Top tourist attractions of Mahabalipuram feature historical monuments, sea beaches, cultural richness,
rural landscape, artisans’ villages etc. Mahabalipuram in Tamil Nadu once
the main harbor and naval base of the great Pallava empire
whose capital was in Kanchipuram. Though the reign of the Pallavas waned some 1,200 years ago, it is still very present at Mahabalipuram,
the “city of the seven pagodas”. It is nothing less than a breathtaking display of masterful sculpture carved out of solid rock. Here,
man has worked nature itself into sublime art— although Nature is now taking her revenge, for the salt spray of the Bay of Bengal
is carving the rock temples once more. The so-called pagodas of Mahabalipuram are actually known as ‘rathas’. Five of them r
epresent chariots. Their walls are a picture-book of Hindu mythology. Shore Temples, Mahishasurmardini, Krishna’s Butter Ball,
Arjuna’s Penance, Descent of the Ganges etc are marvelous pieces of architecture. Crocodile Farm, Cave Temples & India Seashell
Museum are also prominent places to visit in Mahabalipuram. Mahabalipuram (Mammallapuram) Dance Festival, a tribute to the creators of Mahabalipuram temples by dint of classical I
ndian dances, is another tourist attraction. Enjoying various activities on sea beach, attending aarti in centuries old temples, learning Yoga, watching artisans at work, observing rural lifestyle etc happen to be on the chart of an inquisitive tourist. Importance of Mahabalipuram on tourism map can be easily understood by the fact that several monuments here are UNESCO World Heritage sites.