings
Our own ratings and key insights for this destination.
Near Mahabalipuram
Straight-line distance from the centre of Mahabalipuram.
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Getaways from Mahabalipuram
Places people from Mahabalipuram travel to, from our own travel research.
Chennai
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Bangalore
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Mumbai
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Goa
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Delhi
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Jaipur
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Kolkata
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Bali
Indonesia
Dubai
United Arab Emirates