Mahabalipuram

Mahabalipuram

At a Glance
Population
15,172
Area
NA
Geo Location
South India
Average Climate
24°c - 28°c
Best time to visit
Nov to Feb

Tourism in Mahabalipuram centers around beautiful ancient monuments, sea-beach, rural lifestyle and artisans’ creativity. Mahabalipuram, the land of sea & mountain, is a place that takes a visitor back in time. The Tamil Pallava dynasty has left its traces from the 9th Century and now Mahabalipuram is well known for its stone carvings and UNESCO World Heritage monuments. This ancient town in Tamil Nadu has been blessed abundantly with nature, a beautiful beach and 40 plus massive monuments that remind us of our legacy. Mahabalipuram, about 85 km from Chennai & originally known as Mamallapuram, was founded by the Pallava king Mahendra Varman in the 7th century. It was an active port, but soon became equally famous for its sculpture. In course of time, the port and prosperity of the place have declined but the sculptures have become world-renowned. Modern world & tourists were acquainted with natural beauty, deep cultural roots and rich history of Mahabalipuram by Edward Lear, the celebrated father of limericks. He felt bored and tired on his way to Mahabalipuram by boat. He reached there as an annoyed man and still worse, had to suffer a cyclone at night. He wondered if he ought to return to Chennai forthwith. In the morning he had a glimpse of the monuments of Mahabalipuram. He was stunned having seen the grandeur and lovely beauty of these strange antiquities of Mahabalipuram. The sculptures are very astonishing & wonderful as specimens of such old date. He stayed on another day to admire them. This was in August 1874. Mahabalipuram has since grown much more famous and has charmed many more skeptics.

Mahabalipuram is approximately hours by car. It 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 renowned ancient architectural marvels are Shore Temple, Ratha temples, Arjuna’s Penance, Descent of the Ganges, Krishna’s Butter Ball, Krishna Cave Temple, Varaha Cave Temple, Mahishasurmardini Cave, Ganesh Ratha Temple and Olakkanneswara Temple. Mahabalipuram sea beach offers lot of recreational opportunities. Fall in the lap of the sandy seashores and enjoy a day at the beach. A sunny day spent with the sound of waves is always a good idea. Try balancing skills and give surfing a shot. There is a surfing school at the beach to guide through with tips & tricks.

If hunger pangs kick in, trek around to several restaurants to enjoy a wholesome meal to keep the tummy happy. Turtle walks are also organized. Turtle walks are basically a little walk along the beach with turtles and then release them in the water. Mahabalipuram has it all to keep the soul dancing! Watch the sun setting from the top of a lighthouse, feeling the gentle breeze with the view of the sea. The Olakkannesvara Temple (Old Lighthouse) was also another canvas for the skilled artisans and is beautifully carved out and sculpted by them. The sculptures are said to narrate a story. On top of the lighthouse is a Dakshina Murthi with the statue of Lord Shiva inside. The New lighthouse, which was built in the 20th century, is at a stone throw away distance from the Old lighthouse. It’s a 227 step up the stairs, to reach the viewing platform to catch the sunset.

Mahabalipuram has several Yoga centers offering opportunity to break away from the hustle and bustle of the town. Exploring the local village to have interaction with the villagers is another charm. The local potters around the town teach stone carving. Learning a new skill is always great, and being able to make a holiday or down time productive is a beautiful feeling. Villages are the best place to learn more about the cultural roots. Taking a three hour bicycle tour from the town to the Kadumbadi village with a local guide is a beautiful way to make a holiday more experiential and off-beat. Peddling through tiny lanes, watching the locals carry out their daily duties, stopping by at the local schools and meeting the kids, going through the country roads and taking in all the freshness the nature has to offer- it’s all worth it. Have few lessons from local potters and try hand at it. The little quaint town, Mahabalipuram, has something for everyone, divinity flowing through and freshness to soak in. A quick stop over, or a resting period away from home- this town will fill your heart.

Mahabalipuram Tour Packages

Grand Tour of South India

Grand Tour of South India

21 Nights / 22 Days
Destination : Chennai-Mahabalipuram-Kanchipuram-Pondicherry-Thanjavur-Thanjavur-Trichy-Chettinad- Madurai-Periyar Lake-Aleppey-Kochi-Bangalore-Mysore-Hassan-Hospet-Hampi-Badami-Goa

Leisure Tour of South India

Leisure Tour of South India

12 Nights / 13 Days
Destination : Chennai-Mahabalipuram-Bangalore-Mysore-Bandipur-Coonoor-Ooty-Kochi-Alleppey

Splendours of South India

Splendours of South India

22 Nights / 23 Days
Destination : Chennai-Mahabalipuram-Pondicherry-Thanjavur-Trichy-Madurai-Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary

Best of South India Tour

Best of South India Tour

16 Nights / 17 Days
Destination : Bangaluru- Hassan – Mysore – Coonoor – Kochi – Kumarakom – Thekkady – Madurai – Trichy- Tanjore – Pondicherry – Mahabalipuram - Chennai

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