A Complete Travel Guide to Mahabalipuram

 A Complete Travel Guide to Mahabalipuram

If you are going from Chennai for a short trip, or if you are simply interested in a history-rich, yet entertaining beach place, Mahabalipuram is your ideal destination! Other than Mamallapuram, this small picturesque coastal town of the Indian Tamil Nadu is a mix of ancient temples, sandy beaches, Khamba, delicious food, and calm. It is an eye-catcher and can be the destination of a history lover, a beach lover, or a person who would want to have some time out for peace – everyone will find something in Mahabalipuram.

In this guide, I am going to let you know the best sights, the place to eat, and how you should organise your trip as if talking to a friend who will visit some place for the first time.

📍 Where is location

It is at a distance of 60 km from Chennai. That is why the place is great as a day trip or a detoxifying weekend. The Road to the East Coast Road (ECR) is beautiful and nice as long as one enjoys watching the coastline. You will be able to make use of a car or bicycle, or just use a government bus if you prefer this is well connected.

🏛️ What to See in Mahabalipuram

This town is brimming with antique structures that are dated back to the seventh and eight century which were made by the Pallava kings. The great majority of the monuments are close together. thus, it is pleasurable and easy to walk around them.

1. Shore Temple

This famous temple is situated right by the sea and it is an awe inspiring view in a sunrise. Partly hewn out from granite, it is also one of the oldest stone temples of South India and is designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. And you can hear waves crashing around you as you stand admiring the age old carvings – it’s magical.

2. Arjuna’s Penance

This is a large rock carving that is equivalent to an open-air art gallery. It narrates stories from Indian mythology, and it is ornamented by hundreds of nicely carved figures. Having other names, such as Descent of the Ganges, and a mind-blowing level of detail.

3. Pancha Rathas

These are five monolithic temples hewn from a single rock in the form of a chariot (ratha). The architecture is one of a kind, and you would feel that you have traveled back to the past. I still think that I was astounded by how they are still this well preserved after all this time.

4. Krishna’s Butterball

This is a huge, round boulder that is perched on a gradual slope, and it looks ever so precarious, as though about to roll down at any moment, but it never does! It is a cool place to make bohemian pictures; kids adore it.

5. Cave Temples

There are many cave temples sprawled around Mahabalipuram, and they have carvings of the gods, animals, and mythological scenes. Don’t forget to see Varaha Cave Temple and Mahishasuramardini Cave, both are much storied on stone.

6. Mahabalipuram Beach

After the temple-hopping, you can lie relaxed on the sandy beach. It's clean, quiet, and very nice to sit down and enjoy the sunset or simply enjoy coconut water. Some locals even providea  short horse ride for children.

🍛 What to Eat in Mahabalipuram

The town has a nice combination of South Indian food, seafood, and continental dishes. The majority of restaurants in this city are affordable and family-run, therefore it is able to give that home-style taste.

Must-Try Foods:

• South Indian breakfast: Idli, dosa, pongal, and strong filter coffee — all fresh and nice.

• Seafood platter: Fresh catch as prawns, fish, and crab, cooked with Indian spices. Taste grilled fish in the seaside café.

• Thali meals: A big plate full of rice, sambar, rasam, poriyal, and appalam. Great value and very filling.

• Lassi and fresh juices: To chill from the heat.

Popular Eateries:

• Moonrakers: A famous joint for seafood lovers.

• The Wharf (Radisson Blu): Perfect for a more fancy dining experience with sea views.

• Le Yogi: A relaxed café offering international cuisine, but still with a relaxed atmosphere.

🛍️ Shopping in Mahabalipuram

You will see a lot of small shops that offers stone sculptures, shell jewellery, handicrafts, and Tanjore paintings. There are many artisans who live here and you can even see them making sculptures right on their homes.

I once purchased a little granite Nandi (bull) statue from a local store- still stands on my shelf with pride!

Tip: Do not be afraid to bargain, but do it politely. The majority of the shopkeepers are friendly and awaiting to tell you stories behind their art.

🛏️ Where to Stay

There are many to choose from and it is dependent on your budget.

• Budget Hotels: Sea Breeze Hotel, Hotel Mamalla Heritage

• Mid-Range: Chariot Beach Resort, Grande Bay Resort

• Luxury: Radisson Blu Resort Temple Bay

When travelling as a family, resorts with pools and sea view are good destinations. For both a solo traveller and backpackers, there are some hostels and homestays which are clean and cosy.

🛺 How to Get Around

It is convenient to walk around most of the town. However, if it is a chill ride that you are looking for then auto rickshaws are easily accessible. Others go as far as to provide a mini-tour package where they will take you to all major sites.

Once I had an auto driver who did not only show me around but also narrated stories about the monuments; his tidbits made the trip more interesting.

🌞 Best Time to Visit Mahabalipuram

• October to March: it's good for sightseeing, and it is a nice time of year.

• April to June: Hot and humid. During such a period, one should drink a lot and avoid the afternoon walk.

• July to September: Monsoon season. The town becomes green; however, rain can ruin your plans.

In addition, if it is possible, visit during the Mahabalipuram Dance Festival (between December – January). Classical type of dances takes place at the open-air theatre near Shore Temple – unforgettable manner.

📸 Final Tips for Travellers

• Wear comfortable walking shoes as you have to walk on stone paths a lot.

• Take along sunscreen, a hat, and water bottles.

• Some of the temple traditions should be respected when visiting temples.

• Talk with locals – they are warm, welcoming and they have stories!

🙌 Enjoyed the Guide?

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Bon Voyage and do remember to carry your camera — Mahabalipuram has plenty of postcard moments!!