Kanchipuram, Mahabalipuram and Chennai 2 Day Tour Package
A 2 day, 1 night cab tour from Tirupati through the temples of Kanchipuram, the stone monuments of Mahabalipuram and a Chennai stop on the way home.
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Photos: Bernard Gagnon, CC BY-SA 3.0; Pinakpani, CC BY 4.0; Vinayaraj, CC BY-SA 4.0
- Drive timeTirupati to Kanchipuram about 110 km (about 3 hrs); Kanchipuram to Mahabalipuram about 70 km (about 2 hrs); Mahabalipuram to Chennai about 55 km (about 1.5 hrs); Chennai to Tirupati about 135 km (about 3.5 hrs)
- Total trip time2 days, 1 night (about 390 km of driving in total)
- Best timeNovember to February is pleasant. Summer afternoons at Mahabalipuram are very hot. The Mamallapuram Dance Festival is held in winter (dates vary).
Kanchipuram Mahabalipuram Chennai tour package overview
This Kanchipuram Mahabalipuram Chennai tour package is a culture-focused loop for travellers who want more than one pilgrim town. It starts with the temple city of Kanchipuram, continues to the Pallava stone monuments at Mahabalipuram (Mamallapuram) for the evening and night, and returns via Chennai on day two. Stay and meals are arranged and paid for by the traveller; Go Tirupati Cabs provides only the vehicle and driver for the whole trip.
If you only need one place, a Tirupati to Kanchipuram taxi or a cab from Tirupati to Chennai can be arranged separately, but the full loop above makes better use of the long road legs.
Day one: Kanchipuram temples
Kanchipuram is one of the seven sacred cities (Sapta Puri) and is known for its large number of temples and its silk weaving. Plan on the Kamakshi Amman temple, dedicated to the goddess, and the Ekambareswarar temple, with its tall gopuram and a mango tree said to be very old. Many visitors add the Kailasanathar temple, a Pallava-era sandstone shrine, and the Varadaraja Perumal temple. Both major temples close at midday, so reach the town by about 8 am. Hours differ slightly between sources, so confirm locally.
After lunch the cab continues to Mahabalipuram on the coast, a drive of about two hours.
Mahabalipuram and Chennai on day two
Mahabalipuram has a UNESCO-listed group of monuments from the Pallava period: the Shore Temple by the sea, the Pancha Rathas carved from single rocks, Arjuna's Penance (a vast open-air relief) and Krishna's Butter Ball, a balanced boulder. The Shore Temple and rathas use an ASI ticket; check the current price at the gate or the ASI Chennai website, since sources show different figures. The beach is close, and there are seafood restaurants nearby.
On day two the cab goes up the East Coast Road to Chennai, about 55 km. Marina Beach is a common stop, and the Kapaleeshwarar temple in Mylapore and the San Thome church are also popular; confirm their hours locally. From Chennai the drive back to Tirupati takes about 3.5 hours.
Overnight and practical tips
Hotels and guest houses in Mahabalipuram range from simple to resort-style and are booked directly by you. The driver stays nearby. Leave Mahabalipuram by about 10:30 am so that you can see Chennai and still reach Tirupati by evening. Carry sunscreen, a hat, and water. Keep an eye on weekend traffic on the East Coast Road and around Chennai.
Timings and dress code
- Timings
- Kamakshi Amman temple is commonly listed 5:30 am to 12:30 pm and 4 pm to 8:30 pm, and Ekambareswarar 6 am to 12:30 pm and 4 pm to 8:30 pm. The Shore Temple and Pancha Rathas at Mahabalipuram are reported open about 6 am to 6 pm daily, with an ASI ticket. Sources differ slightly; confirm locally, and ticket prices are best checked on the ASI Chennai site.
- Dress code
- Modest clothing for the Kanchipuram temples (traditional wear is the safest, footwear off). Mahabalipuram monuments are open-air with no strict dress code, but cover shoulders and knees when visiting active shrines; wear a cap and sandals you can slip off.
Last checked October 2026. Timings and rules can change, so please confirm locally. We provide taxi service only. Temple entry and any tickets are arranged by the pilgrim directly with the temple.
Sample plan
- 5:00 amPick-up in TirupatiDrive via Puttur and Arakkonam towards Kanchipuram, about 110 km.
- 8:00 amKanchipuram templesKamakshi Amman and Ekambareswarar, with optional Kailasanathar or Varadaraja Perumal; about 4 hours, break for lunch.
- 1:30 pmKanchipuram to MahabalipuramAbout 70 km, 2 hours.
- 3:30 pmShore Temple and Pancha RathasASI monuments, reported open to about 6 pm; check ticket at the gate.
- 6:30 pmBeach and overnightStay booked by you in Mahabalipuram.
- Day 2, 8:00 amArjuna's Penance and Krishna's Butter BallShort walk-around, about 1.5 hours.
- 10:30 amMahabalipuram to ChennaiAbout 55 km via the East Coast Road, 1.5 hours.
- 12:30 pmChennai stopMarina Beach, Kapaleeshwarar temple or lunch; confirm hours locally.
- 3:00 pmChennai to TirupatiAbout 135 km, 3.5 hours; arrive by evening.
Taxi cost by vehicle
About 390 km round trip, billed on 600 km (2 days at a 300 km daily minimum) at the per-km rate. Vehicle, driver and fuel are included.
Toll, parking, checkpost tax and invoice tax are extra. Overnight driver stay on multi-day trips is extra.
Book on WhatsAppFrequently asked questions
How far is Kanchipuram from Tirupati?
About 110 km, around 3 hours by road. A Tirupati to Kanchipuram taxi is often combined with Vellore or Mahabalipuram.
What are the Shore Temple timings at Mahabalipuram?
Most sources list about 6 am to 6 pm daily with an ASI ticket. Prices differ between sources, so check at the gate or on the ASI Chennai site.
What are the Kanchipuram temple timings?
Kamakshi Amman is commonly listed 5:30 am to 12:30 pm and 4 pm to 8:30 pm; Ekambareswarar 6 am to 12:30 pm and 4 pm to 8:30 pm. Confirm locally.
Is there a dress code?
Kanchipuram temples expect modest clothing, with footwear removed. Mahabalipuram is open-air, but cover up when entering active shrines.
Which vehicle is best for a family of six?
An Innova-type MUV or a tempo traveller. The loop is nearly 390 km over two days, so the extra seat comfort helps.