Mahabalipuram

Mahabalipuram, also known as Mamallapuram, is a town located in the Kanchipuram district of the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu. It is situated on the Bay of Bengal coast and is about 60 km south of Chennai, the capital city of Tamil Nadu.

Mahabalipuram is known for its rich cultural heritage and historic monuments. The town was a bustling seaport during the 7th and 8th centuries, and it was a center of trade with Southeast Asian countries. The Pallava dynasty, which ruled the region during that time, left behind many magnificent stone-carved monuments that have been declared as UNESCO World Heritage sites.

Some of the most famous monuments in Mahabalipuram include the Shore Temple, Arjuna’s Penance, and the Pancha Rathas. The Shore Temple is an ancient temple built in the 8th century, and it is one of the oldest structural stone temples in South India. Arjuna’s Penance is a giant rock relief carving depicting scenes from Hindu mythology, and the Pancha Rathas are a group of five monolithic temples that were carved out of a single rock formation.

Mahabalipuram is also a popular tourist destination for its beautiful beaches, traditional handicrafts, and delicious seafood. It attracts visitors from all over the world who come to admire its ancient monuments and experience the rich culture and history of South India.

How to reach

Mahabalipuram is well-connected to other major cities in Tamil Nadu and India through various modes of transportation. Here are the different ways to reach Mahabalipuram:

1. By Air: The nearest airport to Mahabalipuram is the Chennai International Airport, which is about 55 km away. The airport is well-connected to major cities in India and other countries, and you can hire a taxi or take a bus from the airport to reach Mahabalipuram.
2. By Train: The nearest railway station to Mahabalipuram is the Chengalpattu Railway Station, which is about 30 km away. The station is well-connected to Chennai and other major cities in India. From the railway station, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach Mahabalipuram.
3. By Bus: Mahabalipuram is well-connected to Chennai and other major cities in Tamil Nadu by road. There are regular bus services from Chennai to Mahabalipuram, and you can also take a bus from other cities like Pondicherry, Kanchipuram, and Tirupati.
4. By Car/Taxi: You can also reach Mahabalipuram by hiring a car or taxi from Chennai or other nearby cities. This is a convenient and comfortable option, especially if you are traveling with family or a group of friends.

Once you reach Mahabalipuram, you can explore the town and its various attractions by foot or hire a local guide to show you around.

What does it signify?

Mahabalipuram is internationally renowned for its series of splendid Rathas (Chariots) and the magnificently carved relief Arjuna’s Penance. The Shore Temple attracts a huge number of travelers and devotees from all across the globe. The temple houses shrines of both Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu. Mahabalipuram had already become known widely as a pilgrimage center when Mamalla made it into a seaport and began erecting rock-carved temples. It was this very city from where the Indian colonists migrated to southeast Asia. Most of the structures lay beneath the sands. The monuments saw their ill fate after the fall of the Vijayanagar Empire. The monuments found great patrons in the Cholas and their successors. But after the 17th century, the monuments fell upon bad times. In 1788 the monuments were noticed by William Chamber, an English visitor. It was only after this that some experts of antiquities from Madras gave it a thought. And finally, Collin Mackenzie dug out some of the monuments. Afterward, he and his assistants gathered other interesting relics of the past.

What beckons devotees?

Arjuna’s Penance

Arjuna’s Penance is an enormous relief made on two gigantic boulders. Measuring 27 m in length and 9 m in height, it is perhaps the largest bas-relief in the world. There is a cleft in the rock depicting the descent of the Ganga. The Ganga was brought to earth by King Bhagiratha to save his sinful ancestors. It is a whole world in itself, attracting a myriad of visitors and devotees.

Rathas or Chariots

At the southern end of Mahabalipuram, lie a group of exquisite Rathas amidst the Casuarina trees. Being five in number, these chariots are also termed as the ‘PaanchPandavaRathas’. Four out of five are carved out of a single rock.

Shore Temple

The Shore Temple is known worldwide for its splendid architecture. The rock-cut shrines are fine examples of Pallava architecture. The Shore Temple, the landmark of the city, was designed in such a way so as to catch the first rays of the rising sun and illuminate the waters after dark. The sanctum sanctorum enshrines Lord Vishnu.

Caves

The city of Mahabalipuram ropes in several thousands of visitors on account of its beautiful rock-cut shrines. The Varaha Cave enshrines incarnations of Varaha (boar) and Vamana (Dwarf). The four panels of the famous Pallava doorkeepers are worthy of notice. There are a number of other cave shrines that truly deserve a visit.

Things to do

Mahabalipuram is a beautiful town with many attractions and activities that you can enjoy. Here are some of the top things to do in Mahabalipuram:

1. Visit the Shore Temple: The Shore Temple is a beautiful temple located on the beach in Mahabalipuram. This ancient temple is made of granite and has intricate carvings and sculptures. You can take a tour of the temple and learn about its history and architecture.
2. Explore the rock-cut monuments: Mahabalipuram is famous for its rock-cut monuments, which were carved out of the granite rocks in the area. Some of the most famous rock-cut monuments include the Pancha Rathas, Arjuna’s Penance, and the Varaha Cave Temple. You can explore these monuments and marvel at their intricate carvings and architecture.
3. Relax on the beach: Mahabalipuram has several beautiful beaches, including the Mahabalipuram Beach and the Covelong Beach. You can relax on the beach, take a dip in the sea, or go for a boat ride. You can also enjoy some local snacks and street food from the beachside vendors.
4. Learn about local culture: Mahabalipuram is a hub of traditional arts and crafts. You can visit the local artisans and learn about traditional crafts like stone carving, wood carving, and silk weaving. You can also shop for local souvenirs and handicrafts.
5. Visit the Mahabalipuram lighthouse: The Mahabalipuram lighthouse is located on a hill near the beach. You can climb to the top of the lighthouse for a panoramic view of the town and the sea. You can also learn about the history of the lighthouse and its role in maritime navigation.
6. Take a day trip to Pondicherry: Pondicherry is a beautiful town located about 100 km from Mahabalipuram. You can take a day trip to Pondicherry and explore its French Quarter, visit the Aurobindo Ashram, and relax on the Promenade beach.

These are some of the top things to do in Mahabalipuram. You can also indulge in local cuisine, take a nature walk, or visit nearby temples and attractions to make the most of your trip to this beautiful town.

FAQ

Here are some common questions:

What is the best time to visit?

The best time to visit Mahabalipuram is from November to February, when the weather is cool and pleasant. The summer months (March to May) can be quite hot, while the monsoon season (June to September) can be wet and humid.

What are the popular places to stay in here?

There are many hotels, resorts, and homestays in Mahabalipuram that cater to different budgets and preferences. Some popular options include Radisson Blu Resort Temple Bay, Chariot Beach Resort, Grande Bay Resort and Spa, and Ideal Beach Resort.

What are the popular restaurants in Mahabalipuram?

Mahabalipuram has many restaurants that serve local and international cuisine. Some popular options include Moonrakers, Mumu’s Cafe, Seashell Restaurant, and Nautilus. You can also try local street food like vada, dosa, and seafood from the beachside vendors.

What are the must-see attractions in Mahabalipuram?

Mahabalipuram has many must-see attractions, including the Shore Temple, Pancha Rathas, Arjuna’s Penance, Varaha Cave Temple, Mahabalipuram Beach, and the Mahabalipuram Lighthouse. You can also visit nearby attractions like the Crocodile Bank and Dakshina Chitra.

Is Mahabalipuram safe for tourists?

Mahabalipuram is generally considered safe for tourists, and incidents of crime are rare. However, it is always a good idea to take basic safety precautions like avoiding deserted areas at night, not carrying too much cash or valuables, and being aware of your surroundings.

Nearby attraction with Km

Mahabalipuram is located in a region with many nearby attractions that you can explore. Here are some popular attractions near Mahabalipuram along with their distance in kilometers:

Chennai (55 km): Chennai is the capital of Tamil Nadu and a bustling metropolis with many tourist attractions, including Marina Beach, Fort St. George, Kapaleeswarar Temple, and the Government Museum.

Pondicherry (100 km): Pondicherry is a former French colony known for its charming French Quarter, Aurobindo Ashram, and Promenade beach.

Kanchipuram (70 km): Kanchipuram is a temple town known for its ancient temples, including the Kailasanathar Temple, Ekambareswarar Temple, and Varadharaja Perumal Temple.

Covelong (20 km): Covelong is a small fishing village located near Mahabalipuram that is famous for its beach and the Covelong Beach Resort.

Dakshina Chitra (28 km): Dakshina Chitra is a living museum that showcases the culture and lifestyle of the people of South India. It has exhibits of traditional homes, artifacts, and crafts from different regions of South India.

Crocodile Bank (15 km): The Crocodile Bank is a reptile sanctuary that is home to several species of crocodiles, snakes, and turtles. It is an ideal place for wildlife enthusiasts.

Pulicat Lake (100 km): Pulicat Lake is a scenic lake located on the border of Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh. It is a popular destination for bird watching and boating.

These are just a few of the many attractions near Mahabalipuram that you can explore. Depending on your interests and preferences, you can plan your itinerary and visit these attractions.