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Private Tour of Mahabalipuram: Explore Ancient Rock-Cut Temples with Lunch Included

5.0

227 Ratings

Mahabalipuram

Embark on a private tour of Mahabalipuram, exploring its ancient rock-cut temples, including the iconic Five Chariots and Arjuna's Penance. Enjoy a delicious lunch and the expertise of a professional guide.

Duration: 7 hours

Cancellation: 1 day learn more

Highlights

Pancha Rathas - Make the first stop of the day at the Pancharathas, or five chariots, a series of monolithic temples built by the Pallavas.These are rock cut monolith temples structures built in the 7th century. Each of the 5 rathas or chariots are dedicated to the lead cast of the Mahabharat epic- Draupadi, Arjuna, Nakul-Sahadeva, Bhima and Yudhister. There is also a sculpture of an elephant next to the ratha of Nakul-Sahadeva. Once you stand towards the rear of the elephant you will notice that there is an uncanny resemblance between the rear of the chariot and the elephant.
Arjuna’s Penance - We next visit Arjuna’s Penace, a bas-relief monument that’s considered one of India’s most magnificent pieces of ancient art, depicting vivid scenes from the Mahabharata. The relief is 100 feet long and 45 feet tall! The main story being told is how Arjuna, one of the Pandava brothers, performed severe austerities in order to obtain Lord Shiva’s weapon.
Pancha Pandava Cave - Pandava cave is the largest cave-temple at Mahabalipuram The cave is supported on six pillars and two pilasters. The highlight of the architecture are the spectacular sculptures of mythical creatures called Yali on the pillars.
Krishna’s Butter Ball - The next stop is Krishna’s Butterball, a granite boulder that’s poised on a stony slope. This curious boulder seems to defy Newton’s laws of gravity and has not moved an inch despite being in this precarious position on the slope for more than a thousand years.
Varaha Cave Temple - The Varaha cave is carved out of huge piece of granite and dates back to the 7th century. This temple took several decades to be completed. There are squatting lions adorning the pillars which support the hall. Another highlight are the sculptures of two guardian angels who protect the sanctum.
Trimurti Cave - This cave is a fine example of the spectacular architecture style of the Pallavas. The rock cut temple is dedicated to the holy trinity of Hindu Gods- Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva. There are fine carvings of elephants as well.
Ganesha Ratha - This is a imposing chariot carved out of a single stone. Originally dedicated to Lord Shiva, it now has the deity of his son Lord Ganesh. It was built in the 7th century by King Mahendravarman I. The other highlight of this temple are the 18 inscriptions in ancient grantha and nagari scripts of Sanskrit.
Old Light House - Built in the year 640, it is India’s oldest light house and one of the oldest in the world. Mahabalipuram was a very busy port since the 7th century and hence this lighthouse played a significant role in keeping mariners safe.
Mahishasuramardini Cave - Two of the most impressive works of art of Mahabalipuram reside in this cave. It has 2 imposing bas-reliefs on the walls. The first one is Lord Vishnu sleeping on top of the coils of a serpent. The other is with Goddess Durga fighting with the demon Mahishasura on a lion.
Shore Temple - Our last port of call is the Shore Temple. The magnificent temple overlooks the Bay of Bengal and was an important centre during the reign of the Pallavas when Mahabalipuram was the main port of their Kingdom. Built by King Raja Simha during the early 8th century, the Shore Temple is a landmark in the architectural landscape of India.
Marco Polo referred to this as the seven pagodas. The existing temple is the last surviving of the 7 which once stood as a beacon for sea farers.

What's Included

Pick and drop to Chennai hotel
Lunch
Entrance charges
Professional tour guide

What's Not Included

Beverages

Additional Information

This private tour takes you to Mahabalipuram famous for its rock cut temples dating back to the 7th century along a lovely sea shore. We will spend the day exploring this World Heritage Site of Mahabalipuram which used to serve as a sea port in ancient times. The highlights include masterpieces like the Five Chariots which are rock cut monolith temples, Arjuna’s Penance the giant open air rock relief, the gravity defying Krishna’s butterball and the Shore temple which is the last remaining of the 7 Pagodas mentioned by Marco Polo. This package includes pick and drop, private car, lunch, and a professional guide.

Location

Pancha Rathas

Kancheepuram District

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings

5.0

(227 Ratings)

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Paradise16881407390

Apr 5, 2024

Incredible overall experience - The tour was wonderful. The guide was very informative and really did a good job immersing you into Indian culture. The drive was very nice and respectful. They did an incredible job and i would totally recommend them to anyone visiting Chennai.