India /Tamil Nadu /Kancheepuram /Mahabalipuram

Mahabalipuram is located right on the Coromandel Coast next to the Bay of Bengal. It was a well established sea port during the 7th and 10th centuries of the Pallava dynasty, and has flourished accordingly. This city was actually the 2nd capital of the Pallavas. It was originally named after the rude, cruel, and arrogant King Mahabali who was killed during a fierce battle by Lord Vishnu at that location. It was named by the people more out of gratitude that the heartless king was killed there than out of respect upon his death for his leadership. During the rule of the Pallavas, new styles of art and architecture were pioneered. Mahabalipuram is where they tried and then exhibited their new artistic and architectural creations. As a result, the area is brimming with rock-cut caves and numerous temples. In fact, this region is often referred to as an open museum. Some of the temples were even carved out of one enormous rock rather than simply constructed out of rock. Not much pillaging has occurred here over the centuries, since the wealth of the Pallavas was never flaunted, so the temples are well preserved. The architecture is not the only draw for tourists in this city. The area is also nestled in an especially impressive setting. Beautiful white sandy beaches are plentiful, as are the casuarinas trees that are found in abundance there. Mahabalipuram is also known for providing a fantastic shopping experience. Exquisite local handmade crafts are readily available in the local shops.

Quick Facts-Edit

Category : Beaches

Time Zone: UTC + 5:30 Hours

Pincode: 603104

STD Code: 44

Info Website: N.A

Best Time to Visit:  October to March.

HistoryEdit

Mahabalipuram is a small town situated near Chennai. Its ancient name was Mamallapuram. There are two theories about the origin of this name. D J Dubreuil mentions that this name was given by Narasimhavarman I, whose another title was ‘Maha-Malla or Mamalla’. However R Nagaswamy says that this name is derived from ‘Mallal’ which means prosperity in Tamil but later in same book he supports the theory of Dubreuil also. J W Coombes writes that Mahabalipuram was known by the name of ‘Seven Pagodas’ among the early European travelers as it is believed that once there stood seven pagodas topped with copper roofs which help as a landmark for the mariners as the sun-rays used to reflect from those roofs. It was considered that the monuments here were constructed by Chinese Buddhists as the architecture was look alike but this thought was dropped when we found inscriptional references in the town.Mahabalipuram, also known as Mamallapuram is a town in Kancheepuram district in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. It is around 60 km south from the city of Chennai. It is an ancient historic town .

Places to VisitAdd

Mahabalipuram Sightseeing

How to ReachEdit

By Air : The nearest airport is Chennai International airport, located 58 km away. Chennai is well connected to all major cities in India and also to Colombo, several Middle East countries and Singapore. Taxis are available from the airport to Mahabalipuram.

By Train : The nearest railway station is Chengalpattu, 29 km away. Chennai is the major railway station nearby which is connected to all major cities in India by rail. Daily trains connect Chennai to Delhi, Thiruvananthapuram, Kochi, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Mysore, Kozhikode, Madurai and several other cities and towns in India. Taxis are available from Chengalpattu and Chennai to Mahabalipuram.

By BUS : Busses ply regularly between Mahabalipuram and Chennai. Once can board a bus from Koyembedu or Tiruvanmiyur in Chennai. Busses also ply from Kanchipuram and Puducherry. Taxis can also be hired to reach Mahabalipuram from Chennai. However, rates are likely to be higher during the tourist season. The drive to Mahabalipuram takes around one hour but it could increase by another half-an-hour during peak time.

By Taxi : Cabs can be taken from the city of Chennai to Mahabalipuram, although no cab agencies are centered around Mahabalipuram per se. Cab charges will range around Rs 1000 to 2000.

By Other : Rented motorcycles are also available in Mahabalipuram, and these are quite famous among tourists. You can rent out a motorcycle from one of the rental agencies present in the town, and charges will vary around Rs 300 to 350, depending on the type of motorcycle that you go for.

Top HotelsAdd

Economy – Up to Rs. 801 to Rs. 1200

• Greenwoods Beach Resort ; No. 7, Othavadai cross Street, Mamallapuram ; Ph – 098 40 297152 ‎ ; Facilities – Room service

Deluxe – Up to Rs. 801 to Rs. 1200

• Hotel Ramakrishna ; Othavadai St, Fisherman Colony, Mahabalipuram ; Ph – 044 2744 2331 ; Facilities – Room service

Luxury – Rs. 2501 and above

• Chariot Beach Resorts ; Five Rathas Road, Behind Five Rathas Monument, Mahabalipuram ; Ph – 044 2742 5000 ; Facilities – Room service

Top RestaurantsAdd

• smart kitchen ;  No,38 Kovalam Salai, Mamallapuram ; M –  097 90 889100 ; Food Serve :  Indian

• Chariot Beach Resorts ;  Five Rathas Road, Behind Five Rathas Monument, Mahabalipuram ; M –  044 2742 5000 ; Food Serve :  Indian

Must Eat FoodAdd

Must Do ActivitiesAdd

Must ShopAdd

Nightlife (Pub / Disc / BAR)Add

SpaAdd

FestivalAdd

Mahabalipuram Dance Festival ; Venue:  mahabalipuram. ; Period :  December and January ; Details:  The department of Tourism of Tamilnadu conducts world famous dance festivals every Saturdays and Sundays and also during holidays of the months of December and January. The festival is for 4 weeks and dancers all over the country participate and dance on the backdrop of the Arjuna’s penance. Classical dances, music, tribal dances and puppet shows also entertain the mass gathering.

Safety / WarningEdit

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HelplineEdit

• Police :100
• fire : 101
• Ambulance :102

ItineraryEdit

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