Mahabalipuram is one of the famous tourist spots located on the Coromandel Coast of Tamil Nadu, India. It is officially known as Mamallapuram, is a historic city best known for the UNESCO World Heritage Site of 7th and 8th-century. It’s a vital center of craftsmanship, architecture and literature. Drenched in perplexing old-age charm, the city amazes you with its rich history, ancient monuments, sculptures, scenic beauty, culture, tradition, beaches, thriving present and scenes of a glorious future. During the Pallava Kingdom, Mamallapuram was one of two major seaport cities which is now extremely popular among tourists for its widespread variety of temples that have also been classified as UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
History of Mahabalipuram
Mahabalipuram is the kind of destination which leaves an everlasting impression because of its old-age charming mystery and it’s a place with rich history. During the 7th century Mamallapuram was the capital city of the Pallava dynasty which ruled the place for almost 400 years leaving behind the rich heritage of art, culture and architecture. It was popularly known for the land of Seven Pagodas which were built on the seashore, out of which six were submerged under the sea and it’s believed after the tragic 2004 Tsunami the existence of the other six Pagodas was discovered.
When the waves over flooded it took with its centuries of residue that wrapped the temples and exposed a row of rock structures underneath. There are eyewitnesses who proved this myth right, but the rock structures were immersed under the sea again leaving a few structures uncovered. Out of the seven legendary Pagodas, the Shore Temple is the only one which endured countless misfortunes but still has glory intact. Mamallapuram was once a bustling port city and it is one among the two major port cities in the Pallava kingdom, connecting South India with Southeast Asia.
This town was named after Pallava king Narasimhavarman I and was a center of trade and commerce. Later this place became a popular spot for its cluster of royal monuments, temples and many carved out of the living rock during the 7th and 8th centuries. During the 4th century, Mamallapuram port was considered as an active hub of global trade as they found Chinese and Roman coins of Theodosius I. Apart from just a trading hub, its temples and monuments make it a center of spiritual and cultural interest. The temples built during this era are the art works of Dravidian architectural genre. These splendid structures and their glory that we see today have made Mahabalipuram a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
How to Reach
Mahabalipuram being the most visited tourist destination in Tamil Nadu and it’s well-connected with some of the major cities so that you can opt your travel via flight, by road and by train.
By Air:
Chennai International Airport is the closest airplane terminal to Mahabalipuram as it doesn’t have an airplane terminal of its own. It’s around 55 kilometers away and has excellent connectivity with most major cities.
By Train:
There is no direct access to the railway tracks to Mahabalipuram, you need to board one among the two stations to reach your destination. Chengalpattu Junction station is the nearest, which is around 22 kms away.
But it’s suggested to take Chennai Central railway station which is 50 kms away and connects with all major cities. From there take a bus or hire a taxi and the journey by road is easy.
By Road or By Bus:
Mahabalipuram has great public transportation as the city is well connected with numerous state and national highways to prime cities. Getting a bus from Chennai or Pondicherry is easy due to the great state and private bus connectivity.
Metropolitan Transport Corporation (MTC Chennai) agency operates bus services from Chennai, Chengalpattu, Kancheepuram, Tiruttani etc. Road connectivity by cabs from the above-mentioned cities is quite good too.
Best Time to Visit
Almost throughout the year Mamallapuram enjoys a humid and tropical climate. Like much of South India, the best time to visit this place is during the months of October to March, when the weather is quite pleasant to enjoy the cool breeze from beaches and it’s an ideal time to enjoy the outdoor activities.
It’s suggested not to visit during the summer months (April to June) as the temperature is quite hot and humid. While the monsoon months (July to October) are filled with heavy rains and rains play a spoilsport to beach parties and surf plans.
Places to visit in Mahabalipuram | Mahabalipuram – Tourist Places, Travel Guide & Itinerary
Mahabalipuram Shore Temple
Of all the temples and structures in Mamallapuram, the shore temple stands first for its architecture radiates and it is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This temple is located just around Mahabalipuram Beach along the Bay of Bengal. This ancient iconic temple attracts tourists for its natural rock formations, it’s a best example of the Dravidian architecture and reflects the true essence of the Pallava dynasty. The sanctuary was built in the 8th century along the sea and comprises two holy places, devoted to Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu. Out of the seven legendary Pagodas, the shore temple is the only one which endured countless misfortunes but still has glory intact.
Mahabalipuram Beach
One of the most visited tourist spots in Tamil Nadu is Mahabalipuram Beach located on the east coast and is a perfect choice for beach lovers. It’s an ideal getaway for various leisure and adventure activities like sunbathing, windsurfing, swimming etc. If surfing is on your bucket list, then you are at the right spot, Mahabalipuram Beach has few surf schools as well.
Pancha Rathas
It is a group of five gigantic free-standing sanctuaries carved out of a single rock called the Five Rathas, also known as the Pancha Rathas. These five structures are built in honor of the five Pandavas from the Mahabharata (Arjuna, Bhima, Yudhishtra, Nakula and Sahadeva) and Draupadi. These are technically not temples but a testament of the evolution of Pallava and Dravidian Style architecture.
Tiger Caves
These Caves are considered as the best recreation spots in Mamallapuram located by the Bay of Bengal shores. These caves got the name ‘Tigers Caves’ as the crown of 11 tiger-like heads have been carved around the entrance and the best part of this masterpiece is the carving of Goddess Durga on top of these tigers.
Krishna’s Butterball
Krishna’s Butterball is a wonder of nature and is a particularly astonishing boulder, which is balanced on the slope of a hill. It weighs around 250 tons, 6 meters in height and 5 meters in width and it was previously called the “Vaar Iran Kal,” which means “Sky God’s Stone”. There are different tales about Krishna’s Butterball, people believe that Lord Krishna accidentally dropped a large amount of butter which turned into this gigantic stone. The most stunning part is that the huge rock has been standing still in an inclining position at an angle of 45 degrees for years.
Timing: 6 am to 6 pm every day.
Mahishasura Mardini Cave Temple
The late 7th century cave temple is often known as the Mahishamardini mandapa or as Yampuri located on a hill near the lighthouse. The Indian rock-cut architecture temple is a UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring three prominent carving and depict scenes of Puranas. One carving of Lord Vishnu relaxing on the seven headed serpent Know as’ Adishesha’, another of Durga, slaughtering the head of Mahishasura, and the third altar has a sculpture of Shiva seated in the yoga posture ‘Sukhasana’ nearby Parvati holding the youthful Skanda.
Varaha Cave Temple
One of the greatest examples of Pallava art is the Varaha Cave Temple which is dedicated to Lord Vishu. It’s an exquisite rock cut Hindu temple made on a giant piece of granite with carvings of finest pieces of sculptures of Lord Vishnu in various avatars. Varaha is one of the avatars of Lord Vishnu which looks like a boar lifting Mother Earth.
Descent of the Ganges
Arjuna’s Penance is another name of The Descent of the Ganges, is an artistry testament. It is one of the largest open-air rock-cut sculptures in the world, 15 meters in height and 30 meters in length. The rock has been carved with the stories of the descent of the Sacred Stream Ganga and the atonement of Arjuna, from the epic Mahabharata. That’s the reason it got the two names, and the rock has been filled with elaborate carvings of gods, mythological creatures and animals.
India Seashell Museum
This historical museum center has an uncommon and special shell collection of different shapes, sizes and colors. Mamallapuram Seashell Museum is an educational institution where you get to know the rich cultural history, the usage of the shells and the cultural impact they persist in different civilizations.
Accommodation
There are plenty of accommodation options available ranging from budget hotels to luxury resorts. As per your budget and requirement choose the best option that works for you, but it’s suggested to stay near the beaches when in Mahabalipuram.
Conclusion
Mahabalipuram is a must visit tourist destination to explore the historical and cultural legacy of South India. It’s a once in a lifetime experience where you get to study ancient temples and their magnificent testaments.
Hope the above article on the overall view of Mahabalipuram will delight your trip and make it memorable. Do let us know your views and suggestions in the comment section below
