Mahabalipuram - An Abode Of Temples
 Known for its ancient temples built in rock-cut and Dravadian style of architecture, Mahabalipuram is a town located in the Kanchipuram district in Tamil Nadu. It is also known as the 'City of Bali'. Originally it was called as Mamallapuram. Once the capital of the Pallavas who made praiseworthy contributions to its architectural beauty, Mahabalipuram is one of the UNESCO World Heritage Site. It houses several monuments soaked in historic importance dating back to the 7th and the 9th centuries.
Major Attractions:
Pancha Rathas(five chariots): They are the perfect examples of the architectural beauty of Mahabalipuram. All the five chariots depict different styles of architecture. Surprisingly, each chariot has been scooped out of one single piece of rock. These five Rathas are dedicated to the five Pandavas of Mahabharata.
Arjun Penance: It is a beautiful open-air bas-relief statue enveloped in mythological legend. Here Arjuna did penance to obtain a boon from Lord Shiva.
Shore Temples:They are marvellous temples constructed on the sea shore. They were built in Dravadian style of architecture. Belonging to the 8th century, it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Beaches: The beauty and the serene ambiance of the unspoiled beaches of Mahabalipuram attracts a lot of tourists from across the globe.
The Famous Dance Festival at Mahabalipuram has already come into international limelight for its brilliant dance and music performances. It is held annually in the month of December and is organised by the Department of Tourism, Government of Tamil Nadu. Known dancers and musicians from India and abroad flock to Mahabalipuram for participating in the festival. Some of the dances performed here are Bharatnatyam, Kathakali, Odissi, and Kuchipudi.
How To Reach:
The Nearest Airport is at Chennai with both domestic and international terminus.
The nearest railway station is at Chengalpattu.
Good bus services are available from Chennai and Chengalpattu.
Climate: The best time to visit Mahabalipuram is from October to March. In the rest of the months, the climate remains hot and humid.
Shopping: Shopping in Mahabalipuram is a great experience. Here you can get beautiful stone sculptures, carvings in wood and stone, traditional jewellery and several decorative items made by using sea shells.
Accommodation: You don't have to worry about the comfort of your stay at Mahabalipuram as its hotels and resorts offer well furnished rooms and all the modern facilities to its guests. Some of the famous hotels are Fisherman's Cove, GRT Temple Bay Beach Resort, Hotel Sea Breeze, and Quality Inn MGM Beach Resort. |
