Mamallapuram Travel Vacations
¤ Mamallapuram also Known As
Mahabalipuram
Loaction : 60 kms South of Chennai
Area : 8 sq. kms.
Attractions : Arjuna's Penance, Shore Temple and The five
Rathas.
Ideal Time to Visit : October to March
¤ Mahabalipuram, A World
Heritage Site
Mahabalipuram, also known as Mamallapuram is located around 60 kms
south from the city of Chennai in Tamil Nadu. It is a 7th century port
city of the South Indian dynasty of the Pallavas. It is believed to
have been named after either the demon king Mahabali, or the Pallava
king Mamalla. Mahabalipuram has various historic monuments built
mostly between the 7th and the 9th century. The most famous monument
here is the Shore Temple, which looks absolutely mesmerizing when lit
by moonlight. This historical city has been crowned as a World
Heritage Site by UNESCO.
 Most
of the monuments here are rock-cut and monolithic. They represent the
early phases of Dravidian architecture wherein Buddhist elements of
design can be seen clearly. There are cave temples, monolithic rathas
(chariots), sculpted reliefs and structural temples found here. The
pillars are of the Dravidian order and the sculptures are excellent
examples of Pallava art. The majestic Mahabalipuram, invokes a certain
kind of mystery, with its sculptural extravaganza depicting strong
artistic temperament of the Pallavas who were the pioneers in South
Indian art.
¤ Attractions at Mahabalipuram
Your travel vacations to Mahabalipuram, the beautiful beach city
located on a rocky outcrop between the beach and a lagoon is going to
be a life time experience. Mahabalipuram is a blessed combination of
history, good beaches and hassle-free tourism. It is known for its
group of pleasing rathas and the dramatically carved relief depicting
Arjuna's Penance. The magnificent Shore Temple, built by king
Rajasimha in the 7th century, is an outstanding temple that has the
shrines of both Shiva and Vishnu. The Varaha Cave another major
attraction which is one of the many rock-cut caves in Mahabalipuram.
The Krishna Mandapam, one of the most visited places, has a bas-relief
of Lord Krishna lifting the Govardhan hill on his fingertips.
¤ Nearby Excursions
Mahabalipuram travel guide offers excellent excursion opportunities
in the city. It makes a complete Golden Triangle circuit of South
India along with Chennai and Kanchipuram. People who visit Chennai and
Kanchipuram definitely come to this beautiful place also. Kanchipuram,
located around 65 km from Mahabalipuram is famous for some of India's
finest silk saris. The Kanchi weavers definitely deserve a beautiful
ode !This small and dusty town of kanchipuram is popularly called the
'Golden Town of a Thousand Temples'. It is famous for the Kamakshi,
Varadarajaswami, and Kailasanathar temples, some outstandingly
beautiful temples. Vedanthangal another worth visiting destination is
renowned for a bird sanctuary, which is one of India's largest
sanctuaries. The Covelong beach here is famous for its golden sand and
other historical monuments. The Crocodile Bank at a distance of 14 kms
and Muttukadu around 21 kms away from Chidambaram are also worth a
visit.
¤ Events and Festivals
On your travel trip to Mahabalipuram participate in diverse festivals
celebrated by the locals.Among the festivals celebrated in
Mahabalipuram, Pongal is the most important. It is one of the most
auspicious festivals for the Tamils. It is celebrated in mid-January
every year. The festival is celebrated with gaiety and joy not only in
Tamil Nadu but also in most parts of South India. Mahabalipuram Dance
Festival is a perfect occasion for the dance lovers, who can enjoy the
performances of the artists from all parts of the country. This
festival is celebrated in the month of January/February every year.
The Shore Temple is the venue of this festival and the music from the
musical instruments along with the music created by the natural
surroundings provides an overwhelming experience. The Sthalasayana
Perumal temple festivals, Masimagam and Brahmothsavam, are held in the
month of March.
¤ Reach Mahabalipuram
By Air : The nearest airport
from Mahabalipuram is Chennai (Madras), located around 60 km away. One
can get flights for almost all major destinations in India and abroad.
By Rail : The nearest railway station is at Chengalpattu,
around 29 km away from Mahabalipuram. Trains for Chennai and several
other major cities in South India are available from here.
By Road : Mamallapuram or Mahabalipuram is connected with good
roads to major destinations like Chennai, Tirukkalikundram
(Pakshithirtham), Kanchipuram (65 km), Pondicherry and Chengalpattu.
Tourists can also hire a taxi from Chennai.
Major Circuits
Major Tour Packages To Maharashtra
|
|
