A quick outing? Mahabalipuram might just be the right place.
Looking for a quick weekend getaway? Well, if you are in South India, Mahabalipuram might be a brilliant option. Located in Tamil Nadu, this is a perfect place for those beach vibes. Along with the shore-line, you all get to see the ruins of an ancient city, bubbling with all its charm and glory.
And the For the Wildlife lovers, there's a Crocodile Breeding Centre close to this place. Isn't it just Perfect?
And the For the Wildlife lovers, there's a Crocodile Breeding Centre close to this place. Isn't it just Perfect?
Once Upon a Time....
Mahabalipuram was the earlier name of Mamallapuram because the demon king Mahabali was killed by Lord Vishnu. The name was changed later by the king of Pallava Narasimha Varman who has got the title of Mamalla; the great wrestler. It is an ancient historic town and was a bustling seaport during the time of Periplus (1st century CE) and Ptolemy (140 CE), from where ancient Indian traders sailed to countries of South East Asia.
By the 7th century it was a port city of the South Indian dynasty of the Pallavas. It has a group of sanctuaries carved out of rock in the 7th and 8th centuries: rathas (temples in the form of chariots), mandapas (cave sanctuaries), giant open-air rock reliefs such as the famous Descent of the Ganges, and the Shore Temple, with thousands of sculptures to the glory of Shiva. The Group of Monuments at Mahabalipuram has been classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
How to make a safe landing?
We took a cab from Chennai Central station to Mahabalipurum which is about 60 kms and it took around 2 hours. The nearest airport to Mahabalipuram is Chennai International Airport, about 60 kms away. The nearest railway station is Chengalpattu.
What awaits there?
Well, being an ancient heritage site, there’s mostly temples and ancient ruins.
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| ©Ritajit Chatterjee The Shore Temple |
- Shore Temple: There are 3 temples- two dedicated to Shiva and the third for lord Vishnu.
- Pancha Ratha: 5 monolithic rathas or chariots named after the Pandavas and Draupadi
- Arjuna's Penance: This rock bas-relief was built by king Narasimha I. This rock is shaped like that of a huge whale. The sculpture is carved at the back portion of the whale-shaped stone
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| ©Ritajit Chatterjee The Pancha Rathas |
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| ©Ritajit Chatterjee |
The Ministry of Tourism in Tamil Nadu also hold an International Dance festival during the months of December and January. This festival happens during the holidays of those two months.
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| ©Ritajit Chatterjee Arjuna's Ratha |
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| ©Ritajit Chatterjee The Shore (Bay of Bengal) |
Planning a trip?
Our visit was limited as we visited during the month of April and the high temperature didn't allow us to stay outdoors for a longer time.
The best time to visit is undoubtedly the cooler months of December and January. In the summer months, the temperature can reach as high as 45℃. Monsoon months are also a suitable time to visit as there is scanty rainfall with an occasional heavy downpour.
The best time to visit is undoubtedly the cooler months of December and January. In the summer months, the temperature can reach as high as 45℃. Monsoon months are also a suitable time to visit as there is scanty rainfall with an occasional heavy downpour.
Bon Voyage!
Until next time
XOXO
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