Mahabalipuram
India · Tamil Nadu · 12 m
Description
Mahabalipuram (மாமல்லபுரம்), also called “Mamallapuram”, is a coastal town in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. The Pallava dynasty carved its temples and reliefs from granite in the seventh and eighth centuries. The Shore Temple stands directly above the surf of the Bay of Bengal. Inland lie the Five Rathas, Arjuna's Penance and a series of rock-cut cave shrines. A working stone-carving quarter still fills the lanes with the sound of chisels. Fishing hamlets, casuarina groves and long beaches frame the village. The whole ensemble is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Many travellers visit from Chennai, though the town rewards an overnight stay.
Length of stay
Recommended length of stay: 1 to 2 days (optimal 2 days)
Travel season
Best time to visit: December – February
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
Highlights
- Shore Temple
- Pancha Rathas
- Arjuna's Penance
- Mahabalipuram Beach
- Krishna's Butterball
- Varaha Cave Temple
- Mahishasuramardini Cave
- Madras Crocodile Bank(Day trip)
- Trimurti Cave Temple
- Pancha Pandava Cave Temple
- Olakkanneshvara Temple
- Mamallapuram Lighthouse
- Sthalasayana Perumal Temple
- Tiger Cave at Saluvankuppam(Day trip)
- Covelong Beach(Day trip)
- DakshinaChitra Heritage Museum(Day trip)
- Stone Carving Workshops
- Sunrise over the Bay of Bengal
- Sadras Dutch Fort(Day trip)
- Vedanthangal Bird Sanctuary (November - February)(Day trip)
- Mamallapuram Dance Festival (approx. December - January)
- Beachside Seafood Shacks
Getting there
- Airports:
- MAA