Best of Kanchipuram & Mahabalipuram: Private Day Tour
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September 2026
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Adults
Age 13 and over
Children
Age 12 and under
Select a highlighted day to see live departure times and the exact price for your group.
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before. Same price on Viator, Outty earns a commission.
Traveler rating
5.0/5
Based on 11 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Best of Kanchipuram & Mahabalipuram: Private Day Tour worth booking?
Best of Kanchipuram & Mahabalipuram: Private Day Tour is a 12-hour experience in Chennai, India, from $70 per person. It scores 75 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Strongly Recommended”, based on a 5/5 rating across 11 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 75 / 100
- Rating
- 5/5 (11)
- Duration
- 12 hours
- From
- $70 per person
Begin your adventure in Kanchipuram, renowned for its ancient temples and vibrant silk weaving tradition. Visit the Kailasanathar Temple, celebrated for its exquisite stone carvings and stunning architectural design, and
What you get
- Bottled mineral water provided during the journey
- Entry/Admission - Kanchipuram temples
- In-vehicle air conditioning
- Entry/Admission - Mahabalipuram Monuments
- All taxes
- Local professional guides for all sightseeing
About this experience
Begin your adventure in Kanchipuram, renowned for its ancient temples and vibrant silk weaving tradition. Visit the Kailasanathar Temple, celebrated for its exquisite stone carvings and stunning architectural design, and the Ekambareswarar Temple.While in Kanchipuram, don’t miss the opportunity to shop for the city’s iconic handwoven silk sarees, a testament to its rich textile heritage. After immersing yourself in Kanchipuram's cultural wonders, head to Mahabalipuram, a short drive away along the scenic coastal road. Here, marvel at the Shore Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its intricate carvings and breathtaking views of the sea. Explore the Pancha Rathas, five monolithic rock-cut temples designed in the shape of chariots, each showcasing unique architectural styles. Also, be sure to see Arjuna's Penance, one of the largest bas-reliefs in the world, depicting various scenes from Hindu mythology.
What's included
Included
- Bottled mineral water provided during the journey
- Entry/Admission - Kanchipuram temples
- In-vehicle air conditioning
- Entry/Admission - Mahabalipuram Monuments
- All taxes
- Local professional guides for all sightseeing
Not included
- Gratuities
- Portage and tips
What you'll see and do
Tour Orientation
Pass by without stopping
Ekambareswarar Temple
Ekambareswarar Temple, located in Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu, is one of the oldest and most revered Shiva temples in India. Dedicated to Lord Shiva as Ekambaranathar, it features stunning Dravidian architecture, with a towering gopuram (gateway) and intricate sculptures. The temple is renowned for its sacred mango tree, believed to be over 3,500 years old, and it holds great significance in Shaivite worship. It's a key pilgrimage site, attracting devotees and tourists alike.
45 minutes here · Admission included
Kailasanathar Temple, located in Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu, is one of the earliest examples of Dravidian architecture, dating back to the 8th century. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, this temple is notable for its stunning intricate carvings and serene ambiance. The temple complex features a series of small shrines, a unique sandstone structure, and beautiful sculptures depicting various deities and mythological scenes. It is often praised for its architectural brilliance and is a significant pilgrimage site for Shaivite worshippers.
45 minutes here
Pancha Rathas
Huddled together at the southern end of Mamallapuram, the Five Rathas were, astonishingly, all carved from single large rocks. Each of these fine 7th-century temples was dedicated to a Hindu god and is now named after one or more of the Pandavas, the five hero-brothers of the epic Mahabharata, or their common wife, Draupadi. The rathas were hidden in the sand until excavated by the British 200 years ago. Ratha is Sanskrit for 'chariot', and may refer to the temples' form or to their function as vehicles for the gods. It's thought they didn't originally serve as places of worship, but as architectural models.
45 minutes here · Admission included
Arjuna's Penance
We also visit Arjuna’s Penance, a 100 feet x 45 feet bas relief where an entire masterpiece from the Mahabharata epic has been carved.
30 minutes here · Admission included
Krishna's Butter Ball
The next halt is at Krishna’s Butterball, a curious sight of a 5 meters diameter ball shaped boulder which is perched precariously on a slope and defies Newton’s laws of gravity!
30 minutes here · Admission included
Shore Temple
Standing like a magnificent fist of rock-cut elegance overlooking the sea, surrounded by gardens and ruined courts, the two-towered Shore Temple symbolises the heights of Pallava architecture and the maritime ambitions of the Pallava kings. Its small size belies its excellent proportion and the supreme quality of the carvings, many now eroded into vaguely Impressionist embellishments. Built under Narasimhavarman II in the 8th century, it's the earliest significant free-standing stone temple in Tamil Nadu.
45 minutes here · Admission included
Where it starts and ends
Hotel pickup
Pickup is included for all travelers.
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 15 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Wonder tours
Know before you go
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Photos
Good to know
- Duration
- 12 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- 1+
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $70 to $179
- Hotel pickup
- Included for all travelers
- Booked in 30 days
- 4
- Verdict
- Strongly Recommended
Why this scores 75
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Best of Kanchipuram & Mahabalipuram: Private Day Tour: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Chennai.
How much does Best of Kanchipuram & Mahabalipuram: Private Day Tour cost?
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Prices start at $70 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Chennai usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Best of Kanchipuram & Mahabalipuram: Private Day Tour take?
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Plan for about 12 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Chennai is not rushed.
Is Best of Kanchipuram & Mahabalipuram: Private Day Tour worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 75 out of 100, which we label "Strongly Recommended". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 11 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Chennai, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Best of Kanchipuram & Mahabalipuram: Private Day Tour?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Best of Kanchipuram & Mahabalipuram: Private Day Tour suitable for kids and families?
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The operator sets a minimum age of 1. Older children generally do well here, and families should factor in the 12-hour running time when deciding.
How far in advance should I book Best of Kanchipuram & Mahabalipuram: Private Day Tour?
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Around 4 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Chennai can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Chennai and add a light layer if any part of the 12-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Best of Kanchipuram & Mahabalipuram: Private Day Tour start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Chennai within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Chennai?
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On Outty we rank every Chennai experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Mahabalipuram tour by Tourism Ministry approved company, Chennai tour in car with guide-winner of traveller's choice award, Gods of Mylapore walking tour: Journey Through Living Traditions. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Chennai?
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Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Chennai?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
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