What to do in Mahabalipuram

Activities, attractions and tours

Chennai
Chennai showing heritage elements as well as a small group of people
Chennai
Mahishasuramardini Mandapa which includes heritage elements as well as an individual male
Chennai which includes animals

Mahabalipuram Attractions

Let Expedia help you to experience the best that Mahabalipuram has to offer! If you’re planning a trip to Mahabalipuram, we can provide you with a list of the top sightseeing attractions, as well as helping you to find unmissable activities. Whether you’re travelling to Mahabalipuram with your family, planning a romantic trip with your loved one, or visiting on business, we’ll make it easy to plan an unforgettable holiday that checks all the boxes.

Places of interest in Mahabalipuram

Mahabalipuram is crammed with must-see places to visit and things to do. We can help you decide where to stay in Mahabalipuram, and make it a breeze to explore Mahabalipuram and the surrounding areas with our guides on where to go, what to see and when to see it. No matter how long your stay, it’s easy to find places of interest in Mahabalipuram to make sure that you enjoy your holiday to the fullest and don’t miss a thing. Leave the local knowledge to us and leave the hassle behind.

If you’re planning a visit to Mahabalipuram, why not check out our handy guides to places of interest in the area? You can browse lists of things to do, learn about the most popular attractions, and get help with planning the details of your trip. Expedia makes it easy for you to check out all the top sights in Mahabalipuram.

Mahabalipuram attractions

Mahabalipuram has something for everyone, so whether you’re planning to get active on a summer holiday, put a spring in your step with a romantic rendezvous, or pamper yourself with a leisurely winter trip, you’ll find plenty of attractions in Mahabalipuram to keep you entertained. Expedia makes it easy to book your flight, hotel and rental car in advance, making for hassle-free travel and freeing you up to explore the sights of Mahabalipuram.

Looking for things to do in Mahabalipuram can be time-consuming, but we can take the hassle out of planning your holiday. Whether you’re looking to get active in the great outdoors, sample the cuisine of Mahabalipuram or catch up with the vibrant local culture, our guides to Mahabalipuram attractions ensure that you’ll have a successful trip, whatever the season. Happy trails!

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Top places to visit

1. Mamallapuram Beach

Join backpackers, sun worshippers and local fishermen at Mamallapuram Beach, a pleasant corner of India's eastern coast that looks out onto the Bay of Bengal. Surf, swim and sunbathe, and then explore the ancient architectural landmarks within walking distance of the sand.
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Mamallapuram Beach featuring a beach as well as an individual female

2. Shore Temple

The Shore Temple overlooks the Bay of Bengal and is an attractive sight on the Mahabalipuram shorefront. The name of this finely carved structure derives from its proximity to the sea, being situated on the sands of Mahabalipuram beach. Study the weathered façades, marvel at sculptures of the temple’s patron Hindu gods and gaze at the pyramidal towers as they reflect the golden rays of sunset.
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Shore Temple showing heritage architecture and a temple or place of worship

3. Ganesha Ratha

Ganesha Ratha is one of the best preserved architectural landmarks of the Pallava dynasty. This multitiered temple was carved from pink granite and features columned façades and symbolic sculptures. Admire this UNESCO World Heritage Site, which enchants with its striking beauty and rich historic significance.
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Ganesha Ratha which includes art

4. Pancha Pandava Rathas

Marvel at the monoliths of Pancha Rathas, a complex of granite structures that have been decorated with ornate carvings. See tributes to Hindu gods and bring your camera to capture the striking beauty of chiseled sculptures and façades.
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Pancha Pandava Rathas featuring heritage elements

5. New Lighthouse

High atop Mahabalipuram's central hill is the New Lighthouse, an imposing presence over the coastline. Climb up the tower for the extraordinary views and visit the ancient temple next door.
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New Lighthouse showing a lighthouse

Recommended things to do in Mahabalipuram

Number of things to do
16
Cheapest thing to do on Expedia
Private Hatha Yoga Class in Mahabalipuram: £6
Top 5 things to do
Half-day tours
With kids

What to do in Mahabalipuram

Popular places to visit

Marina Beach featuring general coastal views as well as a large group of people

Marina Beach

Relaxed walks, pretty sunrises, elaborate entertainment, traditional Indian street food and historical landmarks make this one of Chennai’s liveliest beaches.

Marina Beach
Pondy Bazaar

Pondy Bazaar

You can find the perfect gifts to bring home at Pondy Bazaar during your trip to Chennai. Visit the shops and top-notch restaurants in this vibrant area.

Pondy Bazaar
Kapaleeswarar Temple

Kapaleeswarar Temple

Marvel at the Dravidian architecture of this centuries-old temple, spot intricately carved figurines, watch devotees pray and experience a lively Hindu festival.

Kapaleeswarar Temple
Mamallapuram Beach featuring a beach as well as an individual female

Mamallapuram Beach

Enjoy the atmosphere of Mahabalipuram's central beach, which is alive with historic temples, stone carving stalls and a thriving backpacker scene.

Mamallapuram Beach

SRM University - Kattankulathur Campus

Explore the campus of SRM University - Kattankulathur Campus during your trip to Potheri. Make some time to visit the monuments while you're in the area.

SRM University - Kattankulathur Campus

Chennai Trade Centre

Learn about the events happening in Chennai Trade Centre during your trip to Chennai. While you're here, you can savour the top-notch restaurants.

Chennai Trade Centre

ECR Beach

Why not spend a care-free afternoon at ECR Beach during your travels in Chennai? Make time to visit the area's spas or simply enjoy its top-notch restaurants.

ECR Beach

Consulate General of the United States, Chennai

Consulate General of the United States, Chennai is just one of the places to see in Chennai, so why not enjoy the other things to explore during your travels? Wander the beaches and marina in this culturally rich area.

Consulate General of the United States, Chennai

Apollo Hospital

If Apollo Hospital is what brings you to town, hopefully you'll have a chance to explore more of Chennai.

Apollo Hospital

Explore areas of Mahabalipuram

Chennai which includes animals

Mahabalipuram Beach

4/5(10 area reviews)

Mahabalipuram Beach is noteworthy for its beaches, and you can make a stop at top attractions like Mamallapuram Beach and Shore Temple.

Mahabalipuram Beach

 

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Day trip destinations from Mahabalipuram

Chennai showing a city

Chennai