Mahabalipuram Private tour from Chennai by car with guide and lunch by Wonder
Overview
Inclusions
- Professional tour guide
- Lunch
- Entrance charges
- Pick and drop to Chennai hotel
- Entry/Admission - Trimurti Cave
- Entry/Admission - Mahishasuramardini Cave
- Entry/Admission - Krishna's Butter Ball
- Entry/Admission - Shore Temple
- Entry/Admission - Mahabalipuram Lighthouse
- Entry/Admission - Arjuna's Penance
- Entry/Admission - Varaha Cave Temple
- Entry/Admission - Pancha Rathas
- Entry/Admission - Pancha Pandava Cave
- Entry/Admission - Ganesha Ratha
What to expect
This is a typical itinerary for this product
Stop At: Pancha Rathas, Kancheepuram District, Mahabalipuram 603104 India
Make the first stop of the day at the Pancharathas, or five chariots, a series of monolithic temples built by the Pallavas.These are rock cut monolith temples structures built in the 7th century. Each of the 5 rathas or chariots are dedicated to the lead cast of the Mahabharat epic- Draupadi, Arjuna, Nakul-Sahadeva, Bhima and Yudhister. There is also a sculpture of an elephant next to the ratha of Nakul-Sahadeva. Once you stand towards the rear of the elephant you will notice that there is an uncanny resemblance between the rear of the chariot and the elephant.
Duration: 45 minutes
Stop At: Arjuna's Penance, West Raja Street Near Ganesha Ratha, Mahabalipuram 603104 India
We next visit Arjunaโs Penace, a bas-relief monument thatโs considered one of Indiaโs most magnificent pieces of ancient art, depicting vivid scenes from the Mahabharata. The relief is 100 feet long and 45 feet tall! The main story being told is how Arjuna, one of the Pandava brothers, performed severe austerities in order to obtain Lord Shiva's weapon.
Duration: 30 minutes
Stop At: Krishna's Butter Ball, E Raja St, Mahabalipuram 603104 India
The next stop is Krishnaโs Butterball, a granite boulder thatโs poised on a stony slope. This curious boulder seems to defy Newton's laws of gravity and has not moved an inch despite being in this precarious position on the slope for more than a thousand years.
Duration: 15 minutes
Stop At: Shore Temple Rd, Mahabalipuram 603104 India
Our last port of call is the Shore Temple. The magnificent temple overlooks the Bay of Bengal and was an important centre during the reign of the Pallavas when Mahabalipuram was the main port of their Kingdom. Built by King Raja Simha during the early 8th century, the Shore Temple is a landmark in the architectural landscape of India. Marco Polo referred to this as the seven pagodas. The existing temple is the last surviving of the 7 which once stood as a beacon for sea farers.
Duration: 45 minutes
Stop At: Varaha Cave Temple, Kancheepuram District, Mahabalipuram India
The Varaha cave is carved out of huge piece of granite and dates back to the 7th century. This temple took several decades to be completed. There are squatting lions adorning the pillars which support the hall. Another highlight are the sculptures of two guardian angels who protect the sanctum.
Duration: 15 minutes
Stop At: Pancha Pandava Cave, West Raja Street, Mahabalipuram India
Pandava cave is the largest cave-temple at Mahabalipuram The cave is supported on six pillars and two pilasters. The highlight of the architecture are the spectacular sculptures of mythical creatures called Yali on the pillars.
Duration: 15 minutes
Stop At: Mahishasuramardini Cave, Mahabalipuram India
Two of the most impressive works of art of Mahabalipuram reside in this cave. It has 2 imposing bas-reliefs on the walls. The first one is Lord Vishnu sleeping on top of the coils of a serpent. The other is with Goddess Durga fighting with the demon Mahishasura on a lion.
Duration: 15 minutes
Stop At: Ganesha Ratha, J59R+9XF, Mada Koil St, Mahabalipuram, Tamil Nadu 603104, India
This is a imposing chariot carved out of a single stone. Originally dedicated to Lord Shiva, it now has the deity of his son Lord Ganesh. It was built in the 7th century by King Mahendravarman I. The other highlight of this temple are the 18 inscriptions in ancient grantha and nagari scripts of Sanskrit.
Duration: 15 minutes
Stop At: Mahabalipuram Lighthouse, Mahabalipuram 603104 India
Built in the year 640, it is Indiaโs oldest light house and one of the oldest in the world. Mahabalipuram was a very busy port since the 7th century and hence this lighthouse played a significant role in keeping mariners safe.
Duration: 15 minutes
Additional information
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Near public transportation
- Not recommended for travelers with back problems
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
- Most travelers can participate
- This experience requires good weather. If itโs canceled due to poor weather, youโll be offered a different date or a full refund
- This is a private tour/activity. Only your group will participate
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
Ticket delivery
Cancellation
This tour took me many attractive places and fantastic experience to see. The guide Rajeah (and also local guide John) as well as the driver were kind and great. World heritage near the sea was gorgeous, indeed, "Butrer Ball" is really amazing. The restaurant we went for lunch is where former US...
This tour took me many attractive places and fantastic experience to see. The guide Rajeah (and also local guide John) as well as the driver were kind and great. World heritage near the sea was gorgeous, indeed, "Butrer Ball" is really amazing. The restaurant we went for lunch is where former US President dined before, very beautiful and good taste. South India is very interesting,This tour was wonderful. The driver and guides were knowledgable. Got to see the Crocodile bank too.
This tour was wonderful. The driver and guides were knowledgable. Got to see the Crocodile bank too.Booked this trip as its itinerary contained what I wanted + the English guide. Pickup from hotel was in time, and I was surprised to be the only participant. At the end I had three guys at my service: driver, tour lead and local guide. This worked out well. I got good intro to all the locations p...
Booked this trip as its itinerary contained what I wanted + the English guide. Pickup from hotel was in time, and I was surprised to be the only participant. At the end I had three guys at my service: driver, tour lead and local guide. This worked out well. I got good intro to all the locations plus two extra as the trip went so smoothly. A very interesting place, especially with the guides. Quite hot in late April, a good idea to start as early as possible, even if that makes the lunch timing a challenge. Four stars as all so fine but no luxury. Could use the same team again.We had a excellent tour with fun and knowledgeable guide.Rajesh ensured everyone enjoying the tour and took professional photos of each.
We had a excellent tour with fun and knowledgeable guide.Rajesh ensured everyone enjoying the tour and took professional photos of each.Best tour ever, he's so knowledgeable and also made the tour so fun! loved how he got everyone involved.
Best tour ever, he's so knowledgeable and also made the tour so fun! loved how he got everyone involved.The trip that I took with Wonder Tour is fantastic. The timing of the car coming to pick up is punctual. The knowledge of the guide is fabulous ๐. Well done ๐ โ๏ธ
The trip that I took with Wonder Tour is fantastic. The timing of the car coming to pick up is punctual. The knowledge of the guide is fabulous ๐. Well done ๐ โ๏ธ