A Day Trip to Mahabalipuram from Chennai – Temples, Beaches & Tourist Bustle

If you're looking for an easy and interesting day trip from Chennai, Mahabalipuram (also known as Mamallapuram) is a solid choice. I took the trip today—it’s about an hour and a half to two hours on the bus from the city, and buses run pretty frequently from Chennai’s major depots like the Broadway or Koyambedu Bus Stand. The last return buses are usually around 4 to 7 PM, so it's very doable as a quick getaway.

First Impressions

Mahabalipuram is a coastal town, and honestly, it reminded me a bit of places like Hampi or even Puri. Smaller and more compact, but with a similar relaxed vibe. Compared to other Indian fishing towns, this place definitely feels more geared toward tourists—especially Westerners. There are loads of guesthouses, art shops, and restaurants lining the narrow streets.

Beach Vibes & Bustling Crowds

The beachfront is just a few minutes’ walk from the center. Turn right at the end of the main road and you’ll find yourself on a stretch of sand dotted with fishing boats, sunbathers, and plenty of seafood shacks. If you're into seafood, you're in luck—fish meals go for about ₹300–350 ($4–5), which is a bargain compared to what you’d pay in Thailand or Vietnam. Personally, I’m not a huge seafood guy, but even I could appreciate the value and variety here.

That said, today was a Saturday, and I’ll admit, it was packed. The crowds were intense, and I didn’t plan for that. My advice? Come on a weekday if you can. The beach is still beautiful, but it’s far more enjoyable when it’s quieter and less chaotic.

Western-Style Comforts (With Indian Wi-Fi)

There are plenty of cafés offering pizza, pasta, burgers, and the occasional attempt at a Western breakfast—though don’t hold your breath for bacon. Accommodation options are abundant. Budget guesthouses go for about ₹700–900 a night, but don’t expect great Wi-Fi. I checked a couple of places and while the rooms were decent, the internet was basically unusable. If you're a remote worker like me, this isn’t your spot for settling in long-term. Better to base yourself in Chennai and just pop down for the day.

A Glimpse at Local Life

I had a wander through the beachfront and took a close look at the fishing boats and gear. The long-tail engines are fascinating—rough, simple, but effective. You’ll see big bundles of nets and traditional gear still in use, and it’s a good reminder that despite the tourist traffic, this is still a working fishing village at heart.

Temples and Rock Formations

One of the town’s biggest draws is the Shore Temple, which sits right near the beach. There are also a few other smaller temples and boulder formations worth seeing, including Krishna’s Butter Ball. If you’re into history or architecture, you’ll enjoy these spots. But honestly, you can probably see the main sights in about four hours if you’re not rushing.

Getting There and Away

The bus ride is part of the experience. Look for the 585 or 588 from Chennai. They run every 10–15 minutes and cost very little. Just be prepared for a bit of a squeeze—it gets crowded, and you might be standing part of the way. But hey, that’s all part of the budget travel adventure, right?

Final Thoughts

I didn’t stay the night, mostly because the internet wasn’t reliable, and I ran out of memory card space halfway through filming. But all in all, it was a great day trip. Mahabalipuram is charming, affordable, and packed with history. Just avoid weekends if you can, and come early or later in the afternoon to beat the sun and crowds.

Would I go back? Sure—but midweek and better prepared.

Until next time,– Budget Nomad