Mahabalipuram Entry Fee for Foreigners – Tour Guide
Planning a trip from Chennai to Mahabalipuram? Mahabalipuram, also known as Mamallapuram, is one of Tamil Nadu’s most popular heritage and coastal destinations. The town is famous for its ancient rock-cut monuments, temples, sculptures and beautiful seashore.
For international visitors, knowing the Mahabalipuram entry fee for foreigners, sightseeing time and Chennai-to-Mahabalipuram travel schedule can help make the day trip easier to plan.
Rajamanickam Tours and Travels offers Chennai to Mahabalipuram Tour Packages with comfortable AC cars and experienced drivers.
Chennai to Mahabalipuram Distance Time
The Chennai to Mahabalipuram distance is approximately 60 km by road, depending on your starting point in Chennai and the route selected. Mahabalipuram, also known as Mamallapuram, is a popular destination for its ancient temples, rock-cut monuments and beautiful coastline. The journey generally takes around 1.5 to 2 hours by car under normal traffic conditions.
- 📍 Distance: Approximately 60 km
- 🚗 Travel Time: Around 1.5–2 hours
- 🛣️ Popular Route: Chennai → ECR → Mahabalipuram
- 🌊 Route Highlight: Scenic East Coast Road
- 🛕 Major Attractions: Shore Temple, Five Rathas, Arjuna’s Penance and Krishna’s Butter Ball
- ⏰ Best for: One-day sightseeing trips from Chennai
- 🚐 Travel Options: Car, Innova and Tempo Traveller
Travel time may increase during weekends, holidays and peak traffic hours.
Mahabalipuram Top Attractions
Mahabalipuram has several historic monuments and scenic places that can be covered during a one-day trip.
🛕 Shore Temple
The iconic Shore Temple stands close to the Bay of Bengal and is one of Mahabalipuram’s most recognised monuments.
🪨 Five Rathas
The Pancha Rathas, commonly called Five Rathas, are impressive monolithic rock-cut monuments featuring distinctive architectural designs.
🗿 Arjuna’s Penance
Arjuna’s Penance is a magnificent open-air rock relief featuring numerous carved figures and scenes from ancient Indian traditions.
🧈 Krishna’s Butter Ball
Krishna’s Butter Ball is a huge naturally balanced granite boulder and one of Mahabalipuram’s most popular photo spots.
🕯️ Mahishasuramardini Cave
This historic rock-cut cave features detailed sculptures and is an interesting stop for visitors interested in Pallava-era art.
💡 Mahabalipuram Lighthouse
The lighthouse area provides an elevated view of the surrounding heritage area and coastline.
🌊 Mahabalipuram Beach
The seashore is a pleasant place to enjoy the coastal atmosphere and take photographs during the tour.
How Much Time Is Needed to See Mahabalipuram?
Around 7 hours can be sufficient for a short Chennai to Mahabalipuram sightseeing trip, including approximately 3 hours of total Chennai–Mahabalipuram travel time.
A well-planned itinerary can cover the major attractions without making the day too hectic.
For travellers who want to spend more time at each monument, enjoy the beach or have a relaxed lunch, a longer itinerary may be preferable.
Mahabalipuram Entry Fee for Foreigners
The Mahabalipuram entry fee for foreign visitors is ₹600 per person, as provided for this tour guide.
Entry Fee Details
- Foreign visitors: ₹600/- per person
- Children below 15 years: Free entry
- Entry charges may apply to designated monuments or heritage areas.
- Visitors should check the applicable ticket rules at the time of their visit.
Note: Entry fees and monument rules can change, so travellers should confirm the current charges before visiting.
Mahabalipuram Tour Itinerary
Rajamanickam Tours and Travels offers flexible sightseeing schedules from Chennai. Choose a morning, late-morning or afternoon departure according to your travel plans.
- 7:00 AM: Pickup from Chennai City and start the journey to Mahabalipuram.
- 8:00 AM: Breakfast break at your preferred location. (Breakfast at own cost)
- 9:00 AM: Visit the magnificent Shore Temple.
- 9:30 AM: Enjoy a short visit to Mahabalipuram Beach.
- 10:15 AM: Explore the historic Five Rathas.
- 10:45 AM: Visit Mahishamardini Cave and Mahabalipuram Lighthouse.
- 11:15 AM: Explore the famous rock relief of Arjuna’s Penance.
- 11:30 AM: Visit the iconic Krishna’s Butter Ball.
- 12:00 PM: Complete Mahabalipuram sightseeing and begin the return journey to Chennai.
- 2:00 PM: Arrive in Chennai and drop off at your preferred city location.
Plan 1 Highlights
- 🚐 Early morning pickup from Chennai
- 🛕 Covers the major Mahabalipuram monuments
- 🍽️ Convenient breakfast break
- 🌊 Includes a visit to Mahabalipuram Beach
- 📸 Plenty of opportunities for sightseeing and photography
- 🏙️ Convenient same-day return to Chennai
- 9:00 AM: Pickup from Chennai City and begin the journey to Mahabalipuram.
- 11:00 AM: Visit the iconic Shore Temple.
- 11:30 AM: Spend some time at Mahabalipuram Beach and enjoy the coastal views.
- 12:15 PM: Explore the historic Five Rathas.
- 12:45 PM: Visit Mahishamardini Cave and Mahabalipuram Lighthouse.
- 1:15 PM: Take a lunch break and enjoy a meal at your preferred restaurant. (Lunch at own cost)
- 2:00 PM: Visit the famous rock relief of Arjuna’s Penance.
- 2:15 PM: Explore the unique Krishna’s Butter Ball.
- 2:30 PM: Complete the Mahabalipuram sightseeing tour and start the return journey to Chennai.
- 4:30 PM: Arrive in Chennai and drop off at your preferred location.
Plan 2 Highlights
- 🚐 Comfortable morning departure from Chennai
- 🍽️ Lunch break included
- 🛕 Covers the major Mahabalipuram heritage attractions
- 👨👩👧👦 Suitable for families, groups and foreign visitors
- 🌊 Includes a visit to Mahabalipuram Beach
- 🏙️ Convenient afternoon return to Chennai
For travellers who prefer an afternoon start, Plan 3 offers a relaxed Mahabalipuram sightseeing experience followed by an evening return to Chennai.
- 1:00 PM: Pickup from Chennai City and depart for Mahabalipuram.
- 3:00 PM: Visit the iconic Shore Temple.
- 3:30 PM: Enjoy the scenic surroundings of Mahabalipuram Beach.
- 4:15 PM: Explore the historic Five Rathas.
- 4:45 PM: Visit Mahishamardini Cave and Mahabalipuram Lighthouse.
- 5:15 PM: Explore the impressive rock carvings at Arjuna’s Penance.
- 5:30 PM: Visit the famous Krishna’s Butter Ball.
- 6:00 PM: Complete the sightseeing tour and begin the return journey to Chennai.
- 8:00 PM: Arrive in Chennai and drop off at your preferred city location.
Flexible Itinerary: The timings may be adjusted depending on traffic conditions, monument visiting hours and the group’s sightseeing preferences.
Chennai to Mahabalipuram Tour Package Price
Choose from different AC car options depending on your group size and comfort requirements.
| Car Type | Package Price |
|---|---|
| Swift Dzire AC Car | ₹3,800/- |
| Etios AC Car | ₹4,000/- |
| Ertiga AC Car | ₹5,500/- |
| Innova AC Car | ₹5,500/- |
| Innova Crysta AC Car | ₹6,000/- |
Package inclusions and additional charges should be confirmed at the time of booking. Monument entry fees, food and other personal expenses may be separate unless specifically mentioned.
- Convenient Chennai pickup and drop
- Comfortable AC car options
- Experienced drivers
- Flexible sightseeing plans
- Suitable for families and foreign tourists
- Major Mahabalipuram attractions covered
- Same-day return to Chennai
- Customised itinerary options
Book Today – Mahabalipuram Tour Package from Chennai
Experience the heritage, architecture and coastal beauty of Mahabalipuram with a convenient Chennai-to-Mahabalipuram sightseeing package.
Whether you are a family, couple, group of friends or international traveller, Rajamanickam Tours and Travels can arrange a comfortable AC car with an experienced driver.
📞 Book Your Mahabalipuram Tour Today
Rajamanickam Tours and Travels
+91 9841862359
+91 9176070718
Plan your Chennai to Mahabalipuram Tour Package and explore the magnificent Shore Temple, Five Rathas, Arjuna’s Penance, Krishna’s Butter Ball, Mahishamardini Cave, Lighthouse and Mahabalipuram Beach in one memorable trip.
