Introduction
When to visit
How to get there
Where to stay
Hiring a car

Mahabalipuram travel guide

Mahabalipuram Tourism | Mahabalipuram Guide

You're Going to Love Mahabalipuram

With a population of 12.415, Mahabalipuram is a must-see destination in Tamil Nadu, India. It is one of the most popular cities to visit in the country. Consider staying at least one whole day in Mahabalipuram to see all of its attractions.

When to visit Mahabalipuram

Mahabalipuram in June
Estimated hotel price
₹ 8877
1 night at 3-star hotel
Mahabalipuram in June
Estimated hotel price
₹ 8877
1 night at 3-star hotel

How to Get to Mahabalipuram

Plane

Although Mahabalipuram doesn’t have its own airport, you can fly to Chennai (MAA), which is located 41 km from Mahabalipuram. Pondicherry is the most popular, with regular flights from IndiGo, Japan Airlines, Virgin Atlantic and other airlines departing from India. The shortest domestic flight to Mahabalipuram departs from Bengaluru and takes around 1h.

Car

Another option to get to Mahabalipuram is to pick up a car hire from Bengaluru, which is about 284 km from Mahabalipuram. You’ll find branches of Gozo Cabs and Europcar, among others, in Bengaluru.

Plane

Although Mahabalipuram doesn’t have its own airport, you can fly to Chennai (MAA), which is located 41 km from Mahabalipuram. Pondicherry is the most popular, with regular flights from IndiGo, Japan Airlines, Virgin Atlantic and other airlines departing from India. The shortest domestic flight to Mahabalipuram departs from Bengaluru and takes around 1h.

Car

Another option to get to Mahabalipuram is to pick up a car hire from Bengaluru, which is about 284 km from Mahabalipuram. You’ll find branches of Gozo Cabs and Europcar, among others, in Bengaluru.

Airports near Mahabalipuram

PNYPondicherry
MAAChennai
TIRTirupati

Airlines serving Mahabalipuram

Lufthansa
Good (8,279 reviews)
KLM
Good (1,592 reviews)
British Airways
Good (8,265 reviews)
SWISS
Good (2,108 reviews)
Turkish Airlines
Good (4,455 reviews)
Air France
Good (1,653 reviews)
Qatar Airways
Good (3,709 reviews)
Emirates
Excellent (3,681 reviews)
LOT
Good (1,193 reviews)
Etihad Airways
Good (1,549 reviews)
Finnair
Good (1,418 reviews)
Air Canada
Good (11,785 reviews)
Cathay Pacific
Good (1,522 reviews)
Singapore Airlines
Excellent (1,628 reviews)
Ethiopian Air
Good (1,044 reviews)
Malaysia Airlines
Good (319 reviews)
Egyptair
Good (438 reviews)
SAUDIA
Good (681 reviews)
Thai Airways
Good (430 reviews)
ANA
Excellent (1,327 reviews)
Show more

Where to stay in Mahabalipuram

Average rates range from around ₹ 4,566 per night for a double room in a 3-star hotel to ₹ 4,501 and up for a 5-star experience.

Where to stay in popular areas of Mahabalipuram

Most booked hotels in Mahabalipuram

See all
Kaldan Samudhra Palace, a Palace by the Sea
5 stars
Excellent (9.1, Excellent reviews)
₹ 13,570+
View
Four Points by Sheraton Mahabalipuram Resort and Convention Center
4 stars
Excellent (8.7, Excellent reviews)
₹ 10,249+
View
Radisson Blu Resort Temple Bay Mamallapuram
4 stars
Excellent (8.6, Excellent reviews)
₹ 15,089+
View
Hotel Mamallaa Heritage
3 stars
Excellent (8.5, Excellent reviews)
₹ 2,752+
View
Ideal Beach Resort
3 stars
Excellent (8.3, Excellent reviews)
₹ 7,307+
View
Grand Continent Mahabalipuram
4 stars
Good (7.6, Good reviews)
₹ 6,168+
View

Hiring a car in Mahabalipuram

Expect to pay ₹ 108 per litre in Mahabalipuram (average price from the past 30 days). Depending on the size of your car hire, filling up the tank will cost between ₹ 1,298 and ₹ 1,731.

Expect to pay ₹ 108 per litre in Mahabalipuram (average price from the past 30 days). Depending on the size of your car hire, filling up the tank will cost between ₹ 1,298 and ₹ 1,731.