Guided tour of Mahabalipuram for an immersive cultural experience
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About the Activity
Over 3 hours, this guided tour will teleport you to the 7th century into the times of the Pallavas with incredible rock cut monuments. This tour can be done by walk or in your vehicle. We can also arrange a tuk tuk or autorickshaw. You will experience masterpieces from this world heritage site like the Pancha Rathas which are rock cut monolith temples, Arjuna's Penance the giant open air rock relief, the gravity defying Krishna's butterball and the Shore temple which is the last remaining of the 7 Pagodas mentioned by Marco Polo. Mahabalipuram is the proud recipient of world's first stone carving city declaration. However, the next generation of sculptors are moving to the cities for jobs threatening a slow death for this fine art. Our company is helping this community by training & employing local guides and by procuring their wares to strengthen their livelihood. .3 hours
Instant Confirmation
Mobile ticket
Availability and Prices
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts (local time)
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Inclusions & Exclusions
Professional guide
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Travel Itinerary
Locations in the itinerary
1
Pancha Rathas
Kancheepuram District, Mahabalipuram, India, 603104We reach the World Heritage Site of Mahabalipuram. Panch Rathas, or the 5 chariots is our first destination. These are rock cut monolith structures, where of the chariots are dedicated to the lead cast of the Mahabharata epic- Draupadi, Arjuna, Nakul-Sahadeva, Bhima and Yudhister. There is also a sculpture of an elephant next to the ratha of Nakul-Sahadeva.20 minutes • Admission Ticket IncludedView Location2
Pancha Pandava Cave
West Raja Street, Mahabalipuram, IndiaPandava cave is the largest cave-temple at Mahabalipuram The cave is supported on six pillars and two pilasters. There are 3 spectacular sculptures of mythical creatures called Yali on the pillars. 15 minutes • Admission Ticket IncludedView Location3
Arjuna's Penance
West Raja Street, Near Ganesha Ratha, Mahabalipuram, India, 603104We next visit Arjuna’s Penace, a bas-relief monument that’s considered one of India’s most magnificent pieces of ancient art, depicting vivid scenes from the Mahabharata. The relief is 100 feet long and 45 feet tall! The main story being told is how Arjuna, one of the Pandava brothers, performed severe austerities in order to obtain Lord Shiva's weapon. 20 minutes • Admission Ticket IncludedView Location4
Krishna's Butter Ball
E Raja St, Mahabalipuram, India, 603104The next stop is Krishna’s Butterball, a granite boulder that’s poised on a stony slope. This curious boulder seems to defy Newton's laws of gravity and has not moved an inch despite being in this precarious position on the slope for more than a thousand years. 15 minutes • Admission Ticket IncludedView Location5
Varaha Cave Temple
Kancheepuram District, Mahabalipuram, IndiaThe Varaha cave is carved out of huge piece of granite and dates back to the 7th century. This temple took several decades to be completed. There are squatting lions adorning the pillars which support the hall. Another highlight are the sculptures of two guardian angels who protect the sanctum. 20 minutes • Admission Ticket IncludedView Location6
Trimurti Cave
Mahabalipuram, IndiaThis cave is a fine example of the spectacular architecture style of the Pallavas. The rock cut temple is dedicated to the holy trinity of Hindu Gods- Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva. There are fine carvings of elephants as well.20 minutes • Admission Ticket Included7
Ganesh Ratha Temple
Near Arjuna Penance, Mahabalipuram, IndiaThis is a imposing chariot carved out of a single stone. Originally dedicated to Lord Shiva, it now has the deity of his son Lord Ganesh. It was built in the 7th century by King Mahendravarman I. The other highlight of this temple are the 18 inscriptions in ancient grantha and nagari scripts of Sanskrit.15 minutes • Admission Ticket IncludedView Location8
Built in the year 640, it is India's oldest light house and one of the oldest in the world. Mahabalipuram was a very busy port since the 7th century and hence this lighthouse played a significant role in keeping mariners safe. 20 minutes • Admission Ticket IncludedView Location
Meeting and Pickup
Starting point
1
Our guide will meet you at the entrance of the Shore Temple.View Location
End point
1
The walk ends at Five RathasView Location
Pickup details
Customers must make their own way to and meet at the start point- Travelers CANNOT choose a custom pickup or meeting location.
Additional Information
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Language And Guide
Tour Guide Available In
- English
Ticket Details
- Mobile or paper ticket accepted
- One per booking
Ticket Redemption
No redemption point. This is a direct entry ticketCancellation & Refunds
Cancellable up to 24 hours before the travel date (local supplier time) for a full refund. A 100% cancellation penalty applies for cancellations submitted less than 24 hours before the start time.- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Suplier may cancel the activity on account of bad weather conditions.
- Cancel at least 1 day before activity starts in Asia/Kolkata time to receive 100% refund.
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No reviews found!Operated by 5 Senses WalksCreated on 10 Feb 2019Created on 18 Sep 2024
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