• Pancha Rathas - Begin the day at the Pancharathas, or five chariots, a collection of monolithic temples crafted by the Pallavas. These rock-cut monolith temple structures were constructed in the 7th century. Each of the five rathas, or chariots, is dedicated to the main characters of the Mahabharata epic: Draupadi, Arjuna, Nakul-Sahadeva, Bhima, and Yudhishthira. Additionally, there is a sculpture of an elephant beside the ratha of Nakul-Sahadeva. Standing at the rear of the elephant reveals an intriguing resemblance between the back of the chariot and the elephant.
• Arjuna’s Penance - The next visit is to Arjuna’s Penance, a bas-relief monument regarded as one of India’s most remarkable pieces of ancient art, illustrating vivid scenes from the Mahabharata. The relief measures 100 feet in length and 45 feet in height! The central narrative depicts how Arjuna, one of the Pandava brothers, undertook severe austerities to acquire Lord Shiva’s weapon.
• Krishna’s Butter Ball - The subsequent stop is Krishna’s Butterball, a granite boulder perched on a rocky slope. This intriguing boulder appears to defy Newton’s laws of gravity and has remained stationary despite its precarious position on the slope for over a thousand years.
• Shore Temple - The final destination is the Shore Temple. This magnificent temple overlooks the Bay of Bengal and was a significant center during the Pallavas’ reign when Mahabalipuram served as the main port of their Kingdom. Constructed by King Raja Simha in the early 8th century, the Shore Temple is a landmark in India’s architectural heritage. Marco Polo referred to it as the seven pagodas. The existing temple is the last surviving of the seven that once served as a beacon for seafarers.
• Varaha Cave Temple - The Varaha cave is carved from a massive piece of granite and dates back to the 7th century. This temple took several decades to complete. Squatting lions adorn the pillars supporting the hall. Another highlight is the sculptures of two guardian angels protecting the sanctum.
• Pancha Pandava Cave - The Pandava cave is the largest cave-temple in Mahabalipuram. The cave is supported by six pillars and two pilasters. The architectural highlight is the spectacular sculptures of mythical creatures called Yali on the pillars.
• Mahishasuramardini Cave - Two of Mahabalipuram’s most impressive artworks reside in this cave. It features two imposing bas-reliefs on the walls. The first depicts Lord Vishnu resting on the coils of a serpent. The other shows Goddess Durga battling the demon Mahishasura on a lion.
• Ganesha Ratha - This is an impressive chariot carved from a single stone. Originally dedicated to Lord Shiva, it now houses the deity of his son, Lord Ganesh. It was built in the 7th century by King Mahendravarman I. Another highlight of this temple is the 18 inscriptions in ancient Grantha and Nagari scripts of Sanskrit.
• Mahabalipuram Lighthouse - Built in 640, it is India’s oldest lighthouse and one of the oldest in the world. Mahabalipuram was a bustling port since the 7th century, and this lighthouse played a crucial role in ensuring mariners’ safety.

• Entry/Admission - Trimurti Cave
• Pick and drop to Chennai hotel
• Lunch
• Entrance charges
• Professional tour guide

• Personal expenses
• Gratuities
• Beverages

Mamallapuram, also known as Mahaballipuram, is located approximately an hour away from Chennai via the East Coast Road. This place served as the secondary capital and port for the Pallava Kings in the 5th century. According to local folklore, a stunning city housing seven temples once existed here, which the deities drowned beneath the ocean in wrath. However, in 2002, an Indo-British team of divers unveiled several square miles of underwater human-made constructions. Presently, visitors at Mamallapuram can view the renowned Shore Temple, the sole enduring temple of the initial seven, with others submerged beneath the ocean. As one of the oldest South Indian temples, the Shore Temple showcases the supreme maturation of Pallava artistry. Arjuna’s Penance, the world’s largest bas-relief, illustrates the tale of the River Ganges descending from the Heavens to Earth. The combination of mammoth monolithic carvings (created from an extensive single piece of granite) and cave temples makes Mamallapuram an unforgettable location.

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.