Plan Harmony

Itinerary
This is a typical itinerary for this product

Stop At: Pancha Rathas, Kancheepuram District, Mahabalipuram 603104 India

We reach the World Heritage Site of Mahabalipuram. Panch Rathas, or the 5 chariots is our first destination. These are rock cut monolith structures, where of the chariots are dedicated to the lead cast of the Mahabharata epic- Draupadi, Arjuna, Nakul-Sahadeva, Bhima and Yudhister. There is also a sculpture of an elephant next to the ratha of Nakul-Sahadeva.

Duration: 20 minutes

Stop At: Pancha Pandava Cave, West Raja Street, Mahabalipuram India

Pandava cave is the largest cave-temple at Mahabalipuram The cave is supported on six pillars and two pilasters. There are 3 spectacular sculptures of mythical creatures called Yali on the pillars.

Duration: 15 minutes

Stop At: Arjuna's Penance, West Raja Street Near Ganesha Ratha, Mahabalipuram 603104 India

We next visit Arjuna’s Penace, a bas-relief monument that’s considered one of India’s most magnificent pieces of ancient art, depicting vivid scenes from the Mahabharata. The relief is 100 feet long and 45 feet tall! The main story being told is how Arjuna, one of the Pandava brothers, performed severe austerities in order to obtain Lord Shiva's weapon.

Duration: 20 minutes

Stop At: Krishna's Butter Ball, E Raja St, Mahabalipuram 603104 India

The next stop is Krishna’s Butterball, a granite boulder that’s poised on a stony slope. This curious boulder seems to defy Newton's laws of gravity and has not moved an inch despite being in this precarious position on the slope for more than a thousand years.

Duration: 15 minutes

Stop At: Varaha Cave Temple, Kancheepuram District, Mahabalipuram India

The Varaha cave is carved out of huge piece of granite and dates back to the 7th century. This temple took several decades to be completed. There are squatting lions adorning the pillars which support the hall. Another highlight are the sculptures of two guardian angels who protect the sanctum.

Duration: 20 minutes

Stop At: Trimurti Cave, Mahabalipuram India

This cave is a fine example of the spectacular architecture style of the Pallavas. The rock cut temple is dedicated to the holy trinity of Hindu Gods- Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva. There are fine carvings of elephants as well.

Duration: 20 minutes

Stop At: Ganesh Ratha Temple, Near Arjuna Penance, Mahabalipuram India

This is a imposing chariot carved out of a single stone. Originally dedicated to Lord Shiva, it now has the deity of his son Lord Ganesh. It was built in the 7th century by King Mahendravarman I. The other highlight of this temple are the 18 inscriptions in ancient grantha and nagari scripts of Sanskrit.

Duration: 15 minutes

Stop At: Old Light House, J58R+HMQ, Mahabalipuram, Tamil Nadu 603104, India

Built in the year 640, it is India's oldest light house and one of the oldest in the world. Mahabalipuram was a very busy port since the 7th century and hence this lighthouse played a significant role in keeping mariners safe.

Duration: 20 minutes

Stop At: Mahishasura Mardini cave, J58R+MP2, Mahabalipuram, Tamil Nadu 603104, India

This cave has 2 imposing bas-reliefs on the walls. The first one is Lord Vishnu sleeping on top of the coils of a serpent. The other is with Goddess Durga fighting with the demon Mahishasura on a lion.

Duration: 15 minutes

Stop At: Shore Temple Rd, Mahabalipuram 603104 India

Our last port of call is the Shore Temple. The magnificent temple overlooks the Bay of Bengal and was an important centre during the reign of the Pallavas when Mahabalipuram was the main port of their Kingdom. Built by King Raja Simha during the early 8th century, the Shore Temple is a landmark in the architectural landscape of India. Marco Polo referred to this as the seven pagodas. The existing temple is the last surviving of the 7 which once stood as a beacon for sea farers.

Duration: 20 minutes

• Professional guide
• Entry/Admission - Trimurti Cave
• Entry/Admission - Ganesh Ratha Temple
• Entry/Admission - Krishna's Butter Ball
• Entry/Admission - Shore Temple
• Entry/Admission - Arjuna's Penance
• Entry/Admission - Varaha Cave Temple
• Entry/Admission - Pancha Rathas
• Entry/Admission - Pancha Pandava Cave
• Entry/Admission - Mahishasura Mardini cave
• Entry/Admission - Old Light House

• Entrance charges

• Not wheelchair accessible
• Near public transportation
• Most travelers can participate
• Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
• Social distancing enforced throughout experience
• Regularly sanitized high-traffic areas
• Gear/equipment sanitized between use
• Transportation vehicles regularly sanitized
• Guides required to regularly wash hands
• Paid stay-at-home policy for staff with symptoms
• Contactless payments for gratuities and add-ons
• This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
• This tour/activity will have a maximum of 15 travelers
• Confirmation will be received at time of booking

You can present either a paper or an electronic voucher for this activity.

See Availability

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