

Planning a quick escape from the city? Our private Chennai to Mahabalipuram tour packages covers the UNESCO-listed shore temple, the rock-cut monuments and the beaches of the East Coast Road in a single comfortable day. Daily departures are available, with a choice of AC car, Tempo Traveller, minibus or coach, all arranged by Rajamanickam Tours and Travels.
You pick the vehicle that suits your group, and we handle the driving, fuel, toll and parking. Call or WhatsApp +91 9176070718 to book.
Depending on your start time and interests, your itinerary can include:
Not sure how to fit it all in? Tell us your group’s interests and we will shape the route for you.
| Place | Timings | Entry Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Muttukadu Boat House | 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM | Government rates (varies by boat type) |
| Kovalam Beach | 6:00 AM to 8:00 PM | Free |
| Madras Crocodile Bank | 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM (closed Mondays) | Adult ₹60, child under 10 ₹30 |
| Shore Temple | 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM | Adult ₹30, foreigner ₹500 |
| Five Rathas | 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM | Adult ₹30, foreigner ₹500 |
| Mahishasuramardini Cave | 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM | Free |
| Lighthouse | 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM | Adult ₹10, child ₹5 |
| Arjuna’s Penance | 6:00 AM to 9:00 PM | Free |
| Krishna’s Butter Ball | Until 7:00 PM | Free |
| Mahabalipuram Beach | Open beach | Free |
| Tiger Cave | Near Saluvankuppam | See note below |
Timings and fees are set by the authorities and can change, so confirm before you travel. The Tiger Cave fee was not listed on your current page, so add it if you know it.
About the places (short descriptions for on-page content):
Shore Temple: Built by the Pallava kings beside the Bay of Bengal, this granite temple is the headline attraction of Mahabalipuram and a World Heritage Site.
Five Rathas: Five monolithic temples, each carved from a single rock, make up one of the most photographed sites in Tamil Nadu.
Arjuna’s Penance: This huge open-air rock relief shows gods, animals and scenes from Indian epics, and it is a good place to hire a guide.
Krishna’s Butter Ball: A giant boulder that seems to balance on a slope, and a favourite spot for family photos.
Muttukadu Boat House: A relaxed stop on the ECR with row, pedal, speed and power boating.
Madras Crocodile Bank: A reptile park that children and wildlife lovers enjoy.

| Vehicle | Price (1 Day) |
|---|---|
| Swift Dzire AC car | ₹4,000 |
| Etios AC car | ₹4,250 |
| Ertiga AC car | ₹5,750 |
| Innova AC car | ₹6,000 |
| Crysta AC car | ₹6,500 |
| Tempo Traveller AC van | ₹7,000 |
Prices are per vehicle, not per person, so the cost per head drops as your group grows.
Included in the price:
Not included:
The cooler months from October to March are ideal for outdoor sightseeing. In summer, start early to avoid the midday heat. Weekdays are quieter than weekends and public holidays, so they suit travellers who prefer fewer crowds at the monuments.
How far is Mahabalipuram from Chennai?
About 56 km. The drive takes around 1.5 hours and up to 2 hours in heavy traffic.
How much does a Chennai to Mahabalipuram one day tour cost?
Packages start at ₹3,800 for a Swift Dzire AC car. A Tempo Traveller AC van costs ₹6,800 for the day, with fuel, driver bata, toll and parking included.
Is a half day tour possible?
Yes. Choose 7:00 AM to 2:00 PM or 1:00 PM to 8:00 PM.
Can I hire a guide?
Yes, a local guide at Mahabalipuram costs ₹800 for 2 hours.
Are entry tickets included?
No. Tickets to monuments, boating and museums are paid directly at each site.
Which vehicle suits a family or large group?
Use an Innova or Innova Crysta for small families, and a Tempo Traveller or minibus for larger groups.
How much advance do I need to pay?
50% to confirm online, with the balance before the tour. For cash bookings, you pay in full to the driver at the start.
Do you pick up from the airport or railway stations?
Yes, from anywhere within 30 km of Chennai city.
Have questions or ready to plan your South India trip? Contact our travel experts today.
South India is a paradise for nature lovers. The South India destinations include the states Andra Pradesh, TamilNadu, Karnataka, Kerala, Pondicherry and Telangana. The southern part of India endorses several treasure troves, temples with architectural brilliance, exotic beaches, evergreen forests bestowed with several wildlife sanctuaries and national parks. Readmore
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