MAHABALIPURAM BEACH
AT
KANCHIPURAM
Mamallapuram also known as Mahabalipuram is 60 Km south of Chennai City and it is in Kanchipuram
district of Tamil Nadu State of India. Mamallapuram beach is a 20 km long
stretch . This was originally a Pallav Dynasty’s Port. This beach is visited by
millions of tourists throughout the year. Again it is a paradise for the
younger generation too.
It is known especially for
its Temples in the form of Chariots called rathas, mandapams huge
open-air reliefs and the temple of Rivage. Long and beautiful sea shore
attracts millions of tourist throughout the year.
Mahabalipuram was included in
the World Heritage Monuments list of 1984 by UNESCO. Mamallapuram Dance Festival during December - January attracts Exponents of Bharathanatyam, Kuchipudi,
Kathakali, Mohini Attam, Oddissi and Kathak dance styles. Dakshin –A heritage
Centre on the way from Mahabalipuram to Chennai.
Mahabalipuram
beach attracts a lot of travellers every year especially for the natural Sun
bathing in the beach. The beach gives an opportunity to completely unwind from
the weary and tiredness of the city life. Windsurfers and Swimmers are seen
hitting the shores of the beach playing with the rising tide.
Mahabalipuram
beach of India, to charm the visitors also has a crocodile bank, a snake venom
extracting center, a school of art and sculpture. There are resorts all along
the beach to serve the empty stomach of the tourists.
Dakshinachitra is a heritage center where you can
find traditional crafts showcased from the south India. Cultural programs are
also performed by folk artists highlighting its culture.The five Monolithic
temples are built in different styles and thus its formation is known as Pancha
Pandava Rathas.
Tiger's Cave is
an open air theatre located 4 km away towards the north of the main monument
complex, where cultural programs are held. The caves are very close to the
beach but you'll find serenity and peace all around over here.
Shore Temple is one of the oldest temples located
in the south India. This holy place has a structural architecture of the
Dravidian style. The monuments that are placed inside become lively in the
sparkling of the photofloods at night.
Arjuna's Penance is a world largest
bas-relief formation that is 27 m tall by height and 9 m wide. It's one of the
major attractions that hold the pride of Mahabalipuram. Its whale shaped rock
has figures of God & Demigods, birds, beasts, which highlights the complete
formation of the almighty.
By Air
Chennai
58-km away is the nearest airport with both domestic and international
terminus.
By Train
The
nearest railway stations are Chengalpattu (29-km) and Chennai (58-km). From
these stations one has to take the roads to reach Mahabalipuram.
By Bus
There
are buses available from Pondicherry, Kanchipuram, Chengalpattu and Chennai to
Mahabalipuram regularly. The road to Mahabalipuram is well connected to other
major roads. Tourists can also hire a taxi from Chennai to reach Mahabalipuram.
