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Mahabalipuram is very close to Chennai. So, it's best to proceed from Chennai via road. Buses arrive in the centre of the town from either Koyembedu (CMBT) or Tiruvanmiyur (in Chennai) and Kanchipuram. The drive from Chennai on the East Coast Road is, by Indian standards, a wonderful experience.

There are no direct flight services to Mahabalipuram. The nearest airport is in Chennai, around 40 km away. You can hire a taxi from the Chennai airport to reach Mahabalipuram.

Nearest Airport: Chennai Airport - 40 kms from Mahabalipuram

How to reach Mahabalipuram by road

You can reach Mahabalipuram via Chennai or drive straight by car. Bus services are available from Chennai and some other cities like Bangalore and Coimbatore.

How to reach Mahabalipuram by train

There are no direct train services to Mahabalipuram. The nearest railway station is the Egmore station, located in Chennai. After reaching Chennai, you can either hire a taxi from outside the railway station or hop on the buses that run regularly from Chennai to Mahabalipuram.

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There are ample modes of transport available within the town of Mahabalipuram, and some of these are buses and rented motorcycles. Being a small town, the major attractions can be covered on foot. This can help you cut down on your transport expenses, and also help you enjoy the beauty of the region gradually.

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The best time to plan a trip to Mahabalipuram is when the winter season sets in, which is between October and March. The climate remains good with warm days and cold nights, ideal for outdoor activities and for exploring the town. The period from November to February is the peak tourism season when the climate is salubrious. Travelling to Mahabalipuram during summers are generally avoided because of the very high temperatures and the exhausting heat, which makes it difficult to travel around the town for sightseeing.

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Mahabalipuram in Summer (March - May)

As the temperature remains quite high, it gets considerably hot in Mahabalipuram, which makes it difficult to move around the town in the daytime. March marks the onset of the summer season with April being the hottest month. Summers are the perfect time for beach holidays enjoyed by leisure vacationers. It is also an ideal time for budget travellers to plan their trip to Mahabalipuram as various resorts and hotels offer huge discounts. Tourists are recommended to carry sun protection gears and cotton clothes while travelling to Mahabalipuram during this time. June brings along pre-monsoon showers, which helps to make the weather comfortable. Because of the occasional rainfall, the humidity level increases. It is a preferred time to explore the small towns close to Mahabalipuram, as the skies remain clear for the most part of the days.
 Mahabalipuram in Monsoon (June - September)

The monsoon season in Mahabalipuram is characterised by moderate rainfall accompanied by increased humidity. Exploring the region becomes easier by carrying proper rain gear, which keeps you from getting drenched. Moreover, the floral beauty of the region is at its peak as monsoons have cast their charming spell on Mahabalipuram. The sunny days of August are followed by intermittent showers, making it an ideal time for nature enthusiasts to plan their trip. Infrequent rainfall in September brings down the temperature to a comfortable range during the day. The residents of Mahabalipuram organise different exhibitions and fairs throughout this month. Tourists can buy beautiful sculptures and statues from the stalls. Monsoons depart from Mahabalipuram by October, enabling all kinds of tourists’ activities, as the climate transforms into a moderately hot one. Other than that, this month officially marks the beginning of the tourist season in Mahabalipuram. History lovers head towards the attractions like the great Arjuna’s Penance, carved on the rear side of a Whale-shaped rock. Carvings of various Gods can also be seen in the sculpture. 

Mahabalipuram in Winter (November - February)

Winters in Mahabalipuram are dominated by pleasant days and nippy nights. Tourists can indulge in a large number of activities during this season such as sightseeing, outings and other adventurous activities. The dip in temperature in November implies the arrival of winters in Mahabalipuram. The coast of Mahabalipuram transforms into a surreal location during this time; however, the town remains crowded during this period, as it is a peak tourist season month. People from different parts of the country plan their trip in winters to be a part of the famous Mahabalipuram Dance Festival held in December. It is a 4-week long festival where trained classical dancers from all over India participate. The artists perform on huge open-air stages. January is regarded as an ideal time for planning a holiday trip to Mahabalipuram. Other than the pleasant weather being an inviting factor, the natural beauty is at its peak during this time, which must not be missed. The Pongal Festival celebrations make the sightseeing trips even more enjoyable.

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Mahabalipuram is brimming with interesting and flattering restaurants and cafes and a variety of cuisines. Find here, the colors and spice of street food, an elaborate, traditional and authentic thali as well as an array of western delicacies. While here, try Grilled Fish, Vegetarian thali, Prawns, Lobsters, Crabs and more. You might also try a typical South Indian platter which consists of Idli, Dosa, Appam, Vada, Upma Sambhar, Sweet Pongal, Kesari, Payassam and much more.

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Gecko Restaurant

37, Othavadai Street, Mahabalipuram, Chennai

North Indian, Seafood

8 AM to 11 PM

Known to have pretty, vibrant decor, this multi-cuisine restaurant offers a casual dining experience. The owner is said to take personal interest in the service and recommends a reservation in advance.

Water's Edge Cafe

Radisson Blu Resort Temple Bay, 57 Kovalam Road, Mahabalipuram, India

Multi-cuisine

24 hours

INR 250-700 For Two

Wharf

Radisson BLU Templebay, 57, Covelong Road, Mahabalipuram, Mahabalipuram, Chennai

Seafood, Mediterranean, Italian, North Indian

12 Noon to 3 PM, 7 PM to 11 PM

Mamalla Bhavan

108, Mamalla Beach Resort, Kovalam Road, Mahabalipuram, Chennai

South Indian

11 AM to 11 PM

Serving authentic vegetarian local cuisine, this South Indian eatery was established in 1964. One of the oldest eateries in town, it is best known for their quick lunch or dinner banana-leaf thalis.

Joe's Café

Plot 5, Othavadai Cross Street, Mahabalipuram, Chennai

South Indian, Cafe, Fast Food

7 AM to 11 PM

Known for its desserts and bakes, this cafe is a tourist-favourite for breakfast in Mahabalipuram. It remains open from 7am-11pm, serving fast food and South Indian food as well.

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1. Radisson Blu Resort Temple Bay Mamallapuram 

Mahabalipuram Beach (0.5 kms from city centre)

Facilites: Parking, Wifi, Bar, Pool, Food

Boasting of lavish 5-star accommodation, this holiday resort by the pristine beach has well-decorated chalet style rooms. The inn has a garden of towering palms and other groves. There is an outdoor p (Read More)

5-star resort with 2 room options

? 10,384 onwards

2. Sheraton Grand Chennai Resort & Spa 

Mahabalipuram Beach (14.0 kms from city centre)

Facilites: Parking , Wifi , Bar , Pool , Food

This upscale resort is located along the beaches of Bay of Bengal, close to the city’s museum, herpetology centre and airport. Their luxury rooms boast of private balconies or terraces and are furnish (Read More)

5 star resort with 15 room options

? 11,562 onwards

3. Silver Moon Guest House 

Mahabalipuram Beach (1.0 kms from city centre)

Facilites: Bar , Wifi , Pool

Offering a restaurant that serves Indian and continental food, Silver Moon Guest House is located 500 meters from Mahabalipuram Bus Station. Free WiFi access is available.

Book without credit card

Guest house with 5 room options

? 708 onwards

4. Oceanside Mahabalipuram 

Mahabalipuram Beach (1.1 kms from city centre)

Facilites: Wifi

Located very close to the beach and all the other tourist attractions of Mahabalipuram, this resort is an ideal stop for vacationing with family and friends. The hotel offers accommodation at economic (Read More)

Hotel with 5 room options

? 1,300 onwards

5. Grande Bay Resort and Spa Mamallapuram 

Mahabalipuram Beach (0.3 kms from city centre)

Facilites: Parking, WIFI, Bar, Pool, Food

Conveniently located on Kovalam Road close to major attractions and beaches on ECR, Grande Bay is a chic resort offering amenities like a pool, banquet hall and spa. Guests are lodged in boutique stud (Read More)

4-star resort with 4 room options

? 8,496 onwards

6. InterContinental Chennai Mahabalipuram Resort, an IHG Hotel 

Mahabalipuram Beach (13.0 kms from city centre)

Facilites: Parking, WIFI , Bar , Pool , Food

Bearing a reflection of colonial era Coromandel heritage, this resort has a private beach for guests to have a captivating experience of the Bay of Bengal. Their rooms and upgraded suites have world-c (Read More)

5-star resort with 8 room options

? 9,313 onwards

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Mahabalipuram or Mamallapuram is an antiquated port city in the Kancheepuram area of Tamil Nadu, close to Chennai, where a clamouring seaport and a bustling city co-exist. Mahabalipuram has a rich history and legacy that is well-preserved to date which depicts a lot of greatness. With plenty of things to do in Mahabalipuram, let’s have a look at what all things can keep you occupied on your blissful trip to this ancient port city.

Mahabalipuram today is an ideal destination for rejuvenation and idyllic setting. It has a moderate and humid climate throughout the year; however, the best time to visit Mahabalipuram is from the month of October to March.

Experience the Mamallapuram Dance Festival

You will experience a four-week, weekend only dance festival displaying fold and classical dances from around various places in India. There are many things to do and places to visit in Mahabalipuram including Mamallapuram dance festival that has its own charm. You can see many performances in an open-air platform against the striking backdrop of the Arjuna’s Penance. The dances include Kuchipudi tribal dance from (Andhra Pradesh), bharatanatyam from (Tamil Nadu), and KAthakali from (Kerala drama).

Small Art Gallery to explore!

You will see many small art galleries to explore in Mahabalipuram near beaches. When you visit the beaches then you will find some amazing small art galleries where you will see the handicraft items and collectives to buy. Though, this art gallery is considered as the best place to buy handicraft products. There are many places to visit in Mahabalipuram apart from these art galleries and shops. Many things you can see and experience.

Experience run half day bicycle: Travel XS

You can run half day bicycle tour to nearby villages, backpacking local potters as well as observing various activities such as Kolam drawing or rangoli, organizes day tours to places such as Vedanthangal Bird Sanctuary and Kanchipuram.

Find out more about Draupadi Ratha!

This is the 1st Ratha on left side once you enter in the 5 rathas, the most complex one is the Ratha of Draupdi and it is in the form of stylized South-Indian hut. It is dedicated to the demon fighting goddess Durga, that looks from inside, footing on the lotus. You will find many things about the Durga’s mount, lion and her vehicle outside. These are some of the most amazing places to visit in Mahabalipuram.

Best activity to do in Gecko Restaurant!

The 2 friendly brothers own this cute blue and yellow walled spot scattered with wood carvings and colorful artwork. The offerings as well as prices are not that diverse from various other tourist-oriented places, but there is more love set into the cooking and it is delicious! You can do various activities at this place and it’s a must explore places to visit in Mahabalipuram.

Enjoy on the Water’s Edge Cafeteria!

What all you can do in Mahabalipuram? Enjoy on the water’s edge cafeteria in the Radisson’s pool side ‘cafe’ provides everything from grilled tofu to American pancakes, Indian vegetable dishes, and fantastic breakfast buffets. Here you will find The Wharf that appears like a beach-shack however is truly a gourmet multi-cuisine seashore restaurant. This is a must see and places to visit in Mahabalipuram!

Have fun and enjoy the best food at Le Yogi!

When you are looking for some best western delicious food in the city then this is the best place to visit that offers sizzlers, pizza, pasta and crepes that are tasty and genuine. The serving process is good as well as chilled out setting with pretty lamps, bamboo posts and dangling lights from thatched roof will make you go simply wonder in the beauty of this place. This place will offer you a romantic touch and it’s a must visit weekend gateways of Mahabalipuram.

Have fun and relax at Moonrakers!

You will perhaps end-up at some time in Moonrakers as it is a type of place that is dominated by the backpacker ghetto streetscape forever. You will find amazing food here and will not win any prize yet it is okay, and the 3 floors tables keep you busy. You can experience amazing relaxation at Moonrakers!

Climbing challenge at Mamallapuram Lighthouse!

This lighthouse at Mamallapuram is around a century old. You can go for climbing activity which is quite challenging and one stairway is just one way either you can go up or go down. This is a very famous weekend gateways of Mahabalipuram and you can experience amazing magnificent views from there. This is considered as very old structure that has survived various tides of time and sadly being plundered on the name of sightseeing. The stairs that take you to the lighthouse is extremely narrow as well as the last journey of ten metallic stairs can churn anyone’s stomach for sure. You have to take this journey on your own by foot.

Adventurous sports on Wide Beach!

This beach is very beautiful and to reach at this beach you need to go on the right-side of the seashore temple. One needs to pass through various shops in order to go there. You’ll see sculpture of Thiruvalluvar. Kids will have amazing time at this place and can enjoy various adventurous sports. This beach is situated near Shore temple and this beach has average waves along with shallow water are good to spend some quality time with your family and friends.

Kitesurfing, windsurfing and surfing in Mahabalipuram!

When you are in Mahabalipuram then you should try all these water sports to explore life to the fullest. You can go for various windsurfing, kitesurfing and surfing in Mahabalipuram beaches. You need to take some time out for adventure sports. You cannot learn these sports in 1 or 2 hours but Mumu guides you and takes you direct inside the water. You are not there to learn though, simply to relax and enjoy and rest of the things will be taken care of. Mumu is experienced, passionate and knowledgeable about surfing. They have various surfing shops as their business and offer lessons to the beginners. If you wish you can even learn surfing through them in groups and individually as well. You need to show some enthusiasm and passion towards surfing to learn it in a better way. This makes it a best weekend getaway among tourists around the world.

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Mahabalipuram is one of the oldest cities in India famous for its rich and unique architectural heritage of rock-cut monuments, culture, monoliths, and beaches. The place is also known for offering the delectable Tamilian cuisine and seafood along with the local Kovai Kora and Kanchipuram textiles.

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Yes, one day is enough to see this compact yet beautiful city and all its architectural wonders, temples, and relax at the beaches. You can also visit the local markets to shop for handicrafts & seashells jewellery and try a range of Tamilian cuisine.