Mahabalipuram Travel Guide

Mahabalipuram Travel Guide

The location of Mahabalipuram is in the Kancheepuram district of the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. This was an important stronghold of the Pallava dynasty during which the city had seen a lot of growth and evolution in terms of art and architecture. There are various depictions in the form of architectural styles and sculptures that have portrayed the brilliance and successful reign of the rulers in the region.

The city of Mahabalipuram retains a picturesque charm in its ambience that’s synonymous with its religious associations and temples of worship. It is resplendent in a unique style of architectures and some of the grandest works of art through temples. There is nothing that will stand apart as astoundingly as the temples of Mahabalipuram across Indian culture and its ancient past.

Among the many places there are a few that are compulsory for tourists to visit. Take a trip to see the Panch Rathas or the Five Rathas. Each ratha is styled with a different form of art and sculpture and are unqieu in their representation. And these are all carved out of a single rock of granite.

Another symbol of rare temple architecture of ancient India is the Shore Temple at Mahabalipuram. It stands along the coast of Bay of Bengal and was built in the 7^th century by Narasimha Varman II. There are multiple buildings within the temple structure that is dedicated to Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu. It is believed that there was a row of temples that stood along the coast but had been washed away by a cyclone.

Arjuna’s penance is a place of great interest among tourists. This is a rock cut sculpture that portrays various sculptures from the classic epic of Mahabharata. This sculpture is 9 meters in height and 27 meters in length. Another popular place of visit is the Tiger’s Cave – this is located within a distance of 5 kilometers of Mahabalipuram. The main shrine here is dedicated to Goddess Durga and has magnificent carvings and engraved works of sculpture. The scenic place is also a popular picnic destination.

You can avail the nearest airport at Chennai to avail regular domestic and international flights. For all railway availability the nearest station is at Chengalpattu. There is also the railway junction at Chennai from where you can avail trains to different parts of the state and the rest of the country as well. There is a frequent and common availability of several buses that can take you to other places from Mahabalipuram. You will also be able to avail taxi services to this place from other places and the airport or railway station.

There are hotels available in Mahabalipuram at all ranges of costs. So you can have luxury comfort as well as quality budget accommodation facilities. 

Last Updated: 29/03/2012