Mahabalipuram & Kanchipuram in One Day: Private Tour from Chennai
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Trip Overview
Mahabalipuram & Kanchipuram Day Tour from Chennai – Private Heritage Trip
Explore two of South India’s most iconic heritage towns in one unforgettable day trip from Chennai. This private 10-hour tour takes you to the spiritual heart of Tamil Nadu, where ancient temples, UNESCO monuments, and stunning stone carvings bring history alive.
Highlights of the Mahabalipuram & Kanchipuram Day Tour
- Shore Temple, Mahabalipuram – A UNESCO World Heritage site by the sea
- Explore Kanchipuram’s famous temples – Kamakshi Amman, Ekambareswarar, and Varadharaja Perumal
- Marvel at Arjuna’s Penance & Five Rathas – Rock-cut wonders of Pallava architecture
- Private air-conditioned vehicle with door-to-door hotel pickup & drop
- Optional stop at Dakshinachitra – A cultural village museum showcasing South Indian heritage
Why Visit Mahabalipuram & Kanchipuram?
- Mahabalipuram (also called Mamallapuram) is renowned for its 7th and 8th-century monuments, rock-cut temples, and scenic beaches. It’s a UNESCO site and a must-see for history and art lovers.
- Kanchipuram, the “City of a Thousand Temples,” is one of Hinduism’s seven most sacred cities. Known for its Dravidian temple architecture and Kanchipuram silk sarees, it offers deep spiritual and cultural insights.
This tour is perfect for:
- History buffs and architecture enthusiasts
- Spiritual seekers and temple lovers
- Travelers wanting a peaceful, offbeat experience near Chennai.
Best Time to Visit Mahabalipuram & Kanchipuram
- October to March: Pleasant weather (20–30°C), ideal for sightseeing
- Avoid April–June: Hot and humid (35°C+ temperatures)
- July–September: Monsoon season may disrupt travel plans
Full-Day Itinerary: Mahabalipuram and Kanchipuram Tour from Chennai
- Pickup from Chennai (7:00–8:00 AM)
- Start your day with a comfortable drive from Chennai in a private, air-conditioned vehicle.
- Morning: Kanchipuram Temple Tour (Approx. 3 Hours Drive)
Explore five of Kanchipuram’s most revered temples:
Kamakshi Amman Temple
- Dedicated to Goddess Kamakshi (a form of Parvati)
- One of India’s 51 Shakti Peethas
Ekambareswarar Temple
- A massive Shiva temple representing Earth among the Pancha Bhoota Stalas
- Home to a 3,500-year-old mango tree
Varadharaja Perumal Temple
- A Divya Desam dedicated to Lord Vishnu
- Famous for its 100-pillared hall and intricate sculptures
Kanchi Kailasanathar Temple
- Oldest temple in Kanchipuram (8th century)
- A serene example of early Dravidian stone architecture
Devarajaswami Temple
- Built in the Vijayanagara period, with striking stone pillars and sculptures
Lunch Break in Kanchipuram (at your own expense)
- Enjoy authentic South Indian vegetarian cuisine at a local restaurant.
- Afternoon: Mahabalipuram Sightseeing (Approx. 2 Hours Drive)
- Visit the rock-cut and monolithic wonders of Mahabalipuram:
Arjuna’s Penance
- One of the world’s largest bas-reliefs
- Depicts scenes from the Mahabharata and Hindu mythology
Pancha Rathas (Five Rathas)
- Monolithic rock temples carved from single granite stones
- Represent the Pandavas and Draupadi in unique architectural styles
Tiger Cave
- Peaceful spot with beautiful carvings of lions and elephants
- Great for photography and quick exploration
Shore Temple
- Overlooking the Bay of Bengal, this 8th-century temple is a UNESCO site
- Best visited in the late afternoon for golden hour photos
Optional Stop: Dakshinachitra Museum (If Time Permits)
- On the return drive, visit Dakshinachitra – a living museum showcasing South Indian traditions, architecture, crafts, and performing arts.
Evening: Return to Chennai
- Relax during the drive back to Chennai. You’ll be dropped off at your hotel or the pickup point by around 7:00–8:00 PM.
Places Covered on This Tour
- Kanchipuram Temples:
- Kamakshi Amman Temple
- Ekambareswarar Temple
- Varadharaja Perumal Temple
- Kanchi Kailasanathar Temple
- Devarajaswami Temple
- Mahabalipuram Sites:
- Arjuna’s Penance
- Five Rathas
- Shore Temple
- Tiger Cave
- Optional: Dakshinachitra Cultural Museum
Travel Tips & Important Information
- Not a guided tour – Driver speaks basic English. Consider hiring local guides at temples.
- This is an outstation tour – Not valid for Chennai city sightseeing.
- What to bring – Water bottle, sunscreen, sunglasses, hat, camera.
- Dress code – Modest attire recommended, especially for temples (cover shoulders and knees).
- Photography tips – Early morning or sunset for Shore Temple is ideal for best lighting.
Basic Details
Inclusions
- All transportation using a private air-conditioned sedan or SUV.
- Pickup and drop-off in a Chennai hotel or residence.
- Driver and fuel charges.
- The itinerary mentioned is a suggestion; you can add/skip places.
- 300 km of usage (Extra kilometer charges will be applicable after the limit; please refer to the Important Information Section for details).
Exclusions
- Monument entrance fees.
- Any parking fees and toll charges.
- Personal expenses.
- Any meals.
- A night charge of Rs. 450 is applicable if used beyond 10:00 PM.
- Anything not mentioned in the inclusions.
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Important Information
- This is not a guided tour.
- The driver will know the local language; an English-speaking driver can be requested during the booking in the "Special Request" section, though the same cannot be promised.
- The guests may choose to skip or add any new attractions to the destination of the tour.
- Pickup and dropoff have to be at the same location.
- Sedans (4-seater) models provided are Suzuki Dzire, Toyota Etios, or similar.
- SUV (6-seater) models provided are Toyota Innova, Mahindra Xylo, Suzuki Ertiga, or similar.
- night charge of Rs. 450 is applicable if the cab service is used between 10:00 pm and 6:00 am.
- The tour has a kilometer limit of 300 kilometers.
- After 300 kilometres, additional per-kilometer charge will be applicable (to be paid directly to the driver)
- For Sedan (4-seater): Rs. 13 per km (additional kilometre charge)
- For SUV (6-seater): Rs. 18 per km (additional kilometre charge)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
We have two options Sedans & bigger SUVs. In Sedans we provide Suzuki Dzire, Toyota Etios mostly, sometimes it could be Nissan Sunny. In SUVs we provide Toyotta Innova, Mahindra Xylo, Suzuki Ertiga. You can request a particular model while booking in \'Special Request\' and we try to provide it however you can not pick and choose exact car models. We operate only AC vehicles and hatchbacks are not available.
2 travellers found this helpful
Yes, all sightseeing tours need to be booked in advance. Tours often sell out so we suggest booking early to guarantee your desired tour day. Bookings are completely online and you can book on Website or Mobile app.
Helpful
The itinerary mentioned on these private tours are a suggestion for your destination. You are free to skip or add other points. Let your personal driver know if you want to visit other places.
2 travellers found this helpful
As this is a private tour, you are free to spend as much time you seem fit on each attraction. Some landmarks are more time-consuming than others and you can decide where to spend how much time. Just keep in mind the hourly usage included in your Tour, extra charges would apply if that limit is exceeded. Also night charges apply if you cross night time, please check Inclusions/Exclusions/Important Info for details.
Helpful
You need to book online from this page. We accept only online bookings. Booking is confirmed instantly through SMS and Email. Driver & Cab details are sent on SMS/Email 3-6 hours before pick-up time.
Helpful
If you wish to have an English driver who would drive you around the tour or drop you from one place to another, please mention the same in the Special Request section while booking. Any request would be taken into consideration and we will try arranging the same, although it\'s not a 100% Guarantee.
Helpful
No these are purely sightseeing tours and we do not do provide stay/accommodation or do Hotel bookings on for you as part of these tours. For Multi-day sightseeing tours, you need to book your hotels yourself.
Helpful
No. All our tours are private and exclusively for your family or group.
Helpful
Meet-up Information/Reporting Point
- Chennai hotel or residence
- The driver will pick you up directly from your hotel or specified pick-up point. Please enter the full pickup address at the checkout page.
₹ 5280 Per Vehicle
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