A Fun-Filled Day in Family-Friendly Mahabalipuram

1. 9:00 AM: Shore Temple
   Located by the Bay of Bengal shoreline, the Shore Temple is an impressive 8th-century stone structure that's dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple complex includes a linga, a shrine and two other temples situated inland at the back of the complex. Explore the temple and learn about its history from the local guides.
   Duration: 1 hour
   Distance from next destination: 3 minutes (1.1 km)
2. 10:15 AM: Arjuna's Penance and Krishna's Butterball
   Arjuna's Penance is a famous monumental relief structure located at the very heart of Mahabalipuram. It depicts the story of Arjuna's penance to obtain Lord Shiva's weapon. Also, visit the nearby Krishna's Butterball, an enormous boulder that seems to defy gravity by balancing on a slope. Both sites offer unique insights into the local traditions and beliefs..
   Duration: 1.5 hours
   Distance from next destination: 5 minutes (1.4 km)
3. 12:00 PM: Lunch at Seashell Restaurant
   After all the exploring, it's time to fuel up at Seashell restaurant near the Mahabalipuram bus stop. Treat your taste buds to some authentic South Indian flavors such as Masala Dosa, Idli, Sambar, and Chutney.
   Duration: 1 hour
   Distance from next destination: 2 minutes (600m)
4. 1:15 PM: Mahishasuramardini Caves
   Explore the magnificent rock-cut caves of Mahabalipuram, known as Mahishasuramardini. These caves have beautiful carvings of Lord Vishnu, Durga, and Lord Ganesha. The carvings artworks date back to the 7th and 8th centuries and are believed to be the oldest drive-in descent temple art in India.
   Duration: 1-1.5 hours
   Distance from next destination: 7 minutes (2.9 km)
5. 3:00 PM: Pancha Rathas
   The Pancha Rathas (five chariots) are an impressive group of monuments located in the southern part of Mahabalipuram. These Rathas are carved out of a single piece of stone and are monolithic structures. Each Ratha is dedicated to a different deity, and they are named after the five Pandavas personalities from the famous epic narrative, the Mahabharata.
   Duration: 1 hour
   Distance from next destination: 3 minutes (1.3 km)
6. 4:00 PM: Descent of the Ganges
   Also known as the 'Arjuna's Penance,' this structure is a giant open-air bas-relief that measures approximately 27m x 9m. It displays scenes from the Mahabharata and the tale of the descent of the Ganges River. The carvings show the intricate details of the people, animals, and gods with remarkable detail, it's a spectacle one can not miss.
   Duration: 1 hour

Time and Costs Estimates

• Shore Temple (1 hour, INR 40)
• Arjuna's Penance and Krishna's Butterball (1.5 hours, INR 40)
• Lunch at Seashell Restaurant (1 hour, INR 300)
• Mahishasuramardini Caves (1-1.5 hours, INR 40)
• Pancha Rathas (1 hour, INR 40)
• Descent of the Ganges (1 hour, INR 40)
• Total Estimated Costs (per person): INR 500

Useful Tips

If you're starting earlier or have more time, Mahabalipuram has lots of other interesting sites to explore such as the Tiger's Caves, Crocodile Bank, and the Mahabalipuram Beach. However, keep in mind you need to be back before 6 pm as most attractions close at this time. Also, carry water, sunscreen, and comfortable shoes to make your trip smooth.