Private Tour of Mahabalipuram from Chennai by car with guide and lunch
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 - Arjuna's Penance
- Entry/Admission - Varaha Cave Temple
- Entry/Admission - Pancha Rathas
- Entry/Admission - Pancha Pandava Cave
- Entry/Admission - Ganesha Ratha
- Entry/Admission - Old Light House
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: 25 minutes
Stop At: Arjuna's Penance, West Raja Street Near Ganesha Ratha, Mahabalipuram 603104 India
We next visit Arjuna’s Penace, a bas-relief monument that’s considered one of India’s 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: 20 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: Krishna's Butter Ball, E Raja St, Mahabalipuram 603104 India
The next stop is Krishna’s Butterball, a granite boulder that’s 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: 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: Trimurti Cave, Mahabalipuram India
This cave is a fine example of the spectacular architecture style of the Pallavas. The rock cut temple is dedicated to the holy trinity of Hindu Gods- Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva. There are fine carvings of elephants as well.
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: Old Light House, J58R+HMQ, Mahabalipuram, Tamil Nadu 603104, India
Built in the year 640, it is India’s 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
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
Pass By: 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.
Additional information
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Near public transportation
- Most travelers can participate
- This is a private tour/activity. Only your group will participate
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
Ticket delivery
Cancellation
Great place. Rich culture. Enough history. Nice people. The location is also nice. The local guide was really friendly.
Great place. Rich culture. Enough history. Nice people. The location is also nice. The local guide was really friendly.We had a fabulous day. From the pickup and the drive to our guide Vijay and everything was fascinating, well organized. What a magnificent place. A must see
We had a fabulous day. From the pickup and the drive to our guide Vijay and everything was fascinating, well organized. What a magnificent place. A must seeA phenomenal historical experience! We were amazed at how this world heritage site was created. This tour provided deep insight into the importance traditional religious belief and the subsequent art that emerged. Kannan our guide was interesting and informative! He went at our pace, took pictu...
A phenomenal historical experience! We were amazed at how this world heritage site was created. This tour provided deep insight into the importance traditional religious belief and the subsequent art that emerged. Kannan our guide was interesting and informative! He went at our pace, took pictures, made sure we had water and had hand sanitizer available. I’m so glad that we took the time to visit this landmark.The driver turned up promptly at the agreed meeting time and was very friendly and knowledgeable. He even stopped and introduced me to plum fruit from a roadside vendor. The guide Ramesh clearly knew his stuff and was a superb host and picture taker. The tour organisers were constantly in touch t...
The driver turned up promptly at the agreed meeting time and was very friendly and knowledgeable. He even stopped and introduced me to plum fruit from a roadside vendor. The guide Ramesh clearly knew his stuff and was a superb host and picture taker. The tour organisers were constantly in touch to make sure everything was going smoothly and overall I had great day out and a fantastic time.Mahabalipuram - Ancient architecture tour depicts Pallav dynasty includes Pallav Greek Roman and Chinese. Vibes took me to ancient times where talented sculptures carved monolithic rocks several labors to several master pieces. Shore temple, Arjuna penance, Elephant chariot light house, Krishna b...
Mahabalipuram - Ancient architecture tour depicts Pallav dynasty includes Pallav Greek Roman and Chinese. Vibes took me to ancient times where talented sculptures carved monolithic rocks several labors to several master pieces. Shore temple, Arjuna penance, Elephant chariot light house, Krishna butter ball, Panch ratha. Unbelievable Unimaginable Unique antique work is carved on monolithic rock/boulder I am grateful to Kannan Sir & Ramesh Sir who guided tour to the best!! Thank you.This was a great way to appreciate the marvel of ancient Indian architecture and culture. The world heritage site of mahabalipuram is simply outstanding. The place is very well maintained and the Five Senses tour company made this visit memorable for a long time to come. Our guide Satish was i...
This was a great way to appreciate the marvel of ancient Indian architecture and culture. The world heritage site of mahabalipuram is simply outstanding. The place is very well maintained and the Five Senses tour company made this visit memorable for a long time to come. Our guide Satish was incredibly knowledgeable and patient. He also organised traditional South indian lunch which was mouth watering. I would say if you ever come to Chennai donot forget to visit Mahabalipuram through Five Senses Tours. An amazing bunch of friendly experts.