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Private tour of Mahabalipuram from Pondicherry with Guide
Pondicherry, India
$145
This is an experience gift voucher. The recipient will book the experience after
they redeem the gift voucher.
Overview
Mahabalipuram, renowned for its ancient rock-cut temples, offers a mesmerizing glimpse into India's rich heritage along the stunning coastline. This private tour immerses you in the history of this UNESCO World Heritage Site, showcasing its remarkable artistry and architectural marvels.
- 🚗 Private Car Tour: Enjoy a comfortable ride in a private vehicle, ensuring a personalized and relaxing journey throughout the day.
- 🗣️ Professional Tour Guide: Benefit from the expertise of a knowledgeable English-speaking guide who will bring the history and stories of Mahabalipuram to life.
- ⏰ The tour lasts approximately 8 hours, allowing ample time to explore each iconic site without feeling rushed.
- 🏛️ Your first stop is the Pancha Rathas, a collection of five stunning monolithic temples dedicated to characters from the Mahabharata epic.
- 🎨 Marvel at Arjuna's Penance, a breathtaking bas-relief that spans 100 feet and depicts dramatic scenes from ancient Indian mythology.
- 🕉️ Visit the impressive Pandava Cave, featuring intricate sculptures and supported by six majestic pillars, showcasing the artistry of the Pallavas.
- 🪨 Witness Krishna's Butterball, a gravity-defying boulder that has remained in its precarious position for over a thousand years.
- 🏺 Explore the Varaha Cave Temple, adorned with beautiful sculptures of guardian angels and mythical creatures, reflecting the grandeur of ancient craftsmanship.
- 🌊 Conclude your journey at the Shore Temple, a stunning architectural landmark overlooking the Bay of Bengal, steeped in history as the last of the famed seven pagodas.
- 🍽️ Enjoy a delicious lunch during the tour, featuring local flavors that enhance your cultural experience.
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By Private car
Pickup included
Pickup included
Tour guide
Language: English
Human tour guide
Duration: 8 hours
- Professional tour guide
- Entrance charges
- Lunch
- Pick and drop to Chennai hotel
- Beverages
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Pancha RathasMake 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.
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Arjuna's PenanceWe 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.
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Pancha Pandava CavePandava 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.
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Krishna's Butter BallThe 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.
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Varaha Cave TempleThe 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.
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Trimurti CaveThis 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.
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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.
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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.
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Mahishasuramardini CaveTwo 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.
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Shore TempleThe last port of call is the Shore Temple. The magnificent temple overlooks the Bay of Bengal and was an important center 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 survivor of the 7 that once stood as a beacon for seafarers.
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Private tour of Mahabalipuram from Pondicherry with Guide
Pondicherry, India
$145
This is an experience gift voucher. The recipient will book the experience after
they redeem the gift voucher.
How it works?
01
—
You choose from 10,000+ experience gifts
02
—
We deliver the eVoucher or the Physical box to the recipient
03
—
Recipient books the experience and creates unforgettable memories!