India Seashell Museum

Totally worth it. We went early morning so it was not so crowded. Dinosaur park was just amazing. Virtual reality VR only Rs.50 that was also nice experience. Fish acquirium also provide fish spa there. Pearl shop is also had very beautiful varieties.

The museum showcases an expansive array of treasures, including ancient fossils, exquisite conch, lustrous pearls, and an impressive selection of fisheries apparatus. Visitors can even acquire beautiful shells and radiant pearls directly from this distinguished venue, adding an interactive dimension to the experience. A visit promises to be a truly enchanting journey, especially for those captivated by the marvels of the sea and its remarkable contributions to our world.

Good informative place to visit... Various museums inside. Can spend 2hrs min. Seashell , minerals museum was awesome.. dinasaur museum is lovely especially for kids.

We recently visited the India Seashell Museum as a family of three—my wife, our 1-year-old daughter, and myself—and we were genuinely amazed by the experience. Nestled in Mahabalipuram, this museum is a true treasure trove for anyone curious about the ocean and its wonders. From the moment we stepped inside, we were impressed by the sheer variety and detail in the seashell collection. It’s hard to believe such an extensive and beautifully curated museum exists in India! There are thousands of shells on display—from the tiniest micro-shells to large, rare, and intricately shaped marine specimens. Each section is thoughtfully laid out, with clear information and a lot of interesting facts, making the visit not just enjoyable but also educational. Our little daughter had a great time too! She was full of curiosity, crawling around happily and enjoying the colorful displays and the calm indoor atmosphere. The museum is clean, well-organized, and safe for families with small children. They also have additional attractions like a small aquarium and a gift shop, where you can buy unique shell-based souvenirs. The staff were polite and helpful, and the entire place had a peaceful vibe that added to the charm of the visit. Overall, the India Seashell Museum is a wonderful destination for families, nature lovers, and anyone interested in marine life. It’s informative, peaceful, and quite unique—definitely worth including in your Mahabalipuram itinerary.

It's very nice place to explore and see different kind of shells collected from different countries Here dinosaurs park is awesome and kids will enjoy like anything. Pricing is little high . It's best to explore in the mid of the day when you explore other parts of mahabalipuram. You can spend two hours here . As this place is mostly covered by Air conditioners, you can spend in the mid of the day . Other places can be explored in evening and morning time. Food is costly here. You can explore outside for food

The India Seashell Museum in Mahabalipuram is a privately maintained attraction showcasing an impressive personal collection of seashells. It stands out as one of the largest seashell museums in Asia, offering a unique experience for visitors interested in marine life and natural history. The museum complex also includes additional attractions like a Pearl Museum, Fishing Museum, and even a Dinosaur Park, making it a multi-theme destination suitable for families and children. Each section of the complex has a separate entry fee, though a combined entry ticket is available for approximately ₹800. While the pricing may feel a bit steep, the air-conditioned interiors and the shade make it a great mid-day stop, especially when the sun is at its peak. Planning your day to visit other Mahabalipuram landmarks in the morning or evening and this museum during the hotter hours is a smart move. The exhibits are well-curated, and a visit of 1–2 hours is generally enough to explore the entire complex. Although the entry fee might seem expensive to some, the variety and uniqueness of the exhibits make it worth a visit for those interested in natural curiosities and marine collections.

Today, my family and I visited the Shell Museum, and I must say, it's definitely worth a visit! The entry fee is Rs. 400 per person, which covers access to all the museums inside. Children below 5 years can enter for free. There's an additional charge of Rs. 100 per mobile phone for photography, but I’d recommend negotiating this—there’s no need to pay for every phone individually. What makes this place special is its stunning collection of shells, a fun (though not real!) Dinosaur Museum, and a wide variety of fish aquariums. It’s especially enjoyable for children. The museum is located a bit outside Mahabalipuram on the ECR road, so public bus access might be limited—though I’m not entirely sure about that. There’s ample free parking available, which is a big plus. However, snack prices inside are a bit on the higher side, and since the location is a bit remote, there aren’t many alternatives. Overall, it was a great experience!

--- ⭐ 4/5 — A Unique & Worthwhile Experience! Visited this Seashell Museum with my family and had a really good time overall. The main museum features a massive collection of seashells, both large and small, and what’s really fascinating is that it was all collected by a single man over 40 years, from countries like the USA, Vietnam, and many others. That passion and dedication truly shows in the display. The guide explained everything nicely and made it more engaging. There were also a few books available to learn more about shells and marine life, which was a nice touch for those who love to read and explore. Apart from the seashells, the place offers fish therapy (₹100 extra) which was relaxing and fun. They also had a VR experience (₹50 extra) which was short but enjoyable. Just beside it, there's a Dinosaur Museum with quite a few life-sized dino models that kids (and adults like me 😄) would enjoy. It added a totally different vibe to the place. There was also a horror show for ₹150 (for 4 people) — it was okay, not as scary or intense as some horror setups I’ve seen before, so that part felt a little underwhelming. However, there’s also a beautiful aquarium section, which really added to the charm of the whole place — colorful fish, well-maintained tanks, and peaceful vibes. The entry fee was ₹400 per person, and ₹100 extra for photography, which felt fair given how much is packed into the experience. The location was clean, family-friendly, and had a lot of small details that made it special. Overall, it’s definitely worth the money. Great place to spend a couple of hours with family or friends. Just don’t expect a world-class horror show 😅 but everything else makes up for it. Would totally recommend for a short and unique outing! ---