2025 Mahabalipuram Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in July)

#passionpassport Mamallapuram, or Mahabalipuram, is a town on a strip of land between the Bay of Bengal and the Great Salt Lake, in the south Indian state of Tamil Nadu. It’s known for its temples and monuments built by the Pallava dynasty in the 7th and 8th centuries. The seafront Shore Temple comprises 3 ornate granite shrines. Krishna’s Butter Ball is a massive boulder balanced on a small hill near the Ganesha Ratha stone temple. It gets hot in summer so wear comfortable clothes and shoes. Drink water to keep hydrated. # passionpassport #beautifuldestinations #travel Inspiration #travelindia #travelinspiration

#AbsolutelyFreeTravel On March 20, 2025, I flew to Chennai, the central city of South India (one of the four major cities in India), on a relatively cheap flight from SriLankan Airlines. The purpose was to see the Dravidian-style Hindu temples, a symbol of South India. I left Chennai International Airport and headed to Mahabalipuram, where the temple is a World Heritage Site. I took a suburban train from Tirusulam Station near the airport, got off at Chengalpttu Station, and then took a bus to Mahabalipuram from there, which seemed to save time and money, so I used this method. This method took about four hours (with a waiting time of about one hour) from the airport to Mahabalipuram. Early the next morning on the 21st, I started sightseeing at Shore Temple, a World Heritage Site. This temple was built near the sea in the early 8th century, and its surface has been worn down by the effects of waves and wind over a long period of time. However, the statues of the holy bull Nandi lined up on the outer wall, the stepped towers, and the reliefs of Vishnu and Krishna give the temple a good old, prestigious feel. In Mahabalipuram, we also walked around the Five Rathas, a temple carved from a single granite block and said to be the prototype of Dravidian architecture, the Arjuna's Penance, a relief on a huge rock that tells the story of the goddess Ganga descending to earth, and Krishna's Butterball resting on a slope. However, it was hot. From Mahabalipuram, we took a bus to Tirukkalkundram and visited two Hindu temples, then headed to Kanchipuram, an ancient city and one of the seven holiest sites of Hinduism. It was about a two-hour bus ride. In the evening, we had dosa, curry, mango lassi, etc. at a South Indian restaurant near our hotel, Hotel Jaybala International. The delicious curry was spicy as expected. On the following day, the 22nd, we visited five Hindu temples from early morning until evening. Since many Hindu temples are closed between 12:00 and 16:00, I visited four temples in the morning and visited one temple from 16:00. The most beautiful temple was Kailasanathar Temple, built in the early 8th century, with wonderful lion sculptures. All the temples are characterized by their high Dravidian-style gopurams. However, since I am not a Hindu, I was unfortunately not allowed to enter the main hall. Around 6:00 in the evening, I took a bus to the state capital, Chennai. It was a direct ride, so I arrived at Chennai Central Bus Terminal in two hours. Chennai is quite large. I took the subway and got off at Chennai Central Station. This station was built during the British colonial period and features red neo-Gothic walls and a clock tower, making the exterior very beautiful. For dinner, I had chicken biryani at a restaurant. The next day, the 23rd, I visited two Hindu temples, Kapaleeshwara Temple and Parthasarathy Temple. The tower of Kapaleeshwara Temple is nearly 40m high, and is decorated with many reliefs of Hindu gods. I liked the reliefs of the gods praying. In Chennai, I also visited Madras University and St. Mary's Church, but I still think that the best thing to do when traveling to South India is to immerse yourself in a Dravidian-style temple with its high towers and reliefs of Hindu gods.

📅 Itinerary Day1: temples/churches Day2: art gallery Day3: Unesco heritage site 🏨 Accommodation 🍴 Food Recommendations: definitely try all the food! 📌 Tips : pretty safe and people are lovely!!

Experience the ancient architecture of southern India Shore Temple in Mahabalipuram is one of the oldest stone temples in southern India, believed to have been built in the 7th century. Facing the Bay of Bengal, this temple is also a symbol of the city, which once flourished as a key trading point. Its majestic appearance, exposed to the sea breeze, combines the weight of history with a mysterious atmosphere, and it is registered as a World Heritage Site. Dryavida style architectural beauty Shore Temple was built in the Dryavida style of southern India and is characterized by a spire-shaped tower. Two shrines dedicated to the Hindu gods Shiva and Vishnu are lined up, and despite the weathering, you will be amazed by the figures of the gods carved into the stone and the intricacy of the decoration. The structure, carved into natural rock, is a true masterpiece of craftsmanship. The contrast between the sea and the sky creates a spectacular view. Especially if you visit at dusk, the light of the sun setting into the sea and the silhouette of the temple overlap, creating a scene that is almost like a painting. This place, where you can quietly feel the history amid the sound of the waves and the sea breeze, is sure to be one of the most unforgettable experiences during your trip to India. Access and sightseeing tips It is about 1 to 1.5 hours by car from Chennai. As the temple is being developed for tourists, you can visit it with peace of mind. If possible, it is recommended to visit in the morning or evening when the sunlight is soft. #Mahabalipuram #Shore Temple #World Heritage Site #India Travel #Indian Architecture #Day Trip from Chennai #Hindu Architecture #Travel to Experience History #Spring 0 Yen Trip

1 hour trip from downtown Just Uber Amazing temple Only Local restaurants and shops Very hot beside beach Not for swimming at beach

Mahabalipuram nice place to visit, 5 different locations to visit, historical location,near the sea.

Feast for those who are interested in history and architecture. The town was a port dating back to 1st century.. The temples and sculptures were carved out of monolithic rocks. Had a local guide and was helpful to understand a bit of history of Pallavas… the cave temples were sculpted during the reign of Pallavas, around 650 CE. Pallavas ruled the place for almost 600 years. Worth a visit. #monolithic sculptures #monolithic temple

#2024wish .🌟✨ Review: Mahabalipuram Temple 🏛️🌊 The Mahabalipuram Temple is an architectural marvel nestled on the shores of the Bay of Bengal. 🌅 This iconic temple complex takes you on a journey back in time to the ancient Pallava dynasty, leaving you in awe of its grandeur and artistic excellence. 🙌🎨 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 💎 The temple complex is a gem that shines bright in the landscape of South India. From the intricate carvings on the rock-cut temples to the majestic shore temple standing tall against the crashing waves, every corner of this place holds immense historical and cultural significance. 💒🗿 😍 The most enchanting aspect of Mahabalipuram Temple is its cliffside location, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the azure waters below. As you explore the various structures, you'll be greeted by the cool sea breeze and the soothing sound of waves, creating a serene and divine atmosphere. 🌊🌴 💫 The attention to detail in the sculptures and bas-reliefs of the temple complex is astounding. Each artwork depicts mythological tales, gods, and goddesses, evoking a sense of awe and reverence among visitors. The monolithic structures, including the famous Arjuna's Penance, showcase the exceptional mastery of the artisans who created them. 🎭🖌️🧑🎨 🌟👍 Overall, a visit to Mahabalipuram Temple is an unforgettable experience. It's not just a place of worship but also an architectural wonder that transports you to a bygone era. #mytripvlog #falltrip #mytravelhacks #historicallandmarks #localguides #familytrip #tamilnadu#india

Mahabalipuram near Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India A temple was made by delicately carving a single rock. It was not made by carving multiple stones and attaching them together. How many people must have suffered to carve and make numerous temples... Is the power of religion great or scary? The architecture is really worth seeing. However, the guides seem to be deceiving a lot. The boundaries... #IndiaChennai #Mahabalipuram #mahabalipurambeach #chennai #indiatour #indiatrip

Location : 12.6208° N, 80.1945° E Getting here : 1 hour drive from Chennai Things to see : •Krishna's Butter Ball •Mahabalipuram Beach •Shore Temple •Descent of Ganges •Rayar Gopuram Things to buy : •Leather sandals - handmade by street local craftsmen •Carved Marble candle holder Things to eat : •Street fried samosa •Badam kulfi •Thali rice •Thosai •Idli •Grilled masala fish •Mango Lassi Mahabalipuram is in Tamil Nadu, India. It is just 1hr away from Chennai. The nearest airport is in Chennai. In 2004 it was hit by the tsunami. The tsunami has taken 8000 lives. The tsunami hit the shores so hard that it has unearthed a few priceless relics in the ancient port city. The good and the bad need to exist to balance out this world......Oh the food here is so good that gaining up to 5kg post trip is kinda normal..... #passionpassport