The
virtuous city of Mahabalipuram (also Mamallapuram) is situated just 60 km
off Chennai on the Bay of Bengal coast in the south Indian state of Tamil
Nadu. It extends from latitude 12°37' in the North to longitude 80°14'
in the East. The city is well connected through a network of roads from
Chennai and other important cities of South India.
Regional anchorage :
» Airways : 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.
» Railways : The nearest railway station, Chengalpattu, is
around 29 km away from Mahabalipuram. Trains for Chennai and several other
major cities in South India are available from here.
» Roadways : Mamallapuram is connected by road to Chennai,
Tirukkalikundram (Pakshithirtham), Kanchipuram (65 km), and Pondicherry. We
would provide you all India tourist permit vehicles for the local
transportations and also for the intercity drives too.
The world bows to it's divinity!
The
town of temples, sand and sea - Mamallapuram, formerly known as
Mahabalipuram is world renowned for its beautiful Shore Temple. It was once
the main port and naval base of the great Pallava kingdom and was later made
the capital of this Dynasty.
Mamall
means.............
' Mamall ', meaning the great wrestler was the name given to king Narasimha
Varman I. Most of the temples here is dedicated to the Lord Siva and Vishnu,
were completed between 630 A.D and 728 A.D during the reign of Narasimha
Varman II.
What can you see here ?
» Arjuna's Penance : This skillfully carved rock is the largest
bas - relief sculpture in the world. It gets its name from the figure of an
ascetic who is believed to be Arjuna, the hero of Mahabharata, doing penance
to obtain a boon from Lord Siva. However, there are others who think that
the figure is actually Bhagiratha who entreated Siva to let the river Ganges
flow over the earth.
» Five Rathas : There are five monolithic temples, each created
in different style. They are also know as Pancha Pandava Rathas, and four of
the Rathas are supposed to have scooped out of a single rock formation.
» Tiger's Cave : It is 4 kms north of the main monument
complex. It was an open air theatre, where cultural programmes are held.
Though it is very near the sea, the place is serene and calm.
» The Shore Temple : This is one of the oldest temples in South
India. It belongs to the 8th Century AD and is a good example of the first
phase of structural temples constructed in Dravidian style. The monuments
are flood lit at night and so it is possible to enjoy their beauty after
sunset.
Denizens
Mahabalipuram
Dance Festival is an occasion for the dance lovers to enjoy the performances
of the artists from all parts of the country. The festival is celebrated in
the month of January/February every year. The Shore Temple forms the
backdrop of this festival and the music from the musical instruments mixes
with the natural music of wind and the sea. The Mahabalipuram Dance festival
is an occasion when artists from all over the country come together to
perform.
Unpack here!
Mahabalipuram or Mamallapuram offers tourists an array of hotels to choose
from which include luxury hotels as well as budget hotels to suit every
pocket. Few of them are mentioned here: Government of Tamil Nadu Tourist
Office ,TTDC Beach Resort , Hotel Tamil Nadu Beach Resort, Hotel Tamil Nadu
Youth Camp.
Mamallapuram:
Salutation to The Lord 
