Day Excursion to Mahabalipuram and Kanchipuram Caves and Temples

10-11 Hours

Chennai

CODE
MFTMAA014

A trip to Mahabalipuram and Kanchipuram caves is a one-of-a-kind temple tour experience. Unlike the other pilgrimage sites, these two cities are celebrated for intricately designed temples that are rarely spotted anywhere else. In all its essence, South India is famed for its spiritual heritage, rich tradition, and natural beauty. Both Mahabalipuram and Kanchipuram are home to ornate cave and rock-cut temples that are intricately carved. Our Mahabalipuram Kanchipuram tour package is thoughtfully designed to help our travelers learn about the history and interesting facts about the temples built between the 6th and 8th centuries. So why wait? Take up this tour and discover the rich heritage of South India.

Day 1 (01-12-2024)

Our chauffeur will pick you up from your hotel in Chennai for the Mahabalipuram and Kanchipuram caves and temple day tour around 6:30-7:00 PM. Both places were kingdoms of the Pallava dynasty during the 3rd to 9th century. Our tour will begin with a visit to Mahabalipuram—an ancient city situated around 60 km from Chennai.
Mahabalipuram is also known as Mamallapuram. The city is home to several rock-cut temples which have been built in different architectural styles. First, you will visit the Shore Temple which is located on the shore of the Bay Of Bengal. It is a 7th-century temple dedicated to Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu. The shore temple is a popular tourist attraction due to its five-storied rock-cut structure of 60 ft height.
Next, we will take you on a visit to the Arjuna’s Penance. It is also known as ‘The Descent Of Ganga’. It is 96 feet wide and 43 feet in height. Beautifully sculpted with images of Gods, birds, animals, and giant elephants, Arjuna Penance is famous for its intricately designed monuments and is listed as one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites. It portrays the legend of Arujuna’s Penance and devotion towards Lord Shiva.
The next place on our Mahabalipuram-Kanchipuram tour is the Five Rathas Shrine. This place is home to several rock-cut temples structured in the shape of chariots. The five chariots belong to the Pandavas and Draupadi.
After this, we will take you to Krishna Mandapam. It is dedicated to Lord Krishna. The Mandapam showcases the mythological tales and legends associated with Lord Krishna during his adolescence, carved on rock surfaces.
After this, our chauffeur will drive you towards Kanchipuram. This city is blessed with numerous splendid temples. It was earlier known as the ‘City of Thousand Temples’. Beyond the city’s spiritual heritage, the city is also widely celebrated for its arts, handloom industry, and designer sarees. One of the popular things to do in Kanchipuram is to shop for Kanchipuram silk and cotton sarees.
Ekambareswarar Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, is the next place to visit in our itinerary. The gopuram of this temple is 58.5 meters tall and adorned with beautiful sculptures. It is known as the tallest temple in South India. The temple contains a thousand pillars in its hallway.
Next, we will visit the Kailasanatha Temple. The temple houses a Shiva Lingam which is 10 feet tall. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. For the next part of the Mahabalipuram-Kanchipuram temples day tour package, we will visit temples such as Vaikunda Perumal Temple, Kamakshi Amman Temple, etc. All these temples exhibit stunning architecture, beautiful sculptures, intricate carvings, and stone-cutting work from the medieval period.
With this, your day excursion at Mahabalipuram and Kanchipuram will end and our chauffeur will drop you back to the hotel in Chennai.

INCLUSIONS

Sightseeing as per the itinerary
English-speaking tour guide
Entrance fees for the monuments
Air-conditioned private transfer service
All applicable taxes and service charges

Learn about the temples from Medieval times
Delve into the mythological legends of Hindus, Jains, and Buddhists
Marvel at the rock-cut temples and magnificent sculptures
Shop for designer Kanchipuram silk and cotton sarees

Air/train fare
Medical insurance
Any expenses incurred due to unforeseen circumstances like flight cancellations, delays, or natural calamities
Any personal expenses such as tipping, laundry, telephone calls, meals or drinks, etc.
Camera fees at the monuments

Note - For Indian travelers, fees for monuments, guides, and any additional services are not included.