In the 7th century AD the Pallavas built their second capital and seaport at Mahabalipuram about 60 km / 40 miles from Madras. Legend has it that the name Mahabalipuram came from the name of the demon Mahabali who was defeated and killed by lord Vishnu. Famed for its exquisitely chiseled shore temples along the coast, its sculptures are a blend of mythology, epics and everyday life. Though known as the land of Seven pagodas, only one of the shore temples remains, the rest being swallowed up by the sea, which is particularly rough at this spot. Now a retaining wall has been built to protect this last remaining piece of Dravdian architecture. Representing the final phase of Pallava art this is one of the oldest temples in the South and has two shrines, one dedicated to a reclining Vishnu and the other to Shiva, the two major gods of the Hindu pantheon.
Mahabalipuram is a small town where each important architectural site is within walking distance. Arjuna's penance is an open air rock sculpture and is the largest bas relief in the world (80 by 30 feet / 29 by 7 metres). To obtain Shiva's legendary arrow as a boon, Arjuna did penance, which is depicted here, together with the sculptures of people, gods, birds and animals. As you walk along you come upon five monolithic temples named after the five Pandava brothers of the great Epic Mahabharat, each representing a different style of architecture and each looking like a chariot. Visit the cave with a superb sculpture of the Godess Durga seated on her lion and vanquishing the buffalo-headed demon and also a Vishnu reclining on the serpent anantha. A sculpture museum houses 3000 sculptures in wood, metal, brass and stone, all made by local artisans. Mahabalipuram enjoys the unique distinction even today of creating the finest carvings in stone and wood of the elephant headed god Ganesh and no one should leave without buying one for good luck. Mahabalipuram has lovely beaches and is one of the finest resort towns on the south eastern coast of India. Yet its fame is more because of its outstanding examples of Dravidian art and architecture. Mahabalipuram's wonders in rock beautifully carved have made Mahabalipuram a virtual open air museum and a UNESCO World Heritage site. They are flood lit at night creating an almost surreal effect, reminiscent of another age that of the valliant Pallavas. During January/February each year a month long festival is held with dance performances on weekends showcasing the classical styles of Bharatnatyam, Kuchipudi, Kathakali and Odissi. The Pongal harvest festival (mid January) is celebrated on a grand scale and visitors get a chance to savour a wiff of the local flavours. Lots of resorts dot the coast and this is where tired visitors go to relax and bask in the sun and enjoy the sea and warm sands. Some do venture out sailing or on water scooters or merely jump the waves but the sea can be a little rough at times. Another interesting activity is browsing around the several small shops which sell souvenirs made of sea shells and carvings made of soft stone wood or granite as well as other local handicrafts. The nearest airport is Madras (60 km/40 miles), which is connected by an excellent road to Mahabalipuram. The nearest railway stations are Madras and Pondicherry.