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Pancha Rathas, Mahabalipuram

4.6
#4 of 40 in Things to do in Mahabalipuram
Architectural Building · Landmark
Explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Pancha Rathas, a monument complex filled with impressive monolithic Indian rock-cut architecture. Five seventh-century monoliths representing chariots stand in the complex, and you can walk into them like buildings. When you go, look for the Dharmaraja Ratha, a pyramidal structure adorned with elegant carvings. On its east side, the structure features Indra, the demigod of rain and storms. Elsewhere, find the huge monolithic sculpture of an elephant. Consider hiring a guide to escort you around the monuments and provide some historical background. Choose to start, finish, or center your holiday on a trip to Pancha Rathas by using our Mahabalipuram trip planner.
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Tours to Pancha Rathas

FROM $115 BOOK WITH VIATOR Full-Day Guided Tour to Mahabalipuram from Chennai with Lunch
5.0
Duration: 7 hours
Tours from $115 »
FROM $45 BOOK WITH VIATOR Private Tour to Mahabalipuram from Chennai
4.0
Duration: 7 to 9 hours
Tours from $45 »
FROM $118 BOOK WITH VIATOR Mahabalipuram day trip from Chennai by Wonder tours
5.0
Duration: 7 hours
Tours from $118 »

Pancha Rathas reviews

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TripAdvisor traveler rating 4.5
898 reviews
Google
4.5
TripAdvisor
  • By sunandabangalore
    Awesome place - small area but the history and the sculpture carvings are mesmerizing. All the five temples were carved out of a single stone.  more »
  • By MaulshreeMahajan
    I find Panch Rathas more beautiful than the more popular Shore temple. Each of the five Rathas has distinct architecture and should be given equal attention to appreciate them fully. The structures.....  more »
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Google
  • By Hariharan Vijayasarathy
    Very good place. Very peaceful and best for relaxation on weekdays and on winters. Very good place to spend leisure time. Very good place of Indian history and rich Indian culture. It is clean and well maintained. Lots of restaurants close by. Easy to find. Lots of guides speaking multiple languages like French, German, Hindi are available at the place.
  • By Nishant Dayal
    Nice ancient historical place. Must visit is you are in Chennai, all are single stone carvings and done wonderfully. Kudos to the Masons of olden times
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