Intriguingly
enigmatic, the picturesque city of Mahabalipuram is world renowned for its
shore temples. The long stretch of unspoiled beaches and rock-cut art of
this historic city attracts one and all. Located just 60 km off Chennai on
the Bay of Bengal coast in the South Indian state of Tamil Nadu,
Mahabalipuram was earlier called ‘Mamallapuram’. The journey
through the city is no less than a joy ride and is full of spectacular
sights.
Best Time & Climate :
The climate of Mahabalipuram remains hot and sultry throughout the year
with a maximum temperature of 35°C and a minimum of 19°C. The best
time to visit this place is during October to March.
How to reach there ?
» By Air - The nearest airport from Mahabalipuram is
Chennai, located around 60 km away. Flights for almost all major
destinations in India and abroad are available from here.
» By 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.
» By Road - Mahabalipuram is connected by road to
Chennai, Tirukkalikundram (Pakshithirtham), Kanchipuram (65 km), and
Pondicherry. Tourist places in India can arrange for you all types of land
transport for your comfortable journey in Mahabalipuram and throughout the
Indian state of Tamil Nadu.
Must
Visit :
» Arjuna Penace - Mahabalipuram is well known for
its series of fascinating rathas and the spectacular carved relief depicting
Arjuna's Penance. Arjuna's Penance is the mythical story of the river
Ganges, issuing from its source high in the Himalayas. It also shows
deities, and other semi-divine creatures and fables from the Panchtantra. It
is renowned for its beautiful mandapams. A complicated piece of work on a
vertical rock, Arjuna’s Penace is a well-preserved architecture of
ancient times.
» Krishna Mandapam - This is one of the earliest
rock-cut temples. It features carvings of a sylvan scene, showing Lord
Krishna lifting up the Govardhana mountain, to protect his kinsmen from the
wrath of Indra, the God of Rain.
» Rathas - These are architectural paragons of all
Dravidian temples, demonstrating the imposing gopurams and vimanas,
multi-pillared halls and sculptured walls, which dominate the landscape of
Tamil Nadu. The rathas are named after the Pandavas, the heroes of the
Mahabharata epic. Although they are widely known as "Five Rathas",
there are actually eight of them.
» Shore Temples - The shore temples were built in
7th century, during the reign of Rajasimha, and represent the final phase of
Pallava art. These exquisite temples, ravaged by wind and sea, are so
significant that they were given World Heritage listing, a few years ago.
The two spires of the temples, contain a shrine for Lord Vishnu, and for
Lord Shiva.
» Caves - The Varaha Caves, a small rock-cut
mandapam or the hall, is a faceted and finished gem with two incarnations of
Vishnu-Varaha (boar) and Vamana (dwarf). Especially the four panels of the
famous Pallava doorkeepers are exceptional. The Dharmaraja Cave, built in
the early seventh century, contains three empty shrines. The
Mahisasurmardini Cave built in mid – seventh century has fine
bas-reliefs on its panel of immense beauty.
» Mahabalipuram Dance Festival - Mahabalipuram Dance
Festival is an occasion for all the tourists visiting the place to enjoy the
performances of the artists from all parts of the country. The festival is
celebrated in the month of January/February every year.
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