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    Tamil Nadu, India

    Mahabalipuram

    Mahabalipuram, or Mamallapuram as it was once known, is a fantastic place in Tamil Nadu! Imagine giant stories carved in stone long, long ago. Come explore ancient temples by the sea and feel like a real adventurer!

    Known For

    Top Cuisines

    Map

    Currated Places

    Essential

    Key

    Similar

    Nearby

    Average Budget

    ₹3,000

    Standard:₹2,000/night
    Premium:₹5,000/night
    Luxury:₹10,000/night

    Best Time to Visit

    October to March

    enjoy the best weather and local festivals.

    Recommended: 2 days

    Languages

    English
    Tamil

    Travel Types

    Adventure Tourism
    Cultural Tourism
    Eco Tourism
    Heritage Tourism
    Leisure Tourism

    Known For

    Arjuna's Penance
    Five Rathas
    Rock cut-architecture
    Shore Temple
    UNESCO World-Heritage-Site

    Top Cuisines

    Seafood
    South Indian Cuisine
    Tamil Cuisine

    Mahabalipuram Map

    Points of Interest

    Arjuna's Penance
    Five Rathas (Pancha Rathas)
    Shore Temple
    Ganesh Ratha Temple
    Krishna's Butter Ball

    Places to Explore in Mahabalipuram

    Essential Information

    How to Reach

    Mahabalipuram is well-connected by road. The nearest airport is Chennai International Airport (MAA), which is about 58 km away. From the airport, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to Mahabalipuram. Chennai is also the nearest major railway station, with frequent trains connecting it to other major cities in India. From Chennai, you can take a bus or hire a taxi to reach Mahabalipuram.

    Weather

    The weather in Mahabalipuram is hot and humid for most of the year. The best time to visit is during the winter months (October to March) when the weather is pleasant and temperatures range from 20°C to 30°C. Summers (April to June) are hot and humid, with temperatures reaching up to 40°C. The monsoon season (July to September) brings heavy rainfall.

    Local Transportation

    Auto Rickshaw
    Local City Bus
    Rental Motorcycle/Scooter
    Taxi

    Local Holidays & Festivals

    Christmas
    Diwali
    Gandhi Jayanti
    Pongal
    Puthandu

    Key Information

    About Mahabalipuram

    Mahabalipuram, also known as Mamallapuram, is a historic town and a UNESCO World Heritage Site located on the Coromandel Coast in Tamil Nadu. Renowned for its stunning rock-cut temples, intricate sculptures, and beautiful beaches, it offers a captivating blend of history, art, and natural beauty. The Shore Temple, a complex of temples overlooking the Bay of Bengal, is a major attraction, along with the Five Rathas, monolithic rock-cut temples each carved in a different style. Arjuna's Penance, a massive open-air bas-relief, showcases scenes from Hindu mythology. Beyond its historical sites, Mahabalipuram offers a relaxed atmosphere with opportunities for swimming, surfing, and enjoying fresh seafood. The town's vibrant culture and artistic heritage make it a must-visit destination for history buffs, art enthusiasts, and beach lovers alike.

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