A heritage trip to Tamil Nadu is incomplete without a visit to Mahabalipuram, an ancient port city known for its rock-cut architecture and stunning monuments. Nestled along the Coromandel Coast, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is a treasure trove of artistic and architectural brilliance, and what a stunningly beautiful drive!
Before we start with what to see and do when in Mahabalipuram, it's important to know how to get there. Budget travellers may rejoice because there are plenty of bus services from Chennai to Mahabalipuram and vice-versa at regular intervals. The bus ride takes just an hour and a half. If bus travel is not your cup of tea, and you seek a quieter and fuss-free trip, there are a number of cabs available that you can easily book via ride-sharing services. The ride to Mahabalipuram is just an hour and a half (58 kilometres). The cab drops passengers right outside the entrance gate. Pick-up is as easy as the drop.