Best Time to Visit Mahabalipuram

Mahabalipuram is one of the most visited tourist destinations in India. Travelers from across the globe reach the place to explore the rich heritage and architectural lineage of the erstwhile historical city. Though it can be visited round the year but the best time to visit Mahabalipuram is winter season, starting from October and lasting till February. Mahabalipuram was the principal port of the Pallavas. It was from here that the Indian emigration to Southeast Asia took place in the early centuries. All that now remains of the once prosperous town are the rock-cut caves and panels. Among the famous historical monuments are Panch Rathas (Five Chariots), Shore Temple, Penance of Bhagiratha / Arjuna’ s Penance, Krishna Mandapam, Mahishasuramardini Mandapam etc. The Five Rathas (7th century) is a group of monolithic monuments and figures of animals carved out of solid rocks of granite. The Shore Temple, (Rajasimha style — 8th century), is a splendid example of early temple construction in the south. Penance of Bhaghiratha is an enormous relief of about 400 personages and animals, a masterpiece of composition sculptured on the rock face. Sometimes, it is called Arjuna’s Penance too. Krishna Mandapam shows among other things a very realistic pastoral scene of a man milking a cow licking its calf.Mahishasuramardini Mandapam is the finest among the cave temples of Mahabalipuram, with a beautiful shrine for Lord Shiva and two remarkable bas reliefs of Mahishasuramardini and Vishnu. Sea bathing is an added attraction.