105 Hotels in Mahabalipuram, Tamil Nadu

Where to stay

Hotels in Mahabalipuram

Book direct on our own Mahabalipuram hotel pages — no booking fee and instant confirmation.

Swipe for more Mahabalipuram hotels

View all properties in Mahabalipuram

At a glance

Climate

Tropical

Languages

Tamil and English

Local currency

INR (INR)

Local time

06:56 (GMT+5)

Ideal trip length

2–4 days

Cost level

2 of 5 · our research

Suggested area to stay

Near Shore Temple/Beach

Tap water

Bottled water recommended

Tipping

Appreciated for services

What this place is for

History

95 · Outstanding

Culture

90 · Outstanding

Food

90 · Outstanding

Family 85 · Very good

Our own 0–100 ratings for this one destination. They describe a city; they are not a league table of cities.

Food to try

Dosa Idli Seafood Curry Filter Coffee

When to visit Mahabalipuram

How good each month is here, on this destination's own scale. It compares months within this city, never one city against another.

Best months: January, December Busiest: Oct-Mar

Jan

90

Pleasant, sunny, dry
Feb

85

Warm, sunny, dry
Mar

75

Getting hot, humid
Apr

50

Hot, very humid
May

40

Very hot, humid
Jun

55

Hot, pre-monsoon
Jul

60

Monsoon begins, humid
Aug

65

Monsoon showers, humid
Sept

70

Monsoon ends, pleasant
Oct

80

Post-monsoon, pleasant
Nov

85

Cooler, pleasant
Dec

90

Cool, dry, ideal

90

Jan Pleasant, sunny, dry

85

Feb Warm, sunny, dry

75

Mar Getting hot, humid

50

Apr Hot, very humid

40

May Very hot, humid

55

Jun Hot, pre-monsoon

60

Jul Monsoon begins, humid

65

Aug Monsoon showers, humid

70

Sept Monsoon ends, pleasant

80

Oct Post-monsoon, pleasant

85

Nov Cooler, pleasant

90

Dec Cool, dry, ideal

Things to do in Mahabalipuram

7 places worth your time, grouped by when they are at their best.

Best in the morning

3 places

Shore Temple

Beach Road 1.5 hrs

Marvel at this ancient granite temple complex by the sea.

Outdoors Good for children

Five Rathas (Pancha Rathas)

Southern End 1.5 hrs

Explore unique monolithic rock-cut temples resembling chariots.

Outdoors Good for children

Arjuna's Penance

Town Center 1 hr

Admire the massive open-air rock relief depicting mythical scenes.

Outdoors Good for children

Best in the afternoon

3 places

Mahabalipuram Beach

East Coast Road 2 hrs

Relax on the sandy shores or watch local fishermen.

Outdoors Good for children

Mahabalipuram Lighthouse

Town Center 1 hr

Climb for panoramic views of the town and coastline.

Indoors Good for children

Sculpting Workshops

Town Center 2 hrs

Learn about the traditional art of stone carving.

Indoors

Any time of day

1 place

Krishna's Butterball

Near Ganesha Ratha 0.5 hrs

See the giant balancing rock defying gravity.

Outdoors Good for children

Mahabalipuram itineraries

View All itineraries

First-timer highlights

3 Days in Mahabalipuram — First-Timer Highlights

Discover ancient rock-cut wonders and serene coastal beauty in this UNESCO World Heritage town.

This 3-day itinerary is perfect for first-time visitors eager to explore the magnificent UNESCO World Heritage monuments of Mahabalipuram. Delve into ancient temples, intricate rock carvings, and enjoy the tranquil charm of its beaches, offering a blend of history, culture, and relaxation.

3 Days 15 Stops

See the full plan