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Private tour of Mahabalipuram from Pondicherry with Guide
$145
This is an experience gift voucher. The recipient will book the experience after
they redeem the gift voucher.
Overview
The private tour to Mahabalipuram showcases the remarkable rock-cut temples that date back to the 7th century along a beautiful seashore. Recognized by the Ministry of Tourism and a winner of the Outlook Responsible Tourism Award, this journey promises a day filled with ancient wonders.
- 🏰 Visit the Pancha Rathas, a series of five monolithic temples dedicated to characters from the Mahabharata, featuring intricate designs and an elephant sculpture with a unique resemblance to the chariot.
- 🎨 Marvel at Arjuna’s Penance, a 100-foot-long bas-relief that narrates the story of Arjuna's austerities to gain Lord Shiva's weapon, showcasing one of India's most magnificent ancient art pieces.
- 🕉️ Explore the largest cave-temple, the Pandava Cave, supported by six pillars, with stunning sculptures of mythical Yali creatures adorning the architecture.
- 🪨 Witness Krishna’s Butterball, a granite boulder that seems to defy gravity, resting on a slope for over a thousand years without moving.
- ⛪ Discover the Varaha Cave Temple, carved from granite and adorned with squatting lions and guardian angel sculptures, highlighting the artistry of the Pallava dynasty.
- 🔱 Visit the Trimurti Cave, showcasing exquisite rock-cut architecture dedicated to the Hindu trinity of Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva, complete with fine elephant carvings.
- 🌅 Explore the Shore Temple, a magnificent structure overlooking the Bay of Bengal, built in the early 8th century and referred to as a beacon for seafarers by Marco Polo.
- 🍽️ Enjoy included lunch, beverages, and entrance charges, ensuring a comfortable and enriching experience throughout the day.
- 🚗 Benefit from convenient pickup and drop-off from your Chennai hotel, making your travel seamless and hassle-free.
Perfect for those who appreciate cultural heritage, Tinggly offers a sustainable gifting option. With instant e-delivery, no expiration on vouchers, and the freedom to choose from experiences around the globe, it's a thoughtful way to share memorable adventures.
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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
$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!