Private Cultural Tour: Day Trip to Mahabalipuram and Dakshinachitra from Chennai
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Private Cultural Tour: Day Trip to Mahabalipuram and Dakshinachitra from Chennai
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Private Cultural Tour: Day Trip to Mahabalipuram and Dakshinachitra from Chennai

1 day
Private
Full Day
About this activity
After pickup from your hotel in the morning, your private guide will take you by air-conditioned vehicle to the village of Dakshinachitra, located about 18 miles (29 km) outside of Chennai. Spend approximately 45 minutes in Dakshinachitra, meaning ‘A Picture of the South,’ which preserves the traditional Dravidian way of life.

See traditional Indian homes, explore the open-air museum, and visit the artisan workshops to learn about the Dravidian crafts of several regions in South India including Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh – a great activity for kids. Here, you may see traditional theater performances as well as local craftsmen making pottery and baskets, weaving silk and building puppets.

Then, drive approximately 14.5 miles (23.3 km) to Mahabalipuram, or what is now called Mamallapuram. This UNESCO World Heritage-listed city is full of rock-cut monuments built between the 7th and 9th centuries. These structures, most of which were built to honor Hindu gods, are some of the oldest existing examples of Dravidian architecture.

With your guide, visit several cave temples and sculpted reliefs including Five Rathas, Arjuna Dhabas, Krishna Mandap, Krishna Butterball and Shore Temple. Your guide will point out the Buddhist elements of these impressive structures and explain the historical significance of the sites you pass.

In between sightseeing, enjoy an authentic Indian lunch at a nearby restaurant in Mahabalipuram. After your full-day tour, you’ll be driven back to your Chennai hotel in the evening.
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Included
  • Local English-speaking guide
  • Lunch
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off
  • Transport by air-conditioned vehicle
  • Entry/Admission - Monuments at Mahabalipuram
  • Entry/Admission - Sea Shore Temple
  • Entry/Admission - Arjuna's Penance
  • Entry/Admission - Krishna Mandapam
  • Entry/Admission - Krishna's Butter Ball
Not included
  • Gratuities
Additional
  • Confirmation will be received at time of booking
  • A moderate amount of walking is involved; comfortable walking shoes are recommended
  • Please advise any specific dietary requirements at time of booking
  • This is a private tour/activity. Only your group will participate
Features
Tourism
100%
Cultural
75%
Reviews
4.4
12
H
Haleemah B
3 | 2017-08-01

The places were nice but the guide was in hurry and wasn't explaining much. We were running around after him!! I have to ask him for information about the things we sow! I wish I had more time at the heritage village!!

L
Lorraine S
4 | 2017-01-20

Enjoyed the tour although a little shorter than advertised. Our guide was knowledgible and driver was good. Lunch was included and our guide made an effort to find a menu to suit our needs. Thought it was a little expensive at 125 USD plus tips.

g
gary w
5 | 2016-11-18

Excellent tour and knowledgeable guide.

C
Curtis W
5 | 2016-05-16

Guides were prompt, professional and spoke very good English. Very knowledgeable and flexible around stopping at sights on the way to and from the temples.

C
Coleen N G
5 | 2015-03-11

Guide was super friendly and very knowledgeable. Especially good if you don't have much time in Chennai, but want to get a taste of something other than the city itself. We are glad we did it.

P
Peter R
5 | 2014-01-02

Very nice en compete tour! Very nice and friendly guide! Nice restaurant, no problems, thank you!

Anonymous
Anonymous

Chennai

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