MAHABALIPURAM

DREAM OF STONES

AT

MAHABALIPURAM

Mahabalipuram is a town in Kanchipuram district in the Indian State of Tamilnadu. It is situated sixty kilometer from chennai.

Mahabalipuram was the earlier name of Mamallapuram because the demon king Mahabali was killed by Lord Vishnu. The name was changed later by the king of Pallava Narashima Varman who has got the title of Mamalla; the great wrestler.

It was during the rule of the pallavas, great poets, dramatists, artists, artisans, scholars and saints emerged. As one can say that the pallavas are the pioneers and forerunners of new styles both in art and architecture and mahabalipuram is the best place to praise off their skill and talent. New sculptures and unique paintings were innovative and exuberant.

The beauty of the place is not only due to these architecture but the vast casuarinas trees, the silvery sandy beach the classical hand male crafts around have made them all to form what is a collective splendor.

During the early 18th century Mahabalipuram grew as the pilgrimage center, now a days it has become the favorite place of tourists where they get relaxation and enjoy sea bathing. At a nearby place from here it has an atomic plant.

In addition to the ancient monuments and temples, it has an extensive beachfront on the ocean, lined with resorts and tourist cabins. 

The town is also home to a college offering instruction in architecture and temple sculpture.

There are total 11 excavated temples in Mahabalipuram, called Mandapas, two open air bas reliefs, out of which one is incomplete. But the most famous Mahabalipuram temple, built from a rock is cut out temple, it is also known as ‘Ratha’.

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.

By Air

The Nearest Airport to mahabalipuram is Chennai Airport (58 km).Chennai international airport is connected all

By Train

Nearest Railway Station is Chengalpattu Railway Station (29 km) and Chennai Railway station (58 km).

By Road

 Mahabalipuram is well connected through all the major cities and buses are available daily from Pondicherry, Kanchipuram, Chengalpattu and Chennai to Mahabalipuram.