Mahabalipuram - Famous forShore temple
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.
» 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.
» 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.
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 get 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
» 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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