Mahabalipuram Beach - Timings, How to Reach, Location

Locally referred to as Mamallapuram, Mahabalipuram is located at a distance of about 58 km from Chennai. The historical town of Mahabalipuram has made it a distinctive place for itself amongst the most popular tourist destinations in the state of Tamil Nadu. This town is one of the greatest draws for tourists in Tamil Nadu, along with which the beaches in Mahabalipuram are also famous attractions. Mahabalipuram Beach is one of the renowned beaches that are blessed with breathtaking beauty and jaw-dropping landscapes.

The coastline of Mahabalipuram stretches for a distance of about 20 km and the entire coastline is dotted with lovely beaches that are ideal for the tourists who wish to relax and rejuvenate amidst serene environs. There is plenty for any visitor to do at Mahabalipuram Beach. One can simply lie down on the golden sandy beaches and bask in the warmth of the sun. The vast stretch of the sea in front is a beautiful sight for anyone to experience and admire. This beach is ideally located amidst very picturesque surroundings.

One is indeed short of words to describe the captivating beauty of the pristine Mahabalipuram Beach. Even though you can enjoy them at any time of the year, it is best to visit the Beaches in Mahabalipuram between the months of November to February.

About Mahabalipuram Beach

With a shoreline of almost 20 km, Mahabalipuram Beach is known for its golden sandy shores and azure waters. Encompassed by sparkling sea and rolling hills, this beach is one of the longest beaches in India. There are numerous breathtaking attractions situated on the bank of the Mahabalipuram Beach comprising the rock cut temples, which overlook the Bay of Bengal.

This beach is also known for water sports including diving, windsurfing, and motor boating. It is a perfect place for sunbathing and lazing around under the sun. The swimmers and windsurfers are bound to have a great time here at the beach.

Mahabalipuram Beach is mostly known for Shore Temples, which were constructed by Rajasimha, the king of the Pallava Dynasty in the bygone era. Dance Festival is organized here by the tourism department and offers an enthralling opportunity to witness the talented artists performing with the perfect backdrop of a scintillating beach.

Type of Destination: Sightseeing and rejuvenating

Timings: 24-hours
Entry Charges: Nil
Duration: 2 – 3 hours

How to Reach Mahabalipuram Beach

Mahabalipuram Beach is situated in the proximity of Chennai, which is one of the metropolitan cities of the country. It is connected with the major cities and towns of the country with all the modes of transport. The beach is located just 57 km away. It is among the most popular beaches of Mahabalipuram, which is being flocked by a large number of tourists owing to the presence of several other attractions. Chennai has its own airport and railway station. Tourists can travel to Mahabalipuram Beach easily by cab or taxi from the airport and railway station without hassle. Here is the detailed information about how to reach Mahabalipuram Beach:

Mahabalipuram Beach by Air: Mahabalipuram does not have its own airport. The nearest airport is situated in Chennai that serves Mahabalipuram also, which is located 58 km away. There are many direct and connecting domestic as well as international flights to Chennai from Delhi, Bangalore, Kolkata, Madurai, Goa, Ahmedabad, and Jaipur. Taxis and buses are easily available from the airport to Mahabalipuram Beach.

Mahabalipuram Beach by Rail: This is the cheapest way to reach Chennai from anywhere in the country. The nearest railhead from Mahabalipuram Beach is Chennai Railway Station which is located 57 km away. Taxis, cabs, and buses are easily available outside the station for the Mahabalipuram from where one can hire an auto-rickshaw and taxi to reach the beach.

Mahabalipuram Beach by Road: Mahabalipuram Beach is easily accessible from the major nearby cities including Chennai, Thiruvallur, and Kanchipuram by road. There are regular buses ply from these places for Mahabalipuram from where one can travel in a private taxi, cab, or bus to reach here.

Best time to visit Mahabalipuram Beach

The best time to visit Mahabalipuram Beach is in the winter season from November to February when the region enjoys warm days and cold nights. The soothing climatic conditions of the region make the sightseeing tour at the beach comfortable and tourists can indulge in outdoor activities pleasantly. This is the peak season to visit the beach and to explore the popular attractions located near the beach.

During the summer season, this place experiences hot weather, which makes sightseeing tours uncomfortable. The occasional rainfall also increases the humidity level in Mahabalipuram. However, for budget travelers, the summer and monsoon season is a great time to travel to Mahabalipuram as most of the hotels remain empty and they can find accommodation within their budget.

Major Highlights of Mahabalipuram Beach

The historical monuments are positioned in very close proximity to Mahabalipuram Beach. The major highlights of the beach are the rock cut temples that are embodiments of superlative architectural and artistic brilliance. The exquisite sculptures that adorn the interiors of these temples located near Mahabalipuram Beach are very admirable. Each year the Department of Tourism of the Government of Tamil Nadu organizes a dance festival at the Mahabalipuram Beach. This offers a golden opportunity to witness performances of esteemed classical dancers against the backdrop of the sea.

A visit to Mahabalipuram Beach offers the rare opportunity to enjoy the blissful nature and human craftsmen at the same time. Indeed the enchanting beauty of the beach left tourists to ponder about which deserves more accolades, the azure waters of the sea, the yellow sands, or the magnificent monuments like the Shore Temples and the Rathas.

While lazing around the Mahabalipuram Beach, travelers can also drop into the Crocodile farm or the Snake Venom Extracting Center. Here, one can get to see about 5000 crocodiles belonging to 6 different species. The sheer number and variety of crocodiles, alligators, and other reptiles can surely startle anyone.

Places to visit near Mahabalipuram Beach

Mahabalipuram or Mamallapuram boasts about architectural marvels and numerous tourist attractions where travelers visit throughout the year to enjoy their vacations. Apart from the beach, there are numerous temples and other attractions in the town, which can be explored during the Mahabalipuram trip. Some of the popular destinations near Mahabalipuram Beach are:

Five Rathas
Arjun’s Penance
Shore Temple
Sadras
Alamparai Fort
Crocodile Bank
Tiger’s Cave
Indian Shell Museum
Covelong Beach
Krishna’s Butter Ball
Descents of the Ganges

Places to Stay near Mahabalipuram Beach

Located in the vicinity of Chennai, Mahabalipuram is a popular spiritual and tourist destination. Mahabalipuram Beach is one of the popular attractions in the town, which is famous among nature lovers, history buffs, families, and couples. To serve the accommodation demands of different kinds of tourists, Mahabalipuram houses a plentiful of staying options and a few of them are the beach resorts where tourists can rejuvenate. Some of the best places to stay near Mahabalipuram Beach are: