• Pancha Rathas - Begin the day with a visit to the Pancharathas, or five chariots, a collection of monolithic temples crafted by the Pallavas. These rock-cut monolith 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. An elephant sculpture is located next to the ratha of Nakul-Sahadeva. Standing at the rear of the elephant reveals a striking resemblance between the back of the chariot and the elephant.
• Arjuna’s Penance - The next stop is 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 main narrative depicts Arjuna, one of the Pandava brothers, performing severe austerities to acquire Lord Shiva’s weapon.
• Pancha Pandava Cave - The Pandava cave is the largest cave-temple in Mahabalipuram. It is supported by six pillars and two pilasters. The architectural highlight is the stunning sculptures of mythical creatures called Yali on the pillars.
• Krishna’s Butter Ball - The following 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.
• Varaha Cave Temple - The Varaha cave is carved from a massive piece of granite and dates back to the 7th century. The 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.
• Trimurti Cave - This cave exemplifies the splendid architectural style of the Pallavas. The rock-cut temple is dedicated to the holy trinity of Hindu Gods: Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva. There are also exquisite carvings of elephants.
• Ganesha Ratha - This is an impressive chariot carved from a single stone. Initially dedicated to Lord Shiva, it now houses the deity of his son, Lord Ganesh. It was constructed 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.
• Old 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 the safety of mariners.
• 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, while the other shows Goddess Durga battling the demon Mahishasura on a lion.
• Shore Temple - The final stop is the Shore Temple. This magnificent temple overlooks the Bay of Bengal and was a significant center during the Pallavas’ reign when Mahabalipuram was the main port of their kingdom. Built 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 survivor of the seven that once served as a beacon for seafarers.

• Pick and drop to Chennai hotel
• Lunch
• Entrance charges
• Professional tour guide

• Beverages

This exclusive tour takes visitors to Mahabalipuram, renowned for its 7th-century rock-cut temples, set along a picturesque coastline. The tour company is accredited by the Ministry of Tourism and has received the Outlook Responsible Tourism Award. Participants will spend the day discovering this World Heritage Site, which was once an ancient seaport. Key attractions include the Five Chariots, rock-cut monolithic temples; Arjuna’s Penance, a vast open-air rock relief; the gravity-defying Krishna’s Butterball; and the Shore Temple, the last of the 7 Pagodas mentioned by Marco Polo.

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