Mahabalipuram, also known as Mamallapuram, is a seaside town and a UNESCO Heritage Site. This historic village is a well-known tourist destination because of its natural beauty, its proximity to the coast, and the rich collection of beautiful temples. To appreciate the grandeur of the city, one has to stay here for at least a day or two. And to make your stay as comfortable and luxurious as possible, it’s best to choose a homestay. Here are some of the best homestays in Mahabalipuram.
The 5 Best Homestays In Mahabalipuram
- Living Edge Home Stay
- Eli’s Homestay
- Mahabs Homestay Villa
- Ramaniyam Homes
- LD Homestay And Residency
1. Living Edge Home Stay
With a pool in the backyard and a serene view of beautiful tall trees, Living Edge Home Stay is one of the coziest properties in Mahabalipuram. The balcony, terrace, living room, and lawn are some of the best spots at the homestay. They also offer help to set up bonfires, boat rides, vehicle rentals, and beach tours if you want to explore the hamlet.
Living Edge is beach-ready for its guests with necessary beach essentials and also books tours and tickets around the town. So whether you want to chill at the beach, or go out sightseeing, this homestay will have it all sorted out for you. When it comes to safety, they have CCTV cameras and fire extinguishers in all open corners. Plus, they also have security at the gate at all times, so you know you’re pretty safe here. They also have the basic amenities of a first-aid box, doctor on call, luggage storage, and more.
Food Availability: The homestay has an in-house cook to prepare meals for you whenever you need them. You’ll have to let the caretaker in advance though. Continental, Indian, and Chinese cuisine can be prepared from the menu card provided to you. If you choose not to have the meals here, you can also order food online. There are ample places that deliver food to this location in just a few minutes.
Accessibility: It takes about an hour and a half to get to this homestay from the Chennai International Airport. From the airport, you can book your cab or the homestay will arrange a paid pickup and drop service for you on prior reservations. Mamallapuram Bus Station is just 2.1 kilometers away and you can book a cab or take a rickshaw to get to the homestay from there. The Chengalpattu Junction, which is the major railway station of the city, is a 50-minute car ride from Living Edge Home Stay.
The homestay is just a couple of minutes away from some of the best beaches in Mahabalipuram. So you get to visit Pallava, Mahabalipuram Beach, and VadaNemili Beach in just a few minutes.
Ideal For: Families, couples, and friends groups.
Pet Friendliness: Pets are allowed on this property.
Rate: INR 2,700 onwards per night.
Location: No.71 Venpurusham Village, Mamallapuram, Mahabalipuram.
2. Eli’s Homestay
10 feet away from the beach is the beautiful Eli’s Homestay overlooking the ocean, the vibrant town, and a lighthouse. Not just that, this property also has a picnic area, sun terrace, outdoor dining area, private beach area, balcony, terrace, garden, and most importantly, a beachfront view! These are simply some of the many things that you’ll get to enjoy at this property.
Since this property is located in a fishing village near the coast, you also get to go surfing or take long walks on the beach. The secluded yet homely vibe of this homestay is what attracts many visitors here.
Food Availability: Your food scene is sorted here as they are open for breakfast, brunch, lunch, high tea, and even dinner. Indian, Italian, Asian, and International cuisines are available on the menu. So pick and choose any of the items and enjoy your meals in the comfort of your homestay! Also, you could get your daily dose of caffeine at their on-site coffee house if you prefer that. Plus, the host Liz is going to wow you with her delicious home-cooked meals. So that’s a bonus you shouldn’t miss!
Additionally, the kitchen is open for you to cook your food. You can ask the caretaker to get your groceries and cook anything you like. And finally, there are ample restaurants and eateries located in the area. So, you can also order food if you wish.
Accessibility: Getting to this location is easy since it is only about 42 kilometers away from Chennai International Airport, and 85 kilometers away from Puducherry Airport. The homestay provides pick-up and drop services for an additional fee. Chengalpattu Junction is about 29.1 kilometers away from the homestay and takes about 45 minutes to reach via taxi.
If you want to take the bus, it’s even better as it’ll take you no longer than 10 minutes to get to this homestay. The Mamallapuram Bus Station is right around the corner and any local from the surrounding area can guide you in the right direction.
Pallava Beach and Mahabalipuram Beach are just around the corner and easily accessible.
Ideal For: Families and large friend groups.
Pet Friendliness: Pets are allowed on the property and no additional charges are required.
Rate: INR 1,800 onwards per night.
Location: Tsunami Nagar, 1st Cross Street, 603104
3. Mahabs Homestay Villa
Mahabs Homestay Villa is a cozy, warm, and welcoming homestay villa. The host provides entertainment activities for you, so you always have something to keep yourself occupied. Bonfires, barbeque nights, small parties, and movie nights are some things you can enjoy here. For children to have an exciting playtime, they have a playground, along with a garden. The outdoor fireplace and outdoor dining area will give you a very homely vibe in the evening time.
And when it comes to having all the fun, Mahabs Homestay Villa is not far behind. Since the homestay is close to a beach, they have on-site water sports facilities that you can avail of. These are going to be added on request and on additional charges. You can also go horse riding, diving, play billiards, go fishing, or play tennis, again on request and at extra charge. And you don’t have to worry about your security here. They have CCTV cameras outside the property and in common areas along with 24-hour on-ground security.
Food Availability: All of your meals at Mahabs Homestay Villa are sorted. You can order your meals from the menu they provide and it’s going to be a delicious affair. Plus, they serve you breakfast in bed! They also have a kitchen where you can cook your own meals. The host will gladly get you all the groceries you need (at an additional cost).
For all those with special dietary constraints, worry not! Mahabs Homestay Villa is going to take care of all your special diet menus on request. So you won’t even have to look at other restaurants or cafes to get your meals. But if you want to explore the food culture of Mahabalipuram, you can go eat at the ample restaurants and cafes that are located in the vicinity.
Accessibility: Accessibility to tourist places, railway stations, beaches, and the airport from this homestay is great. It only takes about 3 hours to get to the Chennai International Airport. The Chengalpattu Junction is 28.5 kilometers away and will take no more than 40 minutes of a car or rickshaw ride for you to get to this homestay.
You’d be happy to know that if you’re traveling via bus, the Mamallapuram Bus Station is within walking distance away from this property. So in under 20 minutes, you can reach here if you choose to walk from the bus station.
Also, Mahabalipuram Beach is 1.5 kilometers away and Pallava Beach is 1.8 kilometers away from this homestay.
Ideal For: Families, large friend groups, and couples.
Pet Friendliness: Pets are not allowed at this property.
Rate: INR 1,800 onwards for one night.
Location: 12-A Mahabs Homestay Villa King Narashiman Nagar, PWD Road 603104
4. Ramaniyam Homes
If you’re looking for a place that gives you easy access to touristy places, food corners, and just good vibes, then Ramaniyam Homes is the place for you. They have everything to make you feel comfortable and at ease. One of the best parts about this homestay is that it has got a very warm and colorful interior. So you’ll feel right at home once you arrive.
The host is super helpful in planning tours and itineraries if you need help with that. Booking cabs, cars, and rentals for you will also be taken care of by them. The rooms at this homestay have a beautiful view of the city and the greenery. There is free parking at the property and Wi-Fi is also available. So you know that your stay here is going to be a peaceful one.
Food Availability: The homestay does not provide food to its guests. But, you’ve got ample restaurants in the vicinity to choose from. The Square, Zaffron, and the trusty old Subway are some of the places that are in close proximity to Ramaniyam Homes.
Accessibility: Chennai International Airport is the closest airport which is just 20 kilometers away from Ramaniyam Homes. Plus, you won’t have to worry about getting to the touristy places or reaching the railway station in time as all these things are also very close to the property.
The Velachery station and Tambaram Sanatorium station are 16 and 17 kilometers away while the Metro station is just 19 kilometers away from this beautiful property. The Mamallapuram Bus Station is just 26.7 kilometers away so you can hire a cab or a local rickshaw to get to the property in under 2 hours.
The Covelong, Uthandi, Ajay, Thiruvidanthai, and the Graveside beach are all just a few minutes away. So if you want to take a morning, evening, or afternoon stroll at the beaches, you can totally do that.
Ideal For: Friends groups, working professionals, and couples
Pet Friendliness: Pets are not allowed at this property
Rate: Rooms are available starting at INR 3,600 per night
Location: Mettu Street, Navalur 603103
5. LD Homestay And Residency
If simple, elegant, and comfortable had a love child, it would be LD Homestay and Residency. This beautiful property is perfect for your next trip to Mahabalipuram. It is close to touristy places and gives you the chance to explore the city the way you want.
The rooms are pleasant and cozy, and the surroundings are clean, With simple and elegant home decor, the homestay makes you feel right at home. Plus, the host is going to ensure you’ve got everything you need to have a comfortable stay. So you know that this is going to be a cozy stay where you’ll have little to nothing to worry about when it comes to comfort.
Food Availability: You can order meals at this homestay that are delicious and easy on the pockets. If you want to try something unique, you can head over to ‘Moonrakers Restaurant’ which is a local restaurant that sells some of the best food you’ll have.
Accessibility: LD Homestay and Residency is just 340 meters from Mamallapuram Bus Station so you can reach the property in just a few minutes. Also, if you choose to travel to Mahabalipuram by railway, the Chengalpattu Junction is the closest station to the homestay. From here, you can take a direct cab or a rickshaw which will drop you off at the homestay in less than an hour.
And if you’re traveling via flight, the Chennai International Airport is the closest one. It will take you about 2 hours or less to then get a cab and reach the property. Additionally, the property can provide pickup and drop services at additional charges so you know you can have that part sorted for you.
Touristy places like Mamallapuram, Mamallapuram LightHouse, The Shore Temple, Mahabalipuram Beach, and Pancha Rathas are some famous touristy places that are close to the homestay.
Ideal For: Families, couples, and friends groups
Pet Friendliness: Pets are allowed on this property
Rate: Rooms are available starting at INR 1,100 onwards per night
Location: Near Trimurti Cave, Mahabalipuram
Summing Up
Living in a homestay gives you the best of both worlds – the comfort of a house and the luxuries of a hotel. And all of the homestays in Mahabalipuram mentioned above are just that. Besides being budget-friendly, warm, and welcoming, they are also some of the best ones in the city. Hopefully, this list encourages you to book your Tamil Nadu vacation and makes your trip worthwhile and comfy.
FAQs
How Many Days Are Enough For Mahabalipuram?
About 2 to 3 days are enough for you to explore all of Mahabalipuram including plenty of beaches, temples, and ample other tourist spots.
Is Mahabalipuram Open On Sunday?
Yes, Mahabalipuram is open on Sundays so you can visit the attractions and explore the touristy places. Just keep in mind that these places remain open between 6 am and 6 pm on Sundays.
When Are The Homestays In Mahabalipuram Available At Cheap Rates?
The homestays in Mahabalipuram are available at cheap rates during the off-season. This includes months from April to June and from September to November.
Is Ola Available In Mahabalipuram?
Yes, Ola is available and you can book cabs to get around and out of Mahabalipuram.
How Far Is Mahabalipuram From Pondicherry?
The distance between Mahabalipuram and Pondicherry is about 96 kilometers. It would take you nearly 2 hours to get from Pondicherry to Mahabalipuram.
How Do I Spend A Day In Mahabalipuram?
With so many touristy places to see, it could get overwhelming. But, when you’re in Mahabalipuram, here are some of the places that you must visit:
- Mahabalipuram Beach
- The Shore Temple
- Descent of the Ganges
- Pancha Rathas
- Krishna’s Butterball
- Shop at Othavadai Street
- The Cave Temples
Is Mahabalipuram Beach Clean?
Mahabalipuram Beach is not the cleanest beach in the city, but it’s definitely cleaner than most other beaches in Mahabalipuram.
