Title: Ganesha Ratha in Chennai - Tours and Activities | Expedia.ca [Ganesha Ratha Hotels](https://expedia.ca/Ganesha-Ratha-Hotels.0-l6104696-0.Travel-Guide-Filter-Hotels)[Flights to Chennai](https://expedia.ca/Cheap-Flights-To-Chennai.d181449.Travel-Guide-Flights)[Things to do in Chennai](https://expedia.ca/Things-To-Do-In-Chennai.d181449.Travel-Guide-Activities)[Ganesha Ratha Car Rentals](https://expedia.ca/Car-Rentals-In-Ganesha-Ratha.d6104696.Car-Rental-Guide)[Chennai Vacation Packages](https://expedia.ca/Chennai.d181449.Destination-Travel-Guides) # Ganesha Ratha Tours and Activities ![Ganesha Ratha](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6104696/2bc403fa-4721-4dc9-af37-89efca0153b3.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ![Ganesha Ratha](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6104696/07e7819d-30dc-4c8d-b6f5-adeb29839c5d.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ![Ganesha Ratha](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6104696/10b84863-c1f3-4fa4-abef-0e862e6a451f.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ![Ganesha Ratha](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6104696/a6d0a439-2958-4c72-9f51-ea903db185f8.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ![Ganesha Ratha](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6104696/d3cae565-aa62-4ad4-97d8-af744a6e249c.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ## Visit Ganesha Ratha Activities [Chennai travel guide](https://expedia.ca/Chennai.dx181449) --- --- #### Marvel at the ancient architecture, stunning stonework and carvings of Hindu deities at this historic monolithic pink granite temple. Ganesha Ratha is one of the best preserved architectural landmarks of the Pallava dynasty. This multitiered temple was carved from pink granite and features columned façades and symbolic sculptures. Admire this UNESCO World Heritage Site, which enchants with its striking beauty and rich historic significance. Ganesha Ratha was built in the 7th century by Narasimhavarman I as a tribute to Lord Shiva. For many years, it was topped by a statue of Shivalinga, a Shiva symbol. However, this was replaced in the late 19th century with a figure of Ganesha, the elephant deity. See the original Shivalinga idol under a nearby tree. This ratha was one of 10 built in the area. All were carved out of single blocks of stone to resemble royal chariots of the gods. Ganesha Ratha is the only complete structure still in existence. Inspect the exquisitely carved exterior, which reaches a height of 28 feet (8.5 meters). It is decorated with sculpted forms, including those of dwarapalakas, humanoid figures that are said to be the guardians of the site. Look for sculpted depictions of lions and human heads by ornate archways. Inside the ratha, examine inscriptions and carvings on the walls of its rectangular inner chamber. The written impressions by the west portico are from the old Grantha and Nagari scripts of the Sanskrit language. After your exploration of Ganesha Ratha, stroll through the surrounding gardens. To the south of the structure is Arjuna's Penance which makes for a stunning sight. This open-air bas-relief is one of the largest of its kind in the world, depicting the trials endured by Arjuna to obtain Lord Shiva's weapon. To the north is Krishna's Butter Ball, a huge rock perched precariously on a ledge, high above the town. Ganesha Ratha is located in central Mahabalipuram, just a few minutes' walk from the city's main beach. Get there from farther afield via rental car, taxi or rickshaw. The temple is open daily and is free to enter. ### Popular places to visit ![Krishna's Butter Ball](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6047600/57001c93-fad2-48ed-873b-eed4955e287e.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Krishna's Butter Ball Learn about the local history of Mahabalipuram when you take a trip to Krishna's Butter Ball. While you're in the area, stroll along the beautiful beaches. [](https://expedia.ca/Krishnas-Butter-Ball-Chennai.d553248621526915531.Vacation-Attraction) ![New Lighthouse](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6104698/9da933c4-07ce-4b53-a80e-6aaf09e0ab3c.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### New Lighthouse Photograph the bird’s-eye views from the top of this watch tower, which stands next to a lighthouse that’s more than 1,000 years old. [](https://expedia.ca/New-Lighthouse-Chennai.d6104698.Vacation-Attraction) ![Mahishasuramardini Cave](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/553248621532739290/e8d1e5ec-5b3c-4a9a-81c7-a46a9b1de5d6.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Mahishasuramardini Cave Commune with nature and explore the great outdoors at Mahishasuramardini Cave during your travels in Mahabalipuram. While you're in the area, stroll along the beautiful beaches. [](https://expedia.ca/Mahishasuramardini-Cave-Mahabalipuram-Beach.d553248621532739290.Vacation-Attraction) ![Shore Temple](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6104690/32e2b82f-746d-48c4-8528-5517cb10e72b.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Shore Temple Witness fine Pallavan architecture and ornate shrines to Hindu gods at this gorgeous seaside temple, which is at its most beautiful at sunset. [](https://expedia.ca/Shore-Temple-Mahabalipuram-Beach.d6104690.Vacation-Attraction) ![Mamallapuram Beach](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6104702/4fd03fb4-d950-46e0-bf0e-574a552e5612.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Mamallapuram Beach Enjoy the atmosphere of Mahabalipuram's central beach, which is alive with historic temples, stone carving stalls and a thriving backpacker scene. [](https://expedia.ca/Mamallapuram-Beach-Chennai.d6104702.Vacation-Attraction) ![Pancha Pandava Rathas](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6104700/1c64b296-8579-4882-b958-6939687cc852.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Pancha Pandava Rathas Study the religious carvings and decorated roofs of these five exquisite monoliths, which are testament to the ingenuity of Pallavan masonry. [](https://expedia.ca/Pancha-Pandava-Rathas-Mahabalipuram-Beach.d6104700.Vacation-Attraction) --- ## Best Lodging Options Near Ganesha Ratha ## Check availability on hotels close to Ganesha Ratha [Tonight ](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.Package&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=6104696&startDate=2026-04-03&endDate=2026-04-04)[Apr 3 - Apr 4](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.Package&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=6104696&startDate=2026-04-03&endDate=2026-04-04) [Tomorrow night ](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.Package&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=6104696&startDate=2026-04-04&endDate=2026-04-05)[Apr 4 - Apr 5](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.Package&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=6104696&startDate=2026-04-04&endDate=2026-04-05) [This weekend ](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.Package&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=6104696&startDate=03%2F04%2F2026&endDate=05%2F04%2F2026)[Apr 3 - Apr 5](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.Package&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=6104696&startDate=03%2F04%2F2026&endDate=05%2F04%2F2026) ![Mallai by ELIVAAS](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/125000000/124460000/124450800/124450717/c96f5590_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### Mallai by ELIVAAS 53, Venpurusam Village Tirukalukundram Tamil Nadu [](https://expedia.ca/Chennai-Hotels-Mallai-By-ELIVAAS.h124450717.Hotel-Information) ![Radisson Blu Resort Temple Bay Mamallapuram](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/2000000/1600000/1596100/1596066/ebed6354_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### Radisson Blu Resort Temple Bay Mamallapuram 57, Covelong Road Tirukalukundram Tamil Nadu [](https://expedia.ca/Chennai-Hotels-Radisson-Blu-Resort-Temple-Bay-Mamallapuram.h1596066.Hotel-Information) ![Rajalakshmi Guest House](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/40000000/39570000/39564100/39564027/b888b932_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### Rajalakshmi Guest House NO 5, OTHAVADAI CROSS STREET Tirukalukundram TAMIL NADU [](https://expedia.ca/Chennai-Hotels-RAJALAKSHMI-GUEST-HOUSE.h39564027.Hotel-Information) ![Chariot Beach Resort](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/3000000/2130000/2120600/2120535/d6516fc5_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### Chariot Beach Resort Five Rathas Road Tirukalukundram Tamil Nadu [](https://expedia.ca/Chennai-Hotels-Chariot-Beach-Resort.h2120535.Hotel-Information) ![Kaldan Samudhra Palace](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/75000000/74730000/74726000/74725945/98d96264_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### Kaldan Samudhra Palace ECR Mahabalipuram Tamil Nadu [](https://expedia.ca/Chennai-Hotels-Kaldan-Samudhra-Palace.h74725945.Hotel-Information) ![Four Points by Sheraton Mahabalipuram Resort & Convention Center](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/24000000/23970000/23966600/23966586/d4450ec2_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### Four Points by Sheraton Mahabalipuram Resort & Convention Center ECR-OMR Junction, ECR, Poonjeri Tirukalukundram [](https://expedia.ca/Chennai-Hotels-Four-Points-By-Sheraton-Mahabalipuram-Resort-Convention-Center.h23966586.Hotel-Information) ![Welcomhotel by ITC Hotels, Kences Palm Beach, Mamallapuram](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/18000000/17370000/17363700/17363631/b3b7b77a_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### Welcomhotel by ITC Hotels, Kences Palm Beach, Mamallapuram No 53, Devaneri Village, East Coast Rd Tirukalukundram Tamil Nadu [](https://expedia.ca/Chennai-Hotels-Welcomhotel-By-ITC-Hotels.h17363631.Hotel-Information) ![Mamalla Beach Resort](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/4000000/3150000/3143600/3143528/7302522c_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### Mamalla Beach Resort 108, Kovalam Road Tirukalukundram Tamil Nadu [](https://expedia.ca/Chennai-Hotels-Mamalla-Beach-Resort.h3143528.Hotel-Information) ![Sheraton Grand Chennai Resort & Spa](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/25000000/24910000/24909300/24909267/b43db716_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### Sheraton Grand Chennai Resort & Spa 280 ECR, Vedanamelli Tirupporur Tamil Nadu [](https://expedia.ca/Chennai-Hotels-Sheraton-Grand-Chennai-Resort-Spa.h24909267.Hotel-Information) [See all 1,025 properties in Ganesha Ratha](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.Hotels.Package®ionId=6104696) Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. 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