Mahabalipuram is a small town situated in the southeastern part of Tamil Nadu, stretching between the Bay of Bengal and the Great Salt Lake. It is a renowned representative city of our rich Indian culture and heritage. It is mainly a seaport, which lies 58 km away from the capital city Chennai.
Mahabalipuram is a place that is famous for its temples and monuments, especially the very famous Shore Temple. It consists of three temples built in one single complex, that was constructed way back in the 8th century. Another famous temple is the Pancha Rathas.
As the name suggests- they are a group of five temples sculpted in the form of chariots. The Descent of the Ganga is a giant rock with an open mouth in the form of sculpture. Some other popular tourist attractions in Mahabalipuram are Arjuna’s Penance, the Crocodile Farm, the Cave temples, the Indian Seashell Museum, Krishna’s Butterball. Along with these, there are innumerable monoliths, temples and stone carvings that are a testimony to the rich cultural heritage of India.
Even though Mahabalipuram is a small town situated in the suburbs, it is well connected by buses and cars because of its immense popularity amongst Indian and even foreigners. These buses ply from different parts of Chennai, Chengal Pattu and Kanchipuram.
The weather here remains cool and moderately humid throughout the year, which makes it possible to visit any time of the year, even though the best time to visit is between October and March. The town is well equipped with multiple accommodations according to the tourists’ choice and budget. Local restaurants, as well as multi-cuisine restaurants, are available for a culinarily rewarding trip as well. The local language spoken here is Tamil, although the locals are fluent in other languages like English and Hindi as well.
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Mahabalipuram Top Attractions
Places To Visit In Mahabalipuram
Dating back to the 8th century AD, Shore Temple is one of the oldest temples which represent the ancient designs, carving art and constructions. It is claimed to be a part of Seven Pagodas by the legends and is one of the finest places to visit in Mahabalipuram. One can also locate the decorative top of the temple covered with sculptures and carvings, which indeed adds somewhat authentic beauty to it. The temple is standing strong with the help of the supporting stone that resists it from erosion. Shore Temple is located at the shore of Bay of Bengal which offers a beautiful view of the never ending ocean. This temple has three shrines where two of them are dedicated to Lord Shiva and the other one is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. The place is very clean and its location made it a major attraction among the tourists.Location: Mahabalipuram, Tamil Nadu 603104.Entry-Fee: INR 340 for foreigners and INR 10 for locals, free for children (below 15 years).Timing: 6 am to 6 pm every day.Best time to visit: The best time to visit this historical temple is from October to March, or in the months of January and February, considering the climatic factor.
The word Pancha means five, hence the place presents five Rathas built with rocks. It denotes the evolution or rise of the Dravidian architects. The temple also resembles the historical monarchs and shrines of Buddhists, while the Rathas are associated with Mahabharat. Describing the rath, the first one is Drupati's, which stands in on the right side by the entrance. Arjuna’s rath is situated just beside Draupadi’s whereas, stands Nakula Sahadev Rath and Bhima is located at the front. Dharamraj Yudhistar’s Rath is the largest. This place seems to be one of the best tourist places in Mahabalipuram.Location: Mamallapuram, Kanchipuram district, Tamil Nadu Entry-Fee: INR 10 for the India-based tourists and INR 250 for the foreigners.Timing: 6 am to 6 pm every day.Best time to visit: The perfect time to visit this place is during the winter months, i.e., from September to March.
Descent of the Ganges is one of the giant open-air sculptures which was engraved on two stiff rock boulders and it is one of the significant places to visit in Mahabalipuram. This is a great place to explore the history for some time with your family as it has some of the beautiful sculptures and carvings. This interesting rock relief has very sensitive and realistic carvings to explore and remember for lifetime. This monument was created by King Narsimhavarman of Pallava dynasty and it portrays his great imagination which was used by the workers to carve such an amazing and appealing rock-cut sculpture.Location: W Raja St, Mahabalipuram, Tamil Nadu 603.Entry-Fee: INR 10 for Indians and INR 250 for foreigners and Free for children below the age of 15.Timing: 6 am to 6 pm every day.Best time to visit: The most ideal months to visit Descent of the Ganges is from September to May.
The group of monuments date to the reigning period of the Pandavas, 7th and 8th century. You can also explore one of the largest open-air rock relief in the world, which is included in the group of monuments. This place offers too many antique temples at one stop. And this place seems to be the perfect destination for the historical enthusiasts. It is spread over a large area and it is favourable to get a guide who can help you in knowing the stories about each of the temples. It takes an entire day to see the places properly if one is interested to see all of the temples closely. The carvings and sculptures are unique from one another and all of the monuments are well-maintained and clean.Location: Fisherman Colony, Mahabalipuram, Tamil Nadu 603104.Entry-Fee: INR 250 for foreigners and INR 10 for locals, free for children below the age of 15.Timing: 6 am- 6 pm every day.
The Krishna's Butterball is a strange 250-ton rock boulder, which is standing or resting inclined on a slope. It is known as Stone of Sky God. This is one of the most exciting tourist places in Mahabalipuram due to the mysterious scene it presents. It seems that this giant boulder, known as Krishna’s butterball refuses to give in to gravity, no one is quite sure why. This place is the perfect destination to spend some great time with family and kids. Tourists love to capture pictures while posing at different angles around the rock. Krishna’s Butterball is the ideal place for aged people to sit and chat. Also, this place offers a huge ground where the kids end up to enjoy a lot.Location: E Raja St, Mahabalipuram, Tamil Nadu 603104.Entry-Fee: INR 40 for Indians and INR 600 for foreignersTiming: 6 am to 6 pm every day.Best time to visit: The best time to visit the place is within the months of November to February.
Varaha Cave Temple is a rock-cut Hindu temple that is carved beautifully revealing the ancient South Indian architecture. It is one of the must-visit places to visit in Mahabalipuram, situated behind the Arjuna’s Penance. It is made on a giant piece of granite and has some of the finest pieces of sculptures. At the entrance of the temple, a primitive veranda can be seen with two independent pillars and two pillars attached to the side walls. All fours pillars are designed to reflect greeting for entrance and horned lions. The carvings are extremely prominent even on today and this place is still so beautiful and underrated at the same time. Varaha Cave Temple seems to be one of the hidden gems of Mahabalipuram.Location: Mada Koil St, Mahabalipuram, Tamil Nadu 603104.Entry-Fee: INR 10 for Indian nationals and INR 250 for foreign visitors.Timing: Thursdays to Tuesday- 9 am to 6 pm and Closed on WednesdayBest time to visit: The most ideal months to visit are from September to May.
To please the eyes of the visitors, Mahabalipuram Beach is one of the perfect places to visit in Mahabalipuram. The tourists mostly prefer to relax while listening to the shores of the waves and witnessing the elegantly carved rock-cut sculptures. It presents a perfect scene of nature and art at once. Alongside, it also offers caves, rathas, temples and chariots, thus providing a complete package for holidays to both locals and foreign visitors. There are a number of attractions located at the beach which includes a school of art and culture, snake venom extracting centre and a crocodile bank housing about 5000 crocodiles of 6 different species.Location: Mahabalipuram Beach is located on the east coast, next to E Raja Street, Tamil Nadu 603104.Entry-Fee: Not applicable.Timing: Not applicable.Best time to visit: The best time to visit Mahabalipuram Beach is between October to March.
Thirukadalmallai or Sri Sthala Sayana Perumal Temple is dedicated to Lord Sthalasayana Perumal (Vishnu) and Goddess Nilamangai Thayar (Lakshmi) and is among the 108 Divyadesam. With an exquisite carving, it is considered as one of the tourist places in Mahabalipuram. Thirukadalmallai is one of the perfect examples of Dravidian architectural style. This place is extremely calm and peaceful and that is what makes this temple completely different from the other ones. Even when tourists visit this place from all around the world, the priests make sure to maintain the silence of this place which offers a unique atmosphere to the temple. It is one of the oldest temples of Mahabalipuram and one can easily feel the rise in spiritual energy after entering the temple.Location: S Mada St, Mahabalipuram, TL 603104.Entry-Fee: Free for all.Timing: 6 am to 12 pm and 3 pm to 8:30 pm.Best time to visit: The months of October and November are the best ones to visit this place.
More Mahabalipuram Attractions
Mahabalipuram Travel Guides
People Also Ask About Mahabalipuram
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Travel advice:
Climate: Mahabalipuram is rather hot on most of the days. The heat is sticky and stifling. It is thus, crucial to consume plenty of water for the well-being of your body. Ensure that you drink more than you sweat and one of the most important things is to carry bottled water around. Not only is it convenient but also quite for your journey throughout the way.
Choose the right stay: No matter what location or destination one plans on spending their holidays at, it is essential that certain travel tips are kept in mind. Hence, if you’re still in the stage of hatching your plans for Cochin, make sure that you plan well and plan well ahead of time. Make a good, well-researched note of all the important information like accommodation options, local transportation, hospitals, restaurants, resorts and more. It is quite obvious that you’d want to experience a hassle-free journey if you’re actually spending money on your holidays.
Don’t follow the locals blindly: Mahabalipuram is a small location. Majority of the people over here are quite helpful too. But like any other vacation spot, it is important that the locals are not followed blindly. If you need directions around the place, get that sorted at the hotel desk itself.
Beware of sham services: Travellers must remain aware of who they are hiring as guides. Past experiences have led many to be involved in a scam wherein either their property was stolen or the services were overpriced. This can really trample one’s travel experience. Hence, it is essential that one plans well and one plans well ahead of time.
Travellers’ sickness: Travellers travelling to any destination in the whole have the potential of developing the travellers’ diarrhea. People consume contaminated water or food and fall sick. However, make sure that you have bottled water throughout your journey in the city of Mahabalipuram.
Health is wealth: Mosquitoes are everywhere and one bite will surely be quite costly. It is better to be safe than sorry and thus one must always use spray-one repellents and avoid being in regions that are inhabited by mosquitoes.
Expect power cuts, slow life: Mahabalipuram holds great traditional relevance. However, it is not as developed as India’s ultra-modern cities such as Delhi and Mumbai. It remains backward in certain aspects. Chances are, you might experience powercuts during some period of the day. It is usually between 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. So be prepared.
Drinking laws: If you do not hold proper identification, then you might have some trouble obtaining alcohol around this place. Bars and clubs over here ask for IDs. However, purchasing alcohol to take to your room won’t be a problem as local vendors need to make their bread too at the end of the day.
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Things to do in Mahabalipuram
Spiritual oneness at the Shore temple: Shore Temple is an evident name – and yes, it literally does lie by the shore of Bay of Bengal. The golden colored temple against the beautiful blue backdrop of the sky is certainly something that will leave you amazed. In fact, this temple has also been declared a UNESCO heritage site and said to be among the only surviving temples of the seven such temples that were built originally.
Visit the Pancha Rathas: This is among the primary attractions in Mahabalipuram. These rock-cut temples will leave you mesmerized and thinking how people may have been able to envision and thereafter built this structure. You must visit this structure at least once while you’re in Mahabalipuram. This will truly make your day.
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What will you like in Mahabalipuram:
Indulge in the openness of Arjunas Penance: You must not visit this while you’re in Mahabalipuram. Also known as the Descent of the Ganga, this location stretches across 100ft in length and is situated approximately 45ft high with intricate carvings of humans, elephants and what not.
Get a glimpse at Krishna’s butter ball: This piece of structure defines gravity. Approximately 16ft in diameter, this butter ball balances itself on a slope. Many attempts have been made to bring this down but none have been successful. It’s truly a wonder.
Government website: Tamil Nadu Tourism
Others: Trip Advisor
Books to read on Mahabalipuram: Seven Pagodas of Mahabalipuram.
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