Best Things To Do in Mahabalipuram, India

Have you ever visited a new place and felt ‘wow’ about it? For many visitors, it happens at Mahabalipuram.

Mahabalipuram may not be as popular as other cities in India, but don’t let that fool you. Mahabalipuram is a smaller but beautiful upcoming tourist destination that is worth a visit. You will be surprised by some of the unique things to do and places you can explore at this hidden destination.

You can definitely plan a few hours of a side trip here while traveling to Chennai or Tirumala. You might wish to revisit it someday again, to take a break and relax at Mahabalipuram.

If you have plans to visit India and are not sure if Mahabalipuram should be included in your itinerary, keep reading. In this list, we have put together some of the things to do in Mahabalipuram and around. We have a hunch that if you include this city in your travel plans, you will be thrilled you did so.

Tourist Attractions in Mahabalipuram

Here is the list of things to do in Mahabalipuram and tourist attractions in city.

  1. Monuments At Mahabalipuram

    4.5 (240 Votes)
    Monuments At Mahabalipuram

    Temple, Monument

    Address: Fisherman Colony, Mahabalipuram, Tamil Nadu 603104, India

    The Group of Monuments at Mahabalipuram include 40 sanctuaries and are segregated as Mandapas, Rock reliefs, Temples and Rathas. The place also has the largest open-air rock relief in the world to its credit! Many of these structure belong to the 7th century (the time period of the Pallava Dynasty). This particular dynasty incorporated grandeur ...Read more
  2. India Seashell Museum

    4.3 (205 Votes)
    India Seashell Museum

    Specialty Museum

    Address: Kalpakkam Road, Mahabalipuram, Tamil Nadu, India

    With a collection of 40,000 species of shells from all around the world, the India Seashell Museum covers an area of 1 and a half acres. The museum is one of its kind in the country and the largest in the wold! The shell collection is neatly arranged with details of their sizes and the places where they are commonly found. Some specimens are cut...Read more
  3. Tiger Cave

    4.2 (45 Votes)
    Tiger Cave

    Cave

    Address: Mahabalipuram, Tamil Nadu 603104

    The Tiger Cave was built during the Pallava period (8th century) as an open air theatre where cultural activities could take place. The name comes from the rock cut temple on the premise that resembles the head of a Tiger. Throughout the terrain you can find small boulders of rocks spread out. However, what is interesting about the place is tha...Read more
  4. Sthala Sayana Perumal Temple

    Address: S Mada St, Mahabalipuram, Tamil Nadu 603104, India

    The Pallava King constructed 3 temples dedicated to the Lord Perumal. However, two of those temples were destroyed by the sea. The one temple that survived for centuries is the Sthalasayana Perumal Temple which was moved from the sea shore to its current location in 14th century by Vijayanagar king Parankusa. Story goes that Sage Pundareeka want...Read more
  5. Heritage Museum Mahabalipuram Image
    ©

    Museum

    Address: Mada Koil Street | Near Mahishamardini Rock Cut Mandapa, Mahabalipuram 603104, India

    The Maritime Museum and the Lighthouse museum are located on the same campus and have a shared ticket for visitors. Both the museums show detailed maritime history of the city including a collection of models of ancient ships and the evolution of sailing from ancient times to the current modern ships used commercially. Information of the first s...Read more
  6. Krishna Mandapam

    4.5 (295 Votes)
    Krishna Mandapam

    Temple, Cave

    Address: West Raja Street, Mahabalipuram, Tamil Nadu 603104

    India has a wide variety of ruined yet beautiful caves from the historical times. One such majestic cave is the Krishna Mandapam. Located in the beautiful southern temple city of Mahabalipuram in the coastal state of Tamil Nadu, this is a monument on the Coromandel Coast of the Bay of Bengal, in the Kancheepuram district and overlooks the mighty...Read more
  7. Off Road Sports

    3.8 (254 Votes)
    Off Road Sports

    Race Track, Adventure Sport

    Address: 168/17, Pattipulam, East Cost Road, 2kms from Dolphin city, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 603104

    Do you have an adventurous side? The this is the best stop for you! Spread over 4 acres of area, this place offers a track on the sandy terrain of Mahabalipuram. There are different tracks for adults and kids. If you want an incredible off-road experience full of thrills, you should plan a trip to this place. You can ride one of the ATVs and RZ...Read more
  8. Sea Shore Temple

    4.6 (247 Votes)
    Sea Shore Temple

    Religious Site, Temple, Unesco Site

    Address: Mahabalipuram, Tamil Nadu 603104

    A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Sea Shore Temple is this incredible monument that’s a given on the list of itineraries for cities including Chennai, Pondicherry and of course Mahabalipuram. It derives its name from its location on the shore of Bay of Bengal. There are several mythological legends attached to the temple. One of them being...Read more
  9. Bob Marley Cafe & Beach House

    Food And Drinks, Cafe

    Address: 182, Othavadai St, Fisherman Colony, Mahabalipuram, Tamil Nadu 603104

    Imagine yourself on an exotic beach, having a mug of beer with your friends, and the melody Bob Marley songs in the background! It’s not just a dream when you are at Bob Marley Cafe & Beach House in Mahabalipuram. Mahabalipuram is an ancient city of Tamil Nadu. There is a lot to explore among its extraordinary ruins. After spending yo...Read more