Referred
to as Mamallapuram by the local peoples, the Mahabalipuram Beach lies 58 km
south of the capital city of Chennai in Tamilnadu. The spectacular
Mahabalipuram beach is shored by the Bay of Bengal with the dreamy rock cut
sculptures astonishing to the eyes. Many breath taking monuments like the
Caves, Monolithic Rathas and Chariots as well as temples offer a perfect
destination for holidaying.Once a small fishing village on the Mahabalipuram road, remains of a fort which has been converted in present times to a Luxury beach resort is found. The ancient port city of the Pandavas full of activities on the sea side, it still breathes with the pallava art forms.
Beach Activity
Mahabalipuram beach attracts a lot of travellers every year especially for the natural Sun bathing in the beach. The beach gives an opportunity to completely unwind from the weary and tiredness of the city life. Windsurfers and Swimmers are seen hitting the shores of the beach playing with the rising tide. Mahabalipuram beach of India, to charm the visitors also has a crocodile bank, a snake venom extracting center, a school of art and sculpture. There are resorts all along the beach to serve the empty stomach of the tourists.
 |
 |
Major Attractions
» Dakshinachitra A heritage center where traditional crafts are displayed and showcased from the states of the south India and folk artists performs cultural programs unique to their culture displaying their rich heritage.
»
Five Rathas The five Monolithic temples built in different style and
forms are known as the Pancha Pandava Rathas. Among them four are believed
to be created out from a large single rock.» Tiger's Cave The Tiger's cave lying 4 km to the north of the main monument complex was an open air theatre where cultural programs were held. The caves are very near to the beach but serene and peaceful atmosphere prevails there.
» Shore Temple Counted as one of the oldest temples in South India it dates back to the early 8th century. The Temple is a fine example of the structural architecture of the Dravidian style. The monuments placed inside comes alive in the glittering of the floodlights at night.
» Arjuna's Penance The world's largest bas-relief creation measures up to 27m in height and 9m in width holds the pride of Mahabalipuram. The whale shaped rock contains figures of Gods and Demigods, beasts, birds and in fact represents the entire creation of the almighty.
|
|
Accessibility
» By Air : Chennai 58-km away is the nearest airport with both domestic and international terminus.
» By Rail : The nearest railway stations are Chengalpattu (29-km) and Chennai (58-km). From these stations one has to take the roads to reach Mahabalipuram.
» By Road : There are buses available from Pondicherry, Kanchipuram, Chengalpattu and Chennai to Mahabalipuram regularly. The road to Mahabalipuram is well connected to other major roads. Tourists can also hire a taxi from Chennai to reach Mahabalipuram
|
|
