Things to Do in Mahabalipuram

Built during the 7th century, Shore Temple is one of the oldest South Indian temples constructed in the Dravidian style and depicts the royal taste of the Pallava dynasty. The work of the temple has been listed amongst the World Heritage Sites by UNESCO.

The Five Rathas, also known as Panch Rathas, is a exemplary set of rock temples. They are excellent examples of the evolution of Dravidian style architecture.

Also known as Mamallapuram by locals, Mahabalipuram Beach lies on the shore of the Bay of Bengal and comprises some rock-cut sculptures.  The scintillating beach has golden sand all along the stretch and is also famous for caves, massive rathas, chariots and temples.

Situated by the shore of the Bay of Bengal, Tigers Caves has been a recreation spot for ages where locals relax after their five-kilometre trek from Mahabalipuram to this idyllic location out of the town. The name of the caves has nothing to do with the presence of real tigers.

The Arjuna's Penance is an enormous rock-cut relief, one of the largest in the whole world, situated in Mahabalipuram of Kanchipuram district, Tamil Nadu. It is also known as 'Descent of the Ganges' because the structure depicts either or both of these two significant and symbolic events of Hindu mythology.

The Crocodile Bank is located 14 kilometers from Mahabalipuram. It was established by herpetologist Romulus Whitaker in 1976. It holds a varied species of Indian and African alligators and crocodiles. They are kept in open pools that are made to resemble their natural habitat. This Crocodile Conservation Center is the most popular site to visit at Crocodile Bank.

Many do not know the significance of the captivating fort as this long-forgotten trading post is spoken about quite infrequently. The fort was listed in the International Tourism Fair in Berlin as one of the twenty lesser-known tourist attractions in Tamil Nadu by The Tamil Nadu Tourism Development Corporation (TTDC).

Sadras is an exquisite beach resort that has taken full advantage of the beautiful landscape. The beaches that surround Mahabalipuram are beset by beautiful, green casuarinas groves. The contrast of the vibrant green with the sparkling white beaches is breathtaking, and a sight that is a delight to everyone who has to will to enjoy it.

Mamallapuram Lighthouse in Mahabalipuram has been open for the public view since 2011. The circular masonry tower of the Lighthouse is made of natural stones and has been fully functional since 1904. Climbing on the stones and atop the Lighthouse (yes, you are allowed to climb) can be a real treat.

Located en-route Mahabalipuram from Chennai, Wide Beach is a beautiful stretch of beach predominated by the fisher folks. The beach also has beautiful caves and rock sculptures on the shore. You can visit the beach and watch the beautiful sunrise and sunset scenes.

Descent of the Ganges is a monument in Mahabalipuram dedicated to the legend of Goddess Ganga's descent to Earth. There is a giant open-air rock relief carved on two monolithic rock boulders that relate the famous legend of Bhagirath doing penance and leading the Goddess onto the earth.

Located on the coastline of the Bay of Bengal near the village Covelong, Kovalam Beach was given the name 'Covelong' by the British due to their inefficiency of pronouncing "Kovalam".  The Beach has been transformed into one of the best excursion and picnic spots.  The calmness it offers during the sunset is unmatchable.

Krishna's butterball is a gigantic granite Boulder measuring 6 meters high and 5 meters wide and weighs over 250 tons. This strange object in the town of Mahabalipuram is said to be in the same position for over 1200 years. At one point in its history, seven elephants were employed to move it, but to no avail.

Famous for its intricately carved temples and rock-cut caves, Mamallapuram or Mahabalipuram, as it is famously known, is a historically important tourist location situated on the Coromandel Coast along the Bay of Bengal in the state of Tamil Nadu. Archaeologically, excavations of ancient ruins have led to their fame & rediscovery.

The newly built sea shell museum of Mahabalipuram is one of its kind in the country and the largest one in Asia. It is basically a repository of various kinds of sea shell kept with an aim to educate its visitors. There over over 40,000 different specimens of rare and unique shell in the place.

Sculpture Museum at Mahabalipuram, as the name suggests, houses sculptures depicting several Hindu mythological characters, gods and goddesses. An elaborate collection of over 3000 sculptures can be found here. The stone, wooden, brass and cement sculptures are intricately carved and bear historic significance and legends.

Mahabalipuram is brimming with interesting and flattering restaurants, cafes, and various cuisines. While here, try Grilled Fish, Vegetarian thali, Prawns, Lobsters, Crabs and more. You might also try a typical South Indian platter which consists of Idli, Dosa, Appam, Vada, Upma Sambhar, Sweet Pongal, Kesari, Payassam and much more.