Historical Places in Mahabalipuram

The temple town of Mahabalipuram, in Tamil Nadu, is famous for being a UNESCO World Heritage Site housing 7th and 8th century monuments, along with sun-kissed beaches and scenic shorelines.

Mahabalipuram_tv_destination_img_2
Mahabalipuram_tv_destination_img_2
Mahabalipuram_tv_destination_img_3
Mahabalipuram_tv_destination_img_4
Mahabalipuram Landscape Image
Mahabalipuram_Heritage_and_culture
Mahabalipuram_beach

Things To See & Do

Krishnas Butterball

Krishnas Butterball

Massive Granite Boulder
The granite boulder weighs about 250 tonnes and is six metres high and five metres wide. It is said to have been in the same place for about 1,200 years.

30 minutes

Suggested Time

Pancha Rathas

Pancha Rathas

Temples Structured Like Chariots
The 8th century monument complex comprises of five temples built like chariots. The rock-cut structures are carved out of pink granite and are named after Draupadi and the Pandavas.

1 to 2 hours

Suggested Time

Shore Temple

Shore Temple

UNESCO World Heritage Site
Overlooking the Bay of Bengal, the Shore Temple dates back to the 8th century. The temple complex was built out of granite during the Pallava dynasty.

2 hours

Suggested Time

India Seashell Museum

India Seashell Museum

Unique Marine Museum
The largest museum of its kind in the country, India Seashell Museum houses over 40,000 specimens of rare and unique seashells, fossils, shark teeth and whale fins.

1 to 2 hours

Suggested Time

Descent of the Ganges

Descent of the Ganges

Unleashing the power of nature
Descent of the Ganges is another magnificent monolithic rock-cut bas-relief situated in Mahabalipuram, Tamil Nadu. This UNESCO World Heritage Site depicts the celestial event of River Ganges descending to Earth, as narrated in ancient Indian mythology. The intricate carvings on this bas-relief attract history buffs and art enthusiasts alike.

1-2 hours

Suggested Time

Varaha Cave Temple

Varaha Cave Temple

An Architectural Gem of the Pallava Dynasty
Varaha Cave Temple, located in Mahabalipuram, is a remarkable example of ancient Indian rock-cut architecture. This UNESCO World Heritage Site dates back to the 7th century and is dedicated to Lord Vishnu in his Varaha (boar) avatar. The temple is adorned with intricate carvings and sculptures, making it an important historical and cultural attraction.

1 hour

Suggested Time

Sculpture Museum

Sculpture Museum

A Treasure Trove of Ancient Indian Art
The Sculpture Museum in Mahabalipuram is a must-visit destination for art enthusiasts and history buffs, showcasing a vast collection of exquisite sculptures and artifacts dating back to the Pallava and Chola dynasties. The museum highlights the rich cultural heritage and artistic skills of ancient India, offering a fascinating insight into the region's past.

1-2 hours

Suggested Time

Trimurti Cave

Trimurti Cave

An Ancient Rock-cut Shrine Depicting the Hindu Trinity
Trimurti Cave, located in Mahabalipuram, is a fascinating rock-cut shrine that showcases the skill and artistry of the Pallava dynasty. The cave features three shrines dedicated to the Hindu trinity - Lord Brahma, Lord Vishnu, and Lord Shiva - and is adorned with intricate carvings that attract history enthusiasts and tourists alike.

1 hour

Suggested Time

Ganesh Ratha Temple

Ganesh Ratha Temple

A Monolithic Wonder Dedicated to Lord Ganesha
Ganesh Ratha Temple, situated in Mahabalipuram, is an exquisite monolithic temple dedicated to Lord Ganesha. Carved out of a single rock, this temple is a fine example of the Dravidian architectural style prevalent during the Pallava dynasty. The temple's intricate carvings and unique construction make it a popular tourist attraction.

1 hour

Suggested Time

Best Time To Visit Mahabalipuram

Perfect winter destination

  • NOV-FEB

    Peak Season

  • MAR-MAY

    Moderate Season

  • JUN-OCT

    Off-season

  • What To Expect:Pleasant days and cold nights.
  • Things You'll Love:Sightseeing and water sports.

FESTIVALS AND EVENTS

Mamallapuram Dance FestivalDecember/January

PongalJanuary

Book Your Trip to Mahabalipuram

From

Travel Options to reach Mahabalipuram

Our Recommendations

Flight to Chennai Airport, then Car to Mahabalipuram

Booking Options Starting From

₹7,295

BOOK NOW

Flight to Tiruchirappalli Airport, then Car to Mahabalipuram

Booking Options Starting From

₹13,559

BOOK NOW

Stay in Mahabalipuram

Recommended Options

VIEW ALL

3 STAR HOTELS

Recommended For You

Average Price

₹2,356

EXPLORE
Hotel Mamalla Heritage

Hotel Mamalla Heritage

Fisherman colony

4.1/5

₹3,139

Onwards

Collection O Mahaballipuram

Collection O Mahaballipuram

Vadanemmeli

3.8/5

₹1,403

Onwards

Bay View Beach Guest House

Bay View Beach Guest House

Mahabalipuram

4.2/5

₹2,528

Onwards

4 STAR HOTELS

Recommended For You

Average Price

₹15,845

EXPLORE
MGM Beach Resorts (15Kms before Mahabalipuram)

MGM Beach Resorts (15Kms before Mahabalipuram)

In Chennai

3.9/5

₹35,399

Onwards

Grande Bay Resort and Spa

Grande Bay Resort and Spa

East Coast Road

4.5/5

₹7,198

Onwards

Coral Beach Resort

Coral Beach Resort

East Coast Road

3.8/5

₹4,938

Onwards

5 STAR HOTELS

Recommended For You

Average Price

₹15,833

EXPLORE
Kaldan Samudhra Palace

Kaldan Samudhra Palace

East Coast Road

4.6/5

₹12,999

Onwards

Radisson Blu Resort Temple Bay

Radisson Blu Resort Temple Bay

East Raja Street

4.5/5

₹22,000

Onwards

Welcomhotel by ITC  Hotels, Kences Palm Beach

Welcomhotel by ITC Hotels, Kences Palm Beach

Mahabalipuram

4.2/5

₹12,500

Onwards

More about Historical Places in Mahabalipuram

Holiday on your mind? Mahabalipuram is an incredible tourist destination for Heritage based travel. Know more about the destination before you plan a perfect trip there.

Top festivals celebrated here are Mamallapuram Dance Festival and Pongal in the months of December/January and January respectively. You can visit during these months to enjoy the celebrations! Tourists like to travel to Mahabalipuram in October, November, December, January and February to enjoy pleasant days and cold nights! Even June, July, August and September is a preferred time to visit as its a shoulder season offering moderate rainfalls accompanied by humidity for tourists. You can enjoy the best of both worlds during this time.

March, April and May is the off season for tourism in Mahabalipuram. Main things to do in Mahabalipuram are Krishna’s Butterball, Tiger Cave and Pancha Rathas. Tick all of these off your bucket list to make memories for lifetime. Have a safe trip!

FAQs - Frequently Asked Questions about Mahabalipuram

How is the weather of Mahabalipuram in peak season?

The weather of Mahabalipuram in peak season is pleasant days and cold nights. It means you can easily plan a trip to Mahabalipuram in the months of ​​​​​​​​October, November, December, January and February to enjoy your trip to the fullest.

Which are the best heritage places to explore in Mahabalipuram?

The best heritage places in Mahabalipuram are Krishna’s Butterball, Pancha Rathas and India Seashell Museum. You will have an amazing time exploring these heritage places in Mahabalipuram and will definitely come back home with a bag full of lovely memories.

What are the best places to visit in Mahabalipuram?

Mahabalipuram has loads of places that you can visit on your vacation. Our recommendation of the best places to visit in Mahabalipuram include - Krishna’s Butterball, Tiger Cave, and Pancha Rathas. Apart from these, there are multiple other places to visit that you can explore if you are on a longer trip!