Mahabalipuram Beach

• Location- 50km South of Chennai on the east coast of India

• Famous as- Best beach in east coast and for ancient monuments

• Places to visit- Dakshinachitra, Arjuna Caves, Five rathas, tiger caves, Mahabalipuram beach shore temples

• Best time to visit- All through the year.

If you thought that all of Beaches of India are placed in the western coast of the peninsula, then probably then you are probably wrong. Mahabalipuram beach located on the eastern coast of India and 50 km from the streaming metropolis of Chennai is undoubtedly one of India’s finest beaches. Untouched and yet to be fully discovered fully this beach is blessed with rocky terrain promontory that seems to hemmed to the sides of the shimmering golden sand that makes its way to the open seas. Absolutely astounding and at same unassuming this is a wonderful beach destination that ably promises visitors a time of both fun, relaxation and frolic by the sun sand and sea.

Mahabalipuram would be incomplete without the with the beautiful monument that are seen around the beach. The rock cut monuments of Mahabalipuram are a sight to behold. This best beach of eastern India has many worth visiting place that include Dakshinachitra, Arjuna caves, Five Rathas, tiger caves and Mahabalipuram shore temples. These monuments are a part of the region’s history. Apart from that there are also other attractions that are worth visiting.

Things to do- There is a complete range of things to do at Mahabalipuram. Swimming is not allowed on the coast due to strong undercurrents. However visitors can indulge in sunbathing. Word of caution, the intensity of the sun is this part of really hot and hence it’s advisable to be on guard especially because of the intensity of the sun against over exposure. Apart from relaxing and unwinding visitors can also spend some time discovering various monuments of the region.

Attractions – The main attractions of Mahabalipuram beach include

• Dakshinachitra

• Arjuna Caves

• Five rathas,

• tiger caves

• Mahabalipuram beach shore temples

Dakshinachitra is a cultural heritage center. Here you can see artisans and craftsman of the region working in the same manner as they used to do in the 19^th century. These skilled artisans are from three states of the southern hemisphere constituting of Kerala, Tamilnadu, Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka.

Arjuna Caves or penance point is the world’s largest bas- relief. This huge rock consists of figures of the God’s demigods, men, beasts, birds and creation.

Five Rathas is the consists of five monolithic temples that are distinctive in terms of the style of construction. These are also known as the Panch Parvathas Rathas. Also these are said to be single rock formations.

Tiger Caves is situated four kilometers north of the main monument. It is an open air theatre which cultural programs are conducted.

Mahabalipuram beach shore temples are one of the oldest temples in South India. Belonging to the 8^th century these temple are a perfect example of Dravidian architecture.

How to reach Mahabalipuram beach

• By Air- The nearest Airport is the Chennai International Airport that is located at 58 kilometers from Mahabalipuram beach. It has both international and domestic terminus

• By Rail- The nearest railway station to the region is Chengalpattu (29km) and Chennai (58 kilometers)

• By Road- Mahabalipuram is well connected through roads. There are buses available from Pondicherry, Rameshwaram and Chengalpattu on a regular basis.