So this time, am writing about a place which is very near to where I live-Mahabalipuram or Mamallapuram, an easy getaway 60 km from Chennai. I have been living in Chennai for almost 2 years now. I don’t know why it took this much time to write about this place even though I visited Mahabalipuram many times. Though a small town, there are lots of places to see and things to do in Mahabalipuram. It is a prominent tourist location in South India presently. The ease of access and the facilities available here attracts travelers of all groups from around the world.
Mahabalipuram is a beach town which has a long history. It was a major port during the period of Pallava kings, who ruled major part of Tamil Nadu in the 7th and 8th century. Trade flourished at that time. This place has mentioned in literature and travelogues which date backs to centuries. Pallava kings built magnificent temples and buildings in this port town to show their glory, which can be still seen here.
Mahabalipuram is a perfect weekend destination, very easy to reach from either Chennai or Pondicherry. You can spend some quality time on the pristine beaches, visit the rock-cut temples and monuments. Apart from these, if you are ready to explore more in Mahabalipuram, there are many things you can experience here.
Coming to the significance of Mahabalipuram, everywhere you go, you can see centuries-old monuments. It is spread out all around the town. Excavations are revealing many more such monuments now also. Most of them are under the control of Archaeological Survey of India, a government body responsible for the conservation and restoration of archaeological monuments.
The shore temple and the cave temples are the major attractions in Mahabalipuram.
The five “rathas” (small shrines that resemble chariots) carved out from a single stone is another interesting structure here. They are monolithic structures built by carving from top to bottom. Each of the “rathas” is dedicated to the five Pandava brothers in the epic Mahabharata.
Another such monument is Arjuna’s penance, It is one thing you should not miss in Mahabalipuram. You can find it without much effort when you enter into the monument complex behind the bus stand. There is a difference in opinions among historians about the sculpture. This sculpture is the largest of its kind in Asia. It is beautiful. It looks like a painting on a big canvas. This is a must visit place in Mahabalipuram.
You can find many other monuments in and around the city.
You will get a lot of information about the history, archaeological importance, about the caves temples and ancient monuments in Mahabalipuram from the internet. Reading about the same thing again and again will be boring for you. So I am skipping them.Many of us still think that Mahabalipuram is only about the rock-cut monuments. That is not the case. There are many things here, which can make your visit to this beautiful place more interesting and memorable.
So, What to do in Mahabalipuram?
The scenic East Coast Road
The main reason why I like to go Mahabalipuram frequently is because of the East Coast Road (ECR) which connects Chennai with Pondicherry. I must say, it is one of the most scenic roads in India. The roads go parallel to the Bay of Bengal. So one side, it will be sea and on the other, it will be the vast salt lakes. From the road, there are many pocket roads which go to the beach. You can just sit on the beach for hours and enjoy the wind. All these beaches are less crowded. You won’t find anyone on these beaches actually.
Surfing
Planning to learn a new sport?
Then the best thing to do in Mahabalipuram is to learn surfing.
Nowadays, surfing is gaining popularity in this region. The beaches of the east coast have become a favorite surfing destination. There are many surf schools functioning in Chennai and Mahabalipuram. It is attracting surf enthusiasts from around the world. Many international surf festivals are happening here every year. If you have some days here and want to try something different, then joining a surf class will be a good idea.
The sculptors
When you reach Mahabalipuram, you will see small shacks on roadsides in which people are engaged in rock sculptures. They are the descendants of the artists who worked for those great monuments of Mahabalipuram. They are continuing their family profession now also.
If you like to walking, the best thing to do in Mahabalipuram is to walk through the inner streets. You will find a lot of brilliant artists.
Though the methods and technology of sculpting are more much different from the ancient times, it is an art which requires extremely good skills. The fine details and the complexity of those sculptures is something that needs good skills.
Export of this sculptures is a big business here.
Many artists conduct workshops for those having interest in learning to sculpture.
Seafood
When it comes to seafood, you will get the best seafood here in Mahabalipuram compared to the nearby places. There are many restaurants which serve seafood dishes. They are not that costly. You can find many good restaurants in “ Othavadai street”.
Krishna’s Butterball
This is the one thing that fascinates me all the time in Mahabalipuram. A major attraction in Mahabalipuram, Krishna’s Butterball is a large spherical rock which stands perfectly balanced on the edge of another rock. It has overcome the test of time and push of almost all those who came here. The reason behind such a perfect balancing is still a mystery.
A photograph of yours try pushing Krishna’s Butterball is mandatory in Mahabalipuram.
Kids coming here are more interested to slide down over the smooth rock nearby butterball.
The bird’s eye view from the lighthouse
The lighthouse in Mahabalipuram is still a functioning one and significant in this region to guide ships. There was an ancient lighthouse nearby, built by the Pallavas kings. You can have the view of entire Mahabalipuram from the top of the lighthouse. The lighthouse is inside the main monument complex, near to the cave temples. It is open from 6 AM to 6 PM. it will close before sunset, otherwise, it would be the perfect place to see the sunset.
Sunset from the Shore temple
Sunsets from the shore temple are stunning. It is believed that the kings built seven such temples along the coast. Only one is remaining now, rest of them are believed to be under water. The tsunami of 2004 has exposed few of the structures under the sea. Underwater excavations after that lead to many interesting findings.
When I go to Mahabalipuram, I try to be there at the shore temple before sunset and find a perfect place to sit, watch the sunset and end the day.
How to reach Mahabalipuram
Mahabalipuram is very near to Chennai ( about 60 km). An hour drive from Chennai will take you there. You can also reach Mahabalipuram from Pondicherry (100 km). There are frequent buses between Chennai and Pondicherry, you can get down at Mahabalipuram. The nearest airport and railway station are Chennai, from there you can hire a taxi or use public transport to reach Mahabalipuram.
Another best way to experience Mahabalipuram is by cycling. You can ride from Chennai through ECR, the ride will be worth, and can extend up to Pondicherry also.
Few things to keep in mind
Mahabalipuram is a hot place throughout the year. Exploring the ancient monuments means you need to walk in the hot sun. So better prepare for that. It is better to take a cap or umbrella.
You will find stone sculptures for sale all over the place. Definitely, you feel like buying something as a memory of your Mahabalipuram trip. Be a little careful regarding the prices, negotiate your maximum. If you are not getting for the price, don’t worry, you will definitely get it for less price in another shop.
There are few places on the way to Mahabalipuram from Chennai which you can visit. Kovalam is a small fishing village about 20 km from Chennai. The beaches are very good, apt for surfing. There are few surf schools in Kovalam also.
The Madras Crocodile bank, one of the largest crocodile conservation center in India, is another place you can visit. This park has many crocodiles varieties, turtles, and other reptiles.
Tiger’s cave is another monument little far from Mahabalipuram. You can stop here on the way to Chennai.
The monuments in Mahabalipuram are under Archaeological Survey of India. With one ticket you can visit all the monuments. The ticket price is 30 INR for Indians and 500 INR for non-Indians. The monuments will open for visitors from 6 AM to 6.30 PM.
Mahabalipuram is a very small place. All the important places are nearby. The best way to experience Mahabalipuram is taking a walk. There is no need of hiring any taxis to roam around. Better use early mornings and evenings to explore the place, it will be sunny otherwise. You can rent out cycles also for your local travel.
If you are planning a cycling trip to Mahabalipuram, definitely a good idea. You can hire cycles from Chennai. As I said before, the road is very pristine. On weekends, you will find many cyclists riding through this road between Chennai and Mahabalipuram. It is better to start very early in the morning and roam around the city for rest of the day.
So that’s all about Mahabalipuram. It is a must visit place in Tamil Nadu. You can include Mahabalipuram on your visit to Pondicherry also.
If you are interested in history and archeology, then a visit to Kanchipuram will be really good. Kanchipuram is also a temple town nearer to Chennai, built by the Pallava kings.
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If you want to go for a trek from Chennai, the head to Nagalapuram falls about 120 km from the city.
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Keep traveling…
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I’ve never even heard of this place but your pictures make me want to go! That elephant carved into the stone is so cool! I’ll have to add this to my travel list.
Thanks Eli, am glad that you liked the post. Mahabalipuram in Tamil Nadu is a must visit place in South India.
The shore temple looks absolutely amazing! and the story that there are six more somewhere underwater – what an interesting assumption! Loved the stone sculptures as well 🙂
Welcome Anna
Many years ago when I was a teen (back in 1980s) I visited with a chacha and chachi in Chennai and they took us (my friends and I travelling together one one of our first trips without our parents) to see the incredible structures and carvings of Mahabalipuram and I loved it. I must go back to enjoy more fully!
Hi Kavita, glad that you could relate to your childhood days.
Omg the butterball stone! That is so cool! This sounds like an awesome town from the sculptures to the beach. Thanks for sharing!
Welcome Marquita
Mahabalipuram looks amazing! The rock scares me a little (I don’t think I would stand in front of it- just in case). The temple at sunset photograph is really beautiful. I love that they are continuing the craft through generations of the stone carving. Very interesting city!
Sherrie, You don’t have to worry about the sculptures. They are so beautiful and you will definitely like them. Hope you come here and have a great time in Mahabalipuram.
Mahabalipuram has recently gained a lot of fame and i am waiting to go soon there. The temple looks so amazing. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks Krupa
I have to admit I never even heard of Mahabalipuram and now I want to check it out. I love checking out temples and this one has a lot of beautiful sculptures to check out., Love the photos and great post.
Thanks Danik
Krishna’s butterball is crazy I can’t believe it hasn’t fallen down before!! Did you give it a push?!
Laura, everyone gives it a push but it didn’t fall yet. It is perfectly balanced. The stories say that some had tried to pull it with even elephants also.
I love the elephant carving in the rock. It would be a tough choice between checking out the sights and surfing all day. Might have to spend a couple of days there.
Hi Jennifer, you won’t get bored if you stay in Mahabalipuram for more days. There are lot of things to do here.
This sounds like my kind of place! Krishna’s Butterball is super cool, and I love scenic drives so the journey would be great as well. Would love to go to the crocodile conservation center as well. Thanks for the info!
Thanks Delisa
Looks like an amazing place – definitely one to add to my ideas list for when I visit India (one day..!!)
Emma, you should definitely visit Mahabalipuram on your visit to India.
I hear you. Sometimes we neglect to write about the places and points of interest that are so close to us, whether it’s because we take it for granted or it just becomes part of a routine and we never give it a second thought. I think that taking a road trip down the East Coast Road would be right up my alley. I love road trips and Mahabalipuram looks like a beautiful location!
Thanks Rachelle
I have to admit I had never heard of this place before but what a glorious destination! Kind of like the best of all things right? Amazing food, rock sculptures, beautiful temples and omg…. surfing! Don’t think I have ever associated India with surfing! LOL!
Amy, glad that you liked the post.
India is emerging as a major surfing destination nowadays. There are many beaches in India which is good for surfing, especially the beaches of Eastern coast like Mahabalipuram, Puri etc.
Your post revived my memories of Mahabalipuram during my childhood. I like those sculpted caves and they are so photogenic. Krishna’s butterball is really a mystery and from years it has not fallen down which is truly surprising. You have taken stunning pictures.
Thanks Yukti,
Am glad that the post took you to your childhood memories.
Mahabalipuram seems so interesting place to explore. To be honest I have never heard of it before. This stone looks a bit magical! Thanks for the detailed information and great tips!
Thanks Anita.
I’ve never heard of Mahabalipuram but it’s definitely beautiful! I love a good scenic road trip too so will for sure have to add the ECR route to my list. Also awesome to hear that it’s basically summer year round. I’m always look for warm destinations to escape to during the winter and this is perfect!
Jas, am glad that you liked the place. I think South India is the perfect place for you.
We have been to Pondy along that marvellous East Coast Road but are keen for a repeat experience, because we didn’t have the time to stop at Mahabalipuram. The rock sculptures are fascinating.
Thanks Punita, I hope next time you will stop at Mahabalipuram for sure. Mahabalipuram is an amazing place and you have a great time.
Hi, Love to read your blog and updates. Glad i’ve found this! This August we will visit India for the first time and thanks to your articles, i’m going to visit the South of India
Thanks Flora, glad that you are visiting South India. You are welcome. Hope you have a great time here.
Looks so beautiful! Especially like the elephant carving and that the city is on the coast. South India is definitely on our list
Thanks. You are welcome to India.
I must have passed this way a few times backin 1977 when i spent a year in India. I loved riding the train up and down that east coast from Calcutta to Madras, as they were called in those days. Its a real pity i missed seeing Mahabalipuram.
Do you think alot has changed there in the last 40 years?
Thankyou for reminding me of that part of India
Hi Dave, am very happy you could relate to your visit to Mahabalipuram from the post. I think Mahabalipuram has changed a lot, you should visit here again.
This place sounds wonderful. I love archaeology and it’s so cool that new finds are being discovered and protected. Krishna’s Butterball is mind boggling
Thanks Marteen
Thanks for the blog. Really interesting read. I wonder if I had read the blog before visiting it in last December. 🙂
Hi Francis, You can visit Mahabalipuram again.
nice post.. I have very fond memories of visiting mahabalipuram. The details of the sculptures are very intriguing.. later when I visited some other sights I used to think about mahabalipuram just because of its details …
Thanks Rohini. Glad to know that you liked the post and could recollect your memories.
If I’m flying into the country, what would be the best city to fly into to get here?
Hi Marquita, the best time to travel South India in October to February. The weather will be good. It’s better to avoid summer.
Every time I read one of your posts I need to add another fascinating destination to our India Bucket List, this destination sounds very relaxed and cultural which we would certainly enjoy. Thanks for sharing your travel tips and inspiration with us
Thanks, am glad that you liked the post.
Looks like Mahabalipuram really has loads to offer to visitors and travellers. The Shore Temple looks absolutely stunning with amazing architecture to accentuate the beauty of that sunset. The sculptures look really skilfully carved, so I’d love to admire those in person as well.
Thanks Nathan, visit Mahabalipuram next time in India.