About Mahabalipuram
Once a working Pallava port on the Coromandel coast. Rock-cut caves, monolithic rathas and the salt-weathered Shore Temple are what remain.
Best Time to Visit
November to February
Coastal humidity is at its lowest. The Mamallapuram Dance Festival in Jan/Feb is a huge cultural draw.
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Plan your visit
Stay, fly, or ride to Mahabalipuram, Tamil Nadu
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Travel Tips
- Visit the Five Rathas complex
- Check out Krishna's Butter Ball
- Try the local stone carving workshops
How to Reach Mahabalipuram
Mahabalipuram is located in Tamil Nadu, India at coordinates 12.6269°N, 80.1927°E. You can reach Mahabalipuram by air (nearest airport in Tamil Nadu), train, or road. Use YatraJunction's free fare calculator to compare live train, bus and flight prices, and to build an AI-powered itinerary tailored to your budget and travel dates.
How to reach Mahabalipuram from major cities
Mahabalipuram from Chennai
~64 km by road- Train (Sleeper Class) ₹110 · 1h 52m
- State Bus (Deluxe) ₹140 · 1h 41m
- Train (3AC) ₹400 · 1h 47m
- Outstation Cab (Sedan) ₹1,135 · 1h 25m
Cheapest: Train (Sleeper Class) (₹110) · Fastest: Outstation Cab (Sedan) (1h 25m).
Mahabalipuram from Bengaluru
~355 km by road- Train (Sleeper Class) ₹240 · 6h 57m
- Train (3AC) ₹640 · 6h 26m
- State Bus (Deluxe) ₹650 · 7h 30m
- Outstation Cab (Sedan) ₹4,920 · 6h 43m
Cheapest: Train (Sleeper Class) (₹240) · Fastest: Train (3AC) (6h 26m).
Mahabalipuram from Hyderabad
~700 km by road- Train (Sleeper Class) ₹420 · 12h 58m
- Train (3AC) ₹1,085 · 11h 57m
- Volvo AC Bus ₹1,900 · 13h 7m
- Outstation Cab (Sedan) ₹9,400 · 12h 58m
Cheapest: Train (Sleeper Class) (₹420) · Fastest: Train (3AC) (11h 57m).
Mahabalipuram from Pune
~1179 km by road- Train (3AC) ₹1,710 · 19h 37m
- Train (2AC) ₹2,475 · 19h 37m
- Volvo AC Bus ₹3,145 · 21h 50m
- Flight (Economy) ₹6,445 · 4h 13m
Cheapest: Train (3AC) (₹1,710) · Fastest: Flight (Economy) (4h 13m).
Mahabalipuram from Mumbai
~1326 km by road- Train (3AC) ₹1,900 · 21h 58m
- Train (2AC) ₹2,755 · 21h 58m
- Volvo AC Bus ₹3,530 · 24h 31m
- Flight (Economy) ₹6,975 · 4h 26m
Cheapest: Train (3AC) (₹1,900) · Fastest: Flight (Economy) (4h 26m).
Mahabalipuram from Kolkata
~1755 km by road- Train (3AC) ₹2,455 · 28h 50m
- Train (2AC) ₹3,555 · 28h 50m
- Flight (Economy) ₹8,515 · 5h 3m
Cheapest: Train (3AC) (₹2,455) · Fastest: Flight (Economy) (5h 3m).
Fares are indicative estimates based on distance — verify with the operator before booking.
Planning Your Visit to Mahabalipuram
Mahabalipuram lies in Tamil Nadu, India, and ranks among the state’s most-visited heritage destinations. The nearest major city and transport gateway is Chennai, roughly 51 km away — most travellers route through Chennai by air or rail before continuing on to Mahabalipuram. Time your trip for November to February for the most comfortable weather.
Visitors from United States are eligible for India’s e-Tourist Visa — apply online a few days before you fly. all on-site costs are in Indian Rupees (₹); use the currency converter above to see each ticket tier in your home currency.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the best time to visit Mahabalipuram?
- The best time to visit Mahabalipuram is November to February. Coastal humidity is at its lowest. The Mamallapuram Dance Festival in Jan/Feb is a huge cultural draw.
- What are the top travel tips for Mahabalipuram?
- Visit the Five Rathas complex. Check out Krishna's Butter Ball. Try the local stone carving workshops.
- Where is Mahabalipuram located?
- Mahabalipuram is in Tamil Nadu, India, at 12.6269° N, 80.1927° E. The nearest major city and transport hub is Chennai, about 51 km away.
- What are the best places to visit near Mahabalipuram?
- Top attractions near Mahabalipuram include Kamakshi Amman Temple (about 58 km away), French Quarter and Auroville (about 87 km away), Tirupati Balaji Temple (about 149 km away) — all easy to combine on a Tamil Nadu trip.
- How to reach Mahabalipuram from Chennai?
- Mahabalipuram is about 64 km from Chennai. Options include Train (Sleeper Class) (~₹110, 1h 52m), State Bus (Deluxe) (~₹140, 1h 41m), Train (3AC) (~₹400, 1h 47m). The cheapest is usually Train (Sleeper Class) (~₹110) and the fastest is Outstation Cab (Sedan) (1h 25m). Fares are indicative — verify with the operator before booking.
- How to reach Mahabalipuram from Bengaluru?
- Mahabalipuram is about 355 km from Bengaluru. Options include Train (Sleeper Class) (~₹240, 6h 57m), Train (3AC) (~₹640, 6h 26m), State Bus (Deluxe) (~₹650, 7h 30m). The cheapest is usually Train (Sleeper Class) (~₹240) and the fastest is Train (3AC) (6h 26m). Fares are indicative — verify with the operator before booking.
- How to reach Mahabalipuram from Hyderabad?
- Mahabalipuram is about 700 km from Hyderabad. Options include Train (Sleeper Class) (~₹420, 12h 58m), Train (3AC) (~₹1,085, 11h 57m), Volvo AC Bus (~₹1,900, 13h 7m). The cheapest is usually Train (Sleeper Class) (~₹420) and the fastest is Train (3AC) (11h 57m). Fares are indicative — verify with the operator before booking.
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