Mahabalipuram tour by Tourism Ministry approved company
Mahabalipuram tour by Tourism Ministry approved company
By Private car
From
By Royal Enfield Motorcycle
Pickup included
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Highlights
When Marco Polo sailed past this coastline in the 13th century he recorded seeing a city of seven pagodas rising above the sea. Only one still stands. Archaeologists have found the others submerged offshore.
The Pallava kings of the 7th and 8th centuries carved an entire world from the boulders here — five Mahabharata chariots from single rocks, a hundred-foot bas-relief with a satirical cat imitating a holy man while mice gather around it, a five-metre boulder balanced on a slope for thirteen centuries that a British administrator failed to move with an elephant, and the Shore Temple still reflecting in the Bay of Bengal at high tide.
Our private Mahabalipuram tour from Chennai covers all of it with a cultural guide who brings every stone to life.
Private car, expert guide, all entry fees and lunch included.
5 Senses Tours is recognised by the Department of Tourism, a winner of the Outlook Responsible Tourism Award and the Tripadvisor Travellers Choice Award.
Itinerary
Pancha Rathas
25 minsAdmission Ticket IncludedMake the first stop of the day at the Pancharathas, or five chariots, a series of monolithic temples built by the Pallavas.These are rock cut monolith temples structures built in the 7th century. Each of the 5 rathas or chariots are dedicated to the lead cast of the Mahabharat epic- Draupadi, Arjuna, Nakul-Sahadeva, Bhima and Yudhister. There is also a sculpture of an elephant next to the ratha of Nakul-Sahadeva. Once you stand towards the rear of the elephant you will notice that there is an uncanny resemblance between the rear of the chariot and the elephant.Arjuna's Penance
20 minsAdmission Ticket IncludedWe 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.Pancha Pandava Cave
15 minsAdmission Ticket IncludedPandava cave is the largest cave-temple at Mahabalipuram The cave is supported on six pillars and two pilasters. The highlight of the architecture are the spectacular sculptures of mythical creatures called Yali on the pillars.Krishna's Butter Ball
15 minsAdmission Ticket IncludedThe 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.Varaha Cave Temple
15 minsAdmission Ticket IncludedThe 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.Trimurti Cave
15 minsAdmission Ticket IncludedThis 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.Ganesha Ratha
15 minsAdmission Ticket IncludedThis 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.Old Light House
15 minsAdmission Ticket IncludedBuilt 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.Mahishasuramardini Cave
15 minsAdmission Ticket IncludedTwo of the most impressive works of art of Mahabalipuram reside in this cave. It has 2 imposing bas-reliefs on the walls. The first one is Lord Vishnu sleeping on top of the coils of a serpent. The other is with Goddess Durga fighting with the demon Mahishasura on a lion.Shore Temple(Pass by)
Admission Ticket FreeOur last port of call is the Shore Temple. The magnificent temple overlooks the Bay of Bengal and was an important centre during the reign of the Pallavas when Mahabalipuram was the main port of their Kingdom. Built by King Raja Simha during the early 8th century, the Shore Temple is a landmark in the architectural landscape of India. Marco Polo referred to this as the seven pagodas. The existing temple is the last surviving of the 7 which once stood as a beacon for sea farers.
What's included
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5 Senses Walks
USD 150.12
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