Exploring Mahabalipuram in a Day

Day 1: Discovering Mahabalipuram

Mahabalipuram, Tamil Nadu, India

8:00 AM

Breakfast at a Local Cafe

Start your day with a traditional South Indian breakfast of dosa and filter coffee at a local cafe to fuel up for a day of exploration.
Walk or take a short taxi ride to Shore Temple, which is about a 10-minute drive from the town center.
INR 200, 1 hour

9:30 AM

Shore Temple

Explore the ancient Shore Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site dating back to the 8th century, and admire its intricate stone carvings and seaside location.
Walk to Pancha Rathas, which is a short 5-minute walk from Shore Temple.
INR 250, 1.5 hours

11:00 AM

Pancha Rathas

Visit the unique monolithic rock-cut temples of Pancha Rathas, each carved in the shape of a chariot representing different Pandava brothers from the Mahabharata epic.
Walk to Arjuna's Penance, which is a 15-minute walk from Pancha Rathas.
INR 200, 1 hour

12:30 PM

Lunch at a Local Restaurant

Enjoy a delicious seafood lunch at a local restaurant near Arjuna's Penance, savoring fresh catch from the Bay of Bengal.
Take a short auto-rickshaw ride to Arjuna's Penance, which is about a 5-minute drive from the restaurant.
INR 500, 1 hour

2:00 PM

Arjuna's Penance

Marvel at the massive rock carving known as Arjuna's Penance, depicting various scenes from Hindu mythology and daily life in ancient India.
Walk to Krishna's Butter Ball, which is a 10-minute walk from Arjuna's Penance.
INR 250, 1 hour

3:30 PM

Krishna's Butter Ball

Witness the intriguing natural rock formation of Krishna's Butter Ball, a large boulder balanced precariously on a slope that seems to defy gravity.
Walk down to Mahabalipuram Beach, which is just a 5-minute walk from Krishna's Butter Ball.
Free entry, 30 minutes

4:30 PM

Relax at Mahabalipuram Beach

Wind down your day by relaxing at the picturesque Mahabalipuram Beach, watching the sunset over the Bay of Bengal and perhaps taking a leisurely stroll along the shore.
End of the day. You can explore the local markets or head back to your accommodation for some rest.
Free entry, 1 hour
View Hotel Availability