Mahabalipuram & Kanchipuram by tourism ministry approved company
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September 2026
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Adults
Age 13 and over
Children
Age 12 and under
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Free cancellation up to 24 hours before. Same price on Viator, Outty earns a commission.
Traveler rating
4.9/5
Based on 286 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Mahabalipuram & Kanchipuram by tourism ministry approved company worth booking?
Mahabalipuram & Kanchipuram by tourism ministry approved company is a 12-hour experience in Chennai, India, from $102 per person. It scores 91 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “90+ Club”, based on a 4.9/5 rating across 286 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing. It sits in the Outty 90+ Club, the top tier of everything we rank.
- Outty Ranking
- 91 / 100
- Rating
- 4.9/5 (286)
- Duration
- 12 hours
- From
- $102 per person
In this day tour from Chennai, we will visit the twin wonders of Pallava architecture, Mahabalipuram and Kanchipuram. This tour is hosted by a Five Senses Tours which is a company approved by the ministry of tourism and
What you get
- Local guide
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- GST (Goods and Services Tax)
- Lunch
About this experience
In this day tour from Chennai, we will visit the twin wonders of Pallava architecture, Mahabalipuram and Kanchipuram. This tour is hosted by a Five Senses Tours which is a company approved by the ministry of tourism and is also a member of the prestigious Indian association of Tour Operators. We will cover the magnificent temples of Ekambareswar & Kailashnath in Kanchipuram. After that we visit the ancient sea port of Mahabalipuram and visit the legendary rock cut structures lie Arjuna's penance, Five Rathas and the iconic Shore temple which served literally as the beacon for sea farers from the 8th century onwards. The company promotes local livelihood by training and employing local guides and patronising local businesses. This is a fully guided tour with pick up and drop, private car, full time guide, lunch and all entrance charges as well.
What's included
Included
- Local guide
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- GST (Goods and Services Tax)
- Lunch
Not included
- Drinks
What you'll see and do
Ekambareswarar Temple
We visit Ekambareswarar of Pallava dynasty to appreciate these ancient architectural wonders. These were built in 600 AD and are magnificent specimens of the Pallava style of architecture.
45 minutes here · Admission included
We will visit the magnificent temple of Kailasanathar Temple from Pallava times. Kanchipuram was the capital of the medieval South Indian Kingdom of Pallavas. The Pallavas were instrumental in the transition from rock-cut architecture to stone temples. We will appreciate these architectural wonders built in 600 AD.
45 minutes here · Admission included
Pancha Rathas
Mahabalipuram is an ancient town and was known to be a trading post during Roman Times. It rose to prominence as a bustling sea port during the rule of the Pallava Dynasty headquartered in Kanchipuram during the 7th century AD. Ships sailing from South India to South East Asia used to depart from the Mahabalipuram port. Panch Rathas, or the 5 chariots is our first destination. These are rock cut monolith temples structures dedicated to Draupadi and the 5 Pandavas from the epic Mahabharata.
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
The legendary Marco Polo referred to Mahabalipuram as the city of 7 pagodas. The Shore temple is the only 1 of those magnificent 7 temples, which have survived the ravages of time. The Magnificent Shore temple beckons us. This 8th century structural temple is made of granite and served as a beacon for sea farers of the time.
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
- 5 Senses Walks
Know before you go
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- A dress code is required to enter places of worship and selected museums. No shorts or sleeveless tops allowed. Knees and shoulders MUST be covered for both men and women. You may risk refused entry if you fail to comply with these dress requirements
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 286 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
9 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
9 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Food and drink
3 mentionsThe tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
Value for money
2 mentionsTravelers feel they got more than they paid for.
Organization
2 mentionsPickup, timing, and logistics are described as running smoothly.
Pace and timing
2 mentionsSeveral reviewers comment on how the schedule is paced.
Traveler reviews
286 verified traveler reviews for Mahabalipuram & Kanchipuram by tourism ministry approved company. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Excellent private tour
Jainvir from five sense was very friendly and professional with a great depth of knowledge about any topic that cropped up. Greatly flexible, patient and encouraging Janvir made the trip very enjoyable. Wonderful idea to include Ramesh, a local guide to support the local community in tourism.
via Tripadvisor
Jainvir from 5 sense was very nice and accomodating
It was a very nice trip, we saw lots of temples, were allowed 2 hours for lunch and Jainvir was very informative and friendly. There was also a nice air conned car, which was a relief because it was very hot. The tour was from 5sense and there wad hardly any crowds at the temples.
via Tripadvisor
Kanchipuram and Mahabalipuram private day trip
Jainvir was brilliant. The kanchipuram and Mahabalipuram trip was well organised as a private tour with additional guide in Mahabalipuram. Thoroughly recommend. Long day but worth it. Amazing temples and well organised with superb knowledge from Jainvir
via Tripadvisor
Must Do Tour in Chennai
Tour Guide Jainath and driver Mahendran arrived early to Hotel with a comfortable AC transport Car. Tour Guide extremely Knowledgeable of Historical Sites and was able to properly answer all questions I had. Driver was safe. I would Highly recommended tour if short on time and want a grand experience of Ancient Temples. Great Value and a wonderful lunch was included….. Two Thumbs Up
via Tripadvisor
A wonderful day with the best guide you can wish for
An absolutely wonderful experience with Hareesh guiding me all day through many temples and historical sites. My first day ever in India became a day to remember with the insights, friendliness, and warmth of a guide who truly loves what he is doing. Super exciting sights, excellent lunch, and knowledge of Indian history and religion to the fullest.
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 12 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $102 to $215
- Hotel pickup
- Included for all travelers
- Booked in 30 days
- 100
- Verdict
- 90+ Club
Why this scores 91
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Mahabalipuram & Kanchipuram by tourism ministry approved company: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Chennai.
How much does Mahabalipuram & Kanchipuram by tourism ministry approved company cost?
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Prices start at $102 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 Mahabalipuram & Kanchipuram by tourism ministry approved company 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 Mahabalipuram & Kanchipuram by tourism ministry approved company worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 91 out of 100, which we label "90+ Club". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.9/5 across 286 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable most highly reviewed in Chennai, and how flexible the cancellation terms are. Scoring 90 or above puts it in the Outty 90+ Club, the top tier of everything we rank.
Can I cancel or reschedule Mahabalipuram & Kanchipuram by tourism ministry approved company?
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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 Mahabalipuram & Kanchipuram by tourism ministry approved company suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 12-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Mahabalipuram & Kanchipuram by tourism ministry approved company?
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Around 100 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 Mahabalipuram & Kanchipuram by tourism ministry approved company 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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