You must have read fables and tales about Mahabalipuram in the Upanishads and novels. A small town on a strip of land between the Bay of Bengal and the Great Salt Lake attracts tourists and pilgrims with its historic temples and mesmerising sunsets. These must-see places in Mahabalipuram tell a story that spans thousands of years. If you are in Tamil Nadu for vacation then you should definitely put this place on your wishlist. You will be grateful for every second you spend here admiring the architecture, art, and culture of the small Tamil town!

Are you looking for places to visit in Mahabalipuram? Don't forget to visit the exciting Crocodile Bank located about 14 km from the main town of Mahabalipuram. Founded by herpetologist Romulus Whitaker in 1976, this conservation centre is home to several species of Indian and African alligators, crocodiles, and even snakes.
 
Traveller Information:
<ul>
 <li>Famous for: Alligators, Snakes, Crocodiles</li>
 <li>Duration: 2 hours&nbsp;</li>
</ul>

A popular tourist centre on the Bay of Bengal coast, the famous Covelong Beach is located in the village of Covelong a few kilometres from the main town of Mahabalipuram. This charming retreat is one of the best beaches near Chennai for nature lovers, beachgoers, and couples looking to spend some quality time on its silvery sands, palm trees, and crashing waves.
 
Traveller Information:
<ul>
 <li>Famous for: Watersports, Nature</li>
 <li>Duration: 3 to 4 hours&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
 
Things to do:
<ul>
 <li>Adventure Activities: Watersports</li>
</ul>

Mahishasura Mardini Cave Temple is the epitome of 7th-century Indian architecture. This monument is also known as the Yampuri and is a rock-hewn structure that is breathtaking due to its aesthetics. One of the most beautiful places to visit in Mahabalipuram, the Mahishasura Mardini cave The temple adorns sculptures from Hindu mythology.
 
Traveller Information:
<ul>
 <li>Famous for: Hindu Mythology</li>
 <li>Duration: 2 hours&nbsp;</li>
</ul>

As the name suggests, this temple is dedicated to Lord Krishna and is one of the most captivating places to visit in Mahabalipuram. The monument was found to be part of the group of monuments that were placed on the list of &nbsp;World Heritage sites by UNESCO in 1984.
 
Traveller Information:
<ul>
 <li>Famous for: Religious site&nbsp;</li>
 <li>Duration: 1 hour&nbsp;</li>
</ul>

Ganesh Ratha Temple is the pinnacle of &nbsp;Indian rock-hewn architecture that was formed using a single sturdy element. One of the fascinating places to see in Mahabalipuram, the temple of Ganesh Ratha was also built in the 7th century and is a feast for the eyes of modern history buffs in the country. The temple was built during the reign of Mahendravarman I. This temple is dedicated to the God of destruction, Lord Shiva.
 
Traveller Information:
<ul>
 <li>Famous for: Temple, History</li>
 <li>Duration: 1 hour&nbsp;</li>
</ul>

As its name suggests, the Trimurti cave covers the rock formation of the three gods of &nbsp;Hindu mythology. These gods were the creator also known as Brahma, the god of conservation also known as Vishnu, and the god of destruction also known as Shiva. The other rock temples that cover the floors of Mahabalipuram have pillar mandaps, but this opens directly to the shrines of three deities.
 
Traveller Information:
<ul>
 <li>Famous for: Religious site&nbsp;</li>
 <li>Duration: 2 to 3 hours&nbsp;</li>
</ul>

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The lighthouse is one of the must-see places in Mahabalipuram. This particular beauty was built in the 20th century. But the lighthouse was only opened to the public in 2011. The structure of the lighthouse is built of natural stone. The best part about this lighthouse is that travellers are allowed to climb the stone stairs.
 
Traveller Information:
<ul>
 <li>Famous for: Beauty</li>
 <li>Duration: 2 hours</li>
</ul>

By Air:
<ul>
 <li>There aren’t any direct flights to Mahabalipuram, and the closest is the Chennai Airport.</li>
</ul>
 
By Road:
<ul>
 <li>The city of Mahabalipuram is well connected by road to various cities. Various government and private bus operators provide service for the city.</li>
</ul>
 
By Train:
<ul>
 <li>The closest railway station to Mahabalipuram is around 22km away, and the place is called Chengalpattu.</li>
</ul>

Exploring these must-see places in Mahabalipuram can be a once in a lifetime experience. Witnessing the beauty of architectural wonder that has an extraordinary history is a great thing to do while on vacation in Tamil Nadu. Moreover, experiencing the enchanting sunrise from the fascinating Bay of Bengal is another thing that will remain etched in your mind and heart forever.

If you are in Mahabalipuram, India Seashell Museum is one of the must-see places in Mahabalipuram Tamil Nadu. This museum houses shells, seashells, and other natural substances obtained from the sea. It also has a beautiful aquarium that houses a variety of sea creatures such as fish, starfish, sharks, and more. It would easily take about an hour or two to get around this place. You can also find a curator to take you and explain the museum in detail.
 
Traveller Information:
<ul>
 <li>Famous for: Sea Creatures</li>
 <li>Duration: 2 hours&nbsp;</li>
</ul>

There is a group of temples in Mahabalipuram that one must absolutely visit. A few temples are deep in the water and you can choose to sail the ocean and experience these underwater temples. These temples have great historical significance for the locals. When the water level is low, hidden temples rise to the surface.
 
Traveller Information:
<ul>
 <li>Famous for: Temples&nbsp;</li>
 <li>Duration: 2 hours&nbsp;</li>
</ul>

Five Rathas is one of those historic places that one must definitely visit while visiting Mahabalipuram. The Five Rathas date back to the era of the great Indian epic Mahabharata and the Five Pandavas and visiting them is one of the best things to do in Mahabalipuram.
 
Traveller Information:
<ul>
 <li>Famous for: Architecture, Historical Significance</li>
 <li>Duration: 2 to 3 hours&nbsp;</li>
</ul>

A huge rock not far from the Five Rathas attracts many tourists. The location of the rock is quite striking and has left many scientists wearing their thinking hats. According to legend, King Narasimhavarman attempted to move the huge boulder but was unable to do so. Therefore, the locals believe and call this rock the stone god of the sky.
 
Traveller Information:
<ul>
 <li>Famous for: Historical Significance&nbsp;</li>
 <li>Duration: 2 to 3 hours&nbsp;</li>
</ul>

People love to go to this place because of its architectural structure and historical significance. The structure looks more or less like a mandap. The main deity of the Tiger Cave Sanctuary is Goddess Durga. This place is located almost 4 km from the main town of Mahabalipuram. There are 11 tiger heads that are picturesquely carved on the cave walls. Therefore, the place is called Tiger Caves.
 
Traveller Information:
<ul>
 <li>Famous for: Architecture, Historical Significance&nbsp;</li>
 <li>Duration: 2 to 3 hours&nbsp;</li>
</ul>

Also called Mamallapuram by the locals, the famous Mahabalipuram Beach is located on the shores of the Bay of Bengal and is one of the best tourist spots in Mahabalipuram. It features many sculptures carved into the rock that is sure to melt your heart! There are magnificent caves, huge rathas, chariots, and temples on this beach which each month attract hundreds of pilgrims, architecture enthusiasts, and history fanatics to these shores and leave them spellbound!&nbsp;
 
Traveller Information:
<ul>
 <li>Famous for: Caves, Architecture, Pilgrimage</li>
 <li>Duration: 3 to 4 hours&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
 
Things to do:
<ul>
 <li>Adventure Activities: Water-Sports&nbsp;</li>
</ul>

Arjuna's Penance is one of the largest rock landforms in the world and one of the most popular places to visit in Mahabalipuram. Also known as the “Descent of the Ganges” due to its unique structure representing these two prominent and symbolic events of Hindu mythology, this attraction is a favourite haunt for historians, scholars, scholars, and tourists alike. ancient Tamil architecture. What makes it one of the greatest temples in India is its 7th-century art and the unique form of sculpture.&nbsp;
 
Traveller Information:
<ul>
 <li>Famous for: Historical Significance&nbsp;</li>
 <li>Duration: 2 to 3 hours&nbsp;</li>
</ul>

Not many people know of the existence of &nbsp;Alamparai Fort in Mahabalipuram, as it is not as famous as other places to see in Mahabalipuram. However, this fascinating fort is a very important historical site in this city. It is essentially a long-forgotten commercial place with striking and rather awe-inspiring architecture, and the view from its top is breathtaking!
 
Traveller Information:
<ul>
 <li>Famous for: Historical Site</li>
 <li>Duration: 2 hours&nbsp;</li>
</ul>

Top 15 Places to Visit in Mahabalipuram

India > Tamil Nadu > Mahabalipuram

8 Apr 2026

Explore in Mahabalipuram

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