• 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 monolithic 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 a striking resemblance between the back of the chariot and the elephant.
• Arjuna’s Penance - The next destination 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 central narrative depicts how Arjuna, one of the Pandava brothers, undertook 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 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.
• 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 that support the hall. Another highlight is the sculptures of two guardian angels who protect 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. 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 surviving of the seven that once served as a beacon for seafarers.

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

• Beverages

In the 13th century, Marco Polo sailed by this coastline and noted a city of seven pagodas emerging from the sea. Today, only one remains visible, while archaeologists have discovered the others submerged offshore. During the 7th and 8th centuries, the Pallava kings sculpted an entire world from the rocks here — including five Mahabharata chariots carved from single stones, a hundred-foot bas-relief featuring a satirical cat mimicking a holy man surrounded by mice, a five-meter boulder that has remained balanced on a slope for thirteen centuries despite a British administrator’s attempt to move it with an elephant, and the Shore Temple, which still reflects in the Bay of Bengal at high tide.

Our exclusive Mahabalipuram tour from Chennai encompasses all these wonders, guided by a cultural expert who brings each stone to life. The tour includes a private car, an expert guide, all entry fees, and lunch.

5 Senses Tours is recognized by the Department of Tourism and has received the Outlook Responsible Tourism Award and the Tripadvisor Travellers Choice Award.

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