Mahabalipuram

Mahabalipuram, located around 60 km away from Chennai in Tamil Nadu, is known as the City of Temples. This city has great historical significance for which it was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Mahabalipuram was once regarded as the ‘Land of the Seven Pagodas’ by ancient mariners. Furthermore, the economy of the city was quite stable owing to its trade with the Roman Empire, as suggested by the coins excavated from the depths of this city.

Best time to visit Mahabalipuram

Winter is by far the best time to visit Mahabalipuram. The temperature from November till February remains quite pleasant for exploration and sightseeing. 

Places to see in Mahabalipuram

Shore Temple

This is the living example of the artistic genius of the Pallava Dynasty. Large blocks of granite went into the making of the temple making it alluring to the core.

Arjuna’s penance

This huge monolithic structure attracts tourists and historians from all over the world around the year. The exquisite art etched on the walls of this structure dates to the 7th century.

Five Rathas

These are a group of five temples resembling pagodas associated with Buddhist culture. Among these 5 Rathas, the Bhima Ratha is incomplete which induces the curiosity of the tourists as well as the historians and archaeologists. One can immerse into the mysterious history of this place.

The beaches and temples

The amazing beaches and temples in the city captivate one’s attention like The Mahabalipuram Beach, Covelong beach, Wide Beach and the Mamallapuram lighthouse to bask in the winter sun or to click lovely pictures.

Granite Ball

One can also take pictures in front of the weird humongous granite ball which hasn’t and couldn’t be moved for 1200 years now, legend has it that seven elephants were used to move it but alas! It couldn’t be moved even an inch.

Things to do in Mahabalipuram

Mamallapuram Dance festival

Attending this world-famous dance festival (December to January) is one of the sheer pleasures this place can offer. A wide range of folk dance is organized in front of the Arjuna’s penance, where dancers from different part of the country participate.

Indian seashell museum

It is one of its kind museums. One can educate oneself by knowing about the different kinds of unique and rare seashells.

Crocodile farm

Crocodile lovers can visit this farm to behold a wide variety of estuarine and Nile crocodile. This was set up in 1976 by herpetologist, Romulus Whitaker. It is located at 14Km from Mahabalipuram.

Alamparai Fort

Visiting this lesser-known fort is a must for it is really an ancient seaport erected during the Mughal rule.

How to Reach Mahabalipuram?

Closest railway station/bus stop to Mahabalipuram:

Mahabalipuram is well-connected by trains from major cities in South India. Chengalpattu is the nearest railway station at 29Km from Mahabalipuram.It is 57Km by road from Chennai, 15.2Km from Tirukkalikundram, and 95.6Km from Pondicherry.

Closest airport to Mahabalipuram:

Chennai International Airport located at 60Km from Mahabalipuram, is the nearest airport.