Mahabalipuram is a beautiful small place in the Kancheepuram district in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. It is nicknamed as “Seven Pagodas”, owing to the ancient myth that is popular globally as well. The myth had it that there were 7 temples in the place. While the temple here in Mahabalipuram stands tall, the remaining six temples still remain a mystery to the archeologists.
Mahabalipuram was a 7th century port city of the South Indian dynasty of the Pallavas, 60kms south from Chennai. This place has various historic monuments built largely between the 7th and the 9th century and has been classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Source: wikitravel
Best For:
· Dravidian Architecture
· Excellent examples of Pallava art
· Buying stone sculptures
Source: Wikitravel
Mahabalipuram experiences a tropical climate. Summer sents in April and lasts till mid-June with temperatures in the range of 35-38°C. The nights are relatively cooler due to its proximity to the sea. But summers can get quite humid especially in the evenings. Monsoons arrive in mid June and rainfall is high as it is a coastal city.
The best time to visit this area is in winter, between the months of November and February when the weather is pleasant.
The Indian Rupee (INR) is the acceptable form of currency here. Money can be can be changed at the private money changing centres on East Raja Street like the LKP Forex or Prithvi Exchange.
A tourist visa applicable for the entire country (India) is sufficient.
Source:Wikitravel
Domestic Flights
The airports are located at Chennai [58 kms]. One can hire a cab or take a bus to Mahabalipuram.
International Flight:
There are no direct flights to Mahabalipuram. One can fly down to Chennai [58 – 60 kms] and then drive to Mahabalipuram.
Road Travel
Mahabalipuram is well connected by road to major places like Chennai, and Pondicherry. A lot of buses are available from Pondicherry, Kanchipuram, Chengalpattu and Chennai to Mahabalipuram on a daily basis. Tourists can also hire a taxi from Chennai.
Train Travel
The nearest railway stations are Chengalpattu (29-kms) and Chennai (58-kms). From these stations one has to go by road to reach Mahabalipuram.
Source:Wikitravel
Thirukadalmallai, the temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu. It was also built by Pallava King in order to safeguard the sculptures from the ocean. It is told that after building this temple, the remaining architecture was preserved and was not corroded by sea.
Shore Temple. The temple is carved from a single piece of stone and has stood for more than 1400 years. Entry US $5 for foreigners (there is a lower price for Indians), also includes entry to the Pancha Pandava Rathas.
Pancha Pandava Rathas - five "rathas", literally chariots, dating from the 7th century. The sculptures are complemented by some enormous stone animals, including a large elephant.
Arjuna's Penance - a giant bas-relief filled with detailed carvings, including a family of elephants and monkeys. Nearby is Krishna Madapa, another bas-relief.
Varaha Cave has four impressive carvings of Vishnu, Gakalakshmi, Trivikama and Durga.
Mahishamardini Cave. The central carving is of Shiva and Parvati and Murugan
Krishna's Butterball a giant natural rock perched on a hillside. It provides welcome shade if you dare to sit underneath it!
The Sculpture Museum, East Raja Street has sculptures.
Old and new light houses provide views across the area to the sea. There are several unfinished temples nearby, and the December 2004 tsunami exposed more previously submerged temples.
Source:Wikitravel Performance And Shows:
The internationally acclaimed and globally renowned " Mahabalipuram Dance Festival" is organised by the Department of Tourism, Government of Tamil Nadu every year in Mahabalipuram. The Dance festival starts on the 25th of December every year and is conducted on all Saturdays and Government holidays, upto February first week. Dancers and musicians of repute from India and abroad thrill the crowds every year. Folk dances of India are an added attraction.
Source:Wikitravel
Where To Eat:
Try the sea food at the palm thatched beach side restaurants. Lip smacking Fish, King Prawns and Lobsters are available here. Apart form the regular south Indian fare available at the smaller eateries, one can also find good Continental and Chinese restaurants.
Where To Stay:
Considering that Mahabalipuram is a small place, there are no five star hotels. But a lot of three star hotels, boarding and lodging places can be found here. Most of the inexpensive places are located on the Othavadai and Othavadai Cross Sts.
Stone sculptures made by local artists are the best buy. You can see them on their work (and also learn it yourself,). Save a lot of money by buying sculptures in small side roads and not in the main road. If you are looking for hassle free shopping head to the Poompuhar Handicrafts Emporium where the prices are fixed.
Source:wikitravel
Chennai: [60 kms] This is the capital city of Tamil Nadu. It is the most vibrant and developed city in the entire state. A commercial hub and a trading center, this is one of the most important cities in India.
Kanchipuram: The city lies to the north west of Mahabalipuram. It is mainly popular for its ancient culture and philosophy. This city is an important centre for commerce and a world renowned centre for silk goods. Kanchipuram is located on the Chennai – Bangalore Highway.
Pondicherry: [132 kms] The element of the French culture is very prevalent here. The city makes for an excellent study of the combination of the French town planning that is very elegant and the touch of Indian-ness.
