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Mahabalipuram — 2-day itinerary

Mahabalipuram in two days

A day-by-day plan for Mahabalipuram, Tamil Nadu, 8 stops in all. Every stop that matches a place we cover links straight to it.

2 days 8 stopsFull Mahabalipuram guideWhat to eat in Mahabalipuram

2 days in Mahabalipuram

Take the whole plan, or add any single stop.

The Shore TempleDay 1

Day 1

The Shore Temple

Built rather than carved, around the year 700, and among the oldest structural stone temples in south India. The sea has been eating the carving for thirteen centuries, so the detail is soft. The 2004 tsunami drew the water back far enough to expose other structures offshore.

Pancha Rathas

Day 1

Pancha Rathas

Five temples cut from one granite ridge in the seventh century, each in a different form — the carvers appear to have been working through the possibilities. None was finished, and the Pandava names were attached long afterwards.

Arjuna's Penance (Descent of Ganga)

Day 1

Arjuna's Penance (Descent of Ganga)

One of the largest open-air rock reliefs anywhere: a wall carved with life-sized elephants, the forest around them, and celestial figures.

Day 1

Beach & seafood dinner

Beach & seafood dinner

Day 2

Day 2

Cave temples & lighthouse

Cave temples & lighthouse

Day 2

Stone-carving workshops

Stone-carving workshops

Day 2

Madras Crocodile Bank

Madras Crocodile Bank

Day 2

DakshinaChitra heritage village

DakshinaChitra heritage village

Places on this itinerary

Planning Mahabalipuram

How far is Mahabalipuram from Chennai?+

About 55 km down the East Coast Road, roughly 1.5 hours.

Why is Mahabalipuram famous?+

Its UNESCO-listed Pallava-era rock-cut monuments and the seaside Shore Temple.

Add a few days nearby