Mahabalipuram (Mamallapuram) Tours and Tickets

There are plenty of ways to experience Mahabalipuram. Looking at ratings and reviews previously given by customers, these are the best tours available right now:

• Mahabalipuram Tour by Tourism Ministry–Approved Company

• Mahabalipuram & Kanchipuram by Tourism Ministry–Approved Company

• Mahabalipuram Private Tour from Chennai by Car with Guide and Lunch by Wonder

• Mahabalipuram Walking Tour by Tourism Ministry–Approved Company

• Mahabalipuram and Kanchipuram Day Trip from Chennai by Private Car with Guide

Admission prices to the Group of Monuments at Mahabalipuram vary depending on your country of origin. Indians and citizens of SAARC and BIMSTEC countries (including Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Thailand) pay 40 Indian rupees, while other foreign nationals pay 600 Indian rupees. Entry is free for kids under 15, regardless of nationality.

Yes, the Group of Monuments at Mahabalipuram is definitely worth visiting, especially if you're interested in Indian culture, history, and ancient civilizations. The 8th-century complex is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and one of South India's most important archaeological sites. Visit on a day trip from Chennai, or stay in Mahabalipuram town to enjoy a more leisurely visit to the temples and caves.

Per one customer who booked the Mahabalipuram Tour by Tourism Ministry–Approved Company, "Excellent knowledgeable and friendly guides. Communication was top-notch from booking onwards, smooth hotel pickup and driving. Well-paced tour around the spectacular Mahabalipuram and delicious thali lunch."

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.

There are tons of things to do when you're done visiting Mahabalipuram. According to travelers, these are some of the top attractions in Chennai:

• Besant Nagar

• Marina Beach

• Fort St. George

• Kapaleeshwarar Temple

• Government Museum

View Viator's guide to all the best attractions in Chennai.