Title: 10 TOP Things to Do in Mahabalipuram January 2026 | Expedia.ca [Hotels in Mahabalipuram](https://expedia.ca/Mahabalipuram-Hotels.d6047600.Travel-Guide-Hotels)[Mahabalipuram Car Rentals](https://expedia.ca/Car-Rentals-In-Mahabalipuram.d6047600.Car-Rental-Guide)[Mahabalipuram Vacation Packages](https://expedia.ca/Mahabalipuram.d6047600.Destination-Travel-Guides) # What to do in Mahabalipuram ## Activities, attractions and tours ## Visit Mahabalipuram Types of activities [Mahabalipuram travel guide](https://expedia.ca/Mahabalipuram.dx6047600) ![Chennai](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/553248621532739290/e8d1e5ec-5b3c-4a9a-81c7-a46a9b1de5d6.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ![Chennai](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/553248621532739290/e8d1e5ec-5b3c-4a9a-81c7-a46a9b1de5d6.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ![Chennai showing heritage elements as well as a small group of people](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/553248621532739290/feb69b58-93aa-4a88-ac31-c3d843e5fbc0.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ![Chennai](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/553248621532739290/7e122a00-c973-4523-a502-2e853194977f.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ![Mahishasuramardini Mandapa which includes heritage elements as well as an individual male](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/553248621532739290/ffc7f670-081b-401b-b2a8-8786ff25a5a3.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ## Mahabalipuram Attractions Let Expedia help you experience the best that Mahabalipuram has to offer! If you’re looking for fun itinerary ideas, we can provide you with a list of the top sightseeing attractions, as well as helping you to find unmissable activities. Whether you’re travelling with your family, planning a romantic trip with your loved one, or visiting on business, we’ll make it easy to plan an unforgettable holiday that checks all the boxes. #### Activities and Tours Mahabalipuram is crammed with must-see places to visit and things to do. We can help you decide where to stay, and make it a breeze to explore the surrounding areas with our guides on where to go, what to see and when to see it. No matter how long your stay, it’s easy to find places of interest in Mahabalipuram to make sure that you enjoy your experience to the fullest and don’t miss a thing. Leave the local knowledge to us and leave the hassle behind. If you’re planning a visit, why not check out our handy guides to places of interest in the area? You can browse lists of things to do, learn about the most popular attractions, and get help with planning the details of your trip. Expedia makes it easy for you to check out all the top sights. #### Mahabalipuram Attractions Expedia has something for everyone, so whether you’re planning to get active on a summer holiday, put a spring in your step with a romantic rendezvous, or pamper yourself with a leisurely winter trip, you’ll find plenty of attractions to keep you entertained. In addition to scheduling local tours, booking reservations and scoring advance event tickets, Expedia makes it easy to book your flight, hotel and rental car in advance, all on one consolidated travel itinerary, making for hassle-free travel and freeing you up to explore the sights of Mahabalipuram. Looking for things to do can be time consuming, but we can take the hassle out of planning your holiday. Whether you’re looking to get active in the great outdoors, sample the cuisine or catch up with the vibrant local culture, our guides to Mahabalipuram attractions ensure that you’ll have a successful trip, whatever the season. --- - ![find price illustration](https://a.travel-assets.com/travel-assets-manager/pictogram-bex/light__find_price.svg) ### Explore activities Explore thousands of experiences from activities and attractions to day tours and transfer. - ![calendar shield illustration](https://a.travel-assets.com/travel-assets-manager/pictogram-bex/light__calendar_shield.svg) ### Book with ease Skip the line- book tickets online in minutes to top attractions with free cancellation on many activities. - ![trophy illustration](https://a.travel-assets.com/travel-assets-manager/pictogram-bex/light__trophy.svg) ### Treat yourself Members save % or more when you book activities. --- ## Top places to visit ### 1\. Mamallapuram Beach Join backpackers, sun worshippers and local fishermen at Mamallapuram Beach, a pleasant corner of India's eastern coast that looks out onto the Bay of Bengal. Surf, swim and sunbathe, and then explore the ancient architectural landmarks within walking distance of the sand. [Learn more ](https://www.expedia.ca/Mamallapuram-Beach-Chennai.d6104702.Vacation-Attraction) ![Pancha Pandava Rathas featuring heritage elements](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6104700/69a4f142-bcbb-4202-bfb5-bda3ecf7c2a7.jpg) ### 2\. Shore Temple The Shore Temple overlooks the Bay of Bengal and is an attractive sight on the Mahabalipuram shorefront. The name of this finely carved structure derives from its proximity to the sea, being situated on the sands of Mahabalipuram beach. Study the weathered façades, marvel at sculptures of the temple’s patron Hindu gods and gaze at the pyramidal towers as they reflect the golden rays of sunset. [Learn more ](https://www.expedia.ca/Shore-Temple-Mahabalipuram-Beach.d6104690.Vacation-Attraction) ![Must visit if your traveling nearby, The Shore Temple (built in 700–728 AD) is so named because it overlooks the shore of the Bay of Bengal. It is a structural temple, built with blocks of granite, dating from the 8th century AD. It was built on a promontory sticking out into the Bay of Bengal at Mahabalipuram, a village south of Chennai in the state of Tamil Nadu in India. At the time of its creation, the village was a busy port during the reign of Narasimhavarman II of the Pallava dynasty.As one of the Group of Monuments at Mahabalipuram, it has been classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1984.It is one of the oldest structural (versus rock-cut) stone temples of South India. #amitravaliya #colorful #amazing #stoneart #temple #shoretemple #tamilnadu #moments #trip #tbt #awesome #bluesky #beautiful #bestoftheday #clouds #igdaily #instaday #instalike #photooftheday #picoftheday #history #unesco #mahabalipuram #natgeotravel #incridibleindia](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6047600/3252b187-40f7-4afd-8f34-2f4eea754e72.jpg) ### 3\. Pancha Pandava Rathas Marvel at the monoliths of Pancha Rathas, a complex of granite structures that have been decorated with ornate carvings. See tributes to Hindu gods and bring your camera to capture the striking beauty of chiseled sculptures and façades. [Learn more ](https://www.expedia.ca/Pancha-Pandava-Rathas-Mahabalipuram-Beach.d6104700.Vacation-Attraction) ![Pancha Pandava Rathas featuring heritage elements as well as a large group of people](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6104700/4cded445-9f2a-4f45-90ac-722cba7c4e22.jpg) ### 4\. Ganesha Ratha 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. [Learn more ](https://www.expedia.ca/Ganesha-Ratha-Chennai.d6104696.Vacation-Attraction) ![Ganesha Ratha showing heritage elements](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6104696/a6d0a439-2958-4c72-9f51-ea903db185f8.jpg) ### 5\. New Lighthouse High atop Mahabalipuram's central hill is the New Lighthouse, an imposing presence over the coastline. Climb up the tower for the extraordinary views and visit the ancient temple next door. [Learn more ](https://www.expedia.ca/New-Lighthouse-Chennai.d6104698.Vacation-Attraction) ![New Lighthouse featuring a lighthouse](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6104698/9da933c4-07ce-4b53-a80e-6aaf09e0ab3c.jpg) ## Recommended things to do in Mahabalipuram | Number of things to do | 17 | | ------------------------------- | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | | Cheapest thing to do on Expedia | [Private Hatha Yoga Class in Mahabalipuram](/things-to-do/hatha-yoga.a2289048.activity-details): CA $10 | | Top 5 things to do | [Mahabalipuram Private tour from Chennai by car with guide and lunch by Wond...](/things-to-do/mahabalipuram-private-tour-from-chennai-by-car-with-guide-and-lunch-by-wonder.a1254155.activity-details)[Mahabalipuram Temple and Beach Day Tour from Chennai](/things-to-do/mahabalipuram-temple-and-beach-day-tour-from-chennai.a48990249.activity-details)[Day Trip to Mahabalipuram (Curated Private Sightseeing Experience)](/things-to-do/day-trip-to-mahabalipuram-curated-private-sightseeing-experience.a3520319.activity-details)[Day Trip to Mahabalipuram (Curated Private Sightseeing Experience)](/things-to-do/day-trip-to-mahabalipuram-curated-private-sightseeing-experience.a3523289.activity-details)[Village Tour around Mahabalipuram](/things-to-do/village-tour-around-mahabalipuram.a1275257.activity-details) | | Half-day tours | [Village Tour around Mahabalipuram](/things-to-do/village-tour-around-mahabalipuram.a1275257.activity-details)[Mahabalipuram walking tour by certified travel company](/things-to-do/mahabalipuram-and-madras-crocodile-bank-trip-from-chennai-wtih-lunch-transport.a1254112.activity-details)[Mahabalipuram walking tour by tourism ministry approved company](/things-to-do/guided-tour-of-mahabalipuram-by-walk-own-vehicle-or-tuk-tuk-auto-rickshaw.a5263664.activity-details)[Auto Rickshaw Tour of Mahabalipuram](/things-to-do/auto-rickshaw-tour-of-mahabalipuram.a713576.activity-details)[Private Hatha Yoga Class in Mahabalipuram](/things-to-do/hatha-yoga.a2289048.activity-details) | | With kids | [Mahabalipuram Temple and Beach Day Tour from Chennai](/things-to-do/mahabalipuram-temple-and-beach-day-tour-from-chennai.a48990249.activity-details)[Journey Through Time: Chennai to Mahabalipuram Excursion](/things-to-do/chennai-to-mahabalipuram-excursion.a2529443.activity-details)[Mahabalipuram walking tour by tourism ministry approved company](/things-to-do/guided-tour-of-mahabalipuram-by-walk-own-vehicle-or-tuk-tuk-auto-rickshaw.a5263664.activity-details)[Private Day Tour From Chennai to Mahabalipuram History Tour](/things-to-do/half-day-tour-mahabalipuram-history-walk.a713724.activity-details)[UNESCO Listed 7th Century Mahabalipuram Trip](/things-to-do/mahabalipuram-trip-with-archaeologist.a1295501.activity-details) | ## What to do in Mahabalipuram --- ### Discover the most popular places to visit in Mahabalipuram ![Marina Beach which includes general coastal views as well as a large group of people](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6104640/20734ea5-5750-4c11-bbb1-edc5229e7d19.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Marina Beach Relaxed walks, pretty sunrises, elaborate entertainment, traditional Indian street food and historical landmarks make this one of Chennai’s liveliest beaches. [](https://expedia.ca/Marina-Beach-Central-Chennai.d6104640.Vacation-Attraction) ![Aerial Photography Drone photography of Chennai and the suburbs in Tamil Nadu India; River bed landscape images of villages; Beach aerial view](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/553248635939591730/7fbf7807-e5b9-418a-a86b-2edd1031a0c9.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### ECR Beach Why not spend a carefree afternoon at ECR Beach during your travels in Chennai? Make time to visit the area's spas, or simply enjoy its top-notch restaurants. [](https://expedia.ca/ECR-Beach-Chennai.d553248635939591730.Vacation-Attraction) ![Kapaleeswarar Temple which includes heritage architecture, heritage elements and a temple or place of worship](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6104664/e6abdffb-dc22-42f6-b449-1fd068de627b.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Kapaleeswarar Temple Marvel at the Dravidian architecture of this centuries-old temple, spot intricately carved figurines, watch devotees pray and experience a lively Hindu festival. [](https://expedia.ca/Kapaleeswarar-Temple-Mylapore.d6104664.Vacation-Attraction) ![Beach Shore waves](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/553248635976401143/a5727b85-789c-4d86-9938-2242e9a6f099.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Neelankarai Beach Why not spend a lazy afternoon at Neelankarai Beach during your trip to Chennai? [](https://expedia.ca/Neelankarai-Beach-Chennai.d553248635976401143.Vacation-Attraction) ![flower market in pondicherry](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/553248635974587303/e3f89b91-e76c-47a1-ab0e-90b773219793.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Pondy Bazaar You can search for that perfect souvenir at Pondy Bazaar during your stay in Chennai. Check out the shops and top-notch restaurants in this vibrant area. [](https://expedia.ca/Pondy-Bazaar-Chennai.d553248635974587303.Vacation-Attraction) ![Mamallapuram Beach showing a sandy beach as well as an individual female](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) ![street art patchwork after sticking over and over. time rules #OnTheRoad](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/2196/7f509588-0269-4c3a-a5b1-dfac5a0ac81c.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Anna Salai Learn about the local history of Chennai when you spend time at Anna Salai. Wander the marina in this culturally rich area. [](https://expedia.ca/Anna-Salai-Chennai.d553248623509717176.Vacation-Attraction) #### Chennai Trade Centre Learn about the events happening at Chennai Trade Centre during your trip to Chennai. While you're here, you can savor the top-notch restaurants. [](https://expedia.ca/Chennai-Trade-Centre-Nandambakkam.d553248621563225620.Vacation-Attraction) #### Consulate General of the United States, Chennai Consulate General of the United States, Chennai is just one of the places to see in Chennai, so why not enjoy the other things to explore during your travels? Wander the beaches and marina in this culturally rich area. [](https://expedia.ca/Consulate-General-Of-The-United-States-Central-Chennai.d6125455.Vacation-Attraction) --- Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check [things to do near me](https://www.expedia.ca/things-to-do-near-me) to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be. --- ## Day trip destinations from Mahabalipuram ![Chennai showing a city](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/181449/adbecad3-f07a-4aff-b3f5-9adfe0548e20.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=512&h=288&q=medium) ### Chennai ## Frequently asked questions ### Is Mahabalipuram worth visiting? ### How do I spend a day in Mahabalipuram? ### What is the top tourist attraction in Mahabalipuram? ### Is three days enough to stay in Mahabalipuram? ### Is Mahabalipuram a walkable city? ### What are some activities to do in Mahabalipuram with kids? > - [Mahabalipuram Temple and Beach Day Tour from Chennai](https://expedia.ca/things-to-do/mahabalipuram-temple-and-beach-day-tour-from-chennai.a48990249.activity-details) > - [Journey Through Time: Chennai to Mahabalipuram Excursion](https://expedia.ca/things-to-do/chennai-to-mahabalipuram-excursion.a2529443.activity-details) > - [Mahabalipuram walking tour by tourism ministry approved company](https://expedia.ca/things-to-do/guided-tour-of-mahabalipuram-by-walk-own-vehicle-or-tuk-tuk-auto-rickshaw.a5263664.activity-details) > - [Private Day Tour From Chennai to Mahabalipuram History Tour](https://expedia.ca/things-to-do/half-day-tour-mahabalipuram-history-walk.a713724.activity-details) > - [UNESCO Listed 7th Century Mahabalipuram Trip](https://expedia.ca/things-to-do/mahabalipuram-trip-with-archaeologist.a1295501.activity-details) ### What to do in Mahabalipuram for adults? ### Are there free things to do in Mahabalipuram? ![](https://a.travel-assets.com/mad-service/footer/bnaBanners/BEX_Footer.jpg) ## Go further with the Expedia app Save on select hotels and earn double points when you book on the app. Our app deals help you to save on trips so you can travel more and manage it all on the go. 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