Mahabalipuram & Kanchipuram in a day from Chennai by private car with guide
Overview
In this day tour from Chennai, we will visit the twin wonders of Pallava architecture, Mahabalipuram and Kanchipuram. We will cover the magnificent temples of Ekambareswar & Kailashnath in Kanchipuram. After that we visit the ancient sea port of Mahabalipuram and visit the legendary rock cut structures lie Arjuna's penance, Five Rathas and the iconic Shore temple which served literally as the beacon for sea farers from the 8th century onwards. This is a fully guided tour with pick up and drop, private car, full time guide, lunch and all entrance charges as well.
Inclusions
- GST (Goods and Services Tax)
- Lunch
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Local guide
- Entry/Admission - Kailasanathar Temple
- Entry/Admission - Krishna's Butter Ball
- Entry/Admission - Shore Temple
- Entry/Admission - Arjuna's Penance
- Entry/Admission - Pancha Rathas
- Entry/Admission - Ekambareswarar Temple
What to expect
Itinerary
This is a typical itinerary for this product
Stop At: Ekambareswarar Temple, Ekambaranathar Sannidhi Street, Kanchipuram 631502 India
We visit Ekambareswarar of Pallava dynasty to appreciate these ancient architectural wonders. These were built in 600 AD and are magnificent specimens of the Pallava style of architecture.
Duration: 45 minutes
Stop At: Kailasanathar Temple, Pillaiyarpalayam, Karuppadithattadai, Tamil Nadu 631501, India
We will visit the magnificent temple of Kailasanathar Temple from Pallava times. Kanchipuram was the capital of the medieval South Indian Kingdom of Pallavas. The Pallavas were instrumental in the transition from rock-cut architecture to stone temples. We will appreciate these architectural wonders built in 600 AD.
Duration: 45 minutes
Stop At: Pancha Rathas, Kancheepuram District, Mahabalipuram 603104 India
Mahabalipuram is an ancient town and was known to be a trading post during Roman Times. It rose to prominence as a bustling sea port during the rule of the Pallava Dynasty headquartered in Kanchipuram during the 7th century AD. Ships sailing from South India to South East Asia used to depart from the Mahabalipuram port.
Panch Rathas, or the 5 chariots is our first destination. These are rock cut monolith temples structures dedicated to Draupadi and the 5 Pandavas from the epic Mahabharata.
Duration: 45 minutes
Stop At: Arjuna's Penance, West Raja Street Near Ganesha Ratha, Mahabalipuram 603104 India
We also visit Arjuna’s Penance, a 100 feet x 45 feet bas relief where an entire masterpiece from the Mahabharata epic has been carved.
Duration: 30 minutes
Stop At: Krishna's Butter Ball, E Raja St, Mahabalipuram 603104 India
The next halt is at Krishna’s Butterball, a curious sight of a 5 meters diameter ball shaped boulder which is perched precariously on a slope and defies Newton’s laws of gravity!
Duration: 30 minutes
Stop At: Shore Temple Rd, Mahabalipuram 603104 India
The legendary Marco Polo referred to Mahabalipuram as the city of 7 pagodas. The Shore temple is the only 1 of those magnificent 7 temples, which have survived the ravages of time. The Magnificent Shore temple beckons us. This 8th century structural temple is made of granite and served as a beacon for sea farers of the time.
Duration: 45 minutes
This is a typical itinerary for this product
Stop At: Ekambareswarar Temple, Ekambaranathar Sannidhi Street, Kanchipuram 631502 India
We visit Ekambareswarar of Pallava dynasty to appreciate these ancient architectural wonders. These were built in 600 AD and are magnificent specimens of the Pallava style of architecture.
Duration: 45 minutes
Stop At: Kailasanathar Temple, Pillaiyarpalayam, Karuppadithattadai, Tamil Nadu 631501, India
We will visit the magnificent temple of Kailasanathar Temple from Pallava times. Kanchipuram was the capital of the medieval South Indian Kingdom of Pallavas. The Pallavas were instrumental in the transition from rock-cut architecture to stone temples. We will appreciate these architectural wonders built in 600 AD.
Duration: 45 minutes
Stop At: Pancha Rathas, Kancheepuram District, Mahabalipuram 603104 India
Mahabalipuram is an ancient town and was known to be a trading post during Roman Times. It rose to prominence as a bustling sea port during the rule of the Pallava Dynasty headquartered in Kanchipuram during the 7th century AD. Ships sailing from South India to South East Asia used to depart from the Mahabalipuram port.
Panch Rathas, or the 5 chariots is our first destination. These are rock cut monolith temples structures dedicated to Draupadi and the 5 Pandavas from the epic Mahabharata.
Duration: 45 minutes
Stop At: Arjuna's Penance, West Raja Street Near Ganesha Ratha, Mahabalipuram 603104 India
We also visit Arjuna’s Penance, a 100 feet x 45 feet bas relief where an entire masterpiece from the Mahabharata epic has been carved.
Duration: 30 minutes
Stop At: Krishna's Butter Ball, E Raja St, Mahabalipuram 603104 India
The next halt is at Krishna’s Butterball, a curious sight of a 5 meters diameter ball shaped boulder which is perched precariously on a slope and defies Newton’s laws of gravity!
Duration: 30 minutes
Stop At: Shore Temple Rd, Mahabalipuram 603104 India
The legendary Marco Polo referred to Mahabalipuram as the city of 7 pagodas. The Shore temple is the only 1 of those magnificent 7 temples, which have survived the ravages of time. The Magnificent Shore temple beckons us. This 8th century structural temple is made of granite and served as a beacon for sea farers of the time.
Duration: 45 minutes
Additional information
- Not wheelchair accessible
- A dress code is required to enter places of worship and selected museums. No shorts or sleeveless tops allowed. Knees and shoulders MUST be covered for both men and women. You may risk refused entry if you fail to comply with these dress requirements
- Near public transportation
- Most travelers can participate
- Face masks required for travelers in public areas
- Face masks required for guides in public areas
- Face masks provided for travelers
- Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
- Social distancing enforced throughout experience
- Gear/equipment sanitized between use
- Transportation vehicles regularly sanitized
- Guides required to regularly wash hands
- Regular temperature checks for staff
- Paid stay-at-home policy for staff with symptoms
- Contactless payments for gratuities and add-ons
- This is a private tour/activity. Only your group will participate
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
Ticket delivery
You can present either a paper or an electronic voucher for this activity.
Cancellation
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start time of the experience.
Bette59
December 2021
Our guide Kanan made sure we were able to see as much as possible in our time and added another temple that was very unique. We enjoyed the commentary and learning more about Indian culture. Our driver navigated safely and was always close by to take us to the next location. We appreciated the...
Our guide Kanan made sure we were able to see as much as possible in our time and added another temple that was very unique. We enjoyed the commentary and learning more about Indian culture. Our driver navigated safely and was always close by to take us to the next location. We appreciated the bonus sites at the best restroom spots as well! The food at lunch was also great and a good way to try various dishes. It was truly a unique experience and we feel blessed to have been able to experience this tour.PoojaKush
March 2021
We had taken a day tour with the 5 senses tour and our guide Mr. Kannan to Kanchipuram and Mahabalipuram. Our guide was polite,respectful, knowledgeable and enthusiastic about showing us around. He took us to Kanchipuram,showed us the oldest temple made out sand and explained us the history beh...
We had taken a day tour with the 5 senses tour and our guide Mr. Kannan to Kanchipuram and Mahabalipuram. Our guide was polite,respectful, knowledgeable and enthusiastic about showing us around. He took us to Kanchipuram,showed us the oldest temple made out sand and explained us the history behind that. He took us to another beautiful temple made by Cholaz. It was vastly built and I strongly recommend a must visit to this temple. He explained us every little thing about this temple,then he took us for some good kanjeevarm saree shopping.The shop was good and we also got to experience the silk weaving process. Mahabalipuram was also nice as it had 5 rathas, shore temple. What I learnt from this tour with Mr.Kannan is one can always visit on their own but it's only when you visit a place with a good guide,your learning and experience of the place is very good ,indepth and different. So,I definetly recommend 5 senses tour and with Mr. Kannan. Thankyou, PoojaKush Bajajelvirabala
March 2020
This was the first trip to India and to Chennai, Kanchipuram and Mahabalipuram for my three adult children, who are world-class travelers. Mr. Narayanan of 5-Senses set up the one day tour to Kanchipuram and Mahabalipuram and we could not have wished for any better tour. A perfect, more than ...
This was the first trip to India and to Chennai, Kanchipuram and Mahabalipuram for my three adult children, who are world-class travelers. Mr. Narayanan of 5-Senses set up the one day tour to Kanchipuram and Mahabalipuram and we could not have wished for any better tour. A perfect, more than satisfying tour that far exceeded our expectations. Indeed, we were fortunate to have Rajiv, as our guide. He was not only knowledgeable and an expert on the culture and history of the region but an able interlocutor for our ever questioning kids. Rajiv truly educated and guided us through not just the sites but their history and relevance to contemporary living. Rajiv did not speak to impress us. He spoke only when needed and kept our interest high throughout the trip. My family and I have been fortunate to live or travel through over 20 countries during our overseas work and we have often used private tour guides in Mexico, South America, Europe, Middle East, former Soviet Union, and Far East Asia. Mr. Rajiv is easily among the top three guides we have had in the past and Mr. Narayanan and his 5-Senses among the very best tour operators in the world. A great unforgettable experience for me and my family.oliviarP1851RP
March 2020
We had the most amazing day leaning about the temples and history of India. Kannan was a wonderful tour guide - very knowledgeable, easy to communicate with, and ready to make your day as memorable as possible. Although the tour involves multiple sites in one day, it does not feel like a long day...
We had the most amazing day leaning about the temples and history of India. Kannan was a wonderful tour guide - very knowledgeable, easy to communicate with, and ready to make your day as memorable as possible. Although the tour involves multiple sites in one day, it does not feel like a long day and is definitely worth it!chrisaO6262DF
March 2020
Our tour guide was incredible. He really knew the details of the religious temples we were able to go see, and it truly was enlightening. Not only that, but our guide (Vijay) monitored what we liked and didn't like, and made sure to include more of the former in his discussion with us!
Our tour guide was incredible. He really knew the details of the religious temples we were able to go see, and it truly was enlightening. Not only that, but our guide (Vijay) monitored what we liked and didn't like, and made sure to include more of the former in his discussion with us!dooweee
March 2020
We booked with Kannan and he was wonderful! Very knowledgeable about the history of India and all of the temples that we went to. Very polite and communication was not a problem at all. I would highly recommend booking this tour if you want to learn a lot about India's history.
We booked with Kannan and he was wonderful! Very knowledgeable about the history of India and all of the temples that we went to. Very polite and communication was not a problem at all. I would highly recommend booking this tour if you want to learn a lot about India's history.