Mahabalipuram is one the most visited tourist places in Tamil Nadu. This is a heritage town well known for it’s monuments and temples built in 7th century. A visit to these temples and monuments will make you travel to the era of Pallavas.
Mahabalipuram is also famous for its seafood. Its home to some iconic restaurants like Moonrakers, Santana and more.
Here is a list of 20 places and temples to visit in Mahabalipuram. Best time to visit Mahabalipuram is from January to March.
Mahabalipuram Temples To Visit
Monuments at Mahabalipuram
Monuments in Mahabalipuram represent the culture and architecture of the Pallavas. The rock-cut temples in Mahabalipuram are one of the achievements of Pallavas in the South Indian Architecture. There are 400 monuments and Hindu temples in this place. These are classified as Ratha temples, cave temples, structural temples, and rock reliefs.
Pancha Rathas or Pandava Rathas
The Ratha temples look like chariots. These Rathas belongs to 7th century. Diorite and granite stones are used in the Ratha temples. Among the Rathas Pandava Rathas or the five Rathas are very famous.
The Five Rathas represent the characters from the Epic Mahabharata, namely, Arjuna, Bhima, Dharmaraja, Nakulan, Sahadevan, and Draupadi. First, you can see Dharmaraja Ratha followed by Bhima Ratha, Arjuna and Draupadi Rathas, and Nakula Sahadeva Ratha. Among these, the latter three Rathas are incomplete.
Ganesha Ratha is separate one at a distance of 1 kilometer from the Five Rathas. It is similar to Bhima Ratha.
Pidari Ratha represents the South Indian Dravidian Architecture and Valayankuttai Ratha represents North Indian Nagara-style architecture.
Cave Temples
Cave temples which are also called as Mandapas are a very important place to visit in Mahabalipuram. The famous cave temples here are Mahishasuramardini Mandava, Panchapandava Cave Temple, Krishna Cave Temple and Varaha Cave Temple.
Mahishasuramardini Cave Temple – Goddess Durga is prominent God here and is located near to Lighthouse.
Panchapandava Cave Temple – The temple is near the Arjuna’s Penance and this is incomplete.
Varaha Cave Temple – Varaha is Lord Vishnu in the form of a boar is sculptured in this cave temple.
Krishna Cave Temple – This represents Lord Krishna lifting Govardhan hill.
Other cave temples include Trimurti cave temple, Tiger Cave Temple, and Atiranachanda Cave Temple.
The descent of the Ganges
The descent of the Ganges is also called as Arjuna’s Penance. It is the most famous rock monument in Mahabalipuram. This represents the descent of River Ganges to the Earth. This was carved in the remembrance of the success of Narasimhavarma1 .
Shore Temple Mahabalipuram
The temple is built with granite rock by Narasimhavarman II and it is the first shore temple during Pallava period. The main deities in this temple are Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu. You can also notice Goddess Durga in Lion Vahana.
Olakkanesvara temple
This temple is also called as Ulaikannisvaram dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is also used as the old lighthouse since this place was used by ships as a landmark. This temple is over a hillock and it is damaged.
Mukundanayanar temple
Mukundanayanar temple has granite walls and it is constructed in Ratha like structure. This temple was explored only before few decades. Before which it was buried under the sand.
Krishna’s Butter Ball
Krishna’s Butter Ball is also known as Vaan Irai Kal. It is a granite boulder weighing 250 tons approximately, a height of 6 meters and 5-meter width. This is the famous tourist attraction here. According to mythology, Lord Krishna loves to steal butter and this boulder is said to represent it. Therefore, it is named as butter ball.
Mahishasura Rock
Mahishasura Rock is located near sea shore temple. It has some unfinished carvings in it. Most visitors don’t recognize it. Take time to have a glance at this rock.
Sri Sthala Sayanaperumal Temple
This temple is located at Thirukadalmallai and Lord Vishnu is the main deity here. In this temple Lord Vishnu blesses the people in sleeping position. Sri Sthala Sayanaperumal Temple was built by Pallavas using the dravidian style architecture.
- Timing: 6:30 AM to 12 PM and 3 PM to 8:30 PM (All days of the week)
- Note: Photography not allowed.
Vedagirishvara Temple
It is in Tirukalukundram, 15 kilometers from Mahabalipuram. Lord Shiva is the main deity in this temple which is located in the top of the hill. The foothill temple is dedicated to Goddess Parvati. According to belief, two eagles are visiting this temple daily and fed by the priest.
Places To Visit In Mahabalipuram
Mamallapuram Lighthouse
From Mamallapuram Lighthouse, you can have the entire view of the place. It now open to tourists from 2011 after it was damages in 2004 tsunami. The sight of the beach from this lighthouse is marvelous.
Mahabalipuram Beach
Mahabalipuram beach is the most popular beach in South India. Some shore temples are located along the coast and there are several resorts and famous restaurants that serve fresh seafood.
Sculpture Museum
This museum has stone sculptures, wooden sculptures, and paintings. There are nearly more than 3000 sculptures and you can come to know about various gods and mythological characters in the Hindu religion. It also has Buddhists sculptures.
- Timing: 10 AM to 5 PM (Friday is a holiday)
Maritime Heritage Museum
The Maritime Heritage Museum has details about marine and naval technology. It has models of the ship, submarine simulator, silk route, models of airplanes, old boats, and more.
- Timing: 9:30 AM to 6 PM (Open all days of the week)
Lighthouse Heritage Museum
Lighthouse Heritage Museum was open to the public in the year 2014. You can look briefly at various parts used in the lighthouse. It consists of old lamps, lighthouse model, lighthouse internal operation model, and much more. The lighthouse show conducted by the museum helps people get to know more about the lighthouse.
- Timing: 10 AM to 5:30 PM
- Entry Fee: Rs. 20
Alamparai Fort
From Mahabalipuram, this place is at a 50-kilometer distance. Alamparai Fort was built during the Mughal period in 17th century. Later it was taken over by the French. The location is awesome and one should not miss this while visiting Mahabalipuram. It extends to 15 acres and it is made up of limestone and bricks.
- Timing: 8 AM to 6 PM (All days of the week)
- Entry Fee: Free
Crocodile Bank
Crocodile Bank is the reptile zoo and also a herpetology research station. It comprises of reptiles like crocodiles, lizards, snakes, turtles. The bank has 17 species of crocodiles.
- Timing: 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM (Monday is a holiday)
- Entry Fee: Rs. 60 for Adults and Rs. 30 for children (below 10 years)
Covelong Beach
Covelong beach is located in Kovalam, which is a fishing village and it is 23 kilometers from Mahabalipuram. Along the coast of Bay of Bengal, this beach is popular for fishing. You can do activities like swimming, surfing, and other sports. Every year in this beach Olive Ridley Turtles visit to hatch eggs.
India Seashell Museum
For those seashell lovers, this India Seashell Museum is the largest in Asia. It has 40,000 rare seashells and provides information about them. Maya Bazaar, which is a boutique sells jewelry and other things made from pearl and seashells. You can also try sea-food in the restaurant located in the museum.
- Timing: 8 AM to 8 PM (All days of the week)
- Entry Fee: Museum – Rs. 100 and Aquarium – Rs. 40
These are must visit places and temples in Mahabalipuram.
