List of the best places to visit in Mahabalipuram. Explore the hidden gems with your family!
Mahabalipuram is located in the beautiful region of Tamil Naidu. Being part of the southeastern Indian state, it is well recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage site of 7th and 8th-century Hindu monuments. Besides being one of the best tourist places, this location is home to age-old rock carvings. You will explore a variety of astonishing architecture in the Dravidian style and Pallava art for temples and caves. Known for its deep cultural diversity and heritage, this part of the land is beautifully carved and shows the royal taste of rich history and culture.
From sculptures of Shiva to the descent of the Ganges, here you can find the list of the best places to visit in Mahabalipuram to spend your best holiday while diving into the beauty of stunning architecture.
Mahabalipuram Tourist Places: What Makes It a Famous Destination?
From historical temples to alluring sunsets, you can visit top places to visit in Mahabalipuram. It is a small town strip situated between the Bay of Bengal and the Great Salt Lake that attracts tourists due to its historical temple and alluring sunsets.
1 – India Seashell Museum: Witness Beautiful Sea Elements
One of the best places to visit in Mahabalipuram to witness the stunning beauty of architecture is this museum house, which consists of seashells, conches, and other elements from the sea. It consists of a large, beautiful aquarium containing sea creatures like sharks, fishes, and starfish. Exploring one of these famous Mahabalipuram tourist places might take an hour or two for a complete tour.
Timings: 8 AM to 8 PM
Location: 191/1A2, Kalpakkam, Road, Mahabalipuram, Tamil Nadu 603104
2 – Shore Temples
Next, on the list of the best places to visit in Mahabalipuram is Shore temples. You can explore a group of temples in Mahabalipuram. Discover historical temples that emerged once the water level got lower. Since it is located in the Bay of Bengal, it is coined as a shore temple. This belonged to the 8th century AD and was constructed by the Pallava dynasty.
Timings: 6 AM to 6 PM
Location: J58V+JWW, Beach Rd, Mahabalipuram, Tamil Nadu, 603104
3 – Five Rathas – A Symbol of Hindu Epic
One of the historical places to visit in Mahabalipuram is Five Rathas. This place is linked to the story of ancient Mahabharat and five Pandavas, which allows one to experience a glimpse of Dravidian architecture. It is represented as one of the Mahabalipuram tourist places, so you must take a tour around Rathas or chariots. All architectural lovers can find huge elephant structures from the bygone era.
Timings: 6 AM to 6 PM
Location: 58, W Raja St, Mahabalipuram, Tamil Nadu 603104
4 – Descent Of The Ganges
It refers to giant open-air sculptures engraved on two stiff rock boulders and is one of the significant places to visit in Mahabalipuram. You can visit this place to explore historical times because of its beautiful sculptures and carvings; it looks like real architecture. King Narsimhavarman of the Pallava dynasty created this monument.
Timings: 6 AM to 6 PM
Location: W Raja St, Mahabalipuram, Tamil Nadu 603
5 – Covelong Beach
One of the tourist hubs lies on the coastline of the Bay of Bengal; this famous Covelong Beach is located in the main city of Mahabalipuram. It is a charming retreat where nature lovers, beach bums, and couples spend quality amid silver sands, palm trees, and beautiful waves. Therefore, it is coming under one of the top places to visit in Mahabalipuram.
Timings: 12 AM to 12 PM
Location: East Coast Road, Kovalam, Chennai – 603112 (Near Mahabalipuram)
6 – Mahishasura Mardini Cave Temple
It is famous as the epitome of 7th-century Indian architecture. This monument, also known as Yampiri, has a rock structure that, due to its aesthetics, leaves everyone in a state of wonder. This is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Mahabalipuram and is known for adored carvings of Hindu mythology. It showcases the idol of Lord Vishnu with seven hooded serpents and Lord Durga sitting on the lion.
Timings: 7 AM to 6 PM
Location: J58R+MP2, Mahabalipuram, Tamil Nadu 603104
7 – Ganesh Ratha Temple
It is an apex of rock-cut Indian architecture formed using one rugged element. Considered among the fascinating places to visit in Mahabalipuram, Ganesh Ratha Temple is famously known as Ganesh Rath Temple. It was constructed in the 7th century and was devoted to the God of destruction, Lord Shiva. However, today, this temple represents the symbol of Lord Ganesha and worship.
Timings: 6 AM to 7 PM
Location: J59V+92F, Mada Koil St, Mahabalipuram, Tamil Nadu 603104
8 – Trimurti Cave: Power of Three God
As the name suggests, Trimurti Cave is a rock-cut formation representing three gods of Hindu mythology: the creator, Brahma; the god of preservation, Vishnu; and the god of destruction, Shiva. Most temples are constructed with pillared mandaps, but this one opens directly to the shrines of the three gods. Trimurti Cave is also home to the shrine of Goddess Durga.
Timings: 9 AM to 6 PM
Location: J59R+6WM, Mada Koil St, Mahabalipuram, Tamil Nadu 603104
Make a Visit Plan to Mahabalipuram!
By exploring the best places in Mahabalipuram, you can explore a series of places, temples and monuments that make your journey more special and memorable. To visit Mahabalipuram, you should take a bus from Chennai that will take around 2 to 3 hours. Another way is by train, while the nearest railway station would be Chengalpattu, which is situated 22 KM away. However, there is no connecting flight directly to Mahabalipuram, but you can fly to Chennai airport.
Pick from these places to visit in Mahabalipuram and plan your travel!