Chennai (Madras) Tours
Private Tour of Mahabalipuram from Chennai by car with guide and lunch
5

Private Tour of Mahabalipuram from Chennai by car with guide and lunch

By Five Senses Tours
Recommended by 99% of travellers
99% of reviewers gave this product a bubble rating of 4 or higher.
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About
Lowest price guaranteeReserve now & pay laterFree cancellation

Ages 0-80
Duration: 7h
Start time: Check availability
Mobile ticket
Live guide: English
More


  • Professional tour guide
  • Lunch
  • Entrance charges
  • Pick and drop to Chennai hotel
  • Entry/Admission - Pancha Rathas
  • Entry/Admission - Arjuna's Penance
  • Entry/Admission - Pancha Pandava Cave
  • Entry/Admission - Krishna's Butter Ball
  • Entry/Admission - Varaha Cave Temple
  • Entry/Admission - Trimurti Cave
  • Entry/Admission - Mahabalipuram
  • Entry/Admission - Mahabalipuram
  • Entry/Admission - Mahishasuramardini Cave
What's not included
  • Beverages


Start:Multiple pickup locations offered.
    Pickup details
    • Pick up from all hotels in Chennai
    Hotel pickup offered
    During checkout you will be able to select from the list of included hotels.
      Port pickup offered
      During checkout you will be able to select from the list of included ports.
      • CHENNAI PORT, 37MV+M95, Chennai Port Trust, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600001, India
      End:This activity ends back at the meeting point.

        • Not wheelchair accessible
        • Near public transportation
        If you have questions about accessibility, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 18983P8

        • Confirmation will be received at time of booking
        • Most travellers can participate
        • This is a private tour/activity. Only your group will participate

        • For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.

        If you have questions about this tour or need help making your booking, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 18983P8

        From
        ₹9,465.34
        per adult (price varies by group size)
        Select date and travellers

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        About the operator
        Don’t take it from us – here’s what people have to say about this operator:
        • Five Senses Tours
          915
          India
          Joined in February 2016
        • Falcarragh13
          0 contributions
          5.0 of 5 bubbles
          Mysteries at the Museum - in India
          If you have ever seen the US TV Show Mysteries at the Museum, that is kind of what you can expect from this tour. My guide, Kannan, was able to share incredible background and details about so many of the wonders I saw this past Saturday. Not just at the sites, but driving around all day, he shared great details and insights about things we were passing or were passing us. They let me sleep in the car, and then filled me in on what I may have missed. But, really, the best part was that, while people were casually walking past some amazing artifacts, Kannan had the details. There were many times other people would stand within earshot so they could hear what he was sharing. I get the impression that all of the people that work for the company are very similar to Kannan - that they take their roles as ambassadors for India very seriously. I would wholeheartedly recommend this tour!
          Written 7 October 2024
        • rchelwlk
          0 contributions
          5.0 of 5 bubbles
          I highly recommend
          Very informative and fun way to explore this incredibly historic town and it‘s wonderful temples. I highly recommend.
          Written 3 October 2024
        • PAGB1st
          0 contributions
          5.0 of 5 bubbles
          One of the most informative tours that I have been on.
          This tour is a long day, but worth every minute! Kannan was very knowledgeable, I learned so much. I could tell that he paid close attention to my interests and curiosities, and used that information to highlight certain areas of the tour. Another bonus of this tour is that there is also a driver, which allowed Kannan to be free to answer any questions or point out sights as we were driving from location to location. I didn't really feel like a tourist, on this tour. I felt as if I spent the day with a friend who was showing me life in Chennai. I highly recommend this tour!
          Written 1 October 2024
        • 352conniea
          0 contributions
          5.0 of 5 bubbles
          Five senses fully engaged
          First, Kannan made sure we were comfortable throughout the trip by offering rest breaks and water on this very hot day. His history introductions were very educational and made me appreciate Indian innovation. His discussions were interactive and asked us to questions to connect what I know today to the rock carvings. I learned that even back then, the world was connected thru trade and exchanged ideas as shown by the carving styles. Having lunch was also an experience, he taught us how to combine the flavors. Next time, I am looking forward to exploring another part of India with a tour.
          Written 29 September 2024
        • Marie R
          0 contributions
          5.0 of 5 bubbles
          Amazing guide, no rush, amazing knowledge
          It was a unique experience with an amazing guide that took his time to answer all my questions and explains everything! Thank you Hareesh for that amazing last day of my trip!
          Written 17 September 2024
        • Paradise23431479984
          0 contributions
          5.0 of 5 bubbles
          Chennai Trade - Suppliers servicing the city
          The flower and food markets were next level, out of this world as were the friendly people at the markets and stalls. Lunch was a cultural experience, particularly the nettle leave dessert. Nichee was a brilliant guide sharing his knowledge of the area and local culture. A bucket list must do experience.
          Written 14 September 2024
        • Guide48998970484
          0 contributions
          4.0 of 5 bubbles
          Tamilnadu-Enjoyed a lot
          The views were so amazing as we friends took many photos and there are many great places to visit in Tamilnadu as you need time that's it
          Written 14 September 2024
        • jggimblett
          0 contributions
          5.0 of 5 bubbles
          A taste of Chennai.
          Fantastic day experiencing the sights, sounds and highlights of Chennai. Our guide Kannan provided a comprehensive history of each temple or point of interest we visited. A lunch stop to taste southern Indian cuisine topped off an enjoyable day.
          Written 14 September 2024
        • Scenic51444304182
          0 contributions
          5.0 of 5 bubbles
          Not too push and other unwant product
          We book a day tour from 5 Sense Walks (Product code: 104659) to explore the interesting sites around Chennai city yesterday. The transportation they provided is excellent, the car is tidy and clean, driver smart dressed, service code followed, comfortable ride through out the journey. Kannan the tour guide was very friendly,polite,and we are being well look after. Thanks to his professional good introduction and description, we had a better knowledge about Hindu temple culture and history. Great service and will definitely use this operator again for the next visit. With offices all over India, shouldn't hard to choose a good sightseeing tour.Highly recommended!
          Written 11 September 2024
        • luispR1448XP
          0 contributions
          5.0 of 5 bubbles
          Excellent experience.
          It was a great experience. I was in Chennai for a congress and in a free day I took the tour with 5 Senses to Kanchipuram. Everything was fine. The car was ready for us even we were told. Our guide was exceptional. He explain everything very nicely. We visited two temples and a silk factory. Lunch was included in an Indian restaurant. A great experience, I would recomend it! Luis
          Written 10 September 2024
        • Getaway49392661831
          0 contributions
          5.0 of 5 bubbles
          A great day out in Chennai
          Nivi was very organised and punctual. She did an excellent job of showing a variety of places around Chennai, explaining things well. I appreciated that she was flexible in doing what interested me personally. Also she was very kind in helping me with suggestions for my stay in Chennai. I highly recommend her as a tour guide and 5 Senses for their service and excellent communication.
          Written 9 September 2024
        • Climber38671671258
          0 contributions
          5.0 of 5 bubbles
          Bringing Chennai Alive To Me
          I had a fantastic experience with Hardeesh today. He made Chennai come alive for me. He is super knowledgeable with a personality that keeps you smiling the whole day. He supplied me with treats the entire day and even bought me a book explaining some of the topics that we were discussing. I highly recommend touring with Hardeesh. I look forward to coming back to Chennai and working with my new friend.
          Written 1 September 2024
        • na_am766
          0 contributions
          5.0 of 5 bubbles
          Authentic experience from Chennai
          I sincerely recommend this experience. We had the pleasure of being guided by a very professional guide who provided detailed and engaging commentary. The atmosphere was pleasant, and the guide's excellent knowledge greatly enhanced the overall experience. After the tour, we enjoyed a very good and tasty lunch, which was a perfect ending to the day. Definitely worth a visit and experience!
          Written 1 September 2024
        • michaelcF9312BW
          0 contributions
          5.0 of 5 bubbles
          A perfect mix of Chennai experiences
          The tour was far better than expected. Great guide and driver. We went to multiple places across Chennai and had an excellent lunch too. Will do again when I’m back in Chennai.
          Written 1 September 2024
        • Vickva
          0 contributions
          5.0 of 5 bubbles
          Wonderful day out to Pondi
          The guide Hareesh was so friendly and professional! Highly appreciated his services and the friendly driver🙏. Great company and defintely superb services from this travel agency🌺 highly recommended!
          Written 28 August 2024
        See all 915 reviews
        These reviews are the subjective opinions of Tripadvisor members and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

        Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

        Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

        Popular mentions

        5.0
        5.0 of 5 bubbles229 reviews
        Excellent
        220
        Very good
        8
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        1
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        0
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        0

        These reviews have been automatically translated from their original language.
        This service may contain translations provided by Google. Google disclaims all warranties, express or implied, with respect to translations, including any warranties of accuracy, reliability, and any implied warranties of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, and freedom from forgery.

        miomiomiomio
        Sapporo, Japan66 contributions
        5.0 of 5 bubbles
        Apr 2024 • Family
        Mahabalipuram was a much more wonderful place than I imagined. I think it is one of the world's leading historical sites. It is difficult to visit by public transportation, so I recommend visiting with a tour like this. This tour was a 3-person tour with a driver, an accompanying guide, and a local guide, and although I thought it was a bit too much for us, it was a very thorough service. The explanation of the historical site was very detailed and interesting, but I think it would be more enjoyable if you understand the basics of the Mahabharata and Hindu gods before going. Although it was written that water was not included in the price, they provided us with a bottle of water. They also lent us a parasol (April is a particularly hot season, so a parasol is essential!). For lunch, we went to an Indian restaurant chain that also has branches overseas, and they helped us choose a menu that suited our appetite. I felt that the price was a little high due to the weak yen, but I think the service was safe, secure, friendly, and reliable.
        Google
        Written 16 April 2024
        This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

        Pravin O
        2 contributions
        5.0 of 5 bubbles
        Jan 2020
        So we did a 2 days trip with 5 Senses Tours starting from Chennai. First day we went to Mahabalipuram. Our guide was mr. Satish. Satish was a really nice guide, who knows a lot about the place and who takes the time to explain everything. We had really good conversations with Satish, even regarding food, politics, nice places to visit in south india, the economics of India. If you need a guide, i would truly recommend Satish!

        Our second day we went to Kanchipuram and visited a Silk Saree shop. The Silk Saree shop wasn't really something i personally would recommend visiting but if you're interested it could be worth having a look.

        Communication with the head office went very well. The replied really quick. To conclude: I would really recommend your trips with 5 Senses Tours. I know who to contact next time :-)
        Written 27 January 2020
        This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
        Hello! I am glad you enjoyed the tour of Chennai ass well as Kanchipuram with Satish. It was a great experience hosting you!
        Written 16 February 2020
        This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

        Derek D
        1 contribution
        5.0 of 5 bubbles
        Jan 2024 • Couples
        We had a great time on this tour. Driver picked us up on time from the hotel and we arrived at Mahabalipuram on schedule.

        Our tour guide Ramesh was very knowledgeable and patient. He allowed us flexibility with regards to how long we wanted to stay at certain locations, and taught us a lot about Hindu mythology and the history of the Pallavas. The archeological sites were fascinating but his commentary was needed to get the full experience. He was a great photo taker as well! Lunch was at a great veg place. Finally, the biggest perk of this tour was not having to deal with admission fees and transportation to each site which could be overwhelming due to long lines and the sweltering heat.

        The final stop at the stone carving shop was very interesting and a fun place to get a souvenir. I'm pretty sure the rock art was extremely overpriced, but with some haggling you can talk them down to not get fleeced as much. That is to be expected on any tour, however, and there was no pressure to buy anything.

        All in all it was a great experience, and we would definitely do it again.
        Written 26 January 2024
        This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

        Avigyan Dutta
        7 contributions
        5.0 of 5 bubbles
        Nov 2022 • Friends
        Great tour by a great guide. Kannan was extremely knowledgeable and made us discover corners that we would not do on our own. For a place like Mahabalipuram, it is very important for your visit to be supplemented by the right dose of history and local context, which was there in abundance on this tour. He also kept the sensibilities and needs of our group (Indians, Germans and Tunisians with an infant) in mind while guiding us. This included clean restroom stops (of huge importance while exploring India), photographs at the right spots, shopping tips, delicious food stops and accurate timings in terms of traffic and crowd. Kannan and his driver also made it very smooth for us to pack and unpack our little one in the baby carrier every time we got off the car and climbed the stairs. A massive thumbs up!
        Written 2 November 2022
        This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

        Fearless04555074194
        25 contributions
        5.0 of 5 bubbles
        Sept 2023 • Business
        Ganesh picked us up from the hotel and was so accommodating from start to finish. He was friendly, helpful and made us feel very relaxed and safe throughout the whole day!

        He even surprised us with the option of visiting an extra beach on the way where we saw lovely surfers in the morning and could take some great photos.

        We then went to meet Ramesh who Ganesh had partnered with, as they partner with a local guide who can give great detailed information about the history and cultural meaning of the sites. They both took us from place to place in an air conditioned car, buying all the tickets making it stress free for us. They even had brought an umbrella for us encase it got too hot!

        At each stop Ramesh would give us a tour himself and talk through the history and how it was created and then gave us plenty of time to take our own photos and wonder.

        The extra additional stops to see how the stone carving is done on a large scale and a small scale, as well as stopping for a traditional coffee meant that we were always excited about what is next.

        The lunch that Ganesh had planned was lovely with local cuisine, with him talking us through each part and how to eat the dish in the right order!

        The last stop of a Jain temple was beautiful and an excellent finish to the day!

        Would definitely recommend this tour, thank you so much, you made it so special for us!
        Written 16 September 2023
        This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

        BL
        1 contribution
        5.0 of 5 bubbles
        Jul 2022 • Friends
        We had a great tour of Mahabalipuram with Kannan. He struck a good balance of sharing the history and the significance of the beautiful monuments and temples. Also the Five Senses team were extremely flexible and accommodating of our requests even at the last minute. I would 100% recommend to anyone looking for a quality cultural immersion experience in Chennai.
        Written 1 August 2022
        This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
        Thanks so much for this opportunity to host you. Its great to hear that you enjoyed today's tour to world heritage site of Mahabalipuram with kannan. It was our pleasure hosting you.
        Written 3 August 2022
        This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

        asuarezt1306
        Lepe, Spain4 contributions
        4.0 of 5 bubbles
        May 2022
        Excellent and different. After one week visiting Hindu temples all around Tamil Nadur state, this, our last experience was different. Places by the seaside, this was a stone carved monument very different than any other we have seen.

        My only concern was obviously related with high temperature this time of the year, and also a minor complain related to an attitude that may be common in that remote area without much foreigners, guides some time try to move away local visitors from the sites best view points to give that benefit to us, the foreigner, un sometimes it seems, at least for Europeans, unpolite to locals
        Written 12 May 2022
        This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

        Jonathan M
        3 contributions
        5.0 of 5 bubbles
        Oct 2023 • Business
        We decided to reschedule our business meetings and take a tour of Mahabalipuram with Five Senses after enjoying a wonderful day in Chennai with our guide Kannan. The trip was truly memorable - not only because the sites are incredibly beautiful but due to Kannan's engaging and personal approach. Five Senses clearly has a love for these destinations, a pride for its warm and friendly community and a passion for showcasing what makes India a place like no other. Kannan was attentive to what aspects of the tour were most compelling to us and made sure to tailor our itinerary accordingly.

        I cannot wait to return and Chennai next year and will no doubt schedule our tour with Kannan. Do not settle for an ordinary canned touring experience - take advantage of Five Senses! - JM from NJ, USA
        Written 20 October 2023
        This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

        Matt FOWKES
        Singapore, Singapore18 contributions
        5.0 of 5 bubbles
        Apr 2022 • Solo
        The driver turned up promptly at the agreed meeting time and was very friendly and knowledgeable. He even stopped and introduced me to plum fruit from a roadside vendor. The guide Ramesh clearly knew his stuff and was a superb host and picture taker. The tour organisers were constantly in touch to make sure everything was going smoothly and overall I had great day out and a fantastic time.
        Written 23 April 2022
        This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

        MZSpittles
        Cairo, Egypt17 contributions
        5.0 of 5 bubbles
        Feb 2023 • Solo
        Wonderful day tour! As a solo female traveller the team very fantastic, very friendly and took care of everything. Specials thanks to Ganesh for collecting me from the hotel and looking after me throughout the day! The guide was very knowledgeable and took the time to explain the history of every site visited - recommend for anyone who is looking to explore the cultural heritage of Chennai!
        Written 4 February 2023
        This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

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        Private Tour of Mahabalipuram from Chennai by car with guide and lunch provided by Five Senses Tours

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