mahabalipuram places for tourism

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• 15 Places To Visit In Mahabalipuram In 2024 That Puts This Town On The Map

You must have read fables and tales about Mahabalipuram in Upanishads and novels. A small town on a strip of land between the Bay of Bengal and the Great Salt Lake attracts tourists and pilgrims because of its historical temples and alluring sunsets. These places to visit in Mahabalipuram tell a tale that is thousands of years old. If you happen to be in Tamil Nadu for a vacation, then you should definitely put this place on your bucket list. You will be thankful for every second that you spend here admiring the architecture, art, and culture of the small Tamilian town.

Best Time To Visit Mahabalipuram

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Located on the beautiful East Coast Road in the state of Tamil Nadu, Mahabalipuram is one of the most stunning destinations to go to during the winter season from October to March. Summers are extremely harsh, and it becomes extremely difficult to go around as well.

The weather gets very humid, and the scorching sun can make one feel exhausted and dehydrated quickly. The temperature during these months can vary anywhere between 22 degrees to 31 degrees.

15 Best Places To Visit Mahabalipuram

There are plenty of tourist attractions in Mahabalipuram that will keep you busy with sightseeing in this city of temples. All of these places are famed for their iconic and brilliant structures. You must definitely add the below listed tourist places in Mahabalipuram to your Tamil Nadu itinerary for a memorable and fun vacation.

• India Seashell Museum – Witness The Beautiful Sea Elements
• Shore Temples – Beautifully Located Structures
• Five Rathas – Significant To A Hindu Epic
• Krishna’s Butterball – An Intriguing Structure
• Tiger Caves – Magnet For History Buffs
• Mahabalipuram Beach – Tranquil Atmosphere
• Arjuna’s Penance – Best Tamilian Architecture
• Alamparai Fort – A Significant Historical Site
• Crocodile Bank – The Predators In Their Habitat
• Covelong Beach – A Charming Retreat
• Mahishasura Mardini Cave Temple – Rock Cut Relic
• Krishna Cave Temple – Remarkable Wall Carvings
• Ganesh Ratha Temple – Finest Example Of 7th Century Architecture
• Trimurti Cave – The Power Of Three Gods
• Mamallapuram Lighthouse – Exquisite Views

1. India Seashell Museum – Witness The Beautiful Sea Elements

If you are in Mahabalipuram, India Seashell Museum is one of the places to visit in Mahabalipuram Tamil Nadu. This museum houses seashells, conch, and other natural substances obtained from the sea. It also has a beautiful aquarium that has a variety of sea creatures like fishes, starfishes, sharks, etc. It would easily take about an hour or two to go around this place. One can also find a curator who would take you around and give a detailed explanation of the museum.

Timings: 8 am to 8 pm every day Entrance fee for museum plus aquarium: 130 INR/- Location: 191/1A2, Kalpakkam, Road, Mahabalipuram, Tamil Nadu 603104

Must Read: Mahabalipuram In Tamil Nadu: Explore The Unique Culture Of Southern India

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2. Shore Temples – Beautifully Located Structures

There is a group of temples in Mahabalipuram that one must certainly go to. A couple of temples are deep inside the water and you can choose to cruise in the ocean and discover those underwater temples. These temples hold great historical significance to the locals here. When the water levels are low, the hidden temples come to the surface.

Since they are located in the Bay of Bengal, it is coined as Shore temples. It belonged to the 8th century AD and was constructed by the Pallava dynasty. These temples are the best places to visit in Mahabalipuram.

Timings: 6 am to 6 pm Entrance fee for Indians: 10 INR/-, children below 15 years: Free Foreigner entry fee: 340 INR/- Location: Building complex in Mahabalipuram, Tamil Nadu

Suggested Read: 23 Things To Do In Chennai To Explore The Southern Pearl Of India

3. Five Rathas – Significant To A Hindu Epic

Five Rathas is one of those historical places that one must certainly go to during their visit to Mahabalipuram. The five Rathas link back to the era of the great Indian epic Mahabharata and the five Pandavas and visiting them is one of the best things to do in Mahabalipuram . If one wants to get a true glimpse of Dravidian architecture, then you must take a tour around these Rathas or chariots. The sight of the huge elephant structures can give you a beautiful feel of a bygone era. For all those architecture lovers, this is one must-go-to place.

Timings: 6 am to 6 pm Entrance fee for Indians: 10 INR/- Foreigner entry fee: 250 INR/- Location: Historical landmark in Mahabalipuram, Tamil Nadu

Suggested Read: 50 Best Tourist Places In Tamil Nadu Ensuring The Most Awesome Vacay

4. Krishna’s Butterball – An Intriguing Structure

A huge rock a little way from the Five Rathas attracts a lot of tourists towards it. The positioning of the rock is quite surprising and has left a lot of scientists to wear their thinking hats. According to the legend, the king Narasimhavarman tried moving this huge boulder but he was unable to.

Hence, the locals believe and call this boulder as the Stone of Sky God. Also, a few people relate this boulder to the butterball that was being snatched by Krishna from his mother, Yashoda.

Timings: 6 am to 6 pm Entrance fee for Indians: 40 INR/- Foreigner entry fee: 600 INR/- Location: E Raja St, Mahabalipuram, Tamil Nadu 603104

Suggested Read: 7 Festivals Of Tamil Nadu That’ll Take You Close To The Traditions Of The State!

5. Tiger Caves – Magnet For History Buffs

The people love to go to this place because of the architectural structure and also the historical significance it has. The structure is more or less like a mandap. The primary deity of the shrine in the tiger Caves is the goddess Durga. This place is located almost 4 km away from the main city of Mahabalipuram. There are 11 heads of tigers that are picturesquely carved on the walls of the caves. Hence, the place is called Tiger Caves.

Timings: 6 am to 6 pm Location: Mahabalipuram, Tamil Nadu 603104

Suggested Read: 9 Magnificent Mahabalipuram Resorts For A Blissful Stay In This Ancient City!

6. Mahabalipuram Beach – Tranquil Atmosphere

Image Source Also called Mamallapuram by the locals, the famous Mahabalipuram Beach is located on the shores of the Bay of Bengal and is one of the best tourist places in Mahabalipuram. It features plenty of prominent rock-cut sculptures that are sure to melt your heart! There are stunning caves, massive rathas, chariots, and temples on this beach that attract hundreds of pilgrims, architecture fans, and history geeks to these shores every month, and leaves them beguiled! Other than exploring these unique Mahabalipuram temples and caves, this beach is a great place to relax and spend quality time with your loved ones.

Location: Kanchipuram District, Tamil Nadu Timings: Open 24X7 Entrance fee: Nil

Suggested Read: Top 7 Hotels In Mahabalipuram For A Luxurious And Comfortable Stay On Your Trip

7. Arjuna’s Penance – Best Tamilian Architecture

Image Source The Arjuna’s Penance is one of the largest rock-cut reliefs in the whole world and one of the most popular places to visit in Mahabalipuram. Also known as the ‘Descent of the Ganges’ owing to its unique structure that depicts these two eminent and symbolic events in the Hindu mythology, this attraction is a favourite spot of historians, scholars, academics, and tourists who love ancient Tamilian architecture. What makes it one of the greatest temples in India is its 7th century art and the unique form of carving and sculpting that has given it its distinct shape and structure, and also landed it on the list of sites protected by ASI and UNESCO.

Location: Mamallapuram, Chengalpattu district, Tamil Nadu, India Timings: 6 AM – 6 PM Entrance fee: INR 10 (Indians) | INR 250 (Foreign Nationals) | INR 25 (Videography)

Suggested Read: 18 Pristine Beaches Near Coimbatore Which One Must Definitely Visit When They Are In Tamil Nadu!

8. Alamparai Fort – A Significant Historical Site

Image Source Not many are aware of the existence of the Alamparai Fort in Mahabalipuram, since it’s not as famous as other places to see in Mahabalipuram. However, this captivating fort is a very important historical site in this city. It’s essentially a long forgotten trading post that has a striking and rather imposing architecture, and the views from its top are sure to take your breath away! Though it’s not in perfect condition anymore, a walk across this dilapidated yet enthralling fort will make you feel like stepping back in time. Owing to the numerous shrubs, creepers, bushes, and trees here, it is a remarkable example of ancient architecture that has let nature take over and blended perfectly with the surrounding foliage.

Location: Edaikazhinadu, Tamil Nadu 603304 Timings: 8 AM – 6 PM Entrance fee: Nil

Suggested Read: 8 Famous Temples In Kodaikanal For A Divine Getaway To Tamil Nadu

9. Crocodile Bank – The Predators In Their Habitat

Looking for some places to visit in Mahabalipuram next? Don’t forget to visit the exciting Crocodile Bank situated about 14 km from Mahabalipuram main city. Established by herpetologist Romulus Whitaker in 1976, this conservation center holds a diverse species of Indian and African alligators, crocodiles, and even snakes. You’ll be able to spot these ferocious beings out in open pools here that have been made to resemble their natural habitat. The snake farm located right next to this center has a laboratory where antivenom is produced, helping the local snake catcher tribes make a living.

Location: Post Bag No 4, Mahabalipuram, Tamil Nadu 603104 Timings: 9 AM – 5 PM Entrance fee: INR 35

Suggested Read: 12 Places Near Kanyakumari For The Perfect Weekend Getaway

10. Covelong Beach – A Charming Retreat

A popular tourist hub on the coastline of the Bay of Bengal, the famous Covelong Beach is located in the Covelong Village a few miles away from the main city of Mahabalipuram. This charming retreat is one of the best beaches near Chennai for nature lovers, beach bums, and couples who wish to spend quality time on its silver sands, palm trees, and crashing waves. Once entangled in long-drawn political squabbles, this beach has now been transformed into one of most happening picnic spots near Chennai. Another interesting factor that draws people to this village is that it has India’s first Surfing School which makes it one of the top places to see in Mahabalipuram.

Location: Covelong, Chennai, Tamil Nadu Timings: Sunrise to Sunset Entrance fee: Nil

Suggested Read: 23 Picnic Spots In And Around Chennai For An Extravagant Holiday Experience

11. Mahishasura Mardini Cave Temple – Rock Cut Relic

Mahishasura Mardini Cave Temple is an epitome of 7th century Indian architecture. This monument is also known as Yampuri and is a rock-cut structure that leaves one in awe because of the aesthetics. One of the beautiful places to visit in Mahabalipuram , Mahishasura Mardini Cave Temple adorns carvings of the Hindu mythology. It showcases the Lord Vishnu on his seven hooded serpent and Lord Durga sitting on her lion as she slays the demon Mahishasur. A magnet for Hindu devotees and pilgrims, this structure also have scenes of Puranas depicted on the cave walls. This temple is sitting atop a hill and offers impeccable views of the surroundings.

Location: Mada Koil St, Mahabalipuram, Tamil Nadu Timings: NA Entrance fee: Nil

Suggested Read: 14 Things To Do In Madurai For An Interesting Experience During Tamil Nadu Vacation!

12. Krishna Cave Temple – Remarkable Wall Carvings

Another one of the open-air relic with the architecture dating back to the 7th century. As the name suggests, this temple is decdicate to Lord Krishna and is one of the eye-catching places to visit in Mahabalipuram . The monument found itself to become a part of the Group of Monuments that were taken under the list of UNSECO World Heritage Sites back in the year 1984. It was during the 16th century that the temple was enclosed with the empire of Vijayanagar. The brilliant and remarkable craftsmanship from that Era can be witnessed via the carvings of Lord Krishna lifting the Govardhan Parvat adorning the walls of the cave.

Location: W Raja St, Mahabalipuram, Tamil Nadu Timings: 8 am to 6 pm Entrance fee: Nil

Suggested Read: 11 Exciting Things To Do In Yercaud For A Mesmerising Holiday In Tamil Nadu

13. Ganesh Ratha Temple – Finest Example Of 7th Century Architecture

Ganesh Ratha temple is the apex of rock cut Indian architecture that was formed using just one rugged element. One of the fascinating places to see in Mahabalipuram , Ganesh Ratha Temple was also constructed back in the 7th century and is a present day eye candy for the history buffs out there in the country. The temple was built when Mahendravarman I was reigning. This temple is devoted to the God of destruction, Lord Shiva. It is also said that a Shivaling was also placed inside the temple but later it was removed. In the present days, the temple has devoted every nook to Lord Ganesha who is worshipped here. Innumerable Hindu pilgrims do pay a visit to the temple.

Location: Mahabalipuram, Kancheepuram, Tamil Nadu Timings: 8 am to 6 pm Entrance fee: Nil

Suggested Read: 14 Exciting Things To Do In Mahabalipuram On Your Next Vacay In Tamil Nadu!

14. Trimurti Cave – The Power Of Three Gods

As the name suggests, Trimurti Cave blankets the rock cut formation of the three Gods of the Hindu mythology. These Gods were the creater aka Brahma, god of preservation aka Vishnu, and the god of destruction aka Shiva. The other cave temples that cover the floors of Mahabalipuram have pillared mandaps but this one opens directly to the shrines of three Gods. One of the interesting places to see in Mahabalipuram , Tirumati Cave is also home to the shrine of Goddess Durga on her lion as she slays the demon Mahishasura.

Location: Mahabalipuram, Tamil Nadu Timings: NA Entrance fee: Nil

15. Mamallapuram Lighthouse – Exquisite Views

The lighthouse is one of the must visit places to see in Mahabalipuram . This particular beauty was constructed back in the 20th century. But the lighthouse was only open to the public in the year 2011. The structure of the lighthouse is built using the natural stones. The best part about this lighthouse is that the travelers are given permission to climb up the stoney stairs. Once atop, the panoramic views of the surroundings is a real treat for both eyes and soul of spectators. It is truly an experience that is worth every capture!

Location: Mada Koil St, Mahabalipuram, Tamil Nadu Timings: 9:30 to 5 pm Entrance fee: INR 100

Suggested Read: 12 Honeymoon Places In Tamil Nadu For A Romantic Getaway !

How To Reach

The best way to reach Mahabalipuram is to take a bus from Chennai, and there are several buses that frequently ply to this place. It takes about 2-3 hours to reach Mahabalipuram because of the heavy traffic. Also, one can also choose to book private buses from some of the major cities as there are a lot of services.

The closest railway station to Mahabalipuram is around 22km away, and the place is called Chengalpattu. One can also take a train to Chennai and from there, hire a taxi or even commute through the Tamil Nadu Public transport. The buses are frequently available, and this can be one of the convenient ways too. Chennai railway station is 62 km from Mahabalipuram.

There aren’t any direct flights to Mahabalipuram, and the closest is the Chennai Airport. All the major cities like Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru, and other big cities are well-connected. The distance from the airport to Mahabalipuram is approximately 52 km. From here, one can hire a taxi and reach the temple town of Mahabalipuram.

Further Read: 8 Homestays In Mahabalipuram To Feel At Home On Your Trip To The South!

Exploring these places to visit in Mahabalipuram can be a once in a lifetime experience. Witnessing the beauty of an architectural marvel that has an amazing history is a great thing to do on your vacation in Tamil Nadu . Also, experiencing the lovely sunrise from the mesmeric Bay of Bengal is yet another thing that would be etched in your mind and heart forever.

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Please Note: Any information published by TravelTriangle in any form of content is not intended to be a substitute for any kind of medical advice, and one must not take any action before consulting a professional medical expert of their own choice.

Frequently Asked Questions About Mahabalipuram

What are the top attractions to visit in Mahabalipuram?

The following are the top tourist places in Mahabalipuram - India Seashell Museum, Shore Temples, Five Rathas, Krishna’s Butterball, Tiger Caves, Mahabalipuram Beach, Arjuna’s Penance, Alamparai Fort, Crocodile Bank, Covelong Beach, Mahishasura Mardini Cave Temple, Krishna Cave Temple, Ganesh Ratha Temple, and Trimurti Cave.

What is famous in Mahabalipuram?

Mahabalipuram is known for its exquisite temples and monuments. The Shore Temple is the most prominent tourist attraction here. It comprises three temples built in one single complex, that was constructed in the 8th century.

Is it safe to visit Mahabalipuram during Covid times?

You need to follow all the mandatory travel guidelines mentioned by the authorities to ensure a safe travel experience. Complete both doses of vaccination before planning your visit and get an RT PCR test done as you may have to produce it at the entry and exit points. Maintain social distancing and remain masked while stepping out. Avoid visiting crowded places and gatherings. Keep sanitizing your hands regularly after touching surfaces.

Which are the best places to visit in Mahabalipuram in 2 days?

India Seashell Museum, Shore Temples, Five Rathas, Krishna’s Butterball, Tiger Caves, Mahabalipuram Beach, Arjuna’s Penance, Alamparai Fort, Crocodile Bank, Covelong Beach, Mahishasura Mardini Cave Temple, Krishna Cave Temple, Ganesh Ratha Temple, Trimurti Cave, etc. are the most popular places in Mahabalipuram to explore on a 2 days trip.

What is the best time to visit Mahabalipuram?

Winters months, especially between October to March are the best months to plan a trip to go to Mahabalipuram. The weather remains pleasant during this time.

Is Chennai close to Mahabalipuram?

Yes, Chennai is at a distance of 62 km from Mahabalipuram. Both the places are well-connected by road and you can take a bus or taxi to reach here.

Are the beaches in Mahabalipuram opened 24 hours?

No, the beaches in Mahabalipuram are not open until late at night. You can visit the beaches during the day.

Is Pondicherry close to Mahabalipuram?

Yes, a trip to Pondicherry would be possible when you go to Mahabalipuram. It is just a 1-hour journey from here.

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Ekta Maheshwari

Ekta believes that unless you are not riding on a wave you are not living at all. She is a foodie and loves binge-watching Game of Thrones. When she’s not living her dream you can find her in the kitchen cooking.

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18 BEST Places to Visit in Mahabalipuram (2024)

Mahabalipuram or Mamallapuram is an ancient port city in the state of Tamil Nadu, India. This town is best known for its 7th- and 8th-century Hindu monuments built by the Pallava Dynasty. These are some of India’s most impressive landmarks . There are plenty of amazing places to visit in Mahabalipuram, from the famous Shore Temple to Krishna’s Butterball, which is a pretty unique sight, to say the least.

When I visited Mahabalipuram, I was a bit overwhelmed by how big it was and I also had trouble finding the ticket office and knowing where to head to.

I hope this guide will help you plan your visit to Mahabalipuram so that your visit will be smoother than mine! After all, Mahabalipuram is one of these underrated places that is worth adding to your South India itinerary !

Best Places to Visit in Mahabalipuram

As Mahabalipuram is pretty big, and there are quite some things to see here, I put the places to visit here in the right order to make it a little easier for you. These places can easily be visited in 1 day .

Except for #18 on this list, the different sites are within walking distance of one another. You can easily find a rickshaw to take you from one place to another if you don’t feel like walking.

1. Shore Temple

As its name predicts, the shore temple is located by the coastline. This temple overlooks the shores of the Bay of Bengal, and it was built in the 7th century AD. At the time, the area was home to a bustling port.

When you look at old maps of Mahabalipuram, you will see that they mention seven temples at this site. It’s believed that the six other ones have been washed away by the sea.

The Shore Temple that’s left consists of three shrines. Two of these were dedicated to Hindu god Shiva, and the third was dedicated to Vishnu.

This is one of the most popular places to visit in Mahabalipuram and it’s magnificent!

Make sure to start your visit to the Mahabalipuram Group of Monuments at the Shore Temple, as this is where you will find the ticket office. It’s not possible to buy an entrance ticket at the entrance of the other monuments, so don’t make the same mistake as I made and head to the Shore Temple first.

2. Shri Dharmaraja Cave Temple

The Shri Dharmaraja Cave Temple was carved out of a rock at the beginning of the 7th century and it consists of three small sanctuaries. These are dedicated to Lord Shiva, Brahma and Vishnu, and you will find beautiful carvings inside.

Although this structure is often referred to as a temple, it was never consecrated because it wasn’t completed, so, officially, it’s not a temple.

The back of this monument can be seen from the road on the way to the main group of monuments of Mahabalipuram, which is a 10-minute walk from the Shore Temple. It’s full of beautiful carvings and you can see the lighthouse in the background.

3. Olakkannesvara Temple

This temple is located on top of the Mahishasura Mardini Cave (#5 on this list) and it was dedicated to an incarnation of Shiva, the destruction god in Hinduism.

The Olakkannesvara Temple is also known as “the Old Lighthouse” , as it’s believed that before the construction of the new lighthouse, this temple served as a lighthouse.

You will have to climb up some stairs to reach this temple, and it offers a beautiful view over the new Mahabalipuram Lighthouse (#4 on this list).

4. Mahabalipuram Lighthouse

Built at the end of the 19th century, the Mahabalipuram Lighthouse is the most modern structure in this complex! It’s located right next to the Old Lighthouse (#3 on this list), and although it was built in 1887, it only became fully functional in 1904.

This 26 m (85 ft) high structure can be seen from afar, and it’s one of the most popular places to visit in Mahabalipuram.

It’s possible to climb the lighthouse’s stairs and reach the viewing platform on top. If you decide to do so, you will be rewarded with a beautiful view of the surroundings.

5. Mahishasura Mardini Cave

The Mahishasura Mardini Cave (or Mahishamardini Mandapa)is right under the Olakkannesvara Temple (#3 on this list) and it’s one of the highlights of Mahabalipuram. This is a beautiful example of rock-cut Indian architecture .

Inside the temple, you will find two big carvings. One of the Hindu god Vishnu on a seven-headed snake and another one of the Hindu goddess Durga slaying the demon Mahishasura on her lion. These are beautiful examples of Tamil temple rock art.

6. Krishna Mandapam

Krishna Mandapam or the Krishna Cave Temple is the largest and oldest rock-cut temple in Mahabalipuram . It dates back to the mid-seventh century.

As its name predicts, this beautiful structure was dedicated to Lord Krishna, the blue god in Hinduism. You will find nine wall carvings depicting scenes from Hindu mythology inside. One of them depicts the story of Krishna lifting the Govardhana Hill with one finger.

I’m still a little annoyed at myself because I missed this place when I was in Mahabalipuram. That’s why I’m not using a picture I took myself. It is a good reason to go back, though.

7. Arjuna’s Penance or Descent of the Ganga River

Another one of the best tourist places in Mahabalipuram (and another one I missed, unfortunately), is Arjuna’s Penance, which is also known as “Descent of the Ganga River”.

This mid-seventh-century carving is 30 m (98 ft) long and no one is sure which story it depicts, hence its two names.

The first story tells the story of how Arjuna, the son of the god Indra, was extremely rigour to obtain Shiva’s weapon. The second story tells how the sage Bhagiratha was determined to bring the Ganges down to earth and how Lord Shiva had to break her fall.

No matter what story this wall-mounted sculpture tells, make sure not to miss it during your visit to Mahabalipuram!

8. Varaha Cave Temple

This rock-cut Hindu temple, which is also known as the Adivaraha Cave , might be small, but it is stunning! You will find this cave right behind Arjuna’s Penance (#7n on this list).

The Varaha Cave Temple is known for its beautiful carvings of Lord Vishnu, Goddess Gajalakshmi, Lord Trivikama and Goddess Durga. However, you will also find carvings of other Hindu deities here as well as sculptures of lions.

9. Ganesha Ratha

Ganesha Ratha is another beautiful structure that cannot be missed during a visit to Mahabalipuram. This temple was carved out of a rock to resemble a chariot from the 7th century.

It was originally dedicated to Lord Shiva. In the 19th century, however, the Shiva lingam was removed by villagers and this monument became known as “the temple of Lord Ganesh”, the elephant god in Hinduism.

This temple is full of beautiful details including images as well as inscriptions.

Fun fact: The Shiva lingam that was removed from this temple can still be found under a nearby tree.

10. Krishna’s Butterball

Krishna’s Butterball is quite a unique landmark, to say the least. This enormous boulder looks as if it’s floating and could fall any minute.

Numerous attempts have been made to remove this boulder due to safety concerns, but even with the help of seven elephants, it was impossible to move it .

It’s believed that the rock got its name from a story surrounding Lord Krishna. According to this story, Krishna often stole butter from his mom’s kitchen, and a tour guide said, it was Indira Gandhi who first named this boulder “Krishna’s Butterball” during a visit to Mahabalipuram.

If you’re into photography, it’s good to know that Krishna’s Butterball offers some unique photo opportunities!

11. Trimurti Cave Temple

This cave temple was dedicated to Lord Brahma, Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva, the “Hindu trinity” or the three most prominent deities in Hinduism.

The Trimurti Cave Temple is divided into three beautifully decorated shrines, which are reachable from the exterior of the temple. Apart from these, you will also find a smaller shrine dedicated to the Hindu goddess Durga here.

Tip: Check out the backside of this temple while you’re there, it’s decorated with carvings of elephants and their cubs, a monkey and a peacock.

12. Dharmaraja’s Throne

Dharmaraja’s Rock-Cut Throne, also known as Lion’s Throne , is one of the lesser-known monuments in Mahabalipuram but it is worth checking out.

This throne is located on top of a 5 m (16 ft) high rock and is believed to have been carved out of a single stone. Apart from this, not much is known about this throne, though.

13. Draupadi’s Bath

This big “bath” is another one of the lesser-known places to visit in Mahabalipuram, and it’s not so far from the Lion’s Throne (#12 on this list).

Although this rock-cut structure is called “Draupadi’s Bath”, it was used as a cistern and not an actual bath. It’s believed that it was excavated to store water as a drinking source for the workers who excavated the monuments in Mahabalipuram.

14. Five Rathas

The Five Rathas or Pancha Rathas is a 10-minute walk from the entrance of the complex with the previous monuments on this list (#2 to #14).

Here, you will find five stunning temples dating back to the 7th century. Each of these was carved out of large rocks and dedicated to a Hindu god.

The temples are named Dharmaraja Ratha , Bhima Ratha , Arjuna Ratha , Nakula Sahadeva Ratha and Draupadi Ratha . They were named after one or more of the Pandavas, the five legendary brothers of the Mahabharata (a sacred Hindu text), or their common wife, Draupadi.

The word “Ratha” is Sanskrit for “chariot”, and it’s believed that this refers to the temples serving as a vehicle for the gods. It’s believed that the temples were originally architectural models, and that didn’t serve as temples when they were built.

All in all, the Five Rathas is one of the best places to see in Mahabalipuram and one of my favourites too.

15. Sculpture Museum

Mahabalipuram might be most famous for its monuments, but the town’s Sculpture Museum is also worth visiting if you’re interested in art.

The Sculpture Museum boasts a beautiful collection of over 3,000 sculptures of gods and goddesses of Hindu mythology. Apart from that, you will also find plenty of paintings and miniature temples here, and some Buddhist sculptures too.

This museum is close to the Mahabalipuram Lighthouse, which is just a 10-minute walk from the Five Rathas or a 5-minute walk from the Shore Temple.

Tip: If seashells are more of your thing, you can also go to the India Seashell Museum . This museum is just a 5-minute walk from the Five Rathas and it’s home to a unique collection of rare seashells and minerals that were collected from around the world.

16. Mahisasura Rock

This rock is located on the beach near the Shore Temple and it has a carving of a lion’s face . The rock was uncovered after the tsunami in 2004, but besides this, not much is known about the place.

Although Mahisasura Rock is right next to the Shore Temple, you will have to take a detour to reach it because there’s a barrier around the temple. That’s why I think it’s more logical to visit this rock when you’re visiting Mahabalipuram Beach (#17 on this list).

17. Mahabalipuram Beach

Besides historical temples and monuments, Mahabalipuram is also famous for its sandy beach. This is the perfect place to take a break and relax.

It’s good to know that you can swim at Mahabalipuram Beach (or Mamallapuram Beach) and that you will find plenty of snacks and restaurants close by. If you’re a lover of seafood, there will be plenty of dishes to choose from.

18. Tiger Cave

Located 5 km (3.2 mi) from the Shore Temple, the Tiger Cave is a little further away from all the other monuments on this list. You will easily find an auto-rickshaw that can take you there, though, and walking is an option too.

This rock-cut temple dates back to the 8th century and it got its name from the 11 tiger heads that were sculpted around the entrance. The Tiger Cave served as a place of worship as well as a centre of learning during the Pallava dynasty.

All in all, the Tiger Cave may be a little bit further away from the other monuments of Mahabalipuram, but it is a beautiful place that you cannot miss during a visit to this interesting town.

Map of the Places to Visit in Mahabalipuram

Best Time to Visit Mahabalipuram

The best time to visit Mahabalipuram is in the winter months, from December to March .

You will find an overview of the seasons and the weather that you can expect below:

• Winter (December to March): This is the best time of the year to visit Mahabalipuram. In winter, you can expect temperatures between 19°C and 30°C (66°F and 86°F).
• Summer (March to June): Summers in the South of India are scorching hot and super humid. At this time of the year, temperatures will be between 25°C and 42°C (77°F and 107°F), but it feels much hotter because of the humidity.
• Monsoon (July to November): During the monsoon, temperatures in Mahabalipuram range between 26°C and 29°C (79°F and 84°F). July and August are especially humid, and you will experience more rain in this season.

Note that it gets very humid in Mahabalipuram during summer. I was there in May, which is the hottest month of the year and I’ve genuinely never been so hot in my life. It was impossible to walk for over a minute without being drenched due to the humidity. I actually escaped to McLeodGanj , in the Indian Himalayas, soon after because I couldn’t handle the heat anymore.

How to Get to Mahabalipuram

Mahabalipuram is 58 km (37 mi) from Chennai (previously known as Madras), the capital of Tamil Nadu or 94 km (59 mi) from the old French colony Pondicherry .

You can easily reach Mahabalipuram by:

• Bus: The cheapest way to get to Mahabalipuram is by taking the public bus. There’s no need to book tickets in advance. These buses may not be super comfortable but they’re cheap and efficient.
• Private car: Mahabalipuram can also be reached by private car. You can either hire a taxi or rent a car yourself . This will be more expensive, though.
• Tour: If you don’t want to organize things yourself, the easiest way to visit Mahabalipuram is by taking a guided tour. GetYourGuide offers great tours of Mahabalipuram from Chennai .

🇮🇳  The Travel Resources I use for India By purchasing through the following links, you can support me at no additional cost. 💜 🏨   Booking  &  Hostelworld : To find the best hotels, hostels and guesthouses 🚃  12GoAsia  &  Bookaway : To book trains and buses in advance 🛺 Ola : The best ride-hailing app for India 🛫  Skyscanner : To find the cheapest flights 🏕  GetYourGuide  &  Viator : To book great tours and activities 💰 Heymondo : One of the best-reviewed travel insurance companies (get 5% off with this link !) 📋 Don’t forget to  check if you need a visa to visit India .

Mahabalipuram Ticket Price

The ticket price for the Mahabalipuram Group of Monuments is 600 INR for foreigners and 40 INR for Indian nationals. Children younger than 15 can enter the sites for free.

This ticket can be bought at the Shore Temple and it’s valid for all the monuments in Mahabalipuram.

Read more about the south of India:

• 14 Places to See in Auroville
• Maratha Palace, Thanjavur: A Complete Guide
• 16 Things to Do in Fort Kochi, Kerala

Pin it for later: Did you find this post helpful? Save it on Pinterest and follow me on Instagram and Facebook for more travel tips and inspiration.

Laura Meyers

Laura Meyers is the founder of Laure Wanders. She was born in Belgium and has spent years travelling solo. She currently spends most of her time between Belgium and South Asia and loves helping other travellers plan their adventures abroad.

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Check out the best Rameshwaram itinerary !

The Best 1-Day Mahabalipuram Itinerary And Travel Guide for 2024

Last Updated on May 14, 2024

A trip to Mahabalipuram (also known as Mamallapuram) , the treasure trove of UNESCO world heritage sites was long-awaited.

This is the best 1-day Mahabalipuram itinerary , so let's get started!

I will tell you about the best things to do in Mahabalipuram while taking you on a virtual journey through the stories carved in the stones.

For the unintroduced, Mahabalipuram is a small town on the eastern coast of India, in Tamil Nadu . It is famous for being the abode of the group of rock-cut monuments built during the Pallava dynasty of the 7th and 8th centuries.

Intrigued to know more? Save this post as it has everything you need for your Mahabalipuram trip plan .

Mahabalipuram – A Historic Background

You can jump to the Mahabalipuram itinerary and travel tips. But you will enjoy your trip more if you have some historic background of the place before visiting this UNESCO heritage site.

These aren't just Mahabalipuram tourist places, they're spots locals enjoy as well.

Everything from the origin of its name to the cause of its ruin, the history of Mahabalipuram remains shrouded in a charming mystery. It was called the land of seven Pagodas.

People believed that there are seven temples on the shore, six of which are submerged under the sea. Till the tragic Tsunami of 2004, the existence of the other six Pagodas was primarily anecdotal.

It’s ironic how one of the greatest tragedies here is also remembered as a landmark day in uncovering the history of Mahabalipuram.

During the Tsunami, when the waves receded it took with it centuries of sediment that covered the temples and revealed a row of rock structures underneath.

There are eyewitnesses who account for this, but they were submerged under the sea again. However, the sand deposits were removed changing the coastline permanently, leaving a few structures uncovered.

Most importantly it confirmed the centuries-old “myth” of the seven Pagodas.

The Best Mahabalipuram Itinerary At A Glance

Mahabalipuram is located midway between two busy tourist destinations – Chennai and Pondicherry . So it's an attractive daytrip location which can be easily explored by a walking tour.

However, staying one night in Mahabalipuram is worth it. How else would you catch the glorious sunrise at the shore temple or explore the popular tourist spots without the crowd?

Day 1: Mahabalipuram Walking Tour

• Reach Mahabalipuram early and climb to the lighthouse.
• Explore the cave temples, Arjuna's penance, Krishna's butterball and lighthouse museum which are all clustered in the same location.
• Drive to the Seashell Museum
• Eat at the Sea Rock restaurant. Or head to “The Golden Palate” for vegetarian meal.
• Visit Pancha Rathas (queue up for tickets)
• End the day at Mahabalipuram beach
• Optional- watch sunset from the lighthouse for free

Day 2 at Mahabalipuram

• Rise early to see the sunrise at Shore Temple (opens at 6 am)
• Breakfast and check out
• Shop for handicrafts
• Then drive to the Crocodile Beach

You can hit all of these places to visit in Mahabalipuram in 1 day but I don't recommend it. If you condense all these in a hectic one day trip, you will miss spending enough time in one of the most beautiful beaches in India .

13 Things to do on a one-day trip to Mahabalipuram

Mahabalipuram has around 40 monuments from the Pallava dynasty. Each of them is an architectural marvel that would make you awestruck at the creative and engineering genius of an era without advanced machinery like today.

But there’s a lot more to do in Mahabalipuram than temple-hopping. Here are the 13 highlights of Mahabalipuram based on my favorites.

Shore Temple

The Shore Temple is one of the two most significant places to visit in Mahabalipuram. It is believed to be one of the seven legendary Pagodas, the only one which survived the test of time and tide. It’s amazing to see how this edifice built in the 8th century withstood countless calamities and still has the intricate bas-relief intact.

The temple is located such that the first rays of the Sun fall on the presiding deity Shiva.

The temple is open from 6 am to 6 pm for visit. So, if you stay in Mahabalipuram for one night, do not miss the sunrise at shore temple.

The queue to tickets and car parking get long during the afternoon. So, if you are on a day-trip, visit the Shore Temple and Pancha Rathas before anything else.

Entry Fee: Rs. 40 for Indian citizens, Rs. 40 for car parking. The entry fee includes entry to the beach as well.

Pancha Rathas

If you have ever read about Mahabalipuram, then you must have seen the striking picture of the 5 stone chariots. Unlike the spectacular stone chariot of Hampi, these chariots are monoliths and don’t have visible wheels.

The Pancha Rathas is a tribute to the five Pandava brothers in the ancient epic Mahabharata. It is one of the most celebrated icons of Mahabalipuram.

Apart from the ornate chariots, the monolithic Airavat (elephant) and Nandi (bull) also shine bright. The color of the rocks is identical to the sand beneath which makes it a magical sight.

This place too gets really crowded in the peak hours, so go there as early as possible on your Mahabalipuram excursion.

Entry Fee: Rs. 40 for Indian citizens, Rs. 40 for car parking.

Cave Temple Complex

Our first stop at Mahabalipuram was the Mahishasur Mardini cave temple . A walk to the hill-top led us to discover a multitude of finished and unfinished rock-cut temples in the area. I will, therefore, group them into this umbrella – cave temple complex.

It’s easy to navigate inside from one cave temple to another using the signboards inside. Google maps are not of great use in the area. The Krishna Mandapam , Varaha cave and Ramanuja mandapam are some of the other ancient shrines here.

You can experience this marvel and all other temples in this cluster without any entry fee.

Roya Gopuram

Roya Gopuram is located close to the cave temples on your way to the famous Krishna’s butterball. Gopuram in Tamil means Gate. It is an unfinished temple located at the hill-top. The intricately carved gates provide a frame that no photographer can refuse.

If you want a perfect picture of yourself with the frames, good luck to you exploring the rest of the town.

Arjuna’s Penance or Descent of Ganges

Arjuna’s penance is one of the largest open-air bas-relief architectures in the world . The elaborate sculptures on the pink granite are said to depict an episode of Mahabharata.

There is an equally popular alternate theory of the story being related to another mythical story about the descent of Ganga What grabbed my attention though was the sculpture adjacent to it.

The overt detailing of wildlife including a monkey in the act of picking lice from her kid’s head!

Krishna’s Butterball

Krishna’s butterball, as funny as it may sound, is a name given to the huge boulder precariously balanced on the rocks apparently defying the law of gravity. There must be some scientific explanation for the same, but I didn’t probe into it.

Sometimes it’s just okay to believe in magic when it hurts no one. The most cliched thing to do here is to pose while trying to push the boulder. So far, no human has been able to do so.

The slippery slope near the boulder used by children as a slide.

Mahabalipuram Lighthouse

Remember I said you have more to do in Mahabalipuram than temple-hopping? Let’s come to that now.

As you hike to the Mahisasur Mardini Cave, you can see the beautiful lighthouse behind it. It’s the highest observatory at Mahabalipuram from where you can get a 360-degree panoramic view of the town.

Maritime Heritage Museum

In the same complex near the caves, you will find a quaint little museum called the Maritime Heritage Museum. I haven’t visited a maritime museum before, so I really have no reference point.

It's certainly not the best or the biggest of them all, but I loved learning about some maritime history of Mahabalipuram. You will find some model ships of the past, and some old anchors, and artilleries among other things.

Outside the air-conditioned building a small well-maintained garden as well.

Entry fee – Rs. 10, Camera fee – Rs. 20

Crocodile Bank

The crocodile bank is a very unique undertaking to grow three different varieties of Indian crocodile. Crocodile hunting was a common business in the tropics till the mid 20th century, which threatened the ecological balance.

The Ma dras Crocodile Bank , located in Mahabalipuram was intended to be a genetic repository of Indian crocodiles, for breeding and safekeeping, and eventually releasing the crocodiles to the wild.

However, as the wild areas have shrunk, the releasing of crocodiles have been temporarily stopped.

Apart from crocodiles, they work on preservation and research of other reptiles and amphibians including the King Cobra.

If interested, you can also visit the “ Dakshina Chitra Museum ” which is about 10 km away from the Crocodile bank, towards Chennai. You can also enjoy some time in the Kovalam beach nearby.

Mahabalipuram Beach

While talking about the numerous gems of Mahabalipuram it’s easy to forget that it is after-all a beach-town. You can’t visit Mahabalipuram and not head to the golden beaches.

The beach near the shore temple is especially interesting with several ancient relics that appeared after the tsunami. If you want to avoid the tourist crowd you can also visit the quaint fisherman villages near the crocodile bank.

Seashell Museum

The seashell museum of Mahabalipuram is the largest one of its kind in Asia. It displays a myriad of shells, corals, and fossils almost single-handedly collected by Mr. Raja Mohammed.

There are about 40,000 specimens of rare seashells, shark teeth, whale fins, and other fossils, as per their official website.

Pallava Beach

Named after the dynasty that defines the heritage lanscape of Mahabalipuram, Pallava beach is an offbeat destination. It's way less crowded than the Mahabalipuram Beach and offers a serene escapade after an exhausting walking tour.

Stone Souvenir Shopping

The last thing to mention is something that left a slightly sour taste in my mouth, but for all my fault. It’s hard to not notice the large number of beautiful stone artifacts on sale in the streets of Mahabalipuram.

From tiny tortoise replicas that cost only Rs.30 to the bigger and more intricately sculpted ones, these are souvenirs you must consider taking home.

However, I fell into a tourist trap where some over-persuasive salesman followed me from the temples and took me to his shop to sell things at almost thrice their normal selling price.

I don’t know if it was the extreme humidity or just my celebratory mood shortly after my promotion at the office, I somehow ended up duped. Anyways, my mistakes are your learnings.

Don’t enter shops, rather get them from the vendors on the street selling the exact same things under the scorching heat of the sun.

Where to Stay in Mahabalipuram?

When in Mahabalipuram it's best to stay near the beach.

Radisson Blu Resort Temple Bay Mamallapuram

☑️Top Luxury Resort ☑️Best Location ☑️Wellness

At roughly Rs.13000 per night, this is the best luxury resort and the closest accommodation near the Shore Temple and Mahabalipuram Beach. There are many cafes and restaurants nearby if you want to explore food outside the hotel. See current prices .

Thiru Pavilion Retreat, Mahabalipuram

☑️Pocket-friendly ☑️Great Location

At a pocket-friendly rate of Rs. 1500, this beachside property gives you the best value for money. The rooms are spacious and balcony views are awesome. Click to check current rates .

Golden Sun Beach Resort

☑️Affordable luxury ☑️Great Location

At a pocket-friendly rate of Rs. 5000 per night, this seaside property is located near the Pallava beach. It features swimming pool, wellness center and other luxury amenities at affordable rates. Check availability here .

How to Reach Mahabalipuram?

The easiest way to reach Mahabalipuram is by hiring a cab from Chennai – one of busiest international airports in India. Chennai, Mahabalipuram and Pondicherry are connected by the super-fast ECR highway which makes road trips easy.

Essential Travel Tips for a day trip to Mahabalipuram

If you are going on a day trip from Pondicherry, I recommend that you start at 9 am.

• Head straight to the Crocodile Bank if that interests you.
• Then head to the Shore Temple and Pancha Rathas . These are the most famous heritage sites in Mahabalipuram, so it's good to visit it earlier in the day to avoid long queues in parking and ticket counter.
• After that, you visit the cave temples, Arjuna's penance, Krishna's butterball and lighthouse which are all clustered in the same location.
• If time permits you can visit a couple of museums.

While the roads are great, most of the highway is single-lane, so if you are driving try to start your return-journey by 5 pm. Alternatively, you can board a bus from Pondicherry to Chennai taking the ECR highway route, that will stop at the Mahabalipuram bus station.

Mahabalipuram is best explored on foot, and you must be ready for a lot of uphill hikes. Check out our guide to choosing the best travel shoes in India . Most of the temples are not living, so you don't have to open your shoes before entering them.

Travelling from Chennai? I highly recommend the Mahabalipuram and Kanchipuram Private tour

If you are interested in relics of the past such as these, you must also consider a trip to Hampi . It's my favorite UNESCO heritage site of India to travel to.

You can also check out the ideal itinerary for Pondicherry here .

If you liked this article, please share it. Pin the image below to save the article.

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26 Comments

It’s a interesting read! Thanks for the blog and keep up the good work Sinjana!

Thanks a lot!

I visited Mahabalipuram long back, but after reading this, I think it’s time to go back n relive the old memmories

Your posts always inspires me to travel on weekends and explore the surrounding areas. Mahabalipuram and Pondicherry are two such places that are on my weekend getaway bucket list for a long time now.

Thank you and I’m so glad to know that. Both of them are great weekend desitnations from Bangalore

In 2016 I was here and the place is a gem. I loved its beach side of course I was in a private beach area via a luxury resort but I assume the general beach area would also be this great.

As always, very well explored and documented. Refreshing read and realistic review for the traveler. Good job 🙂

Thank you so much!

Thank you for such a detailed travel guide. The temples of Mahabalipuram have always fascinated it. I also overall like the town that has many idol makers and sculptors. I am pinning this guide for my next visit. Keep up the great work.

Thank you so much Purvi!

Nice article, Thanks for sharing.

Love reading your posts. You introduce me to places in India, I have never heard of before. I’m planning my third trip to India next year and as I will be passing through Chennai, I’m going to add a day trip as you suggested to Mahabalipuram.

Thanks Sarah. Though Chennai itself has some beautiful beaches, this heritage site is just an hour’s drive away.

Another place added to my list for India. Thank you, I hadn’t heard of Mahabalipuram before.

Wow! How have I not heard of here, looks fascinating!Pancha Rathas looks amazing as does it all! Time to return to India, I think!!!

Very detailed and nicely put together

Nice Article…. your Article really give best information for travel lover

You’ve given a detailed account, very fascinating. Street shopping in tourist places is the best.

Breath-taking pictures, Sinjana.

Haven’t been to Mahabalipuram yet, despite being in Bangalore for so long. I can’t wait to explore these gorgeous places. Thanks for this post.

Mahabalipuram is a fabulous place. I wish to go there again when the crowd is less.

I have been planning to visit Mahabalipuram in the month of August and guess what, I come across your post. Bookmarking it to refer to this again later. Thanks for sharing.

Detailed review .thank you

You are welcome. Thanks for your feedback.

Very helpful, look forward to the visit even more next week. Thank you!

very informative and useful post.

Thank you so much

thanks a lot for reading

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Mamallapuram (Mahabalipuram)

Seaport of spirituality

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• mamallapuram

Explore Mahabalipuram city and its best places to visit

Sitting along the Coromandel Coast of the Bay of Bengal, the seaport town of Mamallapuram or Mahabalipuram, in Tamil Nadu, is a beautiful beach destination that is slowly becoming the surfing hub of the country. Speckled with several UNESCO World Heritage Sites, courtesy of the ancient Pallava dynasty (3rd - 9th century BC), who were great patrons of art and crafts, Mamallapuram holds a baffling visual treat around every corner. Its awe-inspiring cave temples, sculptures and monuments leave one marvelling at the skill of the craftsmen of that time. With its striking bas reliefs and rock-cut temples, Mamallapuram is practically an open-air museum. Many of the temples, built with granite, relate the stories from the Hindu epic Mahabharata. Once a thriving port, Mamallapuram is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site complex, also famous for its seashell jewellery, seafood, cafes and markets and a breathtaking ocean-front. While you can soak in history visiting various historical sites, Mamallapuram's pristine beaches fringed by lush groves with a warm sun, invite surfers. With perfect sea waves between June and September, the beaches host surfing training sessions conducted by experts. The town is also a major stopover for visitors coming from Chennai and Puducherry.

Mahabalipuram was a well-established seaport between the 7th and the 10th centuries. It earned its name for the legend of demon king Mahabali being killed at the site by Lord Vishnu. Taken over by the kings of the Pallava dynasty, who shifted their capital from Kanchipuram to Mamallapuram, giving glory to king Narasimhavaranam, who was bestowed with the title of “Mammala” for his wrestling skills. During the rule of the Pallavas, many great artists, dancers, poets, writers found a foothold here and left their mark. The Pallavas made Mamallapuram a hub where they emerged as pioneers of new styles of art and architecture, making good use of their resources. However, the ingenuity of the Pallavas remained hidden from the world for centuries. When the region received its fair share of the limelight, it quickly became popular for its architectural marvels, gorgeous beaches, absolute serenity and mesmerising temples, and not to mention the fascinating legends of the Pallavas.

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Mahabalipuram-life divinelypreserved in stone

Mahabalipuram Walkthrough

Attractions, the legacy of mamallapuram through its attractions, krishna's butter ball.

This immense boulder, about 16 ft high, is one of the prominent tourist sites in Mamallapuram. Defying gravity, the boulder is balanced precariously on a narrow base. It is symbolic of Lord Krishna's love for butter. According to legend, the boulder...

Arjuna's Penance

Believed to be the world's largest structure of its kind, inscribed...

The Panch Rathas

Currently a part of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites under the...

Shore Temple

Classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Shore Temple is the...

Mahishasuramardini Cave Temple

Located at the southern end of Mamallapuram Hill, Mahishasuramardini...

Immersive Experience

Food and Cuisine

Explore the places near seaport of spirituality

• Experiences

Snake and Children's Park

Mamallapuram is home to the fascinating Guindy National Park, which...

Cholamandal Artists Village

Located on the outskirts of the port town of Mamallapuram, the...

Varaha Cave Temple

The Varaha Cave Temple is known for four exquisite carvings of Lord...

Panchapandava Mandapam

Another jewel in the Mamallapuram UNESCO World Heritage Site complex...

Crocodile Bank

For a fascinating experience, head to the Crocodile Bank in...

DakshinaChitra Heritage Museum

On the outskirts of Mamallapuram lies the DakshinaChitra Heritage...

This immense boulder, about 16 ft high, is one of the prominent...

Mamallapuram Beach

To enjoy spectacular views of sunsets and sunrises, head to...

Open-Air Museum

A recent addition to the splendour of Mamallapuram, this museum...

Government College of Architecture and Sculpture

Mamallapuram, the erstwhile capital of the Pallava dynasty, is famous...

Tiger Caves

While the name brings to mind a cave filled with majestic tigers, it...

Krishna Mandapam

The largest mandapam in Mamallapuram is dedicated to Lord Krishna....

Trimurti Cave Temple

Trimurti is a triple-celled temple, dedicated to the holy trinity of...

Ancient temples, vibrant arts, natural wonders and a bustling...

Puducherry (the official name was changed from Pondicherry in 2006)...

Kanchipuram

Synonymous with spirituality, serenity and silk, the temple town of...

tiruvannamalai

Among the holiest towns of Tamil Nadu, Tiruvannamalai is a popular...

How to get there

The Chennai International Airport is the nearest for going to Mamallapuram. It lies 55 km away from the port town.

Mamallapuram has well-connecting roads with Chennai, Chengalpet, and several nearby cities.

Chengalpet is the nearest railhead to Mamallapuram, approximately 30 km away. It is well-connected to Chennai and other nearby cities.

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Places to Visit in Mahabalipuram

• Mahabalipuram
• Places To Visit

Tourist Places to Visit in Mahabalipuram

Here are some of the best places to visit in mahabalipuram:, shore temple.

Pancha Rathas

Descent Of The Ganges

Group Of Monuments At Mahabalipuram

Best of Tamil Nadu

Krishna's Butterball

Varaha Cave Temple

Mahabalipuram Beach

Thirukadalmallai

Best of Chennai

Krishna Mandapam

India Seashell Museum

Mahishasuramardini Mandapa

Mahabalipuram Light House

Best of Pondicherry

Ganesha Ratha

Sculpture Museum

Arjuna's Penance

Best of Tirupati

Dharmaraja Ratha

Shore Beach Temple

Olakkannesvara Temple

Draupadi Ratha

Top Experiences To Do in Draupadi Ratha

Best of Rameswaram

The Madras Crocodile Bank Trust And Centre For Herpetology

Raya Gopuram

Shri Dharmaraja Cave Temple

Karukathamman Temple

Best of Kanchipuram

Mahabalipuram Port

Nestled along the southeastern coast of India, Mahabalipuram Port is a treasure trove of history, art, and natural beauty. Known for its ancient temples, intricate rock carvings, and serene beaches, this coastal town offers a unique blend of cultural heritage and scenic charm that captivates every visitor.

Mahabalipuram, also known as Mamallapuram, was once a bustling port city during the Pallava dynasty in the 7th and 8th centuries. The town is renowned for its UNESCO World Heritage-listed group of monuments, which showcase the architectural and artistic brilliance of the Pallavas. Among these, the Shore Temple stands out, majestically overlooking the Bay of Bengal. This stunning granite temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, is a testament to the town's maritime history and architectural prowess.

Mahishasura Rock

Panch Pandav Gufa

Just as the name indicates, Panch Pandav Gufa temple is dedicated to the five Pandava brothers. The cave is set amidst tall mountains and was discovered by the late Baba Narayandas in the year 1949. A plight of steps down takes one towards the cave having such a narrow entrance that one needs to bend about 1/3rd of his height to enter the cave temple.

Inside the temple, one can find shrines dedicated to Mata Hinglaj, Lord Shiva, Sita Ma, Ram-Laxman, Lord Hanuman and Goddess Durga. The calm ambiance of the place and the panoramic views of the city of Somnath that one can enjoy from the temple make it one of the must-visit places to visit in Somnath.

Location : Prabhas Patan, Somnath, Gujarat

Timing : 08.00 AM - 06.00 PM 

Best Time to Visit : November to June

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14 Amazing Places To Visit In Mahabalipuram (+ Expert Tips On The City!)

Categories Destinations , Asia , India , Mahabalipuram , Tamil Nadu , UNESCO Heritage Sites

There is so much India that lies unexplored. While we were planning our road trip to Pondicherry, I happened to stumble across a small gem called Mahabalipuram. Located on the coast of Tamil Nadu, this little town is known for its 7 th and 8 th century structures that exist till date. The archaeological interests that lie in the city isn’t the only reason to visit.

Since Mahabalipuram lies on the coast of India you can treat yourself to some relaxing time on the white sandy beaches too. One thing became apparent rather quickly.

There are lots of amazing places to visit in Mahabalipuram and you will enjoy visiting each site at your own pace. Assuming you have time that is… We visited the city as part of a road trip from Bangalore to Pondicherry .

This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn a small commission from qualifying purchases at no additional cost to you. Read my disclaimer for further information.

🚗 Looking at ticking off all the different things to do in Mahabalipuram? I recommend booking this Mahabalipuram Self-Guided Audio Tour which lets you tour the area at your own pace. 🚗

Table of Contents

Facts about mahabalipuram.

Most people haven’t heard of Mahabalipuram. I have to confess that three weeks before our trip, I hadn’t heard of it either. I expected it to be a great place to make a pit stop and enjoy the beach. I had no idea just how many things to see in Mahabalipuram were actually there.

Despite being really sick, the temptation to see each one of them was strong. That’s the main reason why I have started putting together this Mahabalipuram travel guide. B

efore we start talking about all the places to visit in Mahabalipuram, let’s take a look at some facts that could make planning your trip easier.

History of Mahabalipuram

Since Mahabalipuram has so many archeological sites of interest, knowing a bit of the history makes the visit so much more interesting. The town was a sea port as far back as the 1 st century.

The archeological sites however are from the 7 th century and belong to the time of a south Indian dynasty called to the Pallavas. You will find that the history is closely tied to most of the places to visit in Mahabalipuram.

Climate in Mahabalipuram

Mahabalipuram has a tropical climate. Expect the weather to be hot and humid since Mahabalipuram occupies a sliver of land that is on the East coast of India. May is hottest season in the year (32 o C) and January is the coldest (24 o C).

It also receives 1219 mm of rainfall every year so be prepared in case you reach there in the monsoons. The best time to visit this town is said to be between October and March.

Currency Used In Mahabalipuram

The currency used in Mahabalipuram is the Indian rupee (INR). Being an Indian I did not have a problem with the currency. I did see only one money exchange shop in the city so I think it would be better to get your currency exchanged at a bigger city.

That being said many places accept a credit card but a number of them ask for cash so it is wise to be prepared.

Food You Have To Try In Mahabalipuram

You can except to get both vegetarian and non-vegetarian food in Mahabalipuram. Most of the food is cheap enough. Seafood tends to be the most expensive thing on the menu. A lot of the restaurants and cafes specialize in breakfast items. Of all the places that we visited, Namaste and Babu’s café were my favorites.

Getting To Mahabalipuram

For us Mahabalipuram was a stop on a short road trip out of Bangalore but if you are heading here without your own vehicle then you should know that the town does not have an airport. The closest main hub is Chennai so if you want to fly anywhere you need to fly there. The city is located at the south of Chennai (58 kilometers south) which makes getting there easy enough.

The cheapest way is to get on one of the local buses in Chennai. Since it is only 58 kilometers, the journey won’t be that long. Bangalore is a lot further away but when I was doing my research I noticed that there were a couple of buses that leave from this city too.

Transport In Mahabalipuram

We found that we could walk to most places in Mahabalipuram. This was largely because we were staying in the heart of the city and very close to the coast. Auto rickshaws are also available but I am not really sure about the prices. Renting a motorbike is another option. My choice however would be to rent a bicycle and cycle through the town.

Accommodation In Mahabalipuram

Accommodation is cheap in Mahabalipuram. Then again it depends on what you are looking for. Shawn and I found ourselves a room at Rajalakshmi Guest house for 600/- ($9) a day. It was a small room with a fan and an attached bathroom but it did the job well and we were happy especially because of its location.

There is a common area with hammocks that you can rest in and network with people. If not sitting in the attached balcony of your room and looking at the potted plants is also very relaxing.

Places To Visit In Mahabalipuram

Like I mentioned before, there are a lot of things to see in Mahabalipuram. A number of the archaeological sites are even UNESCO heritage sites. One thing that I loved the most about the little town was the way the monuments were cared for.

There was no litter and trash in most places so I’m assuming that there are people who actually move around making sure that the monuments are kept clean.

1. The Beach

Relaxing at the beach is something that we always love to do. It is also one of the top places to visit in Mahabalipuram

Mahabalipuram lies on the east coast of India and it has some really beautiful beaches. If you head to the beach early in the morning you can catch the sun rising above the waves. Perch upon one of the docked fishing boats in the evening and let the wind whip through your hair.

If you aren’t interested in the beaches close to the hub of the city, head a little way out and you will find less crowded stretched of white land.

2. The Shore Temple

The shore temple is one of the most famous places to visit in Mahabalipuram.

The Shore temple is located on the beach. If you want to catch a great photograph of the temple then head there for the sunrise. The gates open at 6 am sharp. There is hardly anyone at the temple and you can get some amazing angles without the crowds. It is also a lovely place to sit and enjoy the scenery.

An interesting fact about the Shore temple revolves around the tsunami of 2004. It was at this time that the Shore temple was discovered as a pile of collapsed rocks. The Archeological Survey of India has built a break water wall in order to protect the Shore temple from further damage by the sea.

The Shore temple is one of the top places to visit in Mahabalipuram and it belongs to a group of Monuments that has been declared as UNESCO Heritage sites.

3. Tiger Cave

The tiger cave is another one of the places to visit in Mahabalipuram.

The Tiger cave is situated a little away from the main town but I would advise you to put it on your list of places to visit in Mahabalipuram. There isn’t much to see in the area but the park itself is nice and lush green. Trees provide shade while the sea breeze keeps you cool.

Just 100 meters away is a beach which isn’t very touristy. It’s a great place for a picnic if you have the time.

4. Descent Of The Ganges

The Descent into the Ganges is an impressive fresco that you can’t help but admire.

This particular monument is easily missed if you don’t walk on the outer road of the park that holds most of the UNESCO monuments. It is definitely one of the significant places to visit in Mahabalipuram.

Two huge rocks rise to the sky but it is the carvings etched on their sides that catch a spectator’s eye. The carvings are said to depict the legend of how the Ganges (a sacred river) descended to the Earth.

5. Krishna’s Butterball

Sometimes ancient structures seem to defy the laws of Physics!

Listed as a historical monument by the Archeological survey of India, the Krishna butterball is one of the places to visit in Mahabalipuram because it seems to defy the laws of physics. The enormous rock weighs around 250 tons and is 5 meters wide and 6 meters high.

It is balanced on a slope and a spectator can’t help but feel that it will come rolling down at any moment. Well the eyes can deceive you it seems as this rock has been precariously placed for almost (according to legend) 1200 years.

6. Ganesh Ratha

The UNESCO monuments are high on everyone’s list of places to visit in Mahabalipuram.

After gazing at the Krishna butterball, the first temple on your path will be the Ganesh Ratha. Like so many of the other monuments, the Ganesh Ratha is also a part of the UNESCO heritage site and is one of the places to visit in Mahabalipuram. This temple is fully complete and is carved out of pink granite rock.

7. The Vartha Cave

Another monument sculpted into rock.

The Varaha cave is another interesting spot to stop at as you move through the park. The temple is cut into a enormous rock. As usual the carvings on the wall are breathtaking. This particular rock-cave kind of architecture is called a mandapa.

One of the most prominent sculptures that can be seen in the Varaha cave is that of Lord Vishnu. The Varaha cave also belongs to the group of monuments in Mahabalipuram that are declared a UNESCO heritage site.

8. Raya Gopuram

Incomplete or not, the Raya Gopuram is beautiful and was one of my favourite places to visit in Mahabalipuram .

Gopuram means a gatehouse tower. The Raya Gopuram is thought to be an incomplete Gopuram. The structure itself is beautiful and is my favorite spot in the park because of the view that you get when you reach it. The Raya Gopuram is a great place to sit for a while and enjoy the cool breeze that blows your way.

9. Mandapa Of Krishna

A fresco depicting an ancient legend in Mahabalipuram.

Next on our list of places to visit in Mahabalipuram is the Mandapa of Krishna. This monument too is part of the UNESCO heritage site. The frescos inside are said to depict the scene of the Lord Krishna lifting a hill called Govardhana. He did this to protect the cowherds and the milk maids from heavy floods and rains.

10. Mahishasuramardini Mandapa

It is hard to believe that this spot is easy to miss!

The Mahishasuramardini Mandapa is an example of a cave temple. It dates back to the 7 th century and was part of the Pallava dynasty. The cave temple is very close to the light house and is situated in a nice shady spot. Above the temple is a short hike to a small stone structure. Shawn climbed up and said the view was awesome.

11. The Lighthouse

The lighthouse provides one of the best views in the city.

The lighthouse in Mahabalipuram stands tall with an awesome view of the sea. For a fee you can climb up and scan the area from the eagles perch. The light house itself is old and dates back to 1907 but seated at its side is the oldest lighthouse in India.

The tiny square shape structure on the left is a lighthouse which was built by the Pallava dynasty way back in 640 AD.

12. Mahishamardini Rock Cut Mandapa

The Mahishamardini Rock cut Mandapa is another one of the great things to see in Mahabalipuram. It is cut into the rock just like most of the other Mandapas in the region. Situated near the lighthouse, the Mahishamardini Mandapa is easy to miss if you aren’t on the lookout for it.

13. Olakaneeswaara Temple

Shawn said that the temple was much prettier up close.

The Olakaneeswaara is probably one of the best preserved temples in the park. Situated on a hill above the Mahishamardini Rock Cut Mandapa, the temple is dedicated to Lord Siva.

Shawn climbed up all the way and said that the view was gorgeous. The photographs that he brought back were certainly proof enough for me.

14. Museums

Some of the thousands of shells that we saw at the museum.

Mahabalipuram has a number of museums that are worth visiting. Unfortunately because of my illness we couldn’t visit most of them. We however did manage to visit the India Seashell museum.

The other museums of note are the Heritage museum, the Lighthouse museum and the Naval museum. Note that these three museums close at 5 pm and the timings that Google provides are far from correct. We reached too late and sadly couldn’t enter.

Tours To Mahabalipuram

There are loads of things to do in Mahabalipuram but it can get difficult to hit all of them if you are short on time. Taking one of the popular tours is definitely an idea that you should be open to.

Private Tour of Mahabalipuram From Chennai By Car

⭐️ Rating: 5/5 (123 Reviews) Price: $100 per person Duration: 7 hours 📍 Meeting Point: Multiple pickup points Details: Read more on Viator!

One of the closest cities to Mahabalipuram is Chennai and if you have set up your base here you can easily take this Mahabalipuram tour from there. This tour includes includes door-to-door transport, lunch, and all entrance fees.

Oh and the car is airconditioned so it will help you beat the Indian heat.

“Ramesh was an excellent guide. he explained everything well and gave me enough time to slowly look around and take photos. The transport was quick, efficient and on time. The driver, Baskar was very nice and accommodating. It was an excellent experience!” Nandita ( read more reviews now! )

You don’t even have to worry about the language of narration because you will be provided with a guide that speaks English which is great because you can catch all the local stories too!

Mahabalipuram Self-Guided Audio Tour

⭐️ Rating: 4/5 (17 Reviews) Price: $6 per person Duration: 1-6 hours 📍 Meeting Point: Mahabalipuram Details: Read more on Viator!

Another way to enjoy the city is to take a Mahabalipuram self-guided audio tour. That way you can enjoy the city at your own pace. You also get to enjoy all the little stories along the way and you don’t have to worry about any language barriers.

You don’t even need to carry any device. The audio tour can be downloaded on any phone or tablet.

Accessories you should carry

No travel guide is complete without advice of the accessories that you should carry. Mahabalipuram is a simple town but you do get most of the basic things required during travel. A few things that you should consider taking along however are:

MOSQUITO REPELLENT

When traveling through the tropical parts of India you are bound to find mosquitoes especially when it rains. With the number of mosquito borne diseases becoming more and more rampant, you will find that prevention is better than cure.

Most of the accommodations that you book will provide you some form of mosquito repellent when you are in the room. It is when you are outside that the problems begin to start.

You never know when the skies are going to open and shower you with their blessings. That being said you don’t want to be trapped in the rain while heading to the different places to visit in Mahabalipuram. I always find that a raincoat or a jacket is a good and practical shield to carry along.

The rain maybe one part of your worries but make sure that you don’t forget about the heat of the sun. Sunburn is particularly easy if you aren’t used to the hot temperatures that India is bound to throw your way. That is the reason why sunscreen is always a good idea.

A GOOD CAMERA

A good camera is important wherever you travel to. Mahabalipuram also has a number of different activities to offer like surfing. While I was quite happy with my DSLR, I can’t help wonder whether a GoPro would be more practical especially where the weight is concerned.

MAHABALIPURAM TRAVEL GUIDE: Experiences You Should Not Miss

We strongly believe that every place that you travel to has something to offer. Something that is best suited to you. Travel is enriched by the experiences that other cultures offer us but we need to be open to learning about them and understanding them. Here are our top picks of the experiences you should consider trying in Mahabalipuram.

Mahabalipuram is a quiet laid back place in South India. It has the best of both worlds: the old and the new. One thing that stands out is that all the things to see in Mahabalipuram are well maintained and kept relatively clean.

The people are genuinely friendly and you will find that most of them speak English so language shouldn’t be much of a barrier either. If you are ever in Tamil Nadu, do not skip this gem off a place.

*This post contains affiliate links.

Saturday 11th of January 2020

I love this architechtual magic, I would love to see it in real life :)

Loved ready about this destination and seeing your photo journey, I felt like I was there.

Sunday 5th of November 2017

I loved seeing your photos on your facebook, so it was great to read the post! My husband has family. In Chennai, and we will be going there in 2018, so this might be something we have to do for a little break from family! Thanks for sharing and giving me some planning tips.

Monday 6th of November 2017

You made my day Susanna. I'm so glad that you will get a chance to visit Chennai. Mahabalipuram is just a short drive away. In fact you could even make a day trip out of it! Do not miss it. It is absolutely amazing!

Saturday 4th of November 2017

I must admit, I haven't heard of this place either! And I was so close to Tamil Nadu the last time I was in the country!~ It looks all kinds of amazing here and I will def try to make it out when I go back to India. Thank you for the detailed post!

I love that you visited without much expectation and fell in love with the city! The photos from Tiger's Cave and Descent into the Ganges really impressed me. Looks like such a fun place to explore - and the beach is a good bonus :-D

15 things to do in Mahabalipuram | A Mahabalipuram guide

60 odd kilometers from Chennai, along the East Coast Road, lies a little town called as Mahabalipuram  or Mamallapuram . This town is a popular weekend getaway for the people in  Chennai  and a great stop-over for people traveling to or coming from Pondicherry. With its UNESCO World Heritage sites, it attracts plenty of visitors from the world over. I have been here at least thrice and I reach time, I have found new and unique things to do in Mahabalipuram .

Back in early 2000s, when people asked me what to see in Mahabalipuram, my list used to be quite small. It would just comprise of the top Mahabalipuram attractions. However, with every subsequent visit that I made ( and I have been there at least four times now ), this list grew longer. Today, it not only includes the top tourist places in Mahabalipuram but other activities like surfing and turtle walks.

In this post, you will get a list of the best places to visit in Mahabalipuram. In addition, this Mahabalipuram guide is full of tips on how you can get here, where to stay and the best time to visit. It even includes the entrance fees & timings for the various places for sightseeing in Mahabalipuram.

• 1 History of Mahabalipuram
• 2.1 1) Shore Temple – the best of the Mahabalipuram attractions
• 2.2 2) Pancha Rathas – my favorite part of sightseeing in Mahabalipuram
• 2.3 3) The Mahabalipuram Cave Temples
• 2.4 4) Thirukadalmalai temple in Mamallapuram
• 2.5 5) Arjuna’s Penance – one of the key places to visit in Mahabalipuram
• 2.6 6) Krishna’s Butterball – one of the most unique tourist places in Mahabalipuram
• 2.7 7) Dakshina Chitra – a slice of culture
• 2.8 8) Surfing & Turtle walks in Mahabalipuram
• 2.9 9) The Mahabalipuram lighthouse
• 2.10 10) Visit the Crocodile Farm
• 2.11 11) India Sea Shell museum  – the latest addition to the things to do in Mamallapuram
• 2.12 12) Shopping in Mahabalipuram
• 2.13 13) Maritime museum in Mamallapuram
• 2.14 14) Try a cycling tour of the best places in Mahabalipuram
• 2.15 15) Day trips from Mahabalipuram
• 3.1 Which is the best way to reach Mahabalipuram?
• 3.2 Which is the best time to visit Mamallapuram?
• 3.3 Which is the best place to stay in Mahabalipuram?
• 3.4 Is one day enough for Mahabalipuram?
• 3.5 Is Mahabalipuram worth visiting?
• 4 Booking Resources:

History of Mahabalipuram

Legend has it that a great demon king Mahabali used to rule this part of the world. He managed to get some of the Amrit (nectar) that made him and his subjects immortal. This caused a lot of chaos in the universe and to stop him finally, Lord Vishnu took the avatar of Vaman. With his charm and intellect, Vaman trapped the king in the netherworld ( neither heaven nor hell ). It is believed that this was when he attained liberation. In any case, the kingdom he ruled came to be known as Mahabalipuram

Mahabalipuram was ruled by the Pallava dynasty . In 642 CE, it was developed as a major port by King Narsimhavarman I . In fact, it even acquired a new name – Mamallapuram. ( City of a wrestler – mamalla ). King Narsimhavarman I was a great wrestler who took revenge against the Chalukyas for having defeated his father Mahendravarman. A famous 7th-century Tamil text Thirumangai Alvar described this port with lots of wealth and ships docked under the reign of this King.

The Pallavas built a lot of temples and monuments in the town – many of which still survive to date. A lot of these came up during the subsequent rule of King Rajasimha (King Narasimhavarman II ). This is also, when the Shore temple is believed to have been constructed along with six other temples that have got submerged in the sea. These are in line with the elusive seven pagodas mentioned in the various European accounts of 7th and 8th century.

Eventually, after the Pallavas, the port and its activity were reduced. Though a few monuments got lost with tsunamis and time, many still survived. Most of these are now UNESCO World Heritage sites – specifically called the Group of Monuments Mahabalipuram. The town currently, offers its visitors, not just a peek into the history but a fabulous beach experience too.

15 things to do in Mahabalipuram

Whether you are there for a day in Mahabalipuram or more, there are tons of activities that you can add to your itinerary. These don’t just include sightseeing in Mahabalipuram. You will in fact, find yourself embarking on some adrenaline-pumping activities. Check out this list which only keeps expanding every time I visit Mamallapuram.

There are detailed posts on many of these Mahabalipuram tourist places. You can just click through them and discover more details, stories and mysteries surrounding them.

1) Shore Temple – the best of the Mahabalipuram attractions

As evident from the name, the Mahabalipuram Shore temple from the  Pallava era  lies along the shores of the  Bay of Bengal.  What struck me during my visits was the golden color of the temple against the clear blue skies. The shore temple has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage site. It is said that it is the only surviving temple of a set of seven such temples ( the seven pagodas that have been mentioned in various accounts of historic explorers ). The other temples are assumed to have submerged in the ocean. Interestingly, a few of them were sighted again during the Tsunami of 2004. Unfortunately, there is no diving expedition, else most likely I would be in the queue to know more.

The Mahabalipuram shore temple is shrouded with mysteries – including the submerged sister temples. This guide takes you through these facts and mysteries.

The current temple has a walkway through a green lawn. As you approach the temple, you can sight the sea in the background. It is a prime example of the Pallava-Dravidian style of architecture . There are three main sanctums – two big ones for Lord Shiva that is connected by a smaller one with a reclining statue of Lord Vishnu. Though it was bright noon, the inner sanctums were quite dark. However, it is said that with the first ray of light, the chambers, especially the one with the reclining Vishnu get lit very beautifully.

Recent excavations also, unearthed another temple that has a Bhu Varaha statue in it. You will also, find a monolithic structure of Goddess Durga in her Mahishauramardini form in the complex.

One of the best things to do in Mahabalipuram is to catch the Shore temple sunrise or sunset when it glows golden. Such is the beauty of this place that it is no wonder that this is an annual venue for the cultural dance festival of India , which normally takes place in December or January. If you are curious about more, check out  this post .

• Mahabalipuram Shore temple timings – 6 am to 6 pm
• Ticket booking – The temple entrance tickets requires a composite ticket that gives you access to the other UNESCO World Heritage sites in Mahabalipuram. The price for the same is INR 30 for Indians and INR 500 for Non-Indians.
• Average time required – 1 hr

2) Pancha Rathas – my favorite part of sightseeing in Mahabalipuram

Another one of the UNESCO group of monuments in Mahabalipuram, this is my favorite. The sheer beauty of the monolithic rock-cut temples in the form of chariots or rathas, can really mesmerize anyone. These are a set of 5 temples that are named after the  Pandavas  of the  Mahabharata fame . The first temple that you see is shaped like a hut and is dedicated to  Draupadi . This has a small entrance and you can enter in to see a sculpture of the  Goddess Durga . The base of the temple has tigers etched to possibly symbolize the Goddess’ vehicle.

This is followed by Arjuna’s ratha, dedicated to  Lord Shiva . The sculptures around the temple are stunning and are of various Gods, Goddess’ and humans. Right behind this is a mammoth ratha dedicated to  Bhima  followed by the last ratha in this line, for the eldest  Pandava Yudhisthira .

Yudhisthira’s ratha is dedicated to  Lord Shiva  and there are lovely sculptures of Lord Shiva in various forms. Now here is one curious fact – The Yudhisthira Ratha has a lovely ground floor and a first and second floor as well. What makes the whole deal curious is that there is no staircase from ground to first but there are stairs from first to second.

There are several other interesting secrets that this site has. You should read my detailed guide on this Mahabalipuram attraction to know more.

• Mahabalipuram Pancha Ratha timings – 6 am to 6 pm
• Ticket booking – The temple entrance tickets is the same composite ticket that gives you access to the other UNESCO World Heritage sites in Mahabalipuram. The price for the same is INR 30 for Indians and INR 500 for Non-Indians.
• Average time required – 45 minutes

3) The Mahabalipuram Cave Temples

9 open-air treasure troves of amazing Mahabalipuram sculptures carved into the rocks with 9 different themes. These caves temples are mostly monolithic and have a mandapam (assembly area or pavilion) but are mostly devoid of a dedicated shrine. The walls of these Mamallapuram cave temples have significant carvings and in some cases, also, sport pillars.

The cave temples are quite spread out and are not really walkable from one place to another. Here are the key ones that you can include in your one day in Mahabalipuram. I have added the highlights of each of the cave temples of Mahabalipuram.

• Krishna caves – one of the most popular of cave temples in Mamallapuram. The two significant carvings that you must check out is that of Lord Krishna milking his cows and one of him holding the Govardhan mountain on his finger tip.
• Mahishasurmardini Caves – As the name suggests, this cave is dedicated to the form of Goddess Durga where is slays the demon Mahishasura. The entire cave has scenes from this epic story.
• Varaha Caves – You can literally read the story of Lord Vishnu taking the form of a boar to save Mother Earth. The tale is depicted through carvings on the walls of this cave temple.
• Kotikal Mandapam – This one is by far the simplest and has a small shrine that has a missing idol. Historians attribute the temple to Goddess Durga – more so owing to the female Dwarpalikas (gatekeepers) inscribed on the doors of the shrine.
• Trimurti cave temple – This Mamallapuram tourist place features the divine trinity of Lord Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva.
• Tiger caves – my favorite offbeat ones for which I have an exclusive blog post . This has enormous tiger carvings throughout the caves, including the mouth of the caves.
• Koneri cave – a little off the usual course, this one is located near the water tank in Mamallapuram. It is dedicated to the five forms of Lord Shiva.
• Mahabalipuram Cave temple timings – Most of the cave temples open by 7 am and close by 6 pm
• Ticket booking – Some of the cave temples are a part of the composite entrance ticket to the UNESCO World Heritage sites in Mahabalipuram. Tiger caves do not need an entrance ticket
• Average time required : 1 hour

4) Thirukadalmalai temple in Mamallapuram

A temple built by the  Pallava  kings to protect all the other temples from the sea waves.:-) This temple, also called Sthalasayana Perumal Temple , has some beautiful Dravidian-style architecture and while a part of the UNESCO sites, this is still a functional temple. You will find some religious activities and  Poojas  happening here still. One must visit this white-colored temple a contrast to the golden ones across  Mahaba l ipuram . The temple has two shrines and is dedicated to Lord  Vishnu . It is said that after building this temple, no harm has indeed, come to the rest of the temples and structures in Mahabalipuram.

• Temple timings – The temple is open at 6 am and remains open till late
• Ticket booking -Does not need a ticket
• Average time required : 20 mins

5) Arjuna’s Penance – one of the key places to visit in Mahabalipuram

There is no way that you can miss this when in  Mahabalipuram  – for it is one of the World’s largest open-air Bas relief . Also, known as  Descent of the Ganga , this amazing Bas relief stretches across 100 feet in length and is 45 feet high with intricate carvings of humans, elephants and other animals. The relief depicts the story of  Arjuna  doing his penance in the forest to please  Lord Shiva  in order to get his celestial weapon. However, some say that it is actually  Sage Bhagiratha , who is bringing the holy river –  Ganga  to Earth. 

• Arjuna’s Penance timings – It is an open-air display. There are no timings here
• Ticket booking – No tickets are required
• Average time required : 15 -20 mins

6) Krishna’s Butterball – one of the most unique tourist places in Mahabalipuram

You don’t need to be a  Tom Cruise  to defy gravity for this marvel already does that. Heaven knows how this huge stone of around 16 feet diameter balances itself on a slope, and not just for the last couple of years but for over 1000 years. Attempts have been made to roll it down with the help of elephants but surprisingly the rock does not budge. I think  Ripley’s Believe it or not  should definitely feature this one.

• Krishna’s butter ball timings – 6 am to 6 pm
• Ticket booking – No tickets required
• Average time required : 15 mins

7) Dakshina Chitra – a slice of culture

A cultural village on the outskirts of Mahabalipuram that showcases the culture of the Southern states of India. This is similar to the Janapada Loka center near Bangalore . You can see the various homes, indulge in a few activities, and enjoy some folklore and crafts, while soaking up the Indian culture down south. From the typical houses of Chettinad with their rich Burma teak wood carvings to the Syrian Christian homes in Kerala, these model homes give you quite a taste of South IndiaIt is advisable to do this when entering or leaving Mahabalipuram as this is not exactly within the town limits

• Dakshin Chitra timings – 10 am to 6 pm on all days except Tuesdays
• Ticket booking – INR 175 per adult
• Average time required : 1 – 1.5 hours

8) Surfing & Turtle walks in Mahabalipuram

Hey you are in a beach town and you cannot really get out without experiencing the beach here. Then Mahabalipuram beach is quite safe in certain places for some general water fun but the one thing that this beach is known for is surfing. If you don’t know where to go,  this surfing school  can give you some tips and lessons.

Besides surfing, you can avail of some boat rides, turtle walks and treks through this popular restaurant called Surf. Turtle walk is a fun activity where you trek along the beach to find turtles and release them safely into the water.

9) The Mahabalipuram lighthouse

View the entire town from atop this lighthouse. Right next to it is the ancient lighthouse that was built during the  Pallava  era to serve as a beacon at this ancient sea port. Catch the Sunset from here with some refreshing breeze and a view of the sea.

• Lighthouse timings – Most of the cave temples open by 10 am to 12:30 pm. And then, again between 2 pm and 4:30 pm
• Ticket booking – INR 10 for Indians and INR 25 for non-Indians. The same ticket can be used in the Maritime museum
• Average time required : 30 – 45 minutes

10) Visit the Crocodile Farm

The  Madras Crocodile Bank is one of the largest crocodile breeding centers in India and is home to several species of crocodiles, snakes, turtles and more. The place is along the road to  Chennai  and is quite well-maintained. A great place to see these reptiles including the Indian Ghariyal , which can be viewed underwater – Thanks to the special tank here. Loved the turtles here. 

• Madras crocodile bank timings – 9 am to 5 pm. Closed on Mondays
• Ticket booking –  Rs. 100 for Adults
• Average time required : 45 mins – 1 hour

11) India Sea Shell museum  – the latest addition to the things to do in Mamallapuram

Established by a shell collector – Raja Mohammed , this Mahabalipuram tourist attraction is a unique museum that showcases a wide collection of shells and other marine life specimens. The place is overwhelming with over 40,000 species of shells f rom all over the world, including rare and exotic varieties.

I was totally enamored by the contrast between these shells – be it size or colors. Look out for the s mallest shell in the world which is the size of a grain . On the other hand, you will find mammoth ones that go to a few meters. The Mahabalipuram shell museum has interesting cultural tales related to these shells. It also has a section dedicated to marine fossils, as well as a souvenir shop selling shells and other items.

Besides the sea shell section, the museum is home to a marine aquarium, a pearl museum, a dinosaur section and even fun sections like 3D art gallery. You can book a ticket for this online through their website or just arrive there and purchase it. Definitely one of the unique things to do in Mahabalipuram.

• India Shell Museum timings – 8 am to 8 pm
• Ticket booking –  Rs. 100 for Adults. Cameras and other museums are charged ectra.
• Average time required : 1 – 2 hours

12) Shopping in Mahabalipuram

A couple of things that you should keep an eye out for in Mamallapuram are miniature stone and wood sculptures, shell souvenirs and pearl jewelry . You will find numerous stalls and shops near the Group of monuments selling stone and wood sculptures.

You will also, be able to find the shell artifacts here.  However, the better place to buy these would be the souvenir shop of the India Sea Shell museum. You will also, find authentic pearl jewelry here.

13) Maritime museum in Mamallapuram

With a maritime history that goes back to the 6 th century, it is no surprise that there is an exclusive museum on it. Close to the lighthouse of Mahabalipuram, you can visit this place to get a glimpse into the maritime heritage of Mahabalipuram, including ancient shipbuilding techniques, navigation equipment, and marine archaeology finds. There is also, a replica of an ancient Tamil merchant ship.

The museum also, has a simulation of a submarine and its working. It’s a must-see place in Mahabalipuram for history buffs and marine enthusiasts.

• Maritime Museum timings – 10 am to 5 pm
• Ticket booking –  You can use the same tickets as the Lighthouse entrance tickets. There are no additional charges
• Average time required : 30 – 45 mins

14) Try a cycling tour of the best places in Mahabalipuram

You will find a lot of cycles on hire in Mahabalipuram. In fact, it is possible that the hotel that you stay in might have a few to lend out. Pick one of these and take a tour of all the places that you would want to see in Mahabalipuram

15) Day trips from Mahabalipuram

It is quite possible that you decide to stay for more than a day in Mahabalipuram. If so, you might want to consider some of these day trips.

• Kanchipuram – it is known as the city of 1000 temples. It is just 65 km from Mahabalipuram and can even be visited if you are on a road trip from Bangalore to Mahabalipuram. The city is also, known for its beautiful and rich silk sarees.
• Pondicherry – the erstwhile French colony with its pretty beaches and the global village of Auroville is a must-visit if you are in Mahabalipuram. It is just 95 km from Mamallapuram
• Alamparai fort – 53 km from Mahabalipuram . It is an ancient sea fort that is a great example of Indian and European architecture. The beach around it also, makes a lovely outing.

Still wondering what else to do in Mahabalipuram? I am sure that even with this list, you will find that just a day in Mahabalipuram is not enough. The remaining sections of this post will help you plan an ideal visit to Mahabalipuram.

Common FAQs about Mahabalipuram

Which is the best way to reach mahabalipuram.

Chennai – one of the key metro cities of India is just 58 km from Mahabalipuram. It is also, the closest international and domestic airport. In case you are looking at traveling by rail, then again, you will need to head to Chennai. as Mahabalipuram does not have its own railway station.

From Chennai, you can either hire a cab or self-drive a car to Mahabalipuram. There is a beautiful coastal road – ECR that is well worth the trip by road. You can also, take one of the tourist or public buses that go to Mahabalipuram from Chennai. These are available at regular intervals throughout the day.

Which is the best time to visit Mamallapuram?

It is best to plan a visit to Mamallapuram between the months of September to February, Summers from April to June are extreme with temperatures soaring to over 40 degrees celsius. Mahabalipuram also, gets a lot of rains during monsoons.

Which is the best place to stay in Mahabalipuram?

Mahabalipuram has many good hotels to pick from. Being a small town, there is no issue in accessibility to the key Mahabalipuram attractions. You can pick from the beach luxury hotels like Radisson Blu  and the  Welcomegroup hotels by ITC or opt for the mid-priced ones like  Bodhiwood hotel  that are just a walk away from the beach. If you are a budget-conscious traveler, you can find homestays and hotels within INR 1500 per night like the  Living Edge homestay .

Is one day enough for Mahabalipuram?

You can definitely do Mahabalipuram as a day trip and cover a majority of the sightseeing places. However, I highly recommend spending at least one night here to enjoy it in entirety.

Is Mahabalipuram worth visiting?

Absolutely! The tiny town is seeped with history that goes back to the 5th century and has many other interesting things to do like surfing, turtle walks etc. Most of the attractions have been listed as UNESCO World Heritage sites. You also, have museums that will appeal to any kind of traveler.

Before you go, pin this

Booking Resources:

• Booking.com  has several good  Mahabalipuram hotels  listed on its site. You can choose from  luxury hotels  to  mid-priced  and  budget ones .
• Viator.com  offers several tours in and around Mahabalipuram. They have a self-guided audio tour of Mahabalipuram that can be downloaded  here.  You will also, find highly-rated tours from  Chennai to Mahabalipuram with guides .
• GetYourGuide.com  has a tour of Mahabalipuram and Kanchipuram available on their site that can be booked  here .
• For any of your travel needs or general shopping, consider using  Amazon  through  this link.

Popularly referred to as a Restless Ball of Energy. My Mom refuses to entertain my complaints about my equally restless daughter & assures my husband that I was born with a travel bug.

I am a Post-Graduate in Marketing by qualification and a travel blogger by passion. Besides travel, I enjoy photography and if you don’t find me at my desk, I would be out playing badminton or swimming or just running. I believe in planning for every long weekend through the year. And when I cannot travel physically, I travel virtually through this travel blog. My travel stories have also, got published on various websites and magazines including BBC Travel, Lonely Planet India and Jetwings. I have recently published my first book – When Places Come Alive – a collection of stories that are based on legends, landscapes, art and culture of a place which is available in both ebook and paperback format.

96 thoughts on “15 things to do in Mahabalipuram | A Mahabalipuram guide”

Planned a trip to this place in the month of February.But was not able to go. Your post is making us to plan a trip here.Wonderful informative post with photos,

Cheers, Sriram & Krithiga

I have been there in my college days and I loved the place. Thank you for refreshing the memories.

I missed the surfing and the crocodile park… but pretty much covered everything else 🙂 love the place, especially that big rock!!

I have stayed in Chennai for months but then haven;t got a chance to visit this place. Awesome Pictures! Read –> ​​ A Rat's Nibble ​​

Nice Info. Thanks. Also boating in muthukadu backwaters

Thanks guys. You must make a trip here. Am sure you would love it

🙂 Take another trip down the memory lane by actually heading there 🙂

Amazing right – the Krishna's butterball 😀

Gosh! Make sure you correct this at the first opportunity 😀

Thanks Arun. Will take a look at your pics too.

Wonderful post

Thanks a ton

Ami, your travel posts are really professionally done and I enjoy reading them. Mahabalipuram is a favourite place of mine and I think it has far more going for it than Pondicherry but that's a personal preference:)

Thank you Lata for the amazing compliment. 🙂 Am glad you enjoy them. While I like Pondicherry and Mahabalipuram in their own way, I agree that there is a certain richness to Mahabalipuram. 🙂

These pictures are so beautiful, I love everything about it. It look so fresh and relaxing. Best Architecture Colleges in Chennai

Thank you Christy. Glad you loved it.

Bang on compilation of what to do in Mahabalipuram. A lot of people combine Mahabalipuram with Pondicherry and in a rush to reach Pondi miss out the brilliance of this old town. I regret missing out Dakshina Chitra but instead went to a Jagannath Temple situated in the outskirts. Maybe Dakshina Chitra is something for the next time 🙂 Nice article Ami!

Thank you Vaisakhi. Lots of people give this gem a miss owing to Pondicherry. I hope they discover it again

Aaaghh I’m super excited about my trip to Mahabalipuram after reading this blog.. Thank you so much.. it was incredibly insightful 🙂

Am sure you will have a blast.. Cheers

Looks like a really cool place! I love all the different temples, they are all so unique!

Thanks Prianka

Very informative post — looks like there is a LOT to do!

We loved Mahabalipuram and the rock temples, though the sands were blazing hot when we visited.

Yep, that can be the case in summer.

Looking like another cool place to visit. You’re always sharing new places that I’ve yet to hear of and I love it!

Thank you Taylor. I think a lot of India is underexposed and I hope that through my blog people discover it 😀

I hope so too! It’s very refreshing to see some new content in the travel blog world!

Thanks Taylor

I have never heard of Mahabalipuram! Looks like there are a lot of things to do and see. That rock is crazy! I would want to know…what are some of the best places to eat here?

Thanks Katie. There are plenty of places to eat here and they aren’t hard to find. From plush restaurants to street food, from Italian and Chinese cuisine to Indian. Will work out a specific post on this. 🙂

Very different. Never heard of Mahabalipuram (try saying that 5 times fast!). The architectural elements are my favorite. I would like to visit the caves you mentioned–those look really cool! The rock photo made me chuckle.

🙂 It is funny when you say it 5 times :D. It is an amazing place and am sure you will like it

Fascinating! I love some of those temple. The tiger temple is quite unique. Do you know what time period they were built? Some of them resemble the temples at Angkor Wat in Cambodia.

I know that the Shore temple is around the 700 AD. Not sure of the caves But they are just amazing right?

A very detailed post ! Reminded me of my family vacation spent there few years ago. Krishna’s butterball was my favourite. 🙂

Yes, the Krishna’s Butterball is quite fascinating. Thanks for stopping by 😀

nice listing

There is also a sea shell museum, which is about to shut down due to shortage of visitors

Ooh, now that is something that I seem to have missed. 🙁 I hope I catch it before it shuts down.

Great post..

Beautifully listed out. Great pics too.

Thank you Indrani

Very nice pictures. On my only visit to Chennai, I could not make it to Mabs. Gotta make a trip soon.

Make it a little after June. It’s hot in summer 😀

Whenever I plan a trip to Mahabalipuram, something goes wrong and till date I could not visit it! Hope I am able to visit this place soon. Great post Ami 🙂

I suggest waiting till the monsoons are over :). You are likely to enjoy the place better.

Mahabalipuram looks like a really interesting place! We have friends who just moved to Chennai and we are hoping to visit soon. I think our boys would love krishna’s ball!

It sure is and you should head there after September.

Great post. Thanks for sharing.

Thanks Vikram

Nice post! Thanks for sharing! If anyone includes good places to eat here, this post will be completely a guide to mahabalipuram.. any local cuisine?

Tons of it Prateek. There are lots of options around the main square. Will share some names soon.

Had just been here recently. Covered entire Mahabalipuram in 4 hours!

Wow…that was fast 😀 Glad you could see it.

I was going through internet, trying to find what all can be done during a day in Mahabalipuram. Seeing so many places without much description on internet, I really got confused, but your post really helped in resolving all these confusions. Thanks a lot for such an informative post.

Would be really helpful if you add up these points as well – 1. How one should be roaming in and around Mahabalipuram. Should he be taking a cab/bus for a day, or renting a bike/cycle and ride on his own. 2. How should he plan his day, at what time should he be going to all these places.

Thanks Suchiir

Thanks Suchiir, Glad you enjoyed the post. On your queries – most places are walkable from each other. For the others, I suggest just hiring an auto. It is much easier. On planning the day, most of these open around 8 or 9 am. A few do open earlier but my memory fails me on which ones. Most of these can be covered in a day . Hope that helps.

I never knew about Mahabalipuram but know after going through this article. I will definitely pan a trip to visit Mahabalipuram. A big hug and thanks for this discovering this wonderful place for me.

Thank you Mahi. Glad to share the same with you.

when I went to mahabalipuram, I only saw the butterball, the temple and the beach. never knew there are so many things to do in mahabalipuram. thanks for sharing this great to-do list 🙂

Oh now you must get back again. There is so much to see. 🙂

Been there twice still can’t get enough of the place. We covered all these places in a day trip. The best thing is that all the monuments are so close to each other that you can easily plan a walking trip around.

Indeed the best way to get around here is to walk it all up. I have been there thrice and still fascinated. Thanks for stopping by Neha

Your blog is interesting and is well written. There are so many information shared by the blog which will surely help those who wish to travel these places and wish to know more about .

Thank you so much. Glad you like it.

Thanks for sharing this blog. This place is looking like a historical place. I will do study on this place and will plane to for trip. Keep shar…something like this.

Thank you Ziya. Stay tuned on my blog as I keep sharing these gems. Cheers

in case we reach here by bus(local transport) how do we cover the places? would a rickshaw take us? where would the two wheeler be available on rent? tentative cost… going wih two kids.. so any additional info would be valauble

You can easily cover a lot of these by walking around as they are very close to each other. Alternately, any auto will give you a package that can take you around to all these places.

Hi very nice your blog post, more useful information your site, thanks for shearing,

Thank you Vidhya

Absolutely loved the post!! Found lot of places to visit and very informative.

Thank you Sahitya

Nice blog post very useful information, thanks for shearing.

Nice article, Looks like very good. Thank you

Thank you. Glad you like it.

Very Nice Ami.

Thanks Radha

Lovely explained for mahabalipuram tour packages, very nice blog post,

Wowww awesome one!!!

Glad you liked it

Great insightful article really enjoyed reading it

Thank you. Glad to know that you did.

Great share! Such a nice content, Thanks. I have been to Mahabalipuram once and it was an amazing experience that I had. I took a cab for Chennai to Mahabalipuram. Everyone must visit this great place

It sure is. It is one amazing jewel

Mahabalipuram is one of my absolute favourite places. Especially now the fishing town Looks in the evenings

It sure is amazing at all times. Thanks for stopping by

I love to read your blog post a lot. These activies are really worth to do in Mahabalipuram.

Thank you Krishna. Glad you liked it

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Mahabalipuram Tourism

Famous for its intricately carved temples and rock-cut caves, Mamallapuram or Mahabalipuram as it is famously known, is a historically important and well-loved tourist location situated on the Coromandel Coast along the Bay of Bengal, in the state of Tamil Nadu. Once the abode of the famous demon king Mahabali, Mahabalipuram was later renamed Mamallapuram. 

The serenity, the alluring atmosphere and the impressive setting with many beautiful white sandy beaches dotted with casuarina trees are all reasons as to why one would want to visit this wonderful town. Some famous tourist spots include the UNESCO world heritage site Group of Monuments like the Shore Temple and the Five Rathas, the Crocodile Bank which is home to some exquisite species of crocodiles and alligators, and the beach resorts in Kovalam and Sadras.

Places To Visit In Mahabalipuram

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States › Tamil Nadu › Mahabalipuram

Mahabalipuram Travel Guide

Once a bustling port of Tamil Nadu, the town of Mahabalipuram rose to prominence from 4th to the 9th century, during the heydays of the Pallava Kingdom. Centuries later, today Mahabalipuram with its numerous architectural marvels is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. From ancient temples to ruins of age-old shrines, the places to visit in Mahabalipuram will fill you with an absolute sense of pleasure. Also, an archaeologist's delight, this shore town boasts of a large number of ornate stone-carvings made out of uncut rocks. Such structures are sprinkled all over the complex that demands the awe of travellers who flock to the place almost round the year. Mahabalipuram's strategic location along the east coast of India and proximity to major cities of South India, make it an ideal weekend getaway. One of the most prominent places to visit in Mahabalipuram happens to be the Shore Temple. It is a complex full of temples and religious shrines. The Shore Temple is one of the oldest temples in India built out of blocks of granite, dating back to 700-728 CE. Shore Temple symbolises the excellent Pallava architecture and the maritime ambitions of the their rulers. Its small size belies its excellent proportion and the supreme quality of the carvings, many now eroded into vaguely impressionist embellishments.

However, today the shore temple has been ruined to a great extent owing to constant soil and wind erosion. Despite that, the remains that are left, are strikingly beautiful and thus attracts thousands of visitors. Other places to visit in Mahabalipuram include Arjuna's Penance and Krishna's Butterball. Apart from the shore temple, these two happen to be major tourist attraction in the town. Depicted from the epic Mahabharata, the structure is a rock-cut one and considerably huge. Unique in its own way, both the structures are definitely worth admiring. On the other hand, the Varaha Cave temple and the Mahisasuramardini Mandapam are equally admirable for their imposing structures. Apart from the historical sites and structures, Mahabalipuram boasts of other places of interest that includes lighthouses, pristine beaches, temples and even museums. Its possible to survey the best monuments preferably early in the morning near the coast when you can possibly grab the best sights of the ruins. It would seem you are almost inside an open museum. As a beach destination, it goes without saying that Mahabalipuram is definitely one of its kind. In our Mahabalipuram travel guide, we have compiled every detail about the places to visit and things to do in an around the coastal town of Mahabalipuram.

Best Time to Visit Mahabalipuram

Because of its geographical location (along the coast), Mahabalipuram enjoys a humid and tropical climate almost throughout the year. Summers can get scorching hot and humid, thus making it somewhat difficult for the tourists to explore around. Monsoons are humid and the moderate rainfall also makes it somewhat uncomfortable for the tourists. Winters are best time to visit Mahabalipuram as the weather is pleasant with humidity in the air reduced considerably.

Mahabalipuram experiences very hot and humid summers. Average temperature ranges anywhere between 25°C to 37°C. At times, the temperature even crosses 40 making it exceptionally exhausting for travellers to roam around and explore the town. Therefore, very less number of tourists flock to this prominent tourist destination during summer months.

Monsoons in Mahabalipuram span from July to mid-September. Owing to its geographical location, the coastal town experiences somewhat scanty rainfalls with occasional heavy showers. However, humidity level goes up considerably making it quite difficult for the tourists go around the town or even indulge in tourist activities.

Winters are the best time to soak into the beauty of Mahabalipuram. The town enjoys winters from November end to mid-February. Weather during this time is extremely pleasant as temperature ranges from 21°C to 27°C. Humidity in the air is substantially reduced, and travellers can enjoy exploring the town and indulge in a lot of tourist activities as well.

Popular Tourist Attractions & Best Places to Visit in and around Mahabalipuram

Mahabalipuram is an ideal escapade for all kinds of travellers - be it family vacationers, solo travellers, couples or even backpackers. The ample places to visit and things to do in Mahabalipuram will fill you up with an absolute sense of delight.

The Shore Temple

One of the most prominent places to visit in Mahabalipuram is the Shore Temple. Since the temple is located right next to the coast of Bay of Bengal, it is termed as the Shore Temple and it is the biggest attraction of the coastal town. The temple complex was built between 700-728 AD under the patronage of Narasimhavarman II of the Pallava Dynasty. The shrine is dedicated to Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu.

Descent of the Ganges

A major part of the frescoes of the monuments of Mahabalipuram, the Descent of the Ganges is one of the most popular tourist attractions of the town. It is one of the largest open-air rock relief in the world. This giant relief is an excellent work of fresco depicting a particular scene from the great Hindu epic The Mahabharata. An entire mythological narrative is depicted in the form of frescos on the walls.

Monuments at Mahabalipuram

Monuments at Mahabalipuram are a group of religious shrines nestled along the Coromandel Coast. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, there are more than 400 monuments at the place. Apart from the temples, the many caves at the Monuments of Mahabalipuram are equally amazing to behold. Admire the temples for their beautifully carved architecture as you lose yourself in the tide of timelessness.

Arjuna's Penance

One of the most prominent reliefs at the archaeological site of Mahabalipuram happens to be the relief-Arjuna's Penance. The bas relief is a must visit while you are on a tour of Mahabalipuram. The relief was carved out of a single stone and stands almost 45 feet tall from the ground. Just above the shrine, Arjuna's figure is carved standing. Arjuna's Penance is a must observe while on a tour of Mahabalipuram's ancient monuments. Read more

Pancha Rathas

Another major site to behold among the main monuments of Mahabalipuram are the Pancha Rathas, that literally translates as the Five Chariots. These are monolithic rock-cut temples carved out of a single huge rock standing majestically on the southernmost extreme of the monuments complex. The five rathas are dedicated to the five Pandava Brothers and their wife Draupadi. Built in the south Indian style of architecture, these chariots are definitely worth admiring.

India Seashell Museum

One of its kind in India, Seashell Museum is a popular tourist attraction in Mahabalipuram. Opened for public in 2013, the museum is an initiative of an individual named Raja Mohammed. The museum houses more than 2300 species of shells and nearly 40000 exhibits-all from Mohammed's personal collection. Admire the huge collections of shells and learn more about marine life at the museum. Read more

Krishna's Butter Ball

Popularly referred to as Krishna's Butter Ball, it is a huge round-shaped boulder standing at an angle of 45 degrees and balancing itself atop a rock. While there's not much to the site aesthetically, thousands of tourists are attracted towards it simply because its highly intriguing. It stands on an approximately 1.2 meter base on a slope and is believed to have been on the same place for nearly 1300 years.

Varaha Cave Temple

A significant part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Group of Monuments, the Varaha Cave Temple is yet another interesting place to visit in Mahabalipuram. The cave temple is one of the finest examples of the Pallava style of Architecture. Varaha - a form of Lord Vishnu is the most important sculpture in the temple, is seen holding on Bhumi, his wife (a form of mother earth) on his trunks.

Krishna Mandpam

Also referred to as the Krishna Cave Temple, the Krishna Mandapam is the largest-cave cut religious shrine among the Group of Monuments in Mahabalipuram. Legends have it that, Lord Krishna saved the common people from Indra's wrath of incessant rains by lifting up the Govardhan mountain. This particular episode from Hindu mythology has been reconstructed in the form of frescos here, which is truly admirable.

Pancha Pandava Cave

Yet another wonderful place to visit in Mahabalipuram's main Group of Monuments is the Pancha Pandava Caves. As the name suggests, the rock-cut cave temple is dedicated to the five Pandava brothers. Despite being unfinished, the cave continues to remain one of the major tourist attractions of Mahabalipuram. One of the unique frescoes in the Group of Monuments in Mahabalipuram, the Pancha Pandava Cave is a must visit in the coastal town.

Mahishasuramardini Cave Temple

Among all the cave temples in the coastal town, the Mahishasuramardini Cave temple is one of the interesting places to visit in Mahabalipuram. Located very near to a lighthouse, the cave temple is dedicated to commemorate the mythological episode where Goddess Durga killed the demon Mahishasura. The carving symbolizes the triumph of good over evil. This particular carving is considered one of best creations of the Pallava Period.

Ganesh Ratha Temple

Dedicated to Lord Ganesha, the Ganesh Ratha Temple is a major religious shrine in the coastal town and one of the most important places to visit in Mahabalipuram. The chariot is an example of a rock-cut monolith architecture dating back to the Pallava Dynasty. It was constructed during the reign of Mahendravarman I and his son Narasimhavarman. One of the main features of the Temple is the engravings inscribed in Nagari and Granth script. (74)

Trimurti Cave

The Trimurti Cave is a religious shrine dedicated to the three triumvirate of Hinduism-Brahma, Vishnu and Maheshwar. This particular cave temple is yet another fine example of Pallava architecture. The temple is different from other temples in a way that it doesn't have pillared mandapas. The right most shrine is dedicated to Lord Vishnu, the left one to Lord Shiva and Lord Brahma resides in the middle one.

Tiger Cave Temple

Among the many sculpted wonders of Mahabalipuram happens to be the less-visited Tiger Caves. Dedicated to Lord Subramanya, the temple does end up attracting some enthusiastic and seasoned travellers. Dating back to the 7th and the 8th century, the Tiger Caves are associated with the Pallava Dynasty. It is believed that the Pallava Kings addressed their audience from this point.

The Wide Beach is definitely a major attraction of Mahabalipuram. Located right next to the Shore Temple, the beach makes for an excellent option to take a stroll and witness either sunrise or sunset. Since the beach is a rocky one, swimming is not a great idea. However, Wide Beach is definitely one of the best places to visit in Mahabalipuram.

Sri Sthala Sayanaperumal Temple

Sri Sthala Sayanaperumal Temple is a popular religious shrine in Mahabalipuram. Ranked among the 61st of the total 108 Divya Desams, the shrine attracts several devotees round the year. The presiding here is Lord Vishnu who is seen in a sleeping posture with his hands on his chest. One of the common religious shrines in Mahabalipuram, do remember to offer prayers at the Sri Sthala Sayanaperumal Temple.

Mahabalipuram Beach

One of the most popular beaches in south India, the water's edge is worth a visit if you happen to be in Mahabalipuram. A sudden stroll on the beach with your significant other in the evening watching the sunset is an experience to remember. Adventure lovers can end up trying activities like diving and surfing at the Mahabalipuram Beach. Read more

Sculpture Museum

The sculpture museum is yet another major tourist attraction in the coastal town of Mahabalipuram. As the name suggests, the museum is exclusively dedicated to sculptures and houses more than 3000 of them. Most of the sculptures are that of Gods and Goddesses, and these highlight the astounding art of the Gupta Period. Buddhist and Hindu sculptures are also present in the sculpture museum. Read more

Maritime Heritage Museum

Another major attraction among all the places to visit in Mahabalipuram happens to be the Maritime Heritage Museum. As the name suggests, the museum houses various maritime heritages. These include several ancient ships and first ships that landed on the coast of Mahabalipuram. And these also include the models of the routes that these ships took to reach up to the Indian coast.

Lighthouse Heritage Museum

The Lighthouse Heritage Museum is among the latest additions among the awesome list of places to visit in Mahabalipuram. The museum consists of all kinds of heritage items from the old lighthouses of Mahabalipuram and other items related to the same. If you are interested in exploring something different in this coastal town, then a tour of the Lighthouse Heritage Museum is a must.

Raya Gopuram

The Raya Gopuram happens to be an offbeat attraction in the shore town of Mahabalipuram. It is ideally an unfinished structure now ruins of a temple. Historians opine that the structure belongs to the 16th century and is a latter addition among the monuments of Mahabalipuram. While there's not much to do here but admiring the tall structure with all its intricately woven inscriptions are definitely worth it.

Where to Stay in Mahabalipuram?

Being a very popular tourist spot of India, there's no dearth of accommodation options in Mahabalipuram. Several accommodation options are available in the town catering to all kinds of tourists. From backpackers to family vacationers to solo travellers to luxury seekers can easily find an accommodation suiting their budget. Whether it's a travellers' hostel near the beach or a family-friendly hotel-you can find all in Mahabalipuram.

How to Reach Mahabalipuram?

Located barely 55 kilometres from Chennai, Mahabalipuram can be accessed from all over the country easily. While Chennai is the nearest airport and also nearest railhead, Mahabalipuram can also be reached from other major cities of south India, such as Madurai, Coimbatore and Pondicherry.

Chennai International Airport is the nearest airport to Mahabalipuram, roughly 55 kilometres away. Apart from being well-connected with a host of domestic airlines with the rest of the country, Chennai airport is also well-linked internationally. Taxis and buses are easily available from the airport for Mahabalipuram.

While Chennai happens to be the nearest railhead yet again for Mahabalipuram, the coastal town is also well-connected by train with the rest of the major cities like Madurai, Coimbatore, Thiruvananthapuram and even Kochi. Trains from the above-mentioned cities for Mahabalipuram ply on a regular basis and tickets can be booked easily.

If you love long drives, you can also opt for a road trip to Mahabalipuram from a number of cities in south India. Buses from Chennai, Pondicherry, Madurai and Coimbatore ply on a regular basis and can be availed easily.

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• Mahabalipuram

MAHABALIPURAM (MAMALLAPURAM) TOURISM | PLACES TO VISIT & TRAVEL GUIDE TO MAHABALIPURAM

• Mahabalipuram Overview
• Top 19 Places to Visit in Mahabalipuram
• 21 Best Mahabalipuram Tour Packages
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About Mahabalipuram

Country: india | state: tamilnadu, #13 of 25 places to visit in tamilnadu | #48 of 100 places to visit in india, ideal trip duration: full day, base station: chennai (58 kms), nearest city to mahabalipuram: chennai (58 kms), best time to visit mahabalipuram: october to march, peak season: december to february, mahabalipuram weather: maximum: 36.6°c minimum: 19.8°c.

At a distance of 57 km from Chennai, 65 km from Kanchipuram, 96 km from Pondicherry, 420 km from Madurai, and 290 km from Trichy, Mahabalipuram (also called Mamallapuram) is situated in Kanchipuram district of Tamil Nadu. It is one of the major heritage sites in Tamilnadu , and one of the best places to experience Tamilnadu Tourism . Mahabalipuram is known for its historical monuments, sculptures, scenic beauty, culture, and tradition. Built-in 7th century CE, shore temples are the prominent attractions that can be visited as part of Mahabalipuram tour packages . These temples built largely during the reigns of Narasimha Varman and his successor Rajasimha Varman, showcase the movement from rock-cut architecture to structural buildings. The mandapas and the rathas shaped as temple chariots are made from the granite rock face, while the famed Shore Temple, erected half a century later, is built as a structured temple with huge blocks of rocks following wonderful architecture. This UNESCO World Heritage Site was the second capital of the Pallava kings of Kanchipuram . It is an ancient historic town and was a bustling seaport during Pallava kings in 7th Century AD. According to the legend, it has been named after the demon king Mahabali who was renowned for his generosity. Some maintain that it has been named Mamallapuram after the Pallava King Narasimha Varman I, a great wrestler with the title Mamallan. Mahabalipuram art can be divided into four categories: open air bas-relief, structured temples, man-made caves and rathas (chariot temples). The famous Arjuna's Penance and the Krishna Mandapa adorn massive rocks near the centre of the village. The beautiful Shore Temple towers over the waves, behind a protective breakwater. Sixteen man-made caves in different stages of completion are also seen, scattered through the area. The striking feature is that all the sculptures here are monolithic - giant structures carved from single rocks. Thirukadalmallai temple, Cholamadal Artist's Village, Mahabalipuram Beach, Tiger Cave and Crocodile Bank serve as popular picnic spots for people here. Mahabalipuram can also be visited as part of Pondicherry tour packages . One of the prominent festivals celebrated here is the Mamallapuram Dance Festival, which is organized by the Department of Tourism every year during December - January. As part of the festival, various dance forms are showcased including Bharatanatyam, Kuchipudi, Kathakali and Odissi. The nearest airport to Mahabalipuram is in Chennai, located about 50 km away. The nearest railhead is in Chengalpattu, close to 30 km from Mahabalipuram. It has trains from Chennai, Pondicherry, Kanyakumari, Mumbai, Trivandrum, Kanchi, Tirupati, Ernakulum, Villupuram, Rameshwaram and Jodhpur. Buses arrive here from either Koyembedu (CMBT) or Tiruvanmiyur (in Chennai) and Kanchipuram and Pondicherry . The best time to visit Mahabalipuram is from October to March while the peak season is from November to February. Usually it takes one full day to visit Mahabalipuram.

...read more

Nearest Airport: Chennai - Chennai International Airport (68 Kms)

Direct flights to chennai, nearest train station: chennai central railway station (58 kms), direct trains to chennai, nearest bus station: mahabalipuram bus station (0 kms), direct buses to mahabalipuram, distance chart, distance chart & driving directions to mahabalipuram, top 10 places to visit in mahabalipuram, shore temple.

#1 of 19 Places to Visit in Mahabalipuram

At a distance of 2 km from Mahabalipuram Bus Station, the Shore Temple is an ancient temple situated on the shore of Bay of Bengal in Mahabalipuram. It is one of the most photographed monuments of heritage in India , and among the must-visit Mahabalipuram tourist places . Shore Temple was built in the 7tcentury CE by Pallavas during the reign of Narasimhavarman. It is one of the oldest temples in South India constructed in the Dravidian style and depicts the royal taste of the Pallava dynasty. It has been classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site as part of the 'Group of Monuments at Mahabalipuram'. It is one of the must include places in Mahabalipuram trip . Shore Temple is a structural temple built with blocks of granite. It is so named because it overlooks the Bay of Bengal. The Shore Temple .....

Arjuna's Penance

#2 of 19 Places to Visit in Mahabalipuram

At a distance of 0.5 Km from Mahabalipuram Bus Station (on Mada Koil Street), Arjuna's Penance or Bhagiratha's Penace is the name of a massive open air bas-relief monolith dating from the 7th century CE. Measuring 96 feet long by 43 feet high, the bas-relief is also known as The Descent of Ganga. It has been classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site as part of 'Group of Monuments at Mahabalipuram'. In one interpretation, a figure in the bas-relief who is standing on one leg is said to be Arjuna performing an austerity Tapas to receive a boon from Shiva as an aid in fighting the Mahabharata war. The bas relief is situated on a rock with a cleft. Figures within the cleft are said to represent the River Ganges and Shiva. This provides the basis for an alternative interpretation, rather than Arjuna, the figure performing austerities is said to be Bhagiratha.

Mandapams / Caves

#3 of 19 Places to Visit in Mahabalipuram

At a distance of 0.5 Kms around Mahabalipuram Bus Station, there are 14 rock-cut carves and Mandapams in and around Mamallapuram. Mythological scenes are depicted on these architectures. These caves have been classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site as part of 'Group of Monuments at Mahabalipuram'. Following three are important Mandapams: 1) Krishna Mandapam - This is the biggest among the Mandapams and is dedicated to Lord Krishna. The sculptures inside this Mandapam beautifully picturize the myth of Lord Krishna during his brave and energetic adulthood. 2) Mahishasuramardhini Mandapam - The battle between goddess Durga and the buffalo headed demon, Mahishasura is beautifully inscribed. 3) Varaha Mandapam - the side walls have large sculptured panels depicting Vishnu as Varaha, the boar, holding up Bhudevi, the earth goddess.

Pancha Rathas

#4 of 19 Places to Visit in Mahabalipuram

At a distance of 1.5 Kms from Mahabalipuram Bus Station, Pancha Rathas (Five Chariots) - five monolithic pyramidal structures named after the Pandavas (Arjuna, Bhima, Yudhishtra, Nakula and Sahadeva) and Draupadi. It has been classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site as part of 'Group of Monuments at Mahabalipuram'. An interesting aspect of the rathas is that, despite their sizes they are not assembled - each of these is carved from one single large piece of stone. The Pancha Rathas shrines were carved during the reign of King Mahendravarman I and his son Narasimhavarman I. Each temple is a monolith, carved whole from a rock outcropping of pink granite.

Mahabalipuram Beach

#5 of 19 Places to Visit in Mahabalipuram

At a distance of 2 km from Mahabalipuram Bus Station, the golden sandy Mamallapuram Beach is a serene beach situated near the Shore Temple in Mahabalipuram, Tamil Nadu. It is identified as the one of the most pristine beaches in Tamilnadu , and among the must-visit places during your Mahabalipuram tour . Lies on the shore of the Bay of Bengal, the Mahabalipuram Beach is a picturesque place bounded by the shimmering sea and rolling hills. The beach stretches for about 20 km and comprises some rock-cut sculptures which are pleasing to the eyes. It is a perfect place to relax and give yourself a break from the hustle-bustle of city life. This is one of the famous Mahabalipuram places to visit for nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts as well. This charming beach is one of the perfect places .....

Krishna's Butter Ball

#6 of 19 Places to Visit in Mahabalipuram

At a distance of 0.5 Km from Mahabalipuram Bus Station (on Mada Koil Street), Krishna's Butter Ball is a huge boulder near the Ganesha Ratha. It rests precariously on a narrow rock base. Legend has it that several Pallava Kings attempted to move it, but all the kings and their elephants could not shift the boulder even by an inch.

Ganesha Ratha

#7 of 19 Places to Visit in Mahabalipuram

At a distance of nearly 0.5 Km from Mahabalipuram Bus Station, Ganesh Ratha Temple is located towards the north of the Arjuna's Penance. It is a temple carved out from a rock to resemble a chariot and is built in Dravidian style of temple architecture. It was once dedicated to Lord Shiva. But when the original lingam was removed, the temple came to be known as the temple of Lord Ganesh. It has been classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site as part of 'Group of Monuments at Mahabalipuram'.

Sculpture Museum

#8 of 19 Places to Visit in Mahabalipuram

At a distance of 1 Km from Mahabalipuram Bus Station (situated in East Raja Street), the Sculpture Museum is famous for its elaborate collection of sculptures and images of god and goddesses of Hindu mythology. There are more than 3,000 sculptures can be found in this museum. All the sculptures bear the historic significance and the tales of the by-gone days. In the display of the museum there are sculptures made of wood, metal, brass and cement. There are creations of ancient artists to the contemporary ones. Not only Hindu mythology but the Buddhists sculptures and images too, exist in the temple town. The monolithic statues, the Rathas (chariots), sculptured relief and their miniature can be seen in the museum. Timings: 10 AM to 5 PM on all days

Tiger Caves

#9 of 19 Places to Visit in Mahabalipuram

At a distance of 5 Kms from Mahabalipuram (on Chennai - Mahabalipuram Road), Tiger Caves are situated in a coastal village on the Kovalam Road. This is a magnificent mandapa which contains a shrine dedicated to goddess Durga which has big beautiful figures in front. The deposition here is on the battle of Goddess Durga and Mahishasura. There are number of charges in this Mandapam from that of the Mahishasura Mardini Mandapam. The figure of somaskanda is found in Athiranachanda Mandapa to the south of Tiger care.

Sadras Beach Resort

#10 of 19 Places to Visit in Mahabalipuram

At a distance of 13 kms from Mahabalipuram (towards South) and 68 Kms from Chennai, Sadras is an outstanding beach resort that takes advantage of the beautiful landscape. This is one of the popular tourist places to visit around Chennai. The beaches that surround Mahabalipuram are encompassed by beautiful, green casuarinas groves. The contrast of the vibrant green with the sparkling white beaches is breathtaking, and a sight that numerous tourists want to experience. There is an old ruined Dutch Fort and a Dutch cemetery with finely carved headstones at Sadras as well.

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Sept 4, 2020

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15 Beautiful Places to Visit in Mahabalipuram: Best Tourist Places in Mahabalipuram

When you visit the city of Chennai and ask for places to visit, the one place that you would hear in unison is Mahabalipuram. About 60 km from the southwest of Chennai and perched right on the Coromandel Coast, the city of Mahabalipuram is recognised as a hub of religious monuments from the 7th and 8th century! You would be thrilled to see the UNESCO World Heritage Site with temples that were constructed during the Pallava dynasty. The city is one of the top cultural places to visit in Tamil Nadu. While you make your visit to the coastal city, make sure to visit some of the tourist places in Mahabalipuram that we have listed!

Best tourist places to visit in Mahabalipuram

Shore Temples

Mahabalipuram's fame comes from its slew of temples. The cluster of temples famously called Shore Temples is an intriguing place to visit in Mahabalipuram. Interestingly, there are many temples submerged underwater too close to Mahabalipuram that you can also visit. The temples hold some historical significance that would pique your excitement. The temples were constructed back in the 8th century AD by the Pallava dynasty.

Tiger Caves

History buffs who are also intrigued by the cultural relevance and folklores would find the Tiger Caves amusing. It is an architectural structure that is more or less shaped like a mandapam. The structure is constructed as a shrine to Goddess Durga and is one of the top tourist places to visit near Mahabalipuram. There are also elusive carvings of heads of tigers that brought forth the name.

India Seashell Museum

If you are fascinated by the varied shapes and sizes of seashells and conch, you should most certainly add India Seashell Museum as one of the tourist places to visit in Mahabalipuram. The museum also has an exquisite aquarium attached which has varied species from the marine ecosystem such as sharks, fish, etc. A nominal tariff would be charged so keep some change on you.

Arjuna's Penance

One of the most famous and important places to visit in Mahabalipuram is the Arjuna's Penance. For centuries now, the structure has remained intact and has attracted scholars, historians and academics to the finesse of the Tamilian architecture. In fact, it is also protected by the UNESCO and the ASI as a prominent historical site .

Crocodile Bank

Are you a fan of the reptiles? The coast of Tamil Nadu is famous for housing crocodiles and other such reptiles. The Crocodile Bank is more like a conservation centre that was established by Romulus Whitaker, a herpetologist back in 1976. You can take a tour of the reserve and be amazed by the variety of reptile species that range from Indian alligators to crocodiles and snakes.

Five Rathas

For those who wish to soak in the true Dravidian-style architecture, you would be amazed by the Five Rathas which counts as one of the most historical places to visit in Mahabalipuram. The place touches upon the epic Mahabharata and the five Pandavas. You will get to see glimpses of Rathas (chariots) and a lot of interesting structures that would take you back in time.

Mahabalipuram Beach

The locals call it Mamallapuram but the famous city of Mahabalipuram in Tamil Nadu is also home to the alluring Mahabalipuram Beach. You would be soothed by the salty breeze that comes from the Bay of Bengal. There are also many exquisite rock-cut sculptures that you can find by the beach. Looking to get those Instagram-worthy snaps? Well, the Mahabalipuram beach would give you the ideal background!

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Covelong Beach

As a coastal city, unsurprisingly, some of the famous tourist attractions to visit in Mahabalipuram are the beaches. One such favourite beach which is recognised for its fancy palm trees and silver sands is the Covelong Beach. It is recognised as one of the best beaches that can be found in Mahablipuram and around Chennai! All the beach bums out there can also take a short course on surfing.

Ganesh Ratha Temple

When you're in South of India, you should not be surprised by the plethora of temples prevalent in the region. There are many temples in Mahabalipuram too which also includes the gorgeous Ganesh Ratha Temple. Built back in the 7th century, the temple also celebrates Lord Shiva. It is believed that the temple premise once had a Shiva Ling but it was later removed. You can perhaps plan to visit this place in Mahabalipuram and find out the story behind it!

Mamallapuram Lighthouse

A trip to Mahabalipuram incomplete without a visit to the Mamallapuram Lighthouse. With views of the city and the waters, it makes for quite an experience. The highlight of the lighthouse is how you are allowed to hike up the stairs and get to the top of the tower and soak in the panoramic view. You should definitely add this to your list of tourist places to visit in Mahabalipuram.

Krishna's Butterball

Krishna's Butterball holds quite a fascinating story that would most definitely get your attention. Located very close to the Five Rathas, it is basically a massive boulder. Legend believes that King Narasimhavarman tried to move the massive boulder but was unable to as it was quite heavy. This led the locals to call the boulder as the Stone of Sky God. Meanwhile, others consider the boulder to be a butterball that was snatched by Lord Krishna from his mother.

Alamparai Fort

Although many do prefer taking a break from the city hustle and visiting Mahabalipuram, they still don't know much about the Alamparai Fort. Perched right by the Bay of Bengal, the redstoned structure plays an important role in safeguarding the city and is also a known historical site. Sadly, you cannot walk around the fort due to its dilapidated condition, it is considered to be one of the best attractions of Mahabalipuram.

Mahishasura Mardini Cave Temple

Recorded to be a structure of the 7th century, the Mahishasura Mardini Cave Temple is a fascinating piece of architecture with its elegant aesthetics. The cave has some lovely carvings of deities from the Hindu mythology. Further, there is the beautiful idol of Lord Durga seated on her lion as she slays the feared demon Mahishasur. What makes it a must-visit is the location which is perched atop a hill.

Krishna Cave Temple

Recognised in the list of World Heritage Sites by the UNESCO is the remarkable Krishna Cave Temple. Dedicated to Lord Krishna, the open-air relic is known to belong to the 7th century architecture. The craftsmanship of the bygone era interspersed with the carvings of Lord Krishna lifting the massive Govardhan Parvat is a highlight that makes this one of the best places to visit in Mahabalipuram.

Trimurti Cave

Trimurti caves is dedicated to the three gods of the Hindu mythology, Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva. The caves have pillared mandapams and exquisite carvings on the walls of the caves. Further, you can also find shrines of many gods, including Goddess Durga.

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Discover the diversity: 10 must-visit places in Tamil Nadu

T amil Nadu, a land of rich culture, history, and natural beauty, beckons travelers with its diverse array of attractions. From ancient temples to serene hill stations, bustling cities to tranquil beaches, there's something for every kind of traveler in this vibrant state. Here's a detailed guide to 10 must-visit places in Tamil Nadu:

1. Chennai: The Gateway to Tamil Nadu

Chennai, the capital city, is a bustling metropolis known for its vibrant culture, historic landmarks, and bustling markets. Visitors can explore attractions such as Marina Beach, one of the longest urban beaches in the world, the iconic Kapaleeshwarar Temple, and the colonial-era Fort St. George.

2. Mahabalipuram: UNESCO World Heritage Site

Mahabalipuram, also known as Mamallapuram, is a coastal town renowned for its UNESCO World Heritage-listed group of monuments. These ancient rock-cut temples, cave sanctuaries, and intricately carved sculptures showcase the architectural brilliance of the Pallava dynasty.

3. Thanjavur: Cradle of Tamil Culture

Thanjavur, often referred to as the cultural capital of Tamil Nadu, is home to the majestic Brihadeeswarar Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visitors can also explore the Thanjavur Palace, which houses an impressive collection of art and artifacts.

4. Madurai: The Athens of the East

Madurai, one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, is famous for the Meenakshi Amman Temple, a magnificent Hindu temple dedicated to Goddess Meenakshi and Lord Sundareswarar. The city's bustling markets, vibrant festivals, and rich culinary heritage are also major draws for visitors.

5. Kanyakumari: Land's End of India

Kanyakumari, located at the southernmost tip of the Indian peninsula, is renowned for its breathtaking sunrise and sunset views over the confluence of the Arabian Sea, Bay of Bengal, and Indian Ocean. Visitors can also explore attractions such as the Vivekananda Rock Memorial and Thiruvalluvar Statue.

6. Ooty: Queen of Hill Stations

Nestled in the Nilgiri Hills, Ooty is a picturesque hill station known for its lush tea plantations, scenic lakes, and pleasant climate. Travelers can enjoy activities such as boating on Ooty Lake, exploring the Government Botanical Garden, and taking a ride on the Nilgiri Mountain Railway, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

7. Kodaikanal: The Princess of Hill Stations

Another gem in the Western Ghats, Kodaikanal is renowned for its tranquil lakes, misty mountains, and verdant valleys. Visitors can explore attractions such as the serene Kodaikanal Lake, Coaker's Walk viewpoint, and the picturesque Pillar Rocks.

8. Rameswaram: Pilgrimage to the Southern Tip

Rameswaram, situated on Pamban Island, is a sacred pilgrimage destination for Hindus. The Ramanathaswamy Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, is the main attraction, known for its impressive corridors and sacred water tanks. The town is also famous for its pristine beaches and historic significance.

9. Chettinad: Heritage and Cuisine

Chettinad region, known for its distinctive cuisine and opulent mansions, offers a glimpse into the rich cultural heritage of Tamil Nadu. Visitors can explore the grand Chettinad mansions, sample traditional Chettinad cuisine, and visit local artisan workshops.

10. Yercaud: Serene Retreat in the Eastern Ghats

Yercaud, nestled in the Eastern Ghats, is a tranquil hill station known for its scenic beauty and serene ambiance. Travelers can enjoy activities such as boating on Yercaud Lake, exploring the lush coffee plantations, and trekking to viewpoints like Lady's Seat and Pagoda Point.

Tamil Nadu is a treasure trove of cultural heritage, natural beauty, and spiritual significance. Whether you're drawn to ancient temples, scenic hill stations, or pristine beaches, this diverse state offers a multitude of experiences waiting to be explored.

Note: The article is based on content generated by AI models like Bard and Chatgpt.

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9 Best Places to Retire on the East Coast

Retirees can choose from four seasons or year-round summer on the Atlantic Coast.

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The East Coast of the U.S. offers a range of places to retire, from the north for those who enjoy the changing seasons to the mid-coastal states for milder weather and then south to Florida where the temperatures are warm year-round.

While each state has its own set of attractions, living near the ocean is a major allure for most who want to spend their golden years on the East Coast. Many retirees also enjoy the history of the towns and cities, some dating to the 1600s.

The cost of living varies with differences in home prices, utilities, and property, sales, and income taxes. Each state designs its own tax structure, including levies on income and inheritance — an important consideration for many retirees. Availability of health care, senior living facilities, activities, entertainment, and transportation also figure into the selection of a retirement destination.

With input from local experts and personal experience, here's a list of the best places to retire on the East Coast.

Port St. Lucie, Florida

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“Port St. Lucie is proud to be the sixth-largest city in Florida, with nearly 250,000 residents calling our vibrant community home,” Port St. Lucie’s mayor, Shannon Martin, tells Travel + Leisure . “Nestled on the beautiful Treasure Coast, our city serves as the economic heartbeat of the region ... We're consistently ranked among the best places to live in the nation, celebrated for our ethnic diversity, high homeownership rates, and as a top retirement destination,” she adds, also touting the city's low crime rate. “For more than a decade, we’ve ranked as the safest large city in Florida and one of the safest in the nation.”

Located on Florida’s Atlantic coast, about 110 miles north of Miami, Port St. Lucie is home to more than 20 miles of pristine beaches , most with free admission and parking plus convenient amenities. With a free nature and wildlife digital pass, wildlife spotting, hiking trails, and botanical gardens are accessible. Museums, art galleries, workshops, and performances are among the cultural opportunities in the area. A number of senior living developments are available, too, and the average home value, according to Zillow, is $401,544.

Florida has no state income tax , so pensions, IRA and 401(k) income, and Social Security are not taxed, an advantage over most other states. There’s no inheritance or estate tax, and both property and sales taxes are comparable to the national average.

St. Simons, Georgia

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The largest barrier island in Georgia’s Golden Isles , St. Simons is located on the coast, about 85 miles south of Savannah. “St. Simons Island is a wonderful place to raise a family and retire. We count ourselves blessed to live here,” says Jennifer Klonoski, community relations director at Magnolia Manor , a retirement community.

For Frances Woods, a retiree and Magnolia Manor resident, it's the “beautiful beaches, shops, activities, golf courses, wonderful restaurants, bike trails, great entertainment, and friendly people” that drew her to St. Simons Island. And according to Emilyn Clark, a seven-year Magnolia Manor resident, “Retirement on St. Simons Island is like living in a small neighborhood. All the residents are very friendly."

Niche ranks St. Simons as the second-best place to retire in Georgia. The retiree-friendly state does not tax Social Security. Other types of retirement income (interest, dividends, capital gains, royalties, pensions, and annuities) are taxable, but there’s a deduction of $65,000 per person for residents 65 and older (and a $35,000 per person deduction for those who are 62 to 64).

Georgia has no estate or inheritance taxes, and homeowners ages 62 and older may qualify for homestead exemptions on property taxes for their primary residence. Sales and property tax rates are considered moderate.

Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

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“ Myrtle Beach is more than just a vacation destination; it’s a vibrant place to live with 14 unique communities offering a quality of life that’s hard to beat. With 60 miles of beautiful coastline, a mild climate year-round, and a thriving local economy, it’s no wonder families choose to call Myrtle Beach home,” says Karen Riordan, Visit Myrtle Beach president and CEO.

Here, visitors and locals are treated to world-class golf, plenty of dining and entertainment options, and welcoming Southern hospitality. “Visitors are often so enchanted by Myrtle Beach’s charm that they decide to make this beautiful place their permanent residence,” Riordan adds.

Considered a retirement-friendly state , South Carolina does not tax Social Security . Other types of retirement income are taxable, with a $10,000 deduction, at a marginal state rate of three percent. Property taxes are some of the lowest in the country. South Carolina does not levy estate or inheritance taxes .

Niche notes a median home value of $287,900 in Myrtle Beach. From private homes to high-rise condos, the city offers a range of places to live at a variety of price points.

Carolina Beach, North Carolina

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“The charm of this coastal community is among the many reasons retirees choose to relocate to Carolina Beach,” says Carolyn Glaser of Intracoastal Realty, who also calls out the destination's near-perfect weather, beautiful beaches, quaint marinas, oceanfront seafood restaurants, and 11-acre freshwater Carolina Beach Lake, which is ideal for fishing. “A nature lover's paradise, Carolina Beach State Park hosts the county's highest elevation hiking trail, as well as a marina and campsites.  Hundreds of resident and migrating bird species make Carolina Beach's Fort Fisher State Recreation Area their home, as do loggerhead turtles that nest on the island annually.”

In other words, you won't have to leave the island to find activities that cater to all interests. Visitors, especially the grandchildren, will find plenty to do, from the Carolina Beach Pier to the North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher to the world-famous Britt's Donuts Shop.

“Low property and sales taxes, as well as a growing but affordable housing market, make Carolina Beach a desirable and prudent destination for retirees,” Glaser says. A relatively tax-friendly state for retirees, North Carolina exempts Social Security retirement benefits from income taxes. Other forms of retirement income are taxed at the North Carolina flat rate of 4.75 percent, and the state’s property and sales taxes are both moderate.

Virginia Beach, Virginia

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"Virginia Beach offers retirees coastal tranquility and endless recreational options,” says Nancy Helman, director of Virginia Beach Convention and Visitors Bureau. "The destination’s beautiful beaches, state parks, and biking trails, coupled with its inclusive neighborhoods and thriving arts and culinary scene, set the stage for retirees to enjoy a truly fulfilling and enriching lifestyle."

Virginia Beach’s three-mile boardwalk features a separate bike path, restaurants, shops, and entertainment. There’s also the Sandler Center for the Performing Arts , a local theater, and art galleries.

While Social Security income is not taxed in Virginia, other types of retirement income, like pensions and IRA and 40l(k) withdrawals, are taxable with a deduction of $12,000 for seniors. Property and sales tax rates in Virginia are low, and most cities and towns offer property tax relief for retirees over the age of 65, with the amount based on income and property value.

According to BestPlaces , the cost of living in Virginia Beach is about five percent higher than the national average. As the site reads, “Homeowners can find various housing options, ranging from single-family homes to luxurious condominiums — while renters also have access to more attractive deals nowadays.”

Surf City, New Jersey

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Located on Long Beach Island, Surf City is a town with year-round and summer-only residents. Marcus Pinto , a full-time resident, realtor, and principal with Compass, commented on the area’s sense of community and thriving art, culture, and restaurant scenes: “Surf City is a super-walkable town. You’re one block from the beach and one block from the bay. With residents living here year-round, there are more places to dine, shop, and things to do.”

Pinto predicts Long Beach Island could be the next Blue Zone . “I play pickleball with residents well into their 80s — they're healthy, active, and keeping up with much younger players.” Pinto also points out the island is accessible, just one mile from the New Jersey mainland.

According to Niche , the median home value in Surf City is $884,000. Social Security in New Jersey is not taxed, and state income taxes are low for any retirees with income from retirement accounts and pensions below $75,000 for single filers or $100,000 for joint filers. However, property taxes in New Jersey are some of the highest in the country.

Lewes, Delaware

Located where the Delaware Bay and Atlantic Ocean meet, Lewes is a scenic ferry ride from Cape May , the southernmost point of New Jersey. With a walkable downtown, a summer farmers market, restaurants, boutiques, and antique shops, Lewes is a welcoming community with a population just over 3,000 and a median home value of $676,000 according to HomeSnacks .

T+L spoke to Grace Hoinowski of home building company Schell Brothers , who mentioned Delaware’s tax advantages and overall low cost of living have been attracting new residents, including remote workers and retirees. “The area was once seasonal, but over the past 10 years, more visitors have become full-time residents. The growing neighborhoods mean more services, amenities, restaurants, medical specialists, and improved infrastructure,” Hoinowski notes. She also points out the area’s Native American history, walkable downtown, proximity to the beach, and vintage Victorian homes.

Delaware is a tax-friendly state for retirees. It's one of just four with no state or local sales tax, and it has some of the country’s lowest property tax rates. In addition, seniors over the age of 65 may qualify for some property tax relief, depending on their income and the value of their property. There’s no estate or inheritance tax, and Delaware does not tax Social Security benefits. Income from pensions, IRAs, and 401(k)s is partially taxed.

Stony Brook, New York

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Located on the north shore of Long Island, along the Long Island Sound, Stony Brook is an appealing town for retirees. In Stony Book’s Village Center, the Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame celebrates Long Island’s music heritage, and the Stony Brook Grist Mill, dating to the 18th century, recognizes the area’s history. The Long Island Museum features art, history, and displays of early carriage transportation. Stony Brook University is part of the community, a benefit for retirees for health care and cultural opportunities.

Niche states the median home price in Stony Brook as $576,800. The Long Island Sound beaches are beautiful — and yes, stony rather than sandy. A two-hour ride on the Long Island Rail Road takes residents to Penn Station in Manhattan for the theater, restaurants, museums, and other entertainment. An hour’s drive east, the wineries of the North Fork welcome visitors for tastings, and farms provide fresh seasonal produce.

New York does not tax Social Security income , a plus for retirees in the otherwise high tax state. In addition, income from pensions and retirement, while taxable, is exempt for up to $20,000 a year. Property and sales taxes are high in New York, and the state levies a tax on estates.

Portsmouth, New Hampshire

Located on New Hampshire’s coast, Portsmouth offers a historic downtown, beaches, parks, museums, nightlife, and a scenic waterfront. The city, settled in the early 1600s, is listed as a “Distinctive Destination” by the National Trust for Historic Preservation, notable for its “stimulating mix of historic buildings, sidewalk cafes, great restaurants, art galleries, jazz clubs, and distinctive artisans’ boutiques.”

Niche calls the city one of the best places to live in New Hampshire, with a median home value of $594,000.

Local realtor Barbara Dunnington tells T+L that Portsmouth is a lovely city, popular with retirees who enjoy summer concerts, the theater, restaurants, and exploring the area’s history at Strawbery Banke Museum, with guided tours of historic homes.

According to Dunnington, “Portsmouth is a great place to live, but property in the area is expensive, and rents are high.” For retirees who find Portsmouth affordable, the city offers a vibrant, walkable downtown, a lively waterfront, and a variety of cultural opportunities.

While there's no state tax on personal income from salaries, Social Security, pensions, or retirement accounts, New Hampshire does have some of the highest property taxes in the U.S., according to SmartAsset . There's a five percent tax on interest and dividends greater than $2,400 ($4,800 for joint filers), but this is being phased out by January 2027, with declining rates until then. New Hampshire also has no sales, estate, or inheritance taxes.

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7 Last-Minute Escapes for Labor Day Weekend

If you’re still hoping to stretch out the last days of summer, there are places in North America that are not too hot, not too crowded and not necessarily that far away.

By Shannon Sims

It might sound like an impossible request: a last-minute Labor Day getaway with gorgeous weather and minimal crowds that you can squeeze into a long weekend. There are good reasons many destinations across North America won’t fit the bill. Wildfires are burning in some parts of the West, tropical disturbances are brewing in the Caribbean, the East Coast’s coastal retreats are packed, and much of the South is sweaty and oh so steamy. But if you’re still hoping to stretch out the last days of summer, there are places that are not too hot, not too crowded and not necessarily that far away.

Here are seven inspirations in North America for a Labor Day getaway.

North Carolina

Hike to magical waterfalls

Less than an hour’s drive from downtown Asheville, N.C., and covering 500,000-plus acres, Pisgah National Forest is a magical place to be immersed in nature. American goldfinches and Carolina chickadees sing high above waterfalls framed by lush green trees, and babbling streams pour down moss-covered rocks hiding salamanders, newts and crayfish.

During the summer, these wooded areas are chock-full of children at summer camp, and the trails are often busy with hikers. But by Labor Day, most of the kids have returned home, while the weather is often perfect, with average temperatures in the seventies. You have your pick of activities — bird-watching, fly fishing, waterfall dousing and hiking.

Easy trails can be found at the North Carolina Arboretum , but for a shaded, moderate hike to a waterfall in which you can douse, check out Catawba Falls Trail . For another moderate hike (but no swimming), there is Linville Gorge and Falls , nicknamed the Grand Canyon of the Southern Appalachians. Advanced hikers can summit the 6,684-foot Mount Mitchell , the highest peak in the Eastern United States, in Mount Mitchell State Park, which is surrounded by Pisgah Forest.

Later, make your way back to Asheville , where a robust restaurant and brewery scene offers a perfect setting for sharing stories of your day. Local favorites include Cúrate for upscale tapas, Chai Pani for Indian food and Wicked Weed Brewing for hoppy deliciousness.

See San Francisco’s best-loved sights

“The coldest winter I ever spent was a summer in San Francisco,” may be a clichéd phrase, but anyone who has visited this California city during the summer most likely experienced fog, dank air and brisk wind. But September and October are San Francisco’s warmest and brightest months of the year.

A long weekend is just enough for first timers to sample the city’s best-known attractions. Walk or bike across the Golden Gate Bridge . Board a cable car as it clangs up and down the city’s hills. Explore Alcatraz Island on a three-hour tour (book ahead). Take in the Fisherman’s Wharf area, which may be less chaotic with many children back in school. Watch a home game of the San Francisco Giants at Oracle Park , right on the bay. Or check out the Presidio Tunnel Tops , a newly developed stretch of national park land featuring stunning panoramic views.

The city is a particularly special destination for those interested in L.G.B.T.Q. history. The GLBT Historical Society Museum , nicknamed the Queer Smithsonian, is a good place to start, as is a stroll through the Castro neighborhood or a stop at the Castro’s first gay bar, opened in 1963 as the Missouri Mule (now called Beaux).

Swim, fish, boat, then sip, at the Finger Lakes

One of the largest Finger Lakes in upstate New York, Keuka Lake stretches about 20 miles and draws visitors with clear-water swimming, paddling, kayaking and fishing. Labor Day marks the end of its high summer season.

Visitors can use picnic tables, playgrounds and swimming areas off sandy beaches at Keuka Lake State Park near Branchport or Red Jacket Park in the village of Penn Yan, on the lake’s northern end.

On its southern shores, the charming village of Hammondsport has cafes, shops and restaurants, many of which are clustered around the Pulteney Square Historic District .

Fishing is a big draw, with brown trout, yellow perch and more inhabiting the lake’s deep waters. You can buy your own fishing equipment at Jake’s Boat Livery , or get the professionals to do it by chartering a fishing expedition through Summit to Stream Adventures .

Don’t forget the wine: 20 vineyards are scattered around the lakeshore, with six part of the Keuka Lake Wine Trail . You can visit most wineries on your own or with a tour.

Keuka Lake is a one- to two-hour drive from airports in Rochester, Ithaca, Syracuse or Buffalo. The lake is about a five-hour drive from New York City.

Soak your stress away in alpine splendor

During Labor Day weekend, the I-70 corridor that connects Denver to the ski towns to the west, like Winter Park, Keystone and Breckenridge, can be bumper to bumper, especially getting back on Monday.

But nestled in the San Juan Mountains, about an hour’s drive from Telluride, is Ouray, an often overlooked gem for outdoor fun. Sure, there’s great hiking and canyoning, but there aren’t many towns where you can stroll down Main Street and stop into a boutique for shopping, a cafe for coffee and a hot springs for soaking. Ouray Hot Springs Pool is sulfur-free — in other words, no rotten-egg stink — and offers not just one pool but many: The family-friendly pools feature water slides, a volleyball net and a rolling log, while the adults-only soaking section is kept between 102 and 106 degrees.

Montrose Regional Airport , about an hour’s drive from Ouray, has direct flights to Chicago, Houston, Dallas-Fort Worth and Denver.

Sample delicious urban delights

You won’t scratch the surface of what Mexico City offers in a long weekend, so consider tossing away those checklists and instead soak up the atmosphere in one or two neighborhoods.

Start by signing up for the city’s bike share app, Ecobici , for an easy way to get around town. The Roma neighborhood, a favorite among travelers, has shaded, walkable streets; inviting plazas; and some of the city’s best restaurants. For a neighborhood with a tad fewer tourists, try La Condesa , a short bike ride from Roma and between the two lovely green spaces called Bosque de Chapultepec and Parque México . Shopaholics should visit Polanco , where the commercial thoroughfare Presidente Masaryk Avenue offers luxury stores.

Whichever neighborhood you pick to explore, you’ll be delighted by the quality and flavors of food offered at the city’s restaurants, food carts and 11,000-plus taco shops. Even if a corner spot looks shabby, it might be producing food that could rank among the best bites you’ve ever had. Look no further than Taquería El Califa de León, an unassuming taco stand that won a Michelin star this year , as an example of the culinary magic that lies around any given corner.

Nova Scotia

Time-travel in a 1700s fishing village

About 62 miles southwest of downtown Halifax along Nova Scotia’s South Shore, breezy Lunenburg is a fishing village with charm — and fresh seafood — to spare.

Old Town Lunenburg is considered by UNESCO as the best surviving example of a planned British colonial settlement in North America. Its colorful homes face tall ships moored in the harbor, transporting visitors back to the 1700s. Stroll around the area on your own, popping into local shops and restaurants, or sign up for a walking tour .

At the Fisheries Museum of the Atlantic , part of the Nova Scotia Museum , you can experience what life was like in a fishing village throughout the centuries, from early Mi’kmaq communities to the arrival of Black Loyalists in 1783 to today. The museum is housed in an old fish processing plant, and the Old Fish Factory Restaurant now serves Nova Scotia lobster rolls on a wharf-side patio.

Fresh lobster is available year-round in Nova Scotia, so check out some stops on the Nova Scotia Lobster Trail . But don’t forget much of the Atlantic’s bounty: mussels, scallops, halibut, Arctic char, cod — even a seaweed called dulse — can be found on local menus.

Roam and ride in the sand dunes

The Great Lakes were made for summer, but the challenge is finding a spot that isn’t too crowded. Silver Lake Sand Dunes is a destination even many Michiganders don’t know about.

Located an hour-and-a-half drive from Grand Rapids on Lake Michigan’s eastern coastline, the dunes comprise 2,000 acres and are part of Silver Lake State Park. Even though they are situated in the heart of the United States, the dunes will make you feel as if you’re roaming the sands of Arabia.

Activities at the park include swimming, canoeing and horseback riding along the beach, or hiking through the surrounding evergreen forests.

But a classic way to explore the dunes is through Mac Wood’s Dune Rides , a local company that for nearly a century has been taking visitors in open-top trucks for thrilling and informative rides through the sand.

While in the area, be sure to visit the Little Sable Point Lighthouse , an 1874 tower that was made more accessible to the public in 2010. Climb the tower and take in the lake, forests and dunes below.

Follow New York Times Travel on Instagram and sign up for our weekly Travel Dispatch newsletter to get expert tips on traveling smarter and inspiration for your next vacation. Dreaming up a future getaway or just armchair traveling? Check out our 52 Places to Go in 2024 .

An earlier version of this story included a photo caption that misstated the location of the Palacio de Bellas Artes in Mexico City. It is in Centro district, not Polanco. It also misstated the location of the Silver Lake Sand Dunes. The dunes are on Lake Michigan’s eastern coastline, not western.

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Open Up Your World

Considering a trip, or just some armchair traveling here are some ideas..

52 Places:  Why do we travel? For food, culture, adventure, natural beauty? Our 2024 list has all those elements, and more .

D enver: The city is undergoing a rebirth , with a newly refreshed Union Station and the gradual reopening of the mile-long, pedestrian-friendly 16th Street Mall to go along with views of the snow-capped Front Range.

Amtrak’s Empire Builder Route :  Most people who take the 4,000-mile journey from Chicago to Seattle will just watch the heartland whiz by. Our writer hopped off to explore six places you might otherwise miss .

Provincetown, Mass.:  Located at the tip of Cape Cod, P-town (as locals call it) has overlapping — and sometimes competing — identities : one of America’s oldest art colonies, nature preserve, thriving L.G.B.T.Q. resort and historic Portuguese fishing village.

Lake Como, Italy:  Stars like George Clooney frequent this scenic corner of northern Italy, but you might be surprised by how affordable it can be. Here’s an insider’s guide .

South of France:  Horses, bulls and birds of all types live among the pink marshes of the Camargue, a rugged landscape shaped  by the relentless push and pull of sea and river.

AAA Newsroom

Automotive, Travel, and Traffic Safety Information

Top Labor Day Travel Trends of 2024

Aaa booking data shows alaska cruises, european cities, and tourist attractions are most popular.

WASHINGTON, DC (Aug. 19, 2024) – This year’s record-breaking , blockbuster summer travel season comes to a close with many Americans exploring Alaska by cruise. According to AAA booking data, Seattle is the number one Labor Day weekend* destination, up nearly 30% from last year when it also topped the list. Anchorage and Juneau are also on the top ten list of Labor Day destinations.  

“This is the time of year to go on an Alaska cruise,” said Paula Twidale, Senior Vice President of AAA Travel. “There are fewer crowds compared to earlier in the summer, and if you’re lucky, you might even catch a glimpse of fall colors! It’s no surprise Alaska cruises are sold out this Labor Day weekend.”  

AAA travel experts say if you’re interested in going on an Alaska cruise next summer, the time to book is now to lock in the best rate and ensure you get the type of cabin you want.   

According to AAA booking data, o verall domestic travel over Labor Day weekend is up 9% compared to last year , while the cost to travel domestically is down 2%. Other top Labor Day destinations include Orlando, New York, Boston, Las Vegas, Denver, Chicago, and San Francisco. For many families, Labor Day is the last hurrah before school begins. To make the most of those trips, AAA recommends identifying must-see sights and creating a flexible itinerary ahead of time. “ Trip Canvas is a great free resource for travelers in the planning phase,” Twidale said. “You can find free things to do in Denver or the best museums in New York City .”  

Travelers taking road trips should expect to pay less for gas compared to last year. The national average over Labor Day weekend in 2023 was $3.81. In recent weeks, gas prices have remained steady, hovering around $3.50. Despite the popularity of summer road trips, overall gas demand is down as daily driving habits have changed post-pandemic, preventing pump prices from spiking. Hurricanes hitting the Gulf and affecting regional refineries could cause gas prices to go up as the peak of the season approaches in September. For drivers taking road trips in their electric vehicles, AAA now offers information on the cost of Level 2 commercial EV charging and updates that data weekly .   

International travel over Labor Day weekend is down 4% compared to last year, per AAA booking numbers , while the cost to travel internationally is up 11%. Most of those travelers are heading to Europe. Eight out of the top ten international destinations booked through AAA are European cities. Travelers renting a car abroad should consider getting an International Driving Permit (IDP), which translates their driver’s license information into 10 languages. Some countries – including Italy and Spain – require it. AAA is the only entity in the U.S. authorized by the State Department to issue an IDP.   

  Top Labor Day Destinations  

  Best and Worst Times to Travel by Car over Labor Day Weekend   

INRIX , a provider of transportation data and insights, says car travelers should avoid the afternoon and early evening hours of Thursday and Friday, as those times will be the most congested. Drivers should hit the road in the morning unless they’re leaving on Saturday when the best time to travel by car is in the afternoon. Travelers returning on Sunday and on Labor Day should leave as early as possible to avoid heavy traffic in the afternoon.    

“Drivers should expect the most severe traffic jams before the holiday weekend as commuters mix with travelers,” said Bob Pishue, transportation analyst at INRIX. “Monitoring traffic apps, local news stations, and 511 traveler information services may help drivers navigate around congestion and reduce driver frustration this Labor Day.”  

Source: INRIX  

*Labor Day Weekend   

AAA looked at booking data for Thursday, August 29 through Monday, September 2, and compared those numbers with booking data for that same five-day period in 2023.   

About AAA   

Started in 1902 by automotive enthusiasts who wanted to chart a path for better roads in America and advocate for safe mobility, AAA has transformed into one of North America’s largest membership organizations. Today, AAA delivers exceptional roadside assistance, helps travelers plan their dream vacations and adventures, offers exclusive member discounts and benefits, and provides trusted financial and insurance services – all to enhance the life journey of our 64+ million members across North America, including over 57 million in the United States. To learn more about all AAA offers or become a member, visit AAA.com.  

  About INRIX  

Founded in 2004, INRIX pioneered intelligent mobility solutions by transforming big data from connected devices and vehicles into mobility insights. This revolutionary approach enabled INRIX to become one of the leading providers of data and analytics into how people move. By empowering cities, businesses, and people with valuable insights, INRIX is helping to make the world smarter, safer, and greener. With partners and solutions spanning across the entire mobility ecosystem, INRIX is uniquely positioned at the intersection of technology and transportation – whether it’s keeping road users safe, improving traffic signal timing to reduce delay and greenhouse gasses, optimizing last mile delivery, or helping uncover market insights. Learn more at INRIX.com.   

Major changes at Disney parks divide fans

For Disney fans, this summer has been a roller coaster of emotions. For some, excitement around a slew of new attractions has soured after the company announced what would be shuttered to make way for the changes.

In early August, fans were thrilled to hear about plans for a long-awaited “ Villains Land ” and two new “Cars” rides at its Magic Kingdom park in Florida, as well as a “ Monsters, Inc. ” land at Hollywood Studios.

But in the wake of the announcements, excitement has dampened as Disney fans have learned about the loss of classic and atmospheric attractions in favor of franchise-driven rides that will draw huge crowds.

On Aug. 12, the Monday after D23, Disney’s annual fan convention, the company announced that it would transform the “ Rivers of America ” waterway, riverboat ride and Tom Sawyer-themed island in Magic Kingdom into the new “Cars” attractions. The move would replace a large original part of Disney World.

The negative reactions to the news have included complaints that Walt Disney’s vision for the park is being destroyed, that Disney is valuing crowd capacity over themed design and that a formerly calm respite from the Magic Kingdom crowds will become yet another long line for a loud, frenetic attraction.

The evolution of reactions has largely taken place inside the thriving online community of adult Disney fans, including Disney influencers, journalists and content creators, whom the company has increasingly marketed to as repeat visitors .

“I don’t think all people in the fandom are resistant to all change, but it’s easy to be upset when something is being taken away, even if you’re excited for something coming that is new,” said Scott Gustin, who works for media company Nexstar and posts theme park updates to his popular account on X. “Theme park fans, they kind of want it all. They want the best of all of it. They want to keep what they know, they don’t want a ‘Cars’ attraction to have to require them to pour a bunch of concrete into the river and pave it over.”

Gustin was one of the journalists live-posting at D23 throughout the Disney theme parks preview on Aug. 10. His posts on X that night were viewed over 4 million times. Gustin was provided a media credential by Disney.

The new planned attractions at Disney parks around the world were presented with great fanfare. Entertainers like John Stamos, Darren Criss, Ke Huy Quan and Meghan Trainor performed onstage throughout a presentation from Josh D’Amaro, the company’s head of parks and resorts. Gustin said the crowd at D23 was the largest and most energized he has been a part of since he started covering the event in 2022.

“I feel like I can allow myself to get excited and feel optimistic about the future of the Disney Parks again,” Gustin posted the next day. The night the convention ended, Gustin took a red-eye flight back to his home in North Carolina. Then, the mood shifted.

“I walk into the house, I set my luggage down, and then at 9 a.m. they post new concept art that shows the Rivers of America is going away,” he said.

“If you’re going to remove Rivers of America and Tom Sawyer Island, it better be damn good. It better be worth it,” Gustin posted on X. “You don’t hear me complain much about removals at the parks because I’m generally accepting of change — but it all comes back to the exchange. You can’t use ‘moving forward’ if the changes are not for the better.”

The “Rivers of America” space in the Magic Kingdom is a man-made river containing a steam-powered riverboat ride that circles an artificial island with paths and hideaways to explore, reached by motorized rafts. It’s a large play area themed to “The Adventures of Tom Sawyer” by Mark Twain with places to relax. The area draws far fewer visitors than other attractions and is seen by many Disney fans as a respite from large crowds at the park.

Gustin’s sentiments were echoed by other prominent members of the Disney fandom. Blogger Tom Bricker wrote , “It’s not exactly paving over paradise to put up a parking lot, but it’s kinda close.” YouTuber Jenny Nicholson, whose four-hour video about the closure of Disney’s “Star Wars” hotel went viral in May, posted , “I feel like the appeal of the river is that it creates a grand impression and makes the park feel like a big kingdom. All the stuff near the water feels cooler because of it. Even if you don’t go to the island or on the water it improves your experience.”

The “Rivers of America” aren’t the only attractions that will likely be shuttered in the coming years at Disney World. The “Dinosaur” ride and “DinoLand” at Animal Kingdom will be replaced with a “Tropical Americas” land featuring “Encanto” and “Indiana Jones” themed rides. The new “Monsters, Inc.” land is speculated to replace the “Muppets Courtyard” at Hollywood Studios, although the location of the attraction hasn’t been confirmed by Disney.

These changes aren’t unprecedented. Numerous attractions have been renovated and replaced at the Disney theme parks over their decadeslong history. But the large number of presumed changes has rankled some fans.

“Epcot: Defaced. Studios: De-Themed. DAK: Endangered. Magic Kingdom: 1/3 Destroyed,” posted one Disney content creator and former Disney employee. “My literal home for 75% of my life made unrecognizable.”

Deshawn Warr, an Orlando-based Disney content creator , said he believes many of the negative reactions come from a place of nostalgia, and that they’ve been incentivized by social media platforms that reward emotionally charged posts. He also highlighted that throughout the history of changes at Disney, ones that are intended to make the parks more inclusive of diversity are met with more backlash.

In 2023, “Splash Mountain” was closed amid controversy over featuring characters from “Song of the South,” which includes racist stereotypes . The ride reopened this year as “Tiana’s Princess Bayou,” themed to Disney’s first Black princess. In 2017, Disney removed a scene from the “Pirates of the Caribbean” ride that showed pirates auctioning women.

“A lot of people don’t want those changes because what changed reflects their nostalgia,” Warr said. “From nostalgia, you can unearth personal views and viewpoints on life.”

“How the parks look now isn’t so much for me but for my daughter, who’s 3,” he continued. “When she’s my age, she’ll remember a park that is different from mine, but the experiences stay the same.”

Kat Tenbarge is a tech and culture reporter for NBC News.

Haters came for this ‘disappointing’ national park. It’s fighting back.

A national park created an ad out of visitors’ criticisms after it was ranked “one of the most disappointing U.S. attractions.”

Mammoth Cave National Park is trying to lure tourists by quoting testimonials from some of the more than 550,000 visitors who check out the world’s longest cave system in Kentucky each year.

Nothing cool.

Not enjoyable.

“A world of regret awaits you at Mammoth Cave!” the national park wrote Friday on its Facebook page.

With tongue firmly in cheek, Mammoth Cave National Park leaned into the news that it had been ranked No. 3 on a list of the country’s “most disappointing U.S. tourist attractions.” The Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Merritt Island, Fla., and Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland, topped the list. But unlike those two attractions, the national park tried to harness the dubious honor to highlight its assets.

“Experience what has disappointed millions of people for over 225 years!” the Facebook post begins.

Molly Schroer, a spokeswoman for Mammoth Cave National Park, said a co-worker sent her a link to a WEHT article about the park’s poor showing. The new study, which the TV station said was conducted by gaming website JeffBet , examined websites such as Google and Tripadvisor to home in on one- to three-star reviews and then searched for words like “disappointment” and “subpar” to identify dissatisfied visitors, according to the TV Station. Nearly one in five said they were disappointed with the national park.

Schroer said she immediately recognized the bad ranking as an opportunity to mock the bad reviews. Peppering the post with exclamation points to highlight the dissatisfaction, Schroer and her colleague wrote about “many activities that will leave you unfulfilled!”

“You can be disappointed by a ‘dry hole with very few stalagmites and stalactites’ or discover nothing ‘other than trees’ on over 80+ miles of hiking, biking, horseback riding, and water trails,” she wrote before mentioning some of the reviewers’ criticisms of the Mammoth Cave experience: bugs, bad cell service and stairs.

About 100,000 Facebook users have reacted to the post, some 30,000 have shared it and nearly 9,000 have commented.

“It’s been overwhelmingly positive,” Schroer said.

There’s a long history of organizations leaning into their products’ perceived liabilities. Advertising agency Doyle Dane Bernbach revolutionized the industry with its “ Think Small ” and “Lemon” advertisements for what would become known as the Volkswagen Beetle, according to Medium . The agency did something similar for rental car company Avis, turning its runner-up status to Hertz into ad fodder with the slogan “When you’re only No. 2, you try harder.”

And for five years, the Cornhusker state’s slogan was “Nebraska. Honestly, it’s not for everyone.” John Ricks, director of the Nebraska Tourism Commission, told lawmakers this year that when he started his job in 2016, Nebraska ranked dead last in states that travelers were interested in visiting because it had a reputation as flat and boring, according to the Nebraska Examiner .

One of the ads from the campaign features a half dozen revelers floating down a river under the ad copy “Lucky for you, there’s nothing to do here.”

“The only way we could get their attention, honestly, was by agreeing with them, and then counteracting it,” Ricks said in February.

Schroer said she believes Mammoth Cave National Park’s ranking is just wrong. Most visitors who have a bad experience walk in expecting to breeze into their choice of cave tour only to realize that many sell out, especially in the summer. A visitor expecting a quick tour who ends up enduring a four-hour cave tour is going to be disappointed, Schroer said, adding that she recommends people make reservations on the park’s website before coming.

With a wink and a smile, past visitors leaped into the comment sections to say they had had terrible experiences at the park.

One echoed the criticisms from the post: “I’ve been disappointed in the place since I was 6. 61 years of being let down (pun fully intended). I don’t know why I keep coming back. I’m mean, it just takes forever for anything to change in that hole.”

Another piled on: “What really killed it for us was that there was no WiFi. What are my kids supposed to do when their tablets have no connection? They were forced to be present in the moment and enjoy nature raw and beautiful.”

Even a local was unimpressed.

“I’ve been disappointed on Every. Single. Tour,” she wrote, making sure to punctuate her displeasure with multiple exclamation points. “Can’t ever get enough of the miserable geology, history, and nature right out my back door!!”