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Heritage Tour: Explore Ancient Monuments & Myths
5.0
1 Rating
Mahabalipuram
Explore Mahabalipuram’s 7th-century wonders with a heritage storyteller. Discover ancient temples, rock-cut architecture, and hidden gems. Uncover history, mythology, and nature.
Explore Mahabalipuram’s 7th-century wonders with a heritage storyteller. Discover ancient temples, rock-cut architecture, and hidden gems. Uncover history, mythology, and nature.
Duration:
4 hours
Cancellation:
24 hours
Highlights
- Shore Temple - Did you know the Shore Temple complex was once called the ‘Seven Pagodas’? What does this name signify? Currently, only one temple complex remains, so what happened to the others? Who was responsible for building the Shore Temple? What is the architectural significance, and is it considered unique?
- Arjuna’s Penance - Arjuna’s…
- Shore Temple - Did you know the Shore Temple complex was once called the ‘Seven Pagodas’? What does this name signify? Currently, only one temple complex remains, so what happened to the others? Who was responsible for building the Shore Temple? What is the architectural significance, and is it considered unique?
- Arjuna’s Penance - Arjuna’s Penance is one of Mahabalipuram’s most impressive monuments. This exquisite bas-relief dates back to the mid-seventh century. Standing at a height of 43 feet, the monolith is carved on the face of two large adjoining boulders, extending its length to approximately 96 feet. The grandeur of this structure cannot be fully captured in photographs; it truly deserves to be admired in person. It features a stunning sculpture depicting a scene from the Indian epic ‘Mahabharata’.
- Pancha Rathas - Pancha Rathas is a monument complex located in Mahabalipuram. It exemplifies monolithic Indian rock-cut architecture. The ‘Ratha’ temples are cave temples carved from rock. These rathas are associated with the five Pandavas, prominent characters from the Mahabharata.
- Mahabalipuram Lighthouse - Next on the itinerary is climbing both the new and old lighthouses. They offer stunning photography opportunities and provide a marvellous view from the top. The new lighthouse, featuring a circular masonry tower made of natural stone, was built in the 19th century. Did you know that Mamallapuram was one of the oldest trading ports with foreigners, and the 7th-century old lighthouse stands as evidence?
- Krishna’s Butter Ball - Krishna’s Butter Ball – is it a natural wonder, a divine creation, or human-made, or perhaps alien-made? This incredible monolithic granite rock in Mahabalipuram, India, stands over 20 feet tall. With a width nearly equal to its height, it appears spherical from certain angles but is not a perfect sphere. Weighing over 250 tons, it miraculously balances on a very small, slippery hill area. What is the alternative name for this rock ball?

What's Included
- Inclusions as per package options
- Inclusions as per package options
What's Not Included
- Camera / Video fees, All fess for Foreigner, Anything other than inclusions.
- Camera / Video fees, All fess for Foreigner, Anything other than inclusions.
Additional Information
- Captivating storytelling by a Heritage Narrator, sharing untold tales.
- Insights into History, Archaeology, Architecture, Art, and Mythology.
- Exploring 7th-century monuments and temples – featuring rock-cut architecture, the Shore Temple, and the Lighthouse.
- Marveling at natural wonders – Krishna’s Butter Ball.
- Shopping for seashells, stone sculptures, and handicrafts.
- Captivating storytelling by a Heritage Narrator, sharing untold tales.
- Insights into History, Archaeology, Architecture, Art, and Mythology.
- Exploring 7th-century monuments and temples – featuring rock-cut architecture, the Shore Temple, and the Lighthouse.
- Marveling at natural wonders – Krishna’s Butter Ball.
- Shopping for seashells, stone sculptures, and handicrafts.
Location
Shore Temple
Beach Road
If cab is not included, guests can meet the Guide near Shore Temple at Mahabalipuram.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Customer Ratings
5.0
(1 Rating)
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1 star
Shankarbexley_ohio
Nov 7, 2019
Highly recommended! - Our group thoroughly enjoyed the tour of Mammalapuram all because of our highly knowledgeable guide Vijay! Vijay gave us an archaeological and iconographic impression of the amazing monolithic, stone-cut, and structural temples of the Pallavas!!! If you think you know Mammalapuram, think again. Vijay will transform these incredible monuments into a special experience with his in-depth and enthusiastic narrative and points out the finer aspects of this UNESCO world heritage site that is worth the trip.
Thanks Vijay!
The van was very clean and the driver made sure we were safe! Thanks
Review provided by Tripadvisor