Plan your trip · Mahabalipuram
3 perfect days in Mahabalipuram
Nearby sights each day, timed and walkable — with what to wear for the photos and where to eat every signature dish. Tap any stop for angles, hours & tips.
SeasonBest time to visit →
Trip at a glance
- Days
- 3 days
- Best season
- ❄️ Winter
- Total stops
- ~16
- Food & drink
- ₹1,505 – ₹3,590
Day 1
Arjuna's Penance & Mahabalipuram Lighthouse
5 stops8:00 AM – 7:30 PM
~3 min
Morning9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Best light: Early morning for soft, even light on the carvings and fewer people; late afternoon for warm colour on the stone.
Open access
What to wear
a short walk
~3 min
Afternoon2:00 – 4:30 PM
Best light: Late morning or afternoon on a clear day, when the haze lifts and you can see along the coast; avoid the hottest midday hour.
10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
What to wear
~3 min
Day 2
Krishna's Butterball & Shore Temple
5 stops8:00 AM – 7:30 PM
~3 min
Morning9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Best light: Late afternoon, when the low sun lights the boulder and the rock has cooled down; early morning for an empty slope.
Open access
What to wear
~3 min
a short walk
Afternoon2:00 – 4:30 PM
Best light: Sunrise, when the sun comes up over the sea behind the temple and the grounds are quiet; late afternoon for warm light on the stone.
6:00 AM – 6:00 PM
What to wear
a short walk
Day 3
Pancha Rathas
6 stops8:00 AM – 7:30 PM
a short walk
Morning9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Best light: Early morning, soon after opening, for soft light and an empty site; late afternoon for warm colour on the granite.
6:00 AM – 6:00 PM
What to wear
a short walk
- 3:00 – 4:30 PMExplore Sculpture stalls
~4 min
3-days trip · ₹1,505 – ₹3,590