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Tamil Nadu, India · Trip plan

2 days in Mahabalipuram

Seventh-century stone temples on a beach an hour from Chennai.

Best time
Nov – Feb
Ideal length
2 days
A day, mid-range
₹5,000 per person
Trip for two
about ₹20,000

Planning a 2-day trip to Mahabalipuram? Here's a day-by-day Mahabalipuram itinerary with what it costs, where to stay and how to get there, ready to follow or make your own.

Why go now

Cooler winter days are best for walking the monuments, and the Mamallapuram Dance Festival runs from about late December to January against the rock carvings.

Mahabalipuram (Mamallapuram) is a UNESCO-listed group of 7th- and 8th-century Pallava monuments by the sea. Temples carved from single rocks, giant bas-reliefs and a town full of stone carvers make it an easy, rewarding weekend from Chennai.

  1. Jan: a good time to go
  2. Feb: a good time to go
  3. Mar
  4. Apr
  5. May
  6. Jun
  7. Jul
  8. Aug
  9. Sep
  10. Oct
  11. Nov: a good time to go
  12. Dec: a good time to go

November to February: 24–30°C and breezy.

Create my Mahabalipuram trip

Don't miss

Best things to do in Mahabalipuram

  • 01

    Shore Temple

    A granite temple by the waves, part of the UNESCO group.

  • 02

    Pancha Rathas

    Five chariot temples each carved from a single rock.

  • 03

    Arjuna's Penance

    One of the world's largest open-air rock reliefs.

  • 04

    Krishna's Butter Ball

    A giant boulder balanced on a slope.

Day by day

Mahabalipuram itinerary for 2 days

  1. D1

    Day 1: Shore Temple and the reliefs

    Morning
    Shore Temple at sunrise, standing by the waves.
    Afternoon
    Arjuna's Penance, the vast rock relief, and Krishna's Butter Ball balanced on a slope.
    Evening
    Seafood dinner at a beach shack.

    One ticket covers the Shore Temple and Pancha Rathas.

  2. D2

    Day 2: Rathas and carvers

    Morning
    Pancha Rathas, five temples each carved from a single rock.
    Afternoon
    Visit a stone-carving workshop in town; then the Tiger Cave on the drive back.
    Evening
    Back to Chennai.

    Avoid midday on the monuments; there's little shade.

Want it hour by hour?GoRoam plans every stop with times, maps, costs and bookings for your dates.

Shorter or longer

Mahabalipuram in 1, 2 or 4 days

1 day in Mahabalipuram

Follow days 1 to 1 above and leave out “Rathas and carvers”. Start early each day and book the main sights ahead.

4 days in Mahabalipuram

Slow down with a free day for a spa, a cooking class or simply wandering, then add 1 day in Kanyakumari.

Mahabalipuram trip from your city

What it costs

Mahabalipuram trip budget

StylePer person, a day2 days for two
Budget₹1,800₹7,200
Mid-range₹5,000₹20,000
Luxury₹14,000+₹56,000

Stay, food, local transport and entry fees; travel to Mahabalipuram is extra. Rough guides from recent prices, so check before you book.

Where to stay

Best hotels in Mahabalipuram for every budget

  • Budget

    Guesthouses on Othavadai Street

    Fishermen's village

    Walk to the beach and the temples.

    from ₹1,200 /night

    Prices
  • Mid-range

    Ideal Beach Resort

    ECR

    A long-running beach resort with gardens.

    from ₹7,000 /night

    Prices
  • Luxury

    InterContinental Chennai Mahabalipuram Resort

    ECR

    Sea-facing rooms and an infinity pool.

    from ₹15,000 /night

    Prices

What to eat

Food to try in Mahabalipuram

  • Seafood platter

    Fresh fish, prawns and squid by the beach.

  • South Indian breakfast

    Idli, vada and pongal.

  • Filter coffee

    Everywhere in town.

Getting there

How to reach Mahabalipuram

Travel
About 55 km from Chennai airport along the East Coast Road.
Getting around
Rent a bicycle to hop between monuments; autos for longer runs along ECR.
  • One combined ticket covers the Shore Temple and Pancha Rathas.
  • The beach is not safe for swimming in most places.

Before you go

What to pack for Mahabalipuram

  • Power bank and charging cables
  • ID (Aadhaar or licence)
  • Sunscreen and sunglasses
  • Swimwear and flip-flops
  • Clothes that cover shoulders and knees for temples

Good questions

Mahabalipuram trip FAQs

How many days are enough for Mahabalipuram?

2 days are enough to see the highlights: Shore Temple, Pancha Rathas, Arjuna's Penance. Add a day or two if you like a slower pace.

How much does a 2-day Mahabalipuram trip cost?

Roughly ₹1,800 a day per person on a budget, ₹5,000 mid-range and ₹14,000+ for luxury, not counting travel to get there. For two people mid-range, that's about ₹20,000 for 2 days.

What is the best time to visit Mahabalipuram?

Nov – Feb. Cooler winter days are best for walking the monuments, and the Mamallapuram Dance Festival runs from about late December to January against the rock carvings.

Where should I stay in Mahabalipuram?

Budget: Guesthouses on Othavadai Street (Fishermen's village), from about ₹1,200 a night. Mid-range: Ideal Beach Resort (ECR), from about ₹7,000 a night. Luxury: InterContinental Chennai Mahabalipuram Resort (ECR), from about ₹15,000 a night.

How do I reach Mahabalipuram?

About 55 km from Chennai airport along the East Coast Road.

Is 1 day enough for Mahabalipuram?

Yes, if you focus: follow days 1 to 1 of the itinerary above and skip "Rathas and carvers". 2 days is the comfortable length.

How do I plan a trip to Mahabalipuram from Chennai?

About 1 hour along the East Coast Road. Then follow the 2-day itinerary above; budget from about ₹1,800 a day per person plus travel.

What is the weather like in Mahabalipuram?

November to February: 24–30°C and breezy.

What food should I try in Mahabalipuram?

Seafood platter: Fresh fish, prawns and squid by the beach. South Indian breakfast: Idli, vada and pongal. Filter coffee: Everywhere in town.

How do I get around Mahabalipuram?

Rent a bicycle to hop between monuments; autos for longer runs along ECR.

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