Mahabalipuram or Mamallapuram, a prominent tourist destination in Tamil Nadu, is called a majestic open museum because of its rock-cut caves and numerous ancient temples. Located at a distance of 55 km from the capital city Chennai, Mahabalipuram served as a 7th century port city of the Pallava Kings, a Dravidian dynasty.
Mostly all the rock-cut and monolithic monuments in Mahabalipuram date back to the 7th and the 9th century. These are unique in their architectural patterns as these differ from the later-Dravidian era temples that were built during the Chola dynasty. The beauty of the temples of Mahabalipuram lies in their high raised 'Gopurams' which is common in almost all the south Indian temples. The temples showcase the early phases of Dravidian architecture and a few Buddhist elements of design.
Major Attractions
Dance Forms
Mahabalipuram still serves as one of the most rich cultural centre of Tamil Nadu. The annual
Mamallapuram dance festival, conducted in Dec-Jan, draws a number of tourists from all over the globe. This month long festival lets you enjoy the best of Indian classical dances like Bharatanatyam, Kuchipudi, Kathakali, Mohini Attam, Odissi, Kathak etc.
Arjuna's Penance
When it comes to the best of stone carvings in Mahabalipuram, the Arjuna's penance tops the chart. Built on two massive boulders, it is considered as one of the biggest open-air rock canvases in the world that measures up to 31m in length and 9 m in height. Carvings of various gods and semi divine creatures, birds and beasts, men and saints can be seen on its surface. People believe that the sculpture shows Arjuna (hero of Mahabharata) undertaking a penance to obtain a powerful weapon to fight against his enemies.
Mahabalipuram Beach
If you are a fun loving person, Mahabalipuram beach offers a number of exciting activities for a memorable holiday like sunbathing, diving, wind surfing and motor boating.
Five Rathas
This temple is commonly known as 'Pancha Pandava Ratha'. As the name suggests, this monument comprises of five rock-carved chariots dedicated to and named after the Pandavas (heroes of Mahabharata) and their wife Draupadi.
Dakshinachitra
Located on the Mahabalipuram beach, it is a heritage village developed by the Ministry of Culture. This model village has the miniatures of the 19th century villages of Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh.
Shore Temples
This 8th century temple is a perfect example of the Dravidian style architecture.
Tiger's Cave
This open-air theatre is popular for showcasing various activities and programs highlighting the cultural heritage of Tamil Nadu.
Crocodile Bank
Located 14 km from Mahabalipuram, this park was established by herpetologist Romulus Whitaker in 1976 with a motive to provide a natural habitat to the Indian and African alligators and crocodiles.
People believe that the place was named after the demon king Mahabali, but some history buffs consider it to be named after the Pallava king Mamalla.
Out of all the
tours to India, if you are seeking for a spiritual one then Mahabalipuram tourism offers a remarkable trip.
Travel to Mahabalipuram to refresh your senses with the best of architectural wonders and religious sites.
