MAHABALIPURAM WEEKENDS
Mahabalipuram or Mamallapuram is a historic city and UNESCO World Heritage site in Tamil Nadu, India. During the reign of the Pallava dynasty, between the 3rd century CE and 7th century CE, it became an important centre of art, architecture and literature. Mahabalipuram was already a thriving sea port on the Bay of Bengal before this time. A significant amount of coins and other artefacts excavated from this region also indicate a pre-existing trade relation with the Romans even before it became a part of the Pallava Empire. Mahabalipuram's early history is completely shrouded in mystery. Ancient mariners considered this place the land of the Seven Pagodas.
MAHABALIPURAM SIGHTSEEING
Monuments at Mahabalipuram
Mahabalipuram is one of the oldest cities in India. Present day, it is known for its great monuments, cave sanctuaries and sculptures. Mahabalipuram is famous for its vast beach, monoliths, stone carvings and temples.
Shore Temple
The Shore Temple, built in the late 7th century by Rajasimha and is orientated east, towards the ocean. The temple consists of two spires; one contains a shrine for Vishnu and one for Shiva.
Pancha Rathas
Pancha Rathas (also known as Five Rathas or Pandava Rathas) is a monument complex at Mahabalipuram. The magnificent 'Ratha' cave temples of Mahabalipuram were built by the Pallava king Narsimha in the 7th and 8th centuries. The beauty of the rock-cut sculpture of the temple is reflective of the artistic tastes of the erstwhile Pallava rulers.
Arjuna's Penance
The Arjuna's Penance, a stonework masterpiece, is one of India's greatest ancient artworks. It was built by the Pallava King, Narasimha Varma, who also is known as the 'Ocean of the Arts' in the 7th Century and is one of the most well known monuments that were carved from granite rock boulders.
Krishna's Butter Ball
According to Hindu mythology, when the great god Krishna was just a baby, he was fond of stealing butter, and a bolus of some butter he stole fell here and made a giant orange clump. That’s why Krishna’s second name is ‘Makhan Chor’ – ‘Thief of butter’ in Hindi. It’s also believed that the God of the sky has arranged the rock in that strange position to prove his power. Thus the name ‘Stone of sky God’. This huge ball of rock has been balancing itself on a sloping hilltop. The boulder is now called 'Krishna's Butter Ball'.
India Seashell Museum
Raja Mohammad, the founder of the India Sea Shell Museum started collecting shells when he was only a child. Travelling to different countries and started collecting from across all the places that he happened to visit. He had a dream. And it was about creating a museum of his own with amazing varieties of seashells collected from across the world. And it happens! with Collection of approximately 40,000 seashells & marine fossils from around the world.
Descent Of The Ganges
Descent of the Ganges is a monument at Mamallapuram,it is a giant open-air rock relief carved on two monolithic rock boulders.The relief is the story of the descent of the sacred river Ganges to earth from the heavens led by Bhagiratha. The waters of the Ganges are believed to possess supernatural powers. The descent of the Ganges and Arjuna's Penance are portrayed in stone at the Pallava heritage site.
Mahabalipuram Lighthouse
The lighthouse of Mahabalipuram is one among its primary attractions. India's oldest tower, built around 640 AD, The lighthouse, with a circular masonry tower made of natural stone, became fully functional in 1904. This was built by Pallava king Mahendra Pallava standing next to this modern structure.
Varaha Cave Temple
Varaha Cave Temple is one of the most excellent examples of Pallava art in Mahabalipuram. Indian rock-cut cave architecture, It is dedicated to one of the ten forms of Lord Vishnu and easily makes for being one of the finest examples of a rock-cut temple.In fact, it is the oldest standing monument in Mahabalipuram and believed to have been built around 630-668 AD. Carved from a low rock outcropping of granite of a mesmerizing pinkish hue, it is just a little higher than the temple itself.
Mahabalipuram Beach
This charming beach is one of the perfect places in India for sunbathing (which is the must-do activity here), an enchanting beach that is located on the east coast of India.and thus, lures larger chunk tourists both domestic as well as overseas. Moreover, If you’re into windsurfing and swimming, don’t hesitate to hit the shores of the beach while playing with the moving tides. The charm of this beautiful place doesn’t end here, it also has wildlife experience to proffer to nature lovers or history buffs as there is crocodile bank and snake venom extracting center situated just a few km away from the beach.
Tiger Cave
The Tiger Cave was built during the Pallava period (8th century) as an open air theatre where cultural activities could take place. The name comes from the rock cut temple on the premise that resembles the head of a Tiger. Throughout the terrain you can find small boulders of rocks spread out. However, what is interesting about the place is that the temple itself is built below the level of the terrain which means you can literally walk on the roof of the cave temple although it is not recommended! The temple was dedicated to Goddess Durga but you can also find a shrine here dedicated to Lord Shiva (the distinct Shiva Lingam is easy to find). The place also has a small pond and a statue of Nandi- the gateway guardian of Lord Shiva.
Krishna Mandapam
The Krishna Cave Temple, or Krishna Mandapam, is the largest among the rock-cut cave temples in Mahabalipuram. The temple is dedicated to Lord Krishna, and dates back to the mid-seventh century. The temple is also one among the Group of Monuments at Mahabalipuram, which is a World Heritage Site as declared by the UNESCO.
Pancha Pandava Cave
The Panchapandava Cave Temple is simple and elegant. It is a rectangular structure which is carved out of the rocks and supported by the pillars. The facade of the cave consists of stone-pillars with lion caryatid (carved lions on the pillars). It looks like these lions-sculptures are supporting the pillars. However, they definitely give a royal look to the cave temple. Though it looks very simple, this cave seems to be the improvised version when compared to few other monuments in the group. Intricate carvings on the walls of the cave, pillars with griffins, small verandah, rock-cut chambers look perfect and symmetrical.
Trimurti Cave
Trimurti or Thrimoorthy cave is dedicated to the three gods of Hindu mythology – Lord Brahma, Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva. This triple celled temple is beautifully carved with the usual decoration of a gopuram and pilasters which support the superstructure. Mahabalipuram, a World Heritage Site, is situated on the Coromandel coast to the south of Chennai in Tamil Nadu state, India.
Mahishasuramardini Mandapa
Mahishasuramardini Mandapa is a temple which was erected a long time ago, in the 7th century. This temple is an incomplete structure and is located at the base of diorite hillock It is one of the fourteen cave temples of Mahabalipuram and it houses several elegant reliefs portraying artistic abilities of the sculptures in Pallava times. The front of the cave temple is adorned with four columns and two pilasters, floor and the ceiling are incomplete even today. The columns have diverse designs and all the panels depict different stories and incidents of Gods and Goddesses.
Wooden Artifacts
Handmade Wooden Artifacts Showpieces
Granite Sculptures
Idols of Gods and Goddesses
Seashells
Variety of Seashells are sold here
Nethili Varuval(Fish Fry)
This nethili fry is a very famous appetizer in Chennai.
South Indian Egg Masala
Eggs, green chilies, spices and curry leaves in a rich, delicious coconut sauce.
Mullangi Sambar (Radish Sambar)
South indian cuisine is incomplete without highlighting varieties of sambar recipes.
South Indian Meals
Sumptuous combinations in 1 platter
THE IDEAL PLAN
Ideally Start from Bangalore City by 5am-6am and ahead straight to Mahabalipuram, After Hosur take a break at Krishnagiri for Breakfast at Shri Krishna Inn near Shoolagiri, Wonderful place for your early morning breakfast with Masala Dosa, Onion Uttapam, crispy vadas and hot sambhar. After Breakfast continue your drive straight to Mahabalipuram (Route : Hosur, Krishnagiri, Vellore, Kanchipuram, Chengalpet, Mahabalipuram) One can also stop over at Kanchipuram for buying Silk Sarees and Dresses, we suggest Lunch at A2B Hotel (Adyar Ananda Bhavan Hotel, Nellukara Street, Kanchipuram India, # +91 44 2723 3295).
Location
Popular Hotels & Resorts
Radisson
Blu Resort Temple Bay Mamalla
puram
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Four Points
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Chariot Beach Resort
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Kences Palm Beach
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InterC
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Chennai
Resort
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Mamalla Beach Resort
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Landmark Pallavaa Beach Resort
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Hotel Mamallaa Heritage
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LUXURY BUSSES: PRICE ON REQUEST.
AUDI / SIMILAR (LUXURY CARS)
₹150/km or ₹1500/hr
WAGON R / SIMILAR HATCHBACKS
₹14/km
or ₹140/hr
INNOVA / SIMILAR MUV’S
₹18/km or
₹180/hr
SWIFT D’ZIRE / SIMILAR SEDANS
₹15/km
or ₹150/hr
TEMPO TRAVELLER / SIMILAR LCV’S
₹50/km or ₹500/hr
Weather for next 7 days in Mahabalipuram
MAHABALIPURAM WEATHER
