Mammalapuram

Mahabilapuram is the perfect getaway from the city when you stay in Chennai for a longer time. This small fisher town, about 60km down south from Chennai, became a touristic hub because of its unique beach temple, relaxed atmosphere, bizarre rock formations and of course its continuous flow of fresh fish in the various restaurants. You can go around Mammalapuram in about 3 to 4 hours, but that's ok, as it leaves you plenty of time to enjoy a cold Kingfisher on a shady rooftop terrace.

Go to Mahabilapuram to escape from the tumultous city, enjoy the silence, eat good seafood, stop time for a while and particularly for expatriots: bear in mind that India is more than just crowds and pollution.

Getting there

A cab from Chennai can get you there in an hour for about 350 rupees (without AC),
but taking the bus is an experience you will tell your grandchildren,
so hop on the bus in CMBT Bus Station, pay 21 Rupees and take the 1.5 hour/60 km joy ride to Mammalapuram among locals.

Places to Stay

Thanks to its relative proximity, Mammalapuram is the perfect place to stay one or two nights over the weekend to come down from the working week. If you are looking for a luxurious hotel
you probably will have to direct your attention to the various beach resorts along East Coast Road (ECR). The Ideal Beach Resort is very close to the town, but others can be found around as well.

The other way to experience Mammalapuram is checking into a guest house near the beach.
For 200 Rupees you will get a double bed room with bath room (+AC, +TV for 150 Rs. more), pretty basic, but you'll notice the difference when you wake up in the morning and go for a continantal breakfast across the street. The coffee is strong, the atmosphere relaxed and the beach close by so seize the day and enjoy, before returning to Chennai.

- Moonrakers restaurant, on the main road towards the beach. Great seafood (Mixed Seafood Noodles!) and friendly service.
Tip: head immediately to the third floor to have a calmer environment and better view.

-Starry Sky Guesthouse

-The New Café, with view on the below street a good place to enjoy breakfast or an evening beer.

Places to See

The beach temple, yes on the beach, is pretty unique (because it's on a beach), but compared to other monumental temples across Tamil Nadu it's rather small and washed away. Decide for yourself if you want to pay the 250 rupees entrance for foreigners or if you will just walk around the fence and see the same thing from 50m further away for free.

Krishna's Butter Ball or Budha's Butterbal is a rock that has been balancing on the edge of a stone slope for millenia. Interesting enough to see, to take a picture of for the family back home and to move on. When it's not too hot you could consider to take a walk around the park featuring more rocks and some early cave like shrines.



When you've seen most of Mahabilapuram you can head to a beach resort to chill out on the beach. Look in your travel guide and decide which fits your needs best.

The Ideal beach resort is only 6km away and an auto or share auto will bring you there for about 40-50 Rs. You pay a 200 Rs Entrance fee and get a clean beach, swimming pool,towels and hammocks in return. Chances are real you run into other expatriots from Chennai, not to name the russian delegation in particular, so have a chat over a cold beer and relax.

more information on the official Ideal Beach website