Journey Through Time: Chennai to Mahabalipuram Excursion
Pick your date
Highlighted days have spots open. Grey days are sold out or not running.
September 2026
Loading live availability
Who is going?
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
Not yet rated
No traveler reviews have been published for this experience yet.
Quick answer
Is Journey Through Time: Chennai to Mahabalipuram Excursion worth booking?
Journey Through Time: Chennai to Mahabalipuram Excursion is a 6-hour experience in Chennai, India, from $31 per person. It scores 60 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look”. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 60 / 100
- Rating
- Not yet rated
- Duration
- 6 hours
- From
- $31 per person
Embark on a captivating journey with the "Journey Through Time: Chennai to Mahabalipuram Excursion." Your private driver will pick you up from your Chennai hotel, initiating a comfortable ride to Mahabalipuram in an air-
What you get
- English speaking local guide, if option selected.
- Entrance fees to monuments, if option selected.
- Private AC car/van for pick up and drop off from/to your hotel.
- Lunch, if option selected.
- Government Taxes.
- Bottled water in the car.
About this experience
Embark on a captivating journey with the "Journey Through Time: Chennai to Mahabalipuram Excursion." Your private driver will pick you up from your Chennai hotel, initiating a comfortable ride to Mahabalipuram in an air-conditioned vehicle. Upon arrival at Mahabalipuram, explore the ancient Shore Temple, a masterpiece of 8th-century Dravidian architecture dedicated to Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu. Marvel at intricate carvings before proceeding to the Pancha Rathas, five monolithic rock temples resembling chariots. Relish a South Indian feast at a local restaurant and explore the Tiger Caves, a rock-cut shelter adorned with ancient carvings. Witness Krishna's Butter Ball defying gravity, unwind at Mahabalipuram Beach, and conclude the journey with a visit to Arjuna's Penance, an enormous bas-relief sculpture. Depart from Mahabalipuram and reach your Chennai hotel, completing a day brimming with historical wonders and scenic beauty.
What's included
Included
- English speaking local guide, if option selected.
- Entrance fees to monuments, if option selected.
- Private AC car/van for pick up and drop off from/to your hotel.
- Lunch, if option selected.
- Government Taxes.
- Bottled water in the car.
Not included
- Camera charges at monuments.
- Gratuities and optional activities.
- Anything not mentioned in the inclusions.
What you'll see and do
Chennai (Madras)
8:00 AM - Pick up from your hotel in Chennai by your private driver in a comfortable air-conditioned vehicle.
Pass by without stopping
Mahabalipuram
9:30 AM - Arrive in Mahabalipuram, a UNESCO World Heritage site located 60 km south of Chennai, and start your tour with a visit to the Shore Temple. This ancient temple, dating back to the 8th century, is a masterpiece of Dravidian architecture and is dedicated to Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu. Marvel at the intricate carvings and beautiful sculptures that adorn the temple, and learn about its fascinating history from your local guide.
60 minutes here
Pancha Rathas
11:00 AM - Next, visit the Pancha Rathas, a complex of five monolithic rock temples, each carved out of a single granite boulder to resemble a chariot. The Rathas are named after the Pandavas and their wife Draupadi, characters from the epic Mahabharata, and are an excellent example of Indian rock-cut architecture. 12:30 PM - After sightseeing, head to a local restaurant for a delicious lunch of South Indian cuisine. Try some local specialties such as dosa, idli, sambar, and chutney.
120 minutes here · Admission included
Tiger Cave
1:30 PM - After lunch, drive to the Tiger Caves, located about 5 km from Mahabalipuram. The Tiger Caves are a group of rock-cut caves that are believed to have been used as a shelter by Jain monks. The name Tiger Caves comes from the intricate carvings of tigers, elephants, and other animals that adorn the cave walls. Explore the caves with your guide and marvel at the intricate carvings that date back to the 7th century.
30 minutes here · Admission included
Krishna's Butter Ball
3:00 PM - Next, visit the Krishna's Butterball, a giant natural rock balancing on a slope. The rock, which weighs several tons, appears to be defying gravity and has become a popular tourist attraction. Take some memorable photos of this unusual rock formation and enjoy the scenic beauty of the surrounding landscape.
30 minutes here
Mahabalipuram Beach
3:30 PM - Drive to Mahabalipuram Beach and enjoy the stunning views of the Bay of Bengal. You can take a stroll along the beach or just sit back and relax while watching the waves crash against the shore.
30 minutes here
Arjuna's Penance
4:00 PM - Visit the Arjuna's Penance, an enormous open-air bas-relief sculpture that dates back to the 7th century. The sculpture, which is 43 feet high and 96 feet long, depicts the story of the descent of the Ganges, a Hindu mythological tale. Your guide will explain the significance of the sculpture and the fascinating stories behind it.
30 minutes here · Admission included
Chennai (Madras)
5:00 PM - Depart from Mahabalipuram and drive back to Chennai. 6:30 PM - Arrive back at your hotel in Chennai.
Pass by without stopping
Where it starts and ends
Hotel pickup
Pickup is included for all travelers.
Options you can book
Car, Guide, Entrance & Lunch
Includes: Private Car with Driver + Private Guides + Entrance & activities charges mentioned in the itinerary & Lunch. Pickup included
Car & Guide
Includes: Private Car with Driver + Private Guides. Pickup included
Car, Guide & Entrance
Includes: Private Car with Driver + Private Guides + Entrance & activities charges mentioned in the itinerary. Pickup included
Car Only
Includes: Private Car with Driver. Pickup included
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 10 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Agora Voyages Pvt. Ltd.
Know before you go
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Photos
Good to know
- Duration
- 6 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $31 to $336
- Hotel pickup
- Included for all travelers
- Booked in 30 days
- 0
- Verdict
- Worth a Look
Why this scores 60
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Journey Through Time: Chennai to Mahabalipuram Excursion: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Chennai.
How much does Journey Through Time: Chennai to Mahabalipuram Excursion cost?
+
Prices start at $31 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 Journey Through Time: Chennai to Mahabalipuram Excursion take?
+
Plan for about 6 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 Journey Through Time: Chennai to Mahabalipuram Excursion worth it?
+
It holds an Outty Ranking of 60 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (0/5 across 0 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 Journey Through Time: Chennai to Mahabalipuram Excursion?
+
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 Journey Through Time: Chennai to Mahabalipuram Excursion suitable for kids and families?
+
Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 6-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Journey Through Time: Chennai to Mahabalipuram Excursion?
+
Around 0 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?
+
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 6-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Journey Through Time: Chennai to Mahabalipuram Excursion start and how do I get there?
+
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?
+
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?
+
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?
+
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?
+
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.
Ready to lock in your spot?
Pick a date, choose your group, and see the exact price for Journey Through Time: Chennai to Mahabalipuram Excursion.
Pick your date
