Chennai to Mahabalipuram UNESCO Temples & ECR Beach Tour (1 Day)
Explore the magnificent 7th-century Pallava rock-cut monuments of Mahabalipuram — a UNESCO World Heritage Site — on a relaxed full-day cab tour from Chennai via the scenic East Coast Road (ECR). Your private AC car covers Shore Temple, Five Rathas, Arjuna's Penance, Krishna's Butter Ball, and Kovalam Beach with flexible lunch and photo stops.
Doorstep Chennai
Full Day – 8 Hours / 120 KM Round Trip
100% Included
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Mahabalipuram & ECR Tour Tariff & Package Rates
Fixed round-trip rates with doorstep pickup, sanitized dual AC cars, FASTag tolls, and driver allowance.
Sedan (Dzire/Etios)
Doorstep Pickup & Return • Chilled Dual AC
SUV (Ertiga – 6 Pax)
Doorstep Pickup & Return • Chilled Dual AC
Innova (7 Pax)
Doorstep Pickup & Return • Chilled Dual AC
Innova Crysta (Luxury)
Doorstep Pickup & Return • Chilled Dual AC
Tempo Traveller (12 Pax)
Doorstep Pickup & Return • Chilled Dual AC
| Vehicle | Rate/km | Driver Bata | Toll/Parking | Total Cost | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sedan (Dzire/Etios) | ₹11 | ₹350 | ₹300 | ₹3,500 | Book |
| SUV (Ertiga – 6 Pax) | ₹14 | ₹450 | ₹300 | ₹4,500 | Book |
| Innova (7 Pax) | ₹17 | ₹550 | ₹300 | ₹5,500 | Book |
| Innova Crysta (Luxury) | ₹20 | ₹650 | ₹300 | ₹6,500 | Book |
| Tempo Traveller (12 Pax) | ₹25 | ₹900 | ₹400 | ₹8,000 | Book |
100% Included In Total Fare
- Doorstep pickup & drop anywhere in Chennai
- Clean AC vehicle with fuel for entire 120 km round trip
- All ECR FASTag highway tolls & parking charges
- Courteous, experienced highway driver with local Mahabalipuram knowledge
- Flexible photo stops, tea/coconut halts on ECR
Package Exclusions (Not Included)
- Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) monument entry tickets (₹40–₹80 per person)
- Lunch and personal expenses
- Seashell Museum entry (optional, ₹50/person)
- Extra kilometres beyond 120 km
Mahabalipuram & ECR Tour Route Schedule & Key Stops
Optimized timeline designed to ensure timely darshan entry
Chennai Doorstep
08:00 AM pickup from your home, hotel, or Chennai Airport.
ECR Scenic Drive
09:00 AM – enjoy the coastal East Coast Road with sea breeze, roadside coconut water, and optional light breakfast halt.
Mahabalipuram Town
10:00 AM arrival at the UNESCO Heritage town. Start sightseeing with the iconic Shore Temple overlooking the Bay of Bengal.
Five Rathas (Pancha Rathas)
10:30 AM – monolithic rock-cut temple chariots representing the five Pandavas, each carved from a single granite boulder.
Arjuna's Penance & Butter Ball
11:15 AM – the world's largest open-air bas-relief (Arjuna's Penance) and the gravity-defying Krishna's Butter Ball rock.
Seafood Lunch on ECR
01:00 PM – flexible lunch break at popular ECR seafood restaurants (Ideal Beach, Mamalla Heritage, or Chariot Beach Resort).
Kovalam Beach
02:30 PM – relaxing stop at Kovalam village beach, quieter than Marina, ideal for family photos.
Seashell Museum (optional)
03:00 PM – world-class seashell collection museum near Mahabalipuram (₹50 entry, at your choice).
Chennai Return
04:00 PM – return drive via ECR, back to your Chennai doorstep by approx. 06:00 PM.
Mahabalipuram & ECR Tour Travel Guide & Pilgrimage Information
Essential darshan timings, dress code regulations & practical pilgrim tips
Route & Distance Summary
Mahabalipuram (Mamallapuram) was the principal port city of the Pallava dynasty (7th–8th century AD). Its rock-cut temples and bas-reliefs — including the Shore Temple and Descent of the Ganges — are recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1984. The town is located 58 km south of Chennai on the Bay of Bengal coast.
Darshan Timings & Guidelines
Devotee Traditional Dress Code
Mandatory Temple Entry Attire Policy
Mahabalipuram & ECR Tour FAQs & Booking Information
Instant answers to common booking, darshan timings & permit queries
Is Mahabalipuram good for a family day trip from Chennai? expand_more
Yes — it is one of the most popular family-friendly day trips. The monuments are open-air, children enjoy the large rock formations and beaches, and the ECR drive itself is very scenic.
What is the best time to visit Mahabalipuram from Chennai? expand_more
October to March is ideal (cool coastal weather). Avoid May–June (peak summer heat at open-air sites). The monuments are gorgeous in the golden morning light.
Are entry tickets included in the cab package? expand_more
No — ASI monument tickets (₹40–₹80 per person) are paid separately at the gate. Your driver knows the exact entry points.
Ready to Book Chennai to Mahabalipuram UNESCO Temples & ECR Beach Tour (1 Day)?
Reserve your sanitized AC car with an experienced pilgrimage chauffeur. Zero advance deposit required — pay upon boarding or trip completion.