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Sea Shore temple, Mahabalipuram
Guided tour of Mahabalipuram world heritage site with an expert
Guided tour of Mahabalipuram world heritage site with an expert
Guided tour of Mahabalipuram world heritage site with an expert
Guided tour of Mahabalipuram world heritage site with an expert

Guided tour of Mahabalipuram for an immersive cultural experience

By 5 Senses Walks
5 out of 5
Free cancellation available
Price is $55 per adult* *Get a lower price by selecting multiple adult tickets
See tickets
Features
  • Free cancellation available
  • 3h
  • Mobile voucher
  • Instant confirmation
Overview

Over 3 hours, this guided tour will teleport you to the 7th century into the times of the Pallavas with incredible rock cut monuments. This tour can be done by walk or in your vehicle. We can also arrange a tuk tuk or autorickshaw.
You will experience masterpieces from this world heritage site like the Pancha Rathas which are rock cut monolith temples, Arjuna's Penance the giant open air rock relief, the gravity defying Krishna's butterball and the Shore temple which is the last remaining of the 7 Pagodas mentioned by Marco Polo.

Mahabalipuram is the proud recipient of world's first stone carving city declaration. However, the next generation of sculptors are moving to the cities for jobs threatening a slow death for this fine art. Our company is helping this community by training & employing local guides and by procuring their wares to strengthen their livelihood.
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Activity location

  • Pancha Rathas
    • Kancheepuram District
    • 603104, Mahabalipuram, India, India

Meeting/Redemption Point

  • Mahabalipuram Shore Temple
    • Beach Road
    • 603104, Mahabalipuram, Tamil Nadu, India

Check availability

Group walk without pick up
  • Activity duration is 3 hours3h3h
  • English

Shared walk: Walk will happen even if 1 guest books

Language options: English
Starting time: 3:30pm
Price details
$55.00 x 1 Adult$55.00
Total
Price is $55.00
Private tour by tuk tuk
  • Activity duration is 3 hours3h3h
  • English

Tuk tuk (Auto Rickshaw): We will arrange a tuk tuk (auto rickshaw) and our guide will accompany you

Language options: English
Starting time: 3:30pm
Price details
$70.00 x 1 Adult$70.00
Total
Price is $70.00
Private walking tour
  • Activity duration is 3 hours3h3h
  • English

Walk or use own vehicle: In this option you have a choice of doing the tour by walk or by using your own vehicle Our guide will accompany you.

Language options: English
Starting time: 3:30pm
Price details
$65.00 x 1 Adult$65.00
Total
Price is $65.00

What's included, what's not

  • What's includedWhat's includedProfessional guide
  • What's includedWhat's includedEntrance charges

Know before you book

  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Activity itinerary

Pancha Rathas
  • 20m
  • Admission ticket included
We reach the World Heritage Site of Mahabalipuram. Panch Rathas, or the 5 chariots is our first destination. These are rock cut monolith structures, where of the chariots are dedicated to the lead cast of the Mahabharata epic- Draupadi, Arjuna, Nakul-Sahadeva, Bhima and Yudhister. There is also a sculpture of an elephant next to the ratha of Nakul-Sahadeva.
Pancha Pandava Cave
  • 15m
  • Admission ticket included
Pandava cave is the largest cave-temple at Mahabalipuram The cave is supported on six pillars and two pilasters. There are 3 spectacular sculptures of mythical creatures called Yali on the pillars.
Arjuna's Penance
  • 20m
  • Admission ticket included
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.
Krishna's Butter Ball
  • 15m
  • Admission ticket included
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.
Varaha Cave Temple
  • 20m
  • Admission ticket included
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.
Trimurti Cave
  • 20m
  • Admission ticket included
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.
Ganesh Ratha Temple
  • 15m
  • Admission ticket included
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.
Old Light House
  • 20m
  • Admission ticket included
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.
Mahishasura Mardini Cave
  • 15m
  • Admission ticket included
This cave 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.
Shore Temple
  • 20m
  • Admission ticket included
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.

Location

Activity location

  • LOB_ACTIVITIESLOB_ACTIVITIESPancha Rathas
    • Kancheepuram District
    • 603104, Mahabalipuram, India, India

Meeting/Redemption Point

  • PEOPLEPEOPLEMahabalipuram Shore Temple
    • Beach Road
    • 603104, Mahabalipuram, Tamil Nadu, India

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