| Location | Mahabalipuram, 58 km South of Chennai in the state of Tamilnadu |
| Also known as | Mamallapuram |
| Major Tourist Attractions | Temples, Monuments, Beach and Caves |
| Temperature | Max 35°C and Min 19°C |
Referred to as Mamallapuram by the local peoples, the Mahabalipuram Beach lies 58 km south of the capital city of Chennai in Tamilnadu. The spectacular Mahabalipuram beach is shored by the Bay of Bengal with the dreamy rock cut sculptures astonishing to the eyes. Many breath taking monuments like the Caves, Monolithic Rathas and Chariots as well as temples offer a perfect destination for holidaying.
Once a small fishing village on the Mahabalipuram road, remains of a fort which has been converted in present times to a Luxury beach resort is found. The ancient port city of the Pandavas full of activities on the sea side, it still breathes with the pallava art forms.
Beach Activity
Mahabalipuram beach attracts a lot of travellers every year especially for the natural Sun bathing in the beach. The beach gives an opportunity to completely unwind from the weary and tiredness of the city life. Windsurfers and Swimmers are seen hitting the shores of the beach playing with the rising tide. Mahabalipuram beach of India, to charm the visitors also has a crocodile bank, a snake venom extracting center, a school of art and sculpture. There are resorts all along the beach to serve the empty stomach of the tourists.
Major Attractions
Dakshinachitra: A heritage center where traditional crafts are displayed and showcased from the states of the south India and folk artists performs cultural programs unique to their culture displaying their rich heritage.
Five Rathas: The five Monolithic temples built in different style and forms are known as the Pancha Pandava Rathas. Among them four are believed to be created out from a large single rock.
Tiger’s Cave: The Tiger’s cave lying 4 km to the north of the main monument complex was an open air theatre where cultural programs were held. The caves are very near to the beach but serene and peaceful atmosphere prevails there.
Shore Temple: Counted as one of the oldest temples in South India it dates back to the early 8th century. The Temple is a fine example of the structural architecture of the Dravidian style. The monuments placed inside comes alive in the glittering of the floodlights at night.
Arjuna’s Penance: The world’s largest bas-relief creation measures up to 27m in height and 9m in width holds the pride of Mahabalipuram. The whale shaped rock contains figures of Gods and Demigods, beasts, birds and in fact represents the entire creation of the almighty.
Get Free Tour Quotes
Accessibility
By Air: Chennai 58-km away is the nearest airport with both domestic and international terminus.
By Rail: The nearest railway stations are Chengalpattu (29-km) and Chennai (58-km). From these stations one has to take the roads to reach Mahabalipuram.
By Road: There are buses available from Pondicherry, Kanchipuram, Chengalpattu and Chennai to Mahabalipuram regularly. The road to Mahabalipuram is well connected to other major roads. Tourists can also hire a taxi from Chennai to reach Mahabalipuram.