Title: Ganesha Ratha in Chennai - Tours and Activities | Expedia.ca

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# Ganesha Ratha Tours and Activities

![Ganesha Ratha showing art](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6104696/2bc403fa-4721-4dc9-af37-89efca0153b3.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh)

![Ganesha Ratha showing art](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6104696/2bc403fa-4721-4dc9-af37-89efca0153b3.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh)

![Ganesha Ratha which includes heritage elements](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6104696/07e7819d-30dc-4c8d-b6f5-adeb29839c5d.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh)

![Ganesha Ratha which includes heritage elements](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6104696/10b84863-c1f3-4fa4-abef-0e862e6a451f.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh)

![Ganesha Ratha showing heritage elements](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6104696/a6d0a439-2958-4c72-9f51-ea903db185f8.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh)

## Visit Ganesha Ratha

Activities

[Chennai travel guide](https://expedia.ca/Chennai.dx181449)

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#### 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.

## Plan a trip to see Ganesha Ratha

Price found within the past 48 hours. Click for updated prices.

![Fabhotel Perfect Stays](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/105000000/104360000/104355800/104355765/6d6a643f_y.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh)

### Fabhotel Perfect Stays

Kovilambakkam

CA $274

per person

May 22 - May 26

found 13 hours ago

Roundtrip flight included

Chandigarh (IXC) to Chennai (MAA)

No reviews

![Fabhotel White Star Residency](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/123000000/122460000/122457900/122457857/954efd7d_y.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh)

### Fabhotel White Star Residency

Central Chennai

CA $287

per person

May 22 - May 26

found 13 hours ago

Roundtrip flight included

Chandigarh (IXC) to Chennai (MAA)

No reviews

### Popular places to visit

![This is a photo of me trying to push 'The Krishna's butterball.' The stone is called Krishna's butterball because even when its shape is a circular one still it manages to balance on a inclined plane and even after enormous efforts the stone was not be able to rolled down the surface.](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 featuring a 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)

![Chennai](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 showing a temple or place of worship and heritage architecture](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 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)

![Pancha Pandava Rathas showing heritage elements](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)

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## Best Lodging Options Near Ganesha Ratha

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Opp. SIPCOT IT Park Siruseri, Old Tirupporur Tamil Nadu

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