Mahabalipuram
is a spectacular beach on the shores of Bay of Bengal and is one of the
finest un-spoilt beaches in India on the coastline of Tamil Nadu. Famous for
its Pallava arts and culture, Mahabalipuram city is rich in heritage and has
numerous ancient temples. The city has a number of scattered rock and stone
sculptures.
Once a port of the Pallavas, Mahabalipuram, also known, as "Mamallapuram"
is 58-km, south of Chennai, nestling on the shores of the Bay of Bengal. The
Pallavas created innumerable architectural monuments with Sculptural Panels,
Caves, Monolithic Rathas (chariots) and Temples. Besides beaches, these
monumental marvel can also be checked out.
The best time to sun bathe, relax and unwind at the beach of Mahabalipuram
is from November to February. At Mahabalipuram you can check out the
magnificent monuments besides the beautiful beaches.
Some of the attractions are :
» Tiger's Cave - It is 4-km north of the main
monument complex. It was an open-air theater, where cultural programmes are
held. Though it is very near the sea, the place is serene and calm.
» Five Rathas - These are five monolithic temples,
each created in a different style. They are also known as the "Pancha
Pandava Rathas", and the four of the Rathas are supposed to have
scooped out of a single rock formation.
The
rock cut art is amazingly attractive. For the more religious tourists there
are the shore temple, Rathas, Arjuna's penance that are worth visiting. Then
there is the captivating crocodile farm, the snake venom-extracting center
besides the schools of art and sculpture, which form the prime attractions
for tourists.
The classical music, Bharathanatyam, Kuchipudi, Kathakali, Odissi and folk
dances will not fail to charm you.
Mahabalipuram may be easily accessed. Mahabalipuram is well connected
through air, rail and road networks. The nearest airport of Chennai connects
Mahabalipuram with other major cities of India and the world through
frequent flights and trains. In terms of the road transport buses to and
from Pondicherry, Kanchipuram, Chengalpattu and Chennai et al ply to
Mahabalipuram.
How to get there ?
» Air - The nearest airport from Mahabalipuram is
Chennai (Madras), located around 60 km away.
» Rail - The nearest railway station, Chengalpattu,
is around 29 km away from Mahabalipuram. Trains for Chennai and several
other major cities in South India are available from here.
» Road - Mahabalipuram / Mamallapuram is connected
by road to Chennai, Tirukkalikundram (Pakshithirtham), Kanchipuram (65 km),
and Pondicherry.
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