Shore Temple, Arjuna's Penance & More: Mahabalipuram Timings & Fees

Entry fees, opening hours, and best times for Trip Planning. Avoid crowds and plan ahead.

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Quick Reference

Attraction Hours Entry Best Time Duration
Shore Temple 06:00-18:00 daily ₹40 (Indians), ₹600 (foreigners) Early morning or late afternoon to avoid the midday heat and crowds 1-2 hours
Arjuna's Penance 06:00-18:00 daily ₹40 (Indians), ₹600 (foreigners) Early morning or late afternoon to avoid the harsh sun 1 hour
Five Rathas 06:00-18:00 daily ₹40 (Indians), ₹600 (foreigners) Early morning or late afternoon to avoid the heat 1-2 hours
Krishna's Butter Ball Open 24 hours Free Any time of day 30 minutes
Mahabalipuram Beach Open 24 hours Free Early morning or late afternoon 1-2 hours
Tiger Cave 09:00-17:00 daily ₹25 (Indians), ₹400 (foreigners) Morning or late afternoon 1 hour
Crocodile Bank Trust and Centre 08:30-17:30 daily ₹60 (Adults), ₹30 (Children) Any time of day 2-3 hours

Best Times by Attraction

Shore Temple

Early morning or late afternoon to avoid the midday heat and crowds

Arjuna's Penance

Early morning or late afternoon to avoid the harsh sun

Five Rathas

Early morning or late afternoon to avoid the heat

Krishna's Butter Ball

Any time of day

Mahabalipuram Beach

Early morning or late afternoon

Tiger Cave

Morning or late afternoon

Crocodile Bank Trust and Centre

Any time of day

Crowd Notes

Shore Temple

Worth visiting for its historical significance and scenic location, but can get crowded.

Arjuna's Penance

A must-see attraction for its artistic and historical significance.

Five Rathas

Worth visiting for its unique architecture and historical significance.

Krishna's Butter Ball

A fun and quirky attraction, worth a quick visit.

Mahabalipuram Beach

A decent beach for relaxation, but can be crowded and dirty at times.

Tiger Cave

Worth visiting if you have extra time and are interested in unique rock-cut architecture.

Crocodile Bank Trust and Centre

A worthwhile visit for wildlife enthusiasts, especially families with children.

Practical Tips

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What To Wear

Light, breathable clothing is recommended due to the warm climate. Wear comfortable shoes for walking and exploring the monuments. Dress modestly when visiting religious sites.

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Money

Daily Budget: Budget: ₹1500, Mid: ₹3000, Luxury: ₹6000+

ATMs: ATMs are available in Mahabalipuram, but it's advisable to carry sufficient cash.

Cash vs Card: Cash is widely accepted, but some hotels and restaurants accept cards.

Bargaining: Bargaining is expected in markets and with auto-rickshaw drivers.

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Health

Water: Drink bottled water to avoid waterborne illnesses. Avoid ice in drinks.

Food: Eat at reputable restaurants and avoid street food from unhygienic vendors. Be cautious of spicy food if you're not used to it.

Common Issues: Dehydration, sunburn, and heatstroke are common. Stay hydrated, wear sunscreen, and avoid prolonged exposure to the sun.

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Communication

SIM Cards: Airtel and Vodafone offer good coverage. SIM cards are available at the airport and in town, require passport and visa.

WiFi: Wi-Fi is available at most hotels and restaurants.

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Language & Tipping

Language: English is widely spoken in tourist areas. Learning a few basic Tamil phrases can be helpful.

Tipping: Restaurant: 5-10%, drivers: ₹50-100

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