Transport & Tours
Tourist Attractions Of Mahabalipuram
Shore Temple
A collection of temples and shrines called the Shore Temple is located near the Bay of Bengal’s shore. It is situated in Mahabalipuram, Tamil Nadu, India, roughly 60 kilometers south of Chennai. It is a structural temple from the eighth century AD that was constructed out of granite blocks.
Arjuna’s Penance
The monument Descent of the Ganges, also referred to as Arjuna’s Penance in the local dialect, is located at Mamallapuram in the Chengalpattu district of Tamil Nadu, India, on the Coromandel Coast of the Bay of Bengal. It is a massive open-air rock relief that is 96 by 43 feet in size and is carved on two monolithic rock boulders.
Pancha Rathas
Pancha Rathas is a complex of monuments located in Mahabalipuram, in the Chengalpattu district of Tamil Nadu, India, on the Coromandel Coast of the Bay of Bengal. One example of monolithic Indian rock-cut architecture is Pancha Rathas.
India Seashell Museum
Mahabalipuram’s Seashell Museum is a well-liked tourist destination and the only one of its kind in India. The museum was established in 2013 and is the brainchild of Raja Mohammed. Nearly 40000 exhibits and more than 2300 species of shells are kept in the museum; all of the items are from Mohammed’s own collection.
Krishna’s Butter Ball
Known by many as “Vaana Krishna’s Butterball,” Krishna’s Butterball is a massive granite boulder that measures roughly 16 feet (5 meters) in width and 20 feet (6 meters) in height. It is perched on a small hill with a steep slope close to Ganesh Ratha in Mahabalipuram. Despite its precarious position, it defies gravity and remains stable.
Varaha Cave Temple
In the Kancheepuram District of Tamil Nadu, India, at Mamallapuram on the Coromandel Coast of the Bay of Bengal, sits the rock-hewn Varaha Cave Temple. Situated 4 kilometers north of the Shore Temple and the main Mahabalipurm sites, it is a part of the hilltop village.
Krishna Mandpam
A monument known as Krishna Mandapa, or Krishna Mandapam, is located in the Kancheepuram district of the Indian state of Tamil Nadu at Mahabalipuram, on the Coromandel Coast of the Bay of Bengal. It is a component of the Mahabalipuram Group of Monuments, which was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1984.
Pancha Pandava Cave
The Pancha Pandava Caves are yet another amazing location within the main group of monuments in Mahabalipuram. The five Pandava brothers are honored in the rock-cut cave temple, as its name implies. Even though it’s not finished, Mahabalipuram’s cave is still a popular tourist destination. The Pancha Pandava Cave, one of the distinctive murals in the Mahabalipuram Group of Monuments, is a must-see destination in the seaside town.
Mahishasura Mardini Cave
The Mahishasuramardini Cave Temple is one of the most fascinating sites to visit in Mahabalipuram out of all the cave temples in the seaside town. The cave temple, which honors the myth of Goddess Durga killing the demon Mahishasura, is situated very close to a lighthouse. The carving represents the victory of right over wrong. This specific carving is regarded as one of the Pallava Period’s greatest works of art.
Ganesh Ratha Temple
Tamil Nadu, India’s Kancheepuram district is home to the Ganesha Ratha temple. It is one of ten rathas carved from pink granite that are part of the Pallava Period monuments at Mahabalipuram, which has been recognized as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO since 1984.
Trimurti Cave
A religious shrine honoring the three members of the Hindu triumvirate—Brahma, Vishnu, and Maheshwar—is located in the Trimurti Cave. This specific cave temple is one more outstanding example of Pallava design. One feature that sets this temple apart from others is the absence of pillared mandapas. Lord Vishnu is honored in the shrine on the right, Lord Shiva is honored in the left, and Lord Brahma is housed in the center shrine.
Tiger Cave Temple
Constructed during the 7th century AD by the distinguished Pallava dynasty, the Tiger Cave stands as a testament to the strength and mastery of Tamil tradition. The temple complex is a work of architectural wonder, the epitome of skill and artistry, carved out of solid rock.
Wide Beach
Undoubtedly, one of Mahabalipuram’s main attractions is the Wide Beach. The beach is a great place to take a stroll and see the sunrise or sunset because it’s right next to the Shore Temple. It’s not a good idea to swim at this rocky beach. Still, Wide Beach is unquestionably among the top tourist destinations in Mahabalipuram.
Sri Sthala Sayanaperumal Temple
In Mahabalipuram, there is a well-known religious shrine called Sri Sthala Sayanaperumal Temple. The shrine, which is ranked 61st out of 108 Divya Desams overall, draws a number of devotees year-round. Lord Vishnu is in charge here; he is pictured with his hands clasped over his chest in a slumbering position. One of the most visited religious sites in Mahabalipuram is the Sri Sthala Sayanaperumal Temple; don’t forget to offer prayers there.
Mahabalipuram Beach
If you happen to be in Mahabalipuram, you should definitely visit the water’s edge, one of the most well-known beaches in southern India. Taking a quick stroll on the beach in the evening while observing the sunset is a memorable experience. Adventure seekers can try their hand at surfing and diving at Mahabalipuram Beach.
Sculpture Museum
More than just a collection of sculptures, the Sculpture Museum of Mamallapuram is a living testament to South Indian cultural heritage. It offers a window into a world rich in history, mythology, and beauty and is a monument to the inventiveness, creativity, and artistic accomplishments of the Pallava dynasty.
Maritime Heritage Museum
Among all the places to visit in Mahabalipuram, the Maritime Heritage Museum is another must-see. The museum houses a variety of maritime heritages, as the name would imply. These comprise a number of historic vessels as well as the first ships to set foot on the Mahabalipuram coast. Additionally, these include the schematics of the paths these vessels followed to get to the coast of India.
Lighthouse Heritage Museum
One of the newest attractions on the fantastic list of things to do in Mahabalipuram is the Lighthouse Heritage Museum. The museum is filled with a variety of historical artifacts, including items connected to the historic lighthouses of Mahabalipuram. A tour of the Lighthouse Heritage Museum is essential if you’re looking to discover something new in this seaside town.
Raya Gopuram
In the seaside town of Mahabalipuram, there’s an unusual attraction called Raya Gopuram. It is ideally an incomplete building that is now a temple’s ruins. According to historians, the structure is a relatively new addition to Mahabalipuram’s monuments, dating back to the 16th century. There isn’t much to do here, but it’s still worth it to admire the tall building and all of its finely woven inscriptions.
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.