Exploring Mahabalipuram in a Day

Day 1: Mahabalipuram Marvels

Mahabalipuram, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at a Local Cafe

Start your day with a delicious South Indian breakfast at a local cafe, enjoying some piping hot idlis, dosas, and filter coffee to energize you for the day ahead.
Rs 200, 1 hour

9:30AM

Shore Temple

Begin your sightseeing at the iconic Shore Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, marveling at the ancient stone carvings and the temple's location overlooking the Bay of Bengal.
Rs 500 (foreigners), Rs 30 (Indians), 1.5 hours

11:00AM

Five Rathas

Explore the Five Rathas, monolithic rock-cut temples that showcase exquisite Dravidian architecture and are named after the Pandavas from the Indian epic Mahabharata.
Rs 250, 1 hour

12:30PM

Lunch at a Local Restaurant

Enjoy a traditional Tamil Nadu meal at a local restaurant, savoring dishes like sambar, rasam, and biryani for a true culinary experience.
Rs 400, 1 hour

1:30PM

Arjuna's Penance

Visit the massive rock relief carving known as Arjuna's Penance, depicting scenes from Hindu mythology and showcasing intricate details of ancient artistry.
Rs 30, 1 hour

3:00PM

Krishna's Butter Ball

Stroll to Krishna's Butter Ball, a massive natural rock balanced precariously on a slope, defying gravity and sparking curiosity among visitors.
Free, 30 minutes

3:30PM

Pancha Pandava Rathas

Explore the Pancha Pandava Rathas, a group of monolithic rock temples carved to resemble chariots, each dedicated to different Pandava brothers from the Mahabharata.
Rs 250, 1 hour

5:00PM

Relax at Mahabalipuram Beach

Wind down your day by relaxing at Mahabalipuram Beach, watching the sunset over the waves and reflecting on the rich history and culture you've experienced throughout the day.
Free, 1 hour