Tour of Mamallapuram from Chennai
Traveler rating
5.0/5
Based on 1 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Tour of Mamallapuram from Chennai worth booking?
Tour of Mamallapuram from Chennai is a 5-hour experience in Chennai, India, from $166 per person. It scores 50 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look”, based on a 5/5 rating across 1 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 50 / 100
- Rating
- 5/5 (1)
- Duration
- 5 hours
- From
- $166 per person
Mamallapuram, also known as Mahabalipuram, is a town on a strip of land between the Bay of Bengal and the Great Salt Lake. Situated one and a half hour away from the capital city of Chennai, this city is known for its colossal temples and monuments many of which date back to 7th and 8th centuries. The most prominent of these is the seafront Shore Temple that comprises of 3 ornate granite shrines. Krishna’s Butter Ball is a massive boulder balanced on a small hill near the Ganesha Ratha stone temple. Well, our guide not only knows the local language but will make every effort to understand your likes and preferences before starting your trip of the temple city.
What you get
About this experience
Mamallapuram, also known as Mahabalipuram, is a town on a strip of land between the Bay of Bengal and the Great Salt Lake. Situated one and a half hour away from the capital city of Chennai, this city is known for its colossal temples and monuments many of which date back to 7th and 8th centuries. The most prominent of these is the seafront Shore Temple that comprises of 3 ornate granite shrines. Krishna’s Butter Ball is a massive boulder balanced on a small hill near the Ganesha Ratha stone temple. Well, our guide not only knows the local language but will make every effort to understand your likes and preferences before starting your trip of the temple city.
What's included
Included
- All current applicable taxes
- Admission Fee
- Lunch
- Private air-conditioned vehicle for sightseeing
- Professional English speaking guide
Not included
- Any items / services not specifically mentioned in the price includes section
What you'll see and do
Your sightseeing in Mamallapuram starts with a short meeting with your local guide who is well-informed and well versed with the lanes of the city. Thus begins your day long trip to Mamallapuram which is known for its famous stone carvings and colossal temples. The edifices in Mahabalipuram, mostly carved straight out of granite, are among the oldest existing examples of Dravidian (South Indian) architecture and thus feature in the bucket list of various tourists especially the ones interested in ancient architecture. One of the attractions in the itinerary is the Arjuna’s Penance, a giant structure filled with carvings illustrating instances from the great epic, the Mahabharata. Arjuna relief is in the centre of Mahabalipuram, facing the sea at a short distance from the shores of the Coramandel Coast of the Bay of Bengal.
180 minutes here
Mahabalipuram
On your way further, you get to visit the Shore Temple, considered to be one of the oldest Dravidian style architecture in South India. It was initially identified as part of the Seven Pagodas at Mahabalipuram. All the three Temples of the Shore Temple complex are built on the same platform. Viewed from the northern end, the temples appear to be a replica of the Dharmaraja Ratha. The Shore Temples configuration of the two Shiva shrines with the small Vishnu shrine in between illustrates an attempt to balance the different, competing religious requirements. Finally, before heading back to your hotel in Chennai, visit the monolithic temples also known as Five Rathas, named after the five heroes of the epic Mahabharata. After the visit your guide will bring you back to you hotel where your tour would conclude.
120 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Hotel pickup
Pickup is included for all travelers. Pickup begins about 10 minutes before departure.
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 6 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- WRJ Holidays
Know before you go
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- Dress code is smart casual
- 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
- A minimum of 1 people per booking is required
- A maximum of 6 people per booking
- Passport name & country is required at time of booking for all participants
- A current valid passport is required on the day of travel
- All visa requirements are the sole responsibility of the traveler
Photos
Traveler reviews
1 verified traveler reviews for Tour of Mamallapuram from Chennai. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Do This!
One of the most memorable days of my life. I was blown away. It was such a privilege to see these ancient works of art and architecture . I was traveling solo and this was a fantastic way to spend the day. My guide was knowledgeable of the history and of course the culture. He explained religious philosophy so a westerner could easily understand. He helped me get great photos, he drew diagrams and was patient while I made notes. I had one of the best meals of my trip at a lovely local restaurant near the temples. Our driver was safe and I was never nervous. The entire day was just awesome, perfect.
Response from the operator: Hello Christine, Thank you for sharing your views about the trip. We are delighted to learn that you thoroughly enjoyed your trip. Regards......WRJ Team
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 5 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $166 to $283
- Hotel pickup
- Included for all travelers
- Booked in 30 days
- 0
- Verdict
- Worth a Look
Who runs this experience
Operated by WRJ Holidays, who run 16 experiences we rank across 10 cities, with an average Outty Ranking of 47.1.
See everything WRJ Holidays runsWhy this scores 50
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Tour of Mamallapuram from Chennai: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Chennai.
How much does Tour of Mamallapuram from Chennai cost?
+
Prices start at $166 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 Tour of Mamallapuram from Chennai take?
+
Plan for about 5 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 Tour of Mamallapuram from Chennai worth it?
+
It holds an Outty Ranking of 50 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 1 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 Tour of Mamallapuram from Chennai?
+
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 Tour of Mamallapuram from Chennai suitable for kids and families?
+
Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 5-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Tour of Mamallapuram from Chennai?
+
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 5-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Tour of Mamallapuram from Chennai 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 Gods of Mylapore walking tour: Journey Through Living Traditions, Chennai tour in car with guide-winner of traveller's choice award, Mahabalipuram & Kanchipuram by tourism ministry approved company. 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.
What is included in Tour of Mamallapuram from Chennai?
+
Included: All current applicable taxes; Admission Fee; Lunch; Private air-conditioned vehicle for sightseeing; and Professional English speaking guide. Not included: Any items / services not specifically mentioned in the price includes section. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Does Tour of Mamallapuram from Chennai include hotel pickup?
+
Yes, pickup is offered for every traveler from 398 listed pickup locations in and around Chennai. Be ready about 10 minutes before the start time. You can also enter a custom pickup address when booking.
What languages is Tour of Mamallapuram from Chennai offered in?
+
It runs in English. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Tour of Mamallapuram from Chennai?
+
Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
Is Tour of Mamallapuram from Chennai wheelchair or stroller accessible?
+
The operator notes: Not recommended for pregnant travelers. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Tour of Mamallapuram from Chennai if the weather is bad?
+
It generally runs rain or shine, so dress for the forecast in Chennai. Standard cancellation terms apply: free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start.
Ready to lock in your spot?
Pick a date, choose your group, and see the exact price for Tour of Mamallapuram from Chennai.
Pick your date
