• Shore Temple - This stunning temple overlooks the Bay of Bengal and was a significant center during the Pallava dynasty when Mahabalipuram served as the main port of their kingdom. Constructed by King Raja Simha in the early 8th century, the Shore Temple is a landmark in India’s architectural heritage. Marco Polo referred to it as the seven pagodas. The current temple is the last remaining of the seven that once guided seafarers.

• Pancha Rathas - These are rock-cut monolithic temple structures from the 7th century. Each of the five rathas, or chariots, is dedicated to the main characters of the Mahabharata epic: Draupadi, Arjuna, Nakul-Sahadeva, Bhima, and Yudhishthira. There is also an elephant sculpture next to the ratha of Nakul-Sahadeva. Standing behind the elephant reveals a striking resemblance between the back of the chariot and the elephant.

• Arjuna’s Penance - Next is Arjuna’s Penance, a bas-relief monument regarded as one of India’s most magnificent ancient artworks, depicting vivid scenes from the Mahabharata. The relief measures 100 feet long and 45 feet tall! The main narrative illustrates how Arjuna, one of the Pandava brothers, performed severe austerities to obtain Lord Shiva’s weapon.

• Krishna’s Butter Ball - This intriguing boulder appears to defy Newton’s laws of gravity and has remained stationary despite its precarious position on the slope for over a thousand years.

• Varaha Cave Temple - The Varaha cave is carved from a massive granite piece and dates back to the 7th century. This temple took several decades to complete.

• Pancha Pandava Cave - The Pandava cave is the largest cave-temple in Mahabalipuram. The cave is supported by six pillars and two pilasters.

• Mahishasuramardini Cave - Two of Mahabalipuram’s most impressive artworks are housed in this cave.

• Ganesh Ratha Temple - This is an impressive chariot carved from a single stone. Originally dedicated to Lord Shiva, it now houses the deity of his son, Lord Ganesh.

• Mahabalipuram Lighthouse - Built in 640, it is India’s oldest lighthouse and one of the oldest in the world.

• Certified guide
• Entrance fees

• Gratuities

Meet your guide during pickup from your Chennai hotel and travel to Madras Crocodile Bank is a reptile zoo and herpetology research station.
Then travel to Mamallapuram. The UNESCO World Heritage-listed city is home to rock-cut statues that date back as far as the 7th century. Recognized as some of the oldest examples of Dravidian architecture, these well-preserved artifacts were built in honor of Hindu gods.
Keep hunger at bay with a traditional Indian lunch between stops and travel with your guide back to your Chennai hotel at the end of your full-day sightseeing tour.

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.