Explore / Tamil Nadu / Mahabalipuram

Mahabalipuram

Shore Temple & Pallava Rock Sculptures

2 daysIdeal stay₹700From / night₹40EntryNovember – FebruaryBest windowChennai Beach / ChengalpattuNearest rail · 60 km

A UNESCO World Heritage Site on the Coromandel Coast, built by the Pallava dynasty in the 7th–8th centuries. The Shore Temple, Five Rathas (monolithic rock temples), Arjuna's Penance bas-relief, and Krishna's Butter Ball are iconic.

Pairs well with

Chennai· 2h away

Kanchipuram· 2h away

Auroville· 2h away

Puducherry (Pondicherry)· 2h away

Tiruvannamalai· 3h away

Chidambaram· 3h away

When to go

Month-by-month fit

J F M A M J J A S O N D

GreatOkayAvoid⟡ Jul: 85

Honest take for Jul: Monsoon — cooler temperatures, fewer crowds. Carry rain gear; some outdoor sites may be slippery. (high crowds.)

Must-see highlights

Loading 11 more places…

On the map

Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors · Chennai Beach / Chengalpattu 60km · Chennai International Airport 58km

Nearest transport

Chennai Beach / Chengalpattu60 km

Chennai International Airport58 km

Stay options

budget₹700/night

mid₹2,000/night

luxury₹6,000/night

Best time to visit

November – February

How to get here

Chennai → Mahabalipuram

bus · 1.5h

₹80

approx.