Mamallapuram, India: What to pack, what to wear, and when to go [2024]

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Ready to pack for Mamallapuram, India? If you're planning to go to Mamallapuram, we've got some important information about when to go, what to wear, and what to pack.

Contents

When to go to Mamallapuram, India

Based on the climate and weather in Mamallapuram, India, the best time to go is January. See below for details.

What to wear/what to pack for Mamallapuram, India

Already know when you're traveling?

Here are some general tips on what to wear in Mamallapuram, as well as several items to remember to pack when traveling there.

What to wear/what to pack for Mamallapuram, India by month

January

If you vacation in Mamallapuram during January, you are likely to notice that it is extremely warm and dry with little rain. Temperatures tend to hover around the 80s F (high 20s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the 60s F (high 10s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, India has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports always losing luggage recently, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Mamallapuram. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge prices for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C, D and M. It's important that you choose the right type. A lot of adapters currently sold are simply plug changers and expect your devices to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one works in most areas.

  • Travel pillow

    An excellent option is this one

If you visit a temple, such as Shore Temple, wear:

If you see the Sculpture Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

Going to Mahishamardini Cave? You'll need:

February

If you vacation in Mamallapuram during February, you will probably notice that it is really hot and very dry with almost no rain. Temperatures tend to hover around the high 80s F (low 30s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the high 60s F (low 20s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, India has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports constantly losing things these days, an AirTag can locate it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Mamallapuram. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge prices for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C, D and M. Check that you pick the necessary kind. Most adapters for sale now are simply plug changers and require your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get fried. This one works in most countries.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel pillow

    Our favorite is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

If you visit a temple, such as Shore Temple, wear:

If you see the Sculpture Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

Going to Mahishamardini Cave? You'll need:

March

If you visit Mamallapuram during March, you are likely to find that it is constantly hot and very dry with almost no rain. Temperatures tend to hover around the low 80s F (low 30s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the low 70s F (low 20s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, India has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports always losing things nowadays, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Mamallapuram. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Travel neck pillow

    A great choice is this one

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C, D and M. It's important that you pick the correct type. Most adapters currently sold are simply plug changers and expect your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should be sufficient for most places.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

If you visit a temple, such as Shore Temple, wear:

If you see the Sculpture Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

Going to Mahishamardini Cave? You'll need:

April

April in this region can be sizzling and very dry with almost no rain. Temperatures average in the 90s F (mid 30s C) during the day.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, India has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Mamallapuram. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines always losing bags nowadays, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C, D and M. Be careful to choose the correct type. Most adapters on sale are simply plugs and require your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one should work in most areas.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel neck pillow

    A versatile choice is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge prices for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

If you visit a temple, such as Shore Temple, wear:

If you see the Sculpture Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

Going to Mahishamardini Cave? You'll need:

May

May in Mamallapuram is blindingly hot and very dry with almost no rain. Temperatures average in the low 100s F (high 30s C) during the day.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, India has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Mamallapuram. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports repeatedly losing things these days, an AirTag can find it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A versatile choice is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive prices for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C, D and M. Be sure to choose the correct type. Most adapters on sale are just plugs and expect your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could burn up. This one is sufficent for most locations.

If you visit a temple, such as Shore Temple, wear:

If you see the Sculpture Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

Going to Mahishamardini Cave? You'll need:

June

If you are traveling to Mamallapuram in June, you will notice that it is scorchingly hot. Expect it to rain occasionally. Daytime temperatures are in the high 90s F (high 30s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, India has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines frequently losing bags recently, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Mamallapuram. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C, D and M. Take care to get the correct type. The vast majority of adapters for sale now are just plugs and expect your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get fried. This one is sufficent for most countries.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel neck pillow

    A versatile choice is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

If you visit a temple, such as Shore Temple, wear:

If you see the Sculpture Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

Going to Mahishamardini Cave? You'll need:

July

July in Mamallapuram is unbearably hot. Temperatures average in the 90s F (mid 30s C) during the day. It rains about a third of the time.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, India has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Mamallapuram. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports frequently losing luggage nowadays, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A versatile choice is this one

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C, D and M. Take care to find the right type. A lot of adapters available are just plugs and expect your devices to change the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should be sufficient for most places.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive prices for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

If you visit a temple, such as Shore Temple, wear:

If you see the Sculpture Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

Going to Mahishamardini Cave? You'll need:

August

If you visit Mamallapuram during August, you might notice that it is sizzling. Temperatures tend to hover around the 90s F (mid 30s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the high 70s F (mid 20s C). In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain about a third of the time.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, India has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines constantly losing things nowadays, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Mamallapuram. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C, D and M. Make sure to pick the correct kind. The majority of adapters that you can buy are simply plug changers and expect your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one works in most countries.

  • Travel neck pillow

    An excellent option is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge prices for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

If you visit a temple, such as Shore Temple, wear:

If you see the Sculpture Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

Going to Mahishamardini Cave? You'll need:

September

September here is blindingly hot. Temperatures average in the low 90s F (mid 30s C) during the day. It rains regularly.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, India has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports constantly losing bags recently, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Mamallapuram. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C, D and M. Make sure to find the necessary kind. The majority of adapters available online are simply plug changers and expect your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should work in most areas.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel neck support pillow

    What we like is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

If you visit a temple, such as Shore Temple, wear:

If you see the Sculpture Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

Going to Mahishamardini Cave? You'll need:

October

If you vacation in Mamallapuram during October, you might find that it is consistently hot and somewhat rainy. Temperatures tend to hover around the low 80s F (low 30s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the low 70s F (low 20s C). In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain a bit less than half of the time.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, India has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines repeatedly losing bags these days, an AirTag can find it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Mamallapuram. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C, D and M. Be sure to get the necessary kind. The majority of adapters currently available are simply plug changers and expect your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should be sufficient for most locations.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge prices for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel pillow

    Our fave is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

If you visit a temple, such as Shore Temple, wear:

If you see the Sculpture Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

Going to Mahishamardini Cave? You'll need:

November

November in Mamallapuram is hot and somewhat rainy. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the high 70s F (mid 20s C) to 80s F (high 20s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, India has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports always losing luggage these days, an AirTag can locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Mamallapuram. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C, D and M. Be careful to choose the necessary type. Most adapters currently being sold are just plug changers and require your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get destroyed. This one is sufficent for most places.

  • Travel neck pillow

    A good option is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

If you visit a temple, such as Shore Temple, wear:

If you see the Sculpture Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

Going to Mahishamardini Cave? You'll need:

December

If you vacation in Mamallapuram during December, you might notice that it is hot. Temperatures tend to hover around the low 80s F (high 20s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the high 60s F (low 20s C). In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain occasionally.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, India has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines constantly losing luggage recently, an AirTag can find it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Mamallapuram. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel neck pillow

    A versatile choice is this one

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C, D and M. Be careful to choose the right kind. Many adapters that you can buy are simply plug changers and require your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should be appropriate for most places.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large prices for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

If you visit a temple, such as Shore Temple, wear:

If you see the Sculpture Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

Going to Mahishamardini Cave? You'll need:

What to do in Mamallapuram, India

Mamallapuram, also known as Mahabalipuram, is a charming coastal town situated on the eastern coast of Tamil Nadu in India. It is a popular tourist destination that attracts visitors from all over the world. The town is home to a variety of ancient architectural wonders, elaborately carved temples, and beautiful sandy beaches. Here are the top tourist attractions in Mamallapuram that every traveler should visit during their trip.

1. Shore Temple: The Shore Temple is a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the most iconic landmarks in Mamallapuram. The temple complex is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is located close to the Bay of Bengal. The temple is renowned for its unique architecture, intricate carvings, and rich history.

2. Pancha Rathas: The Pancha Rathas, also known as the Five Rathas, is a group of five monolithic rock temples that are sculpted into the shape of chariots. The Rathas are dedicated to the five Pandavas and their consort Draupadi from the Indian epic, Mahabharata.

3. Arjuna's Penance: Arjuna's Penance is a giant sculpture carved on a rock face that illustrates the story of the Hindu epic, Mahabharata. It depicts the penance of Arjuna, one of the Pandavas, who stood on one leg for several years to please Lord Shiva.

4. Krishna's Butterball: Krishna's Butterball is a large granite boulder that is balanced precariously on a sloping rock surface. Despite being on an incline, the boulder has stood in the same position for centuries, and its legend goes that it is named after Lord Krishna, who was fond of butter.

5. Mahabalipuram Beach: Mamallapuram has a beautiful sandy beach that is perfect for relaxing, swimming, and sunbathing. The beach is surrounded by palm trees and offers stunning views of the Bay of Bengal. Visitors can also enjoy water sports such as jet skiing and snorkeling.

6. Crocodile Bank: The Crocodile Bank is a reptile sanctuary that houses several species of crocodiles, alligators, and turtles. It was established in 1976 to promote awareness of reptile conservation and research. Visitors can observe the reptiles and learn about their habitat and behavior.

7. Tiger Cave: Tiger Cave is a rock-cut temple complex that is located around six kilometers away from Mamallapuram. The temple is carved into a rocky hill and comprises of several intricately designed shrines and cave temples. Visitors can climb up the stairs to the top of the hill and enjoy the panoramic view of the surrounding area.

In conclusion, Mamallapuram is a treasure trove of ancient architecture and natural beauty that is worth exploring. From the magnificent Shore Temple to the tranquil Mahabalipuram Beach, there is something for everyone in this charming coastal town. It is a perfect destination for history buffs, beach lovers, and adventurous travelers.

About your travel guide

Hi! I'm Dev. I've traveled all over the world and in my travels, I have made many packing lists. In this series, my team and I have compiled the most useful information, as well as things we couldn't live without, to help you plan your trip.

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