Mahabalipuram (Mamallapuram) Tours and Tickets

Mahabalipuram's ancient temples are collectively a UNESCO Heritage Site, so must-see attractions include the 8th-century Shore Temple, the Five Rathas (Pancha Rathas) group of rock-hewn temples carved from a single stone, and Krishna's Butter Ball, a giant granite boulder balanced on a steep incline.

Mahabalipuram is 35 miles (57 kilometers) from Chennai, and is easy to get to by heading south along the East Coast Road. The quickest way to get there is by taxi or on a tour that includes round-trip transportation from Chennai. Frequent bus service also connects the two cities.

Yes, there are lots of guided tours available for exploring Mahabalipuram. Tours of the temples typically depart from Mahabalipuram or Chennai. Some also include lunch, while others combine a visit to Mahabalipuram with a trip to Kanchipuram, nicknamed the City of a Thousand Temples.

The best time of year to visit Mahabalipuram is between October and March, when the weather is at its most pleasant. April and May can get too hot for many people's liking, while heavy rains from June through September can make visiting the attraction unpleasant.

Yes, there are both beaches and natural attractions worth visiting near Mahabalipuram. Many of the beach areas north of the monuments are pleasant and sandy. The rock-hewn Tiger Cave temple is another popular attraction, and was built at the same time as the monuments at Mahabalipuram.

You'll find a range of accommodation options in Mahabalipuram, many within a short walk of the temples. The city has plenty of guesthouses geared toward budget travelers, and a growing number of large resorts are situated on the beach road, a short drive from town.