MAHABALIPURAM
World renowned for its shore temples, Mahabalipuram or Mamallapuram are 58 kilometres from Madras and located situated on the Bay of Bengal. A tour to Mahabalipuram takes tourists to a tiny seaside village which is set in a boulder-strewn background. For miles of unblemished beach and rock-cut art, the place is quite popular. For its sculpture which shows scenes of day-to- day life, contrary to showing gods and goddesses throughout the state, Mahabalipuram is a popular place for its art form. Open air bas-reliefs, structured temples, man-made caves and rathas are form of art forms here.
Mahabalipuram, with its pleasing location on a rock-strewn outcrop between the beach and a lagoon, presents an amazing blend of history, good beaches, peaceful tourism and remarkable fish and lobster. A tour to Mahabalipuram takes tourists to friendly and relaxed villagers which are amazingly
Climate
The climate here is hot and sultry throughout the year with a maximum temperature of 35°C and a minimum of 19°C. The region experiences heavy rainfalls during monsoons.
Places of Attractions
Arjuna's Penance
Arjuna's Penance, a massive and gigantic relief made on two huge boulders, is the universe itself in stone. It’s 27 metres long and 9 metres high and easily counted as the world's biggest bas-relief. The place holds immense artistic value and attracts a great number of tourists for its historical and divine essence.
Caves
The Varaha Cave, The Mahisasurmardini Cave, The Dharmaraja Cave and The Somaskanda sculpture are some of the most popular places to see here. These caves in Mahabalipuram are a true form of art and show a great past and artistic worth of the place.
Rathas
The Pancha Pandava Rathas, the square Draupadi and Arjuna Rathas, the linear Bhima Ratha, the taller Dharamraja Ratha and the apsidal Nakula-Sahadeva Ratha are truly masterpieces in itself to visit. These Rathas hold immense historical value and attract a great number of tourists here.
Krishna Mandapam
The Krishna Temple is one of the earliest rock-cut temples of Mahabalipuram and a site to must visit.
Shore Temple
Shore Temple easily features among the architectural masterpieces. Thus if you ever visit Mahabalipuram, don’t forget to see the temple for its artistic delights and immense value.
Mahabalipuram Dance Festival
Mahabalipuram Dance Festival, celebrated in the month of January/February every year, lends a wonderful opportunity to dance lovers to enjoy some of the great dance performances. The Shore Temple forms the setting of this festival and artists from all over the country come together to perform in this immensely popular dance festival.
How to reach Mahabalipuram
By Air
Nearest Airport is at Chennai 76 kms.
By Rail
The nearest railway station, Chengalpattu, is around 29 km away from Mahabalipuram. Trains connect it to and from Chennai and several other major cities of South India.
By Road
Mahabalipuram or Mamallapuram is well connected by roads to Chennai, Tirukkalikundram or Pakshithirtham, Kanchipuram, which is 65 km from here and Pondicherry.
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