Situated 60 km to the south of Chennai, Mahabalipuram is a significant tourist place of Tamil Nadu and is most famed for its spectacular monolithic structures. Mahabalipuram, also known as Mamallapuram, is abode to several glorious temples that are well-known for their architectural magnificence. The name Mamallapuram is supposed to have been given after the Pallava king Narasimhavarman I. Mahabalipuram achieved enormous prominence under the rule of the Pallavas and is equally celebrated for its rich culture and heritage. The natural beauty of this charming land is also incomparable. Mahabalipuram is quite admired for its sun-kissed beaches that are heavenly retreats for cooling off or taking long strolls in the evening.
A few of the monuments in Mahabalipuram have been documented by the UNESCO. Mahabalipuram is home to a rich collection of historic monuments, primarily constructed between the 7th and 9th centuries, and is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Most of the monuments of the Mahabalipuram are rock-cut temple that patently belongs to the earlier phase of Dravidian temple architecture. Buddhist elements of design are prominently visible in the monuments that are mostly rock-cut and monolithic. The pillars that could be seen in the temple of Mahabalipuram are of the Dravidian order and in fact, the sculptures are excellent examples of Pallava art. Mahabalipuram is well-known for its several orphanages which often encourage tourists to visit them and donate.
Mahabalipuram is renowned for its distinctive sculptures, remarkable paintings, and exquisite carvings. Mahabalipuram is considered as one of the famous tourist spot in Chennai. Shore temple Mahabalipuram is worth to watch. More numbers of visitors have been visiting Mahabalipuram each day in order to explore the beauty of Mahabalipuram historic buildings and beach. Mahabalipuram is one of the eminent and wonderful tourist places in historic India where most of the people from different parts of the world are visiting day to day. The tourist attractions in Mahabalipuram each hold unique significance and showcase the historic charm of the region.
- Suggested Tour: Mahabalipuram Kanchipuram Day Tour from Chennai
How to Reach Mahabalipuram and Best Season to Visit There
The development of tourism in this good-looking town of Tamil Nadu has demanded the need for a good transport system, as a result the tourists can find fine set-up of rail, air and road thus making transportation and access to Mahabalipuram very convenient.
If the tourists desire to get access to Mahabalipuram by air, the nearest airport will be Chennai which is situated at a distance of 60 kms. The tourist can effortlessly arrive at this place from any place of India as it is also linked to the main cities of the country.
The railway station situated near to Mahabalipuram is Chengalpattu which is at a distance of 29 kms. Regular services of express and super-fast trains are accessible from here.
Mahabalipuram is linked by road to Chennai, Tirukkalikundram, Kanchipuram, Pondicherry etc and regular bus services are available.
Mahabalipuram experiences a warm and humid climate year-round, with temperatures ranging from 19°C to 35°C. The ideal time to visit is between October and March. November to February has nice and pleasing weather and is the ideal time to enjoy sightseeing and adventure activities. June to September months is accompanied by very hot weather and rainfalls making it hard to travel and carrying out tourist activities. Mahabalipuram invites the tourists all though the year, however the monsoons should be avoided. Mahabalipuram Dance carnival is in the month of January – February that in fact, attracts many dance lovers both inside and outside India. Another significant festival is the Pongal that take place during January which is celebrated with great joy and pleasure.
Main Attractions in Mahabalipuram
Shore Temple
Shore temple is a delightful temple sited on the shore is the most famous among the tourist attractions in Mahabalipuram. The Shore Temple is so named since it overlooks the shore of the Bay of Bengal. It is a structural temple that is in fact built with blocks of granite and dating from the 8th century AD. The temple was really built on a promontory sticking out into the Bay of Bengal at Mahabalipuram, a village south of Chennai in the state of Tamil Nadu in India.
The Shore Temple stands as a timeless testament to India’s royal heritage. The Shore Temple is a five-strayed structural Hindu temple rather than rock-cut those are the other monuments at the spot. The temple is considered as the earliest significant structural temple in Southern India. Its pyramidal constitution is 60 ft high and sits on a 50 ft square platform. There is a small temple in front of the temple which was the original porch. The temple is made out of delicately cut local granite.
Shore Temple portrays the royal taste of Pallava dynasty. Shore Temple is also recognized for being the first stone structure made by Pallavas. Shore Temple consists of three shrines, where the important ones are devoted to Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu. The temple is located between two Shiva temples and is a visual delight and indeed is recognized for its architectural masterpieces. In the temple, you’ll encounter captivating sculptures of Nandi, the bull, while the figure of Vishnu resides in the sanctum. The shore temple is also one of the most popular and most visited temples in India.
Caves in Mahabalipuram
The caves in Mahabalipuram are among the most popular tourist attractions in the area. There is no site like Mahabalipuram in the whole of India, which has everything that makes a site memorable; tradition, history, piety, western annals and current importance of tourism. Some of the caves that could be seen in Mahabalipuram are as follows:
The Varaha cave is one such cave which is in fact a rock-cut Mandapam or hall and features two incarnations of Vishnu which are Varaha or boar and Vamana or dwarf.
There are 10 cave temples in Mahabalipuram and out of the all the most beautiful is the Mahishasura Mardini cave. On one side of the cave, Lord Vishnu in a sleeping posture and on the other side of which shows the Goddess Durga killing a demon.
The Tiger cave is situated 5-km towards north of the main monument, which was once used as the place for cultural shows and performances solely for the royal family. The cave is placed about 5-kilometer (3.12 miles) north of Mahabalipuram in the pretty coastal hamlet of Saluvankuppam.
Trimurti cave is a Triple celled temple with superstructure that is supposed to be devoted to Brahma, Vishnu and Siva, the three gods of the Hindu pantheon.
Dharma raja Cave is also recognized as the Atyantakama Mandapam. The cave is built up on seventh century and consists of three empty shrines. The cave temple consists of inscription in Pallava Grantha which gives the name of the temple as Atyantakama Mandapam. Yaha se niche
Rathas
Famous as temple town, Mahabalipuram is home to one of the architectural wonders of the world, the Ratha temples. It is considered that it was the Pallava king Narsimha, who built the glorious Ratha cave temples of Mahabalipuram in the 7th century. The Ratha temples at Mahabalipuram patently stand as a testimony to the artistic genius of Indian architects in ancient times. The Ratha temples also echo the artistic flavors of the Pallava rulers. The Ratha temples gave birth to a novel style of architecture, the South Indian temple architecture.
The Ratha temples are by and large identified as the “Panch Pandava Ratha” which means the five chariots of the Pandavas. The Ratha temples are indeed acknowledged as the change point between the rock-cut cave temples and freestanding stone temples. The fact that each one of these temples is imprinted out from a single rock which cleanly proves the Indian architects great skills and efficiency. The most notable thing about these Rathas is that even after 1,300 years most of the Rathas temples are well preserved and many of their carvings are as fresh as they were latest.
There are said to be eight Rathas in Mahabalipuram and five Rathas derived its name from the five Pandavas of Mahabharata such as the Dharma raja Ratha, the Bhima Ratha, the Arjuna Ratha, the Draupadi Ratha and the Nakula Sahadeva Ratha. These Rathas are in shape of Chaityas and Buddhist Viharas. Truly, the artistic town of Mahabalipuram holds a very prominent place in the heart of art lovers.
Arjuna’s Penance
Arjuna’s Penance is considered as a bas-relief, carved in the 7th century, is amongst the largest in the world. Totally covering two huge boulders 27 meters long and 9 meters high, Arjuna’s Penance portray the flow of the Ganges down from the Himalaya Mountains as described in the Panchatantra. The figures that are sculptured on the rock are incredible for their vitality and naturalness speak volumes about the skill of the sculptors.
Arjuna’s Penance is a story from the Mahabharata that describes how Arjuna, one of the Pandava brothers, performed intense austerities to earn Shiva’s weapon. The idea, which encompasses Hindu philosophy, is that one could get hold of, by self-mortification, enough power even to conquer the gods. It is considered that with the aim of protect themselves; the gods would grant the request of any ascetic who threatened their supremacy in this way.
The Ganges story is of the similar kind, in which the sage Bhagiratha carries out austerities with the intention to bring the Ganges down to earth. Shiva had to permit break her fall in his hair, since otherwise its force would be too great for the earth to contain.
The representation of the relief supports either story. In addition, both stories were taken to mean in a manner flattering to the Pallavas; the daring Arjuna as a figure of the rulers, and the Ganges as a symbol of their purifying power. Whatever the reasons, Arjuna penance remains one of the most beautifully carved structures at Mahabalipuram.
Krishna Mandapam
Beside Arjuna’s Penance, Krishna Mandapam is another early rock-cut temple. This one is devoted to Lord Krishna and portrays scenes of pastoral life. It is measured as the biggest among the Mandapams that could be seen at Mahabalipuram. In the mandapam most highly portrayed is the image of Krishna holding up the Govardhan Hill on his fingertip to make available shelter to the villagers of Gokulam and their animals from a raging storm. Inside this Mandapam one can see carvings and sculptures based on Lord Krishna’s.
Krishna Mandapam is one of the oldest structures in Mahabalipuram. Hindu mythology says that the community of Gokulas who were shepherds thanked Lord Indra once a year for the rain showers that held in reserve the pastures green. But Lord Krishna interfered and convinced the villagers to give up this practice, as it was their hard work that brought them material wealth and not Lord Indra. This made Lord Indra furious and he ordered the rain clouds to pour down tough on the village and flood it. Consequently, the locals sought Lord Krishna’s assistance and Lord Krishna protected them and their cattle by lifting the mountain with his little finger, while the pouring rain sustained for numerous days. Finally a self-conscious Lord Indra gave in, considering the generous and brave act of little Krishna.
Temple is intimately connected to the Lord Indra who is god of rain and Lord Krishna. The temple is in the shape of a huge whale. Krishna Mandapam’s bas relief is about 9-meter tall and 27-meter wide, representing a chronology of events from the life of Lord Krishna. The difficult sculptures of celestial beings, men, beasts and birds complete the pastoral scenery, and add an artistic touch to the Krishna Mandapam.
Mahabalipuram Beach
Mahabalipuram beach is in Tamil Nadu which is considered as one of the prominent tourist destination in Tamil Nadu. Mahabalipuram beach is the pick of the beaches on India’s east coast. It’s got a thriving rambler scene and also is well-liked with tourists who come to relax at the resorts at Mahabalipuram. Mahabalipuram beach is one of the best tourist attractions of Tamilnadu which is always busy with tourists coming from different places from all over the globe throughout the year.
Mahabalipuram beach is well known for the water sports like scuba diving, surfing and snorkeling where one can enjoy a lot who be fond of water sports. The beach also makes available quite a few breath taking monuments with sculptural panels, monolithic chariots, temples and caves. The best time to visit the beach is October to March and it is advisable to keep away from visiting the beach during the monsoon season.
Mahabalipuram Beach also recognized as Mamallapuram Beach and indeed this beach on the shores of the Bay of Bengal has a shoreline spanning a distance of over 20 km with beautiful beaches. Beach is recognized as the most pristine beaches of Tamil Nadu and the beach used to attract thousands of tourists throughout the year. The beach is a perfect place for lying in the sun and lazing around. The sea is violent and swimming is not possible. One of the longest and magnificent monuments besides the beach makes Mahabalipuram Beach a favorite one among the tourists.
- Check out: Tamil Nadu Temples Tour Package
Top Hotels and Resorts to Stay in Mahabalipuram
Ideal Beach Resort
Ideal beach resort is a splendidly designed beach Resort at Mahabalipuram with large Cottages, and exclusive balconies. The resort is situated at 50 kilometer drive from Chennai, Tamilnadu, India. The resort to be found at a distance of about 54 kms away from Chennai international airport and 33 kms away from the Chengalpattu railway station. Places like the Tiger Cave, Crocodile Bank and Pallava Beach are situated in the resort’s surroundings which really add to the convenience of guests. Ideal Beach Resort offers ease of entrance to key tourist attractions like Arjuna’s Penance and Shore Temple.
The hotel has 67 well designed rooms to stay. The hotel’s restaurant specializes in seafood, with dishes cooked upon request. The additional Facilities that the Ideal Beach Resort makes available are Bar, Swimming pool, Conference Hall, Taxi and Travel Agency, Money Changing, Fax Service, Doctor on Call, Laundry Service, Safe Deposit, Barbecue Outdoors, Indoor and Out Door Games, etc.
Radisson Resort Temple Bay
Radisson Resort Temple Bay is 5 star luxurious beach resort located in the historical seaside town of Mahabalipuram. The resort is 65 kms away from the Chennai airport and 65 kilometers away from the Chennai railway station. The resort is placed just 60kms away from Chennai City centre. The resort houses elegantly furnished luxurious rooms and cottages. The resort has 72 chalets and villas and suites. The rooms are elegantly done up and well-equipped with modern facilities including air-conditioning.
Radisson Resort Temple Bay has a restaurant named Santa Maria which is the multi-cuisine restaurant that offers a magnificent view of the lawns, pool and sea. The additional amenities in the resort includes Business Center, Conference Facilities, Conference Hall, Secretarial Services, Disabled Facilities, Handicap Facilities, Doctor on call, Arrangements Of Kitty Parties & Birthday Party, Babysitting Services, Children Play Area, Children Pool, Lift, Beauty parlor, Boutique, Golf, Travel agency facility, Fitness Centre, Fitness Centre, Gymnasium, Health Club, Internet Facility, Laundry Services, Car rental facilities, Parking facility etc.
Hotel Mahabs
Hotel Mahabs is located near Arjuna penance and the hotel is recognized for the relaxed atmosphere. The hotel is designed to blend seamlessly with the natural and cultural surroundings. Hotel Mahabs is conveniently situated in the heart of town, near the bus stand. The hotel offers 34 rooms with a full range of modern amenities to the tourists to stay which is categorized into standard room, deluxe room and suite room.
The hotel provides a restaurant that makes available the rich dining pleasure of the cuisine at any time. The restaurant features luxurious and stylish interior decoration and lively yet relaxed atmosphere. The additional facilities the hotel offers are doctor on call, internet center, business center, 24 hours check out, valet laundry facility, 24 hours room service, 24 hours running hot water, direct dial STD/ISD facilities, culture program on request, indoor and outdoor dining with kitchen deck, air-conditioned & non air-conditioned rooms etc.
Golden Sun Hotel & Beach Resort
Golden Sun Hotel & Beach Resort is a 3 star resort that is spread over 15 acres. The resort is situated just 3 km prior to Mahabalipuram. The resort is placed 56 kms away Chennai Airport and 10 kms away from Chengalpattu Railway Station. The hotel provides accommodation in 58 rooms in 4 categories such as Deluxe, Executive, Cottage and Suite. The resort used to arrange cultural programs on request.
The hotel offers a multi-cuisine restaurant and the in-house restaurant offers a variety of cuisines including Continental, Chinese, South Indian, North Indian, Gujarati and Rajasthani food. The facilities in hotel includes Business Center, Conference Hall, Guide Service, Travel Desk, Bicycles on Hire, Bar, Doctor on Call, Laundry, Taxi Services but Chargeable, Airport and Railway Station Transfer which is Chargeable, Lawns and Gardens, 24 hour room services, internet and parking is also available in the hotel.
Chariot Beach Resort
Chariot Beach Resort is located behind Five Rathas monument in Mahabalipuram. The resort is placed at a distance of 30 kms from Chengalpattu railway station and 59 kms away from Chennai international airport. Chariot Beach Resort is situated just 2kms away from the Mahabalipuram bus station. The resort makes available 71 spacious rooms with all the modern amenities to make the tourists stay a memorable one.
Chariot Beach Resort presents an in-house multi cuisine restaurant called “Kapi” that mainly offers Indian and international multi cuisines to the guests. Chariot Beach Resort has a well-equipped travel desk to assist the tourists with travel queries and a large parking lot for private and tourist vehicles. The banquet and conference halls at this hotel are kept with all modern conveniences. The resort also offers Internet Facility, Cable TV, 24 Hours Room Service, Direct Dialing STD/ISD Facility, Coffee Shop, Business Centre, Banquet Hall, Swimming Pool, Water Sports, Games Room, Money Changer, Baby Care Facility, Ayurveda & Spa centre etc.
Mamalla Beach Resort
Mamalla Beach Resort is situated in Mahabalipuram and the hotel is close to Mamallapuram Beach, Tiger Cave, and Krishna’s Butterball, Ganesha Ratha and Arjuna’s Penance. The resort is situated 59 km away from the Chennai airport and Chennai bus stand is 62 km away from the resort. The resort has 35 spacious rooms with almost all the modern amenities. Mamalla Beach Resort has a multi cuisine restaurant and serves both Indian and international foods.
Mamalla Beach Resort features an outdoor pool, a concierge desk, 24-hour room service; televisions come with satellite channels, guestrooms with air conditioning, phones, Conference Facilities, Slide and video projectors and computers, play area, Ayurveda Centre, Travel Desk, Banquet, In-house Laundry Service, Various outdoor games including beach volley ball, Living room, Mini Bar, Tea Coffee maker, Doctor-on-call, 24-hour hot and cold water etc. The resort also makes available the internet facilities as well as parking facility.
Highland Shoreline
Highland Shoreline is located on East Coast Road in Mahabalipuram. The nearest airport is Chennai that is located around 60kms from Resort. The nearest railway station is Chengalpattu which is around 29kms away from Resort. Highland Shoreline offers air-conditioned guest rooms in the group of Standard and Deluxe Double. The hotel provides accommodation in 15 Deluxe Rooms. The rooms are prepared with air-conditioners, living room, cable and satellite television, intercom and direct dial telephones, data port, balcony sit-out area, and tea and coffee maker, safe deposit locker, and fireplace and room heater.
The hotel has an in-house multi-cuisine restaurant that mainly serves Continental food in beach club ambience. The hotel also has a swimming pool kid’s pool, games room, conference hall, dining hall, travel desk, parking facility, laundry, and lawns and gardens and arranges for water sports and outdoor activities, airport transfers, doctor on call and sightseeing services.
Indeco Hotel
Indeco Hotel is situated nearby the legendary Shore Temple in Mahabalipuram. The hotel is spread over 4 acres. Indeco Hotel is 60 km from away from Chennai International Airport and 52 km away from Egmore Railway Station. Indeco Hotel has 46 guest rooms and the accommodation consists of AC rooms, mini bars, high-speed (wired) Internet access but surcharge applicable, and phones. Indeco hotel houses an authentic Ayurveda centre which offers diverse kinds of treatments and herbal massages.
Indeco Resort features a multi-cuisine restaurant specializing in sea-food and a bar. The additional amenities at the hotel consist of laundry, currency exchange, spa, water sports, cable television, and mini bar, doctor on call, travel desk, swimming pool, internet, credit card acceptance, conference hall and room service. Indeco Hotel also provides Ayurvedic packages. Indeco Hotels Mahabalipuram features a truly comforting ambience for the tourists to enjoy their holidays in a luxurious manner.
MGM Beach Resort
MGM Beach Resort to be found at Muttukadu, mid-way between Chennai and Mahabalipuram on East Coast Road in Tamilnadu, India. The resort is a preferred venue for many a film shooting and is spread over 30 acres. The resort is situated approximately 32 km away from the Chennai Airport, and 35 km away from the Central Railway Station. The resort provides 75 air conditioned rooms to choose from and the accommodation comprises of a/c rooms, suites, Club suites and deluxe rooms.
MGM Beach Resort has an admirable multi-cuisine restaurant called Sea Crest that serves a large variety of delicious and nourishing dishes. The facilities at MGM Beach Resort consist of a swimming pool, a Jacuzzi, a bar, a theme park, doctor-on-call, travel desk, swimming pool, internet, 24 hours room service etc. The hotel also has a conference room and convention centre for corporate training sessions and seminars.
Esthell Village Resort
Esthell Village Resort is a three star resort that located in Sadras Road, Mahabalipuram. The Anna International Airport is situated at a distance of 40 kms and the Chengalpattu railway station is at 20 kms away from the resort. The nearest tourist attractions are Thirukazhukundram Shiva Temple that is just 3 kms away from the resort, Mamallapuram shore & Temple 12 kms away from the resort and Dakshina Chitra Heritage Museum 15 km away from the resort.
The hotel has 37 air-conditioned rooms with 24 hour room service. The restaurant in the hotel provides any time dining facility and also a bar available for the convenience of the guests. The additional amenities that the hotel offers are swimming pool, business centre, conference hall, Wi-Fi, central AC, gymnasium, doctor on call, sun beds, handicap facility, laundry, bicycles on hire, travel desk, taxi service, activity centre, games room, yoga meditation centre, outdoor activities. Chargeable services include- Airport Transfer and Sightseeing. Bonfire is available on request.
- Also Read: Most Famous Hindu Temples in Tamil Nadu
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