Mahabalipuram
Shore Temples & Stone Sculptures
Tempo Traveller, Force Urbania & outstation cab hire from Bangalore to Mahabalipuram — driven by experienced local drivers.
Book a Custom Bangalore to Mahabalipuram Road Trip
Mahabalipuram (Mamallapuram) is one of the most remarkable ancient sites in South India. The 7th–8th century Pallava dynasty carved extraordinary monuments directly from granite boulders and rock faces here — the Shore Temple, Arjuna's Penance (the world's largest bas-relief), Five Rathas, and the Mahishasuramardini Cave are standout treasures. The site sits right on the Coromandel Coast, with the shore temple literally rising from the beach.
Photo Gallery
Things to Do
Shore Temple at Sunrise
Arjuna's Penance Bas-Relief
Five Rathas Complex
Mahabalipuram Beach
Stone Carving Workshops
Tiger Cave & Crocodile Park
Travel Tips
Visit the Shore Temple at sunrise — the light on the stone is extraordinary.
Combine with a day trip to Chennai for a 2-day itinerary.
The town has excellent seafood — try local prawn curry.
Watch local sculptors at work in the town's many stone-carving workshops.
The Ultimate Bangalore to Mahabalipuram Road Trip Guide
The Route — Bangalore to Mahabalipuram
The Bangalore to Mahabalipuram road trip is around 340 km, taking 5–6 hours. You drive east via Vellore and Kanchipuram towards Chennai, then join the scenic East Coast Road (ECR) down to the shore temples of Mahabalipuram. Smooth highways make this an easy one-day coastal drive.
Road Conditions & Safety
The route is largely fast expressway, with the main attention needed around Chennai's busy approaches and the ECR's coastal traffic. A Pinaka driver navigates the city stretches and keeps the long highway drive safe and comfortable.
Vehicle Pairing for Families
For a family heritage-and-beach trip, the 12-seater Tempo Traveller or Force Urbania offers AC relief from the coastal heat, room to relax, and luggage space for a relaxed Coromandel coast tour.
Best Pit Stops Along the Way
Stop for breakfast around Vellore and explore the silk-weaving town of Kanchipuram on the way. A coffee break before joining the ECR sets you up for the final coastal run.
Frequently Asked Questions about Mahabalipuram
The best time to visit Mahabalipuram is November – March.
Mahabalipuram is approximately 340 km from Bangalore. 340 km from Bangalore via Chennai on ECR. Drive approx 5–6 hrs.
A typical trip to Mahabalipuram takes 1–2 Days.
Popular experiences in Mahabalipuram include Shore Temple at Sunrise, Arjuna's Penance Bas-Relief, Five Rathas Complex, Mahabalipuram Beach, Stone Carving Workshops, Tiger Cave & Crocodile Park.
₹40 (Indians) / ₹600 (Foreigners)
By road: 340 km from Bangalore via Chennai on ECR. Drive approx 5–6 hrs. By rail: Chennai Central (55 km). Regular trains from Bangalore then bus/cab. By air: Chennai International Airport (55 km).
The Bangalore to Mahabalipuram road trip is about 340 km and takes roughly 5–6 hours via Vellore, Kanchipuram, Chennai and the East Coast Road.
Yes, Pinaka offers Tempo Traveller hire from Bangalore to Mahabalipuram — a 12-seater Tempo Traveller or Force Urbania with an experienced driver for the round trip.
For a Mahabalipuram family trip, the Force Urbania or 12-seater Tempo Traveller is ideal, with AC comfort and luggage space for the coastal heritage tour.
Your Ride Awaits
No agents, no markups — book directly with the fleet owner who personally drives you across South India.
Avinash T
Licensed Tour Guide & Travel Operator
With over 15 years of experience exploring South India's hidden gems and iconic destinations, Avinash provides personalized, safe, and memorable journeys tailored to every traveller's dream. Fluent in English, Hindi, Tamil, Kannada, and Malayalam.
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