Mamallapuram Beach – It Is 20km Long Beach Attaracts Millions Of Tourist From All Over The World

MAHABALIPURAM BEACH

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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.

Covelong Beach – It Is Famed For Its Water Sports And Fishing Activities Too

COVELONG BEACH

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CHENNAI

Covelaong Beach is located in the Kanchipuram District of Tamilnadu state of India, and on the Coromandel Coast of Bay of Bengal, where the shining sun, calm sea and shimmering sand form a unique aura of cheerfulness and magnetism. Its surroundings too, enthralling and pleasing, provides people with inner peace and happiness, away from the hustle and bustle of a routine.

On this beach, both, the sea and the surf are very calm and gentle. Along with the beauty of the natural beauty of the beach, which allures visitors from all over the world, the effervescent village of Covelong too, famous for its fishing activities, draws an astonishing number of people.

Whereas, an excellent world of water sports including swimming, water surfing and many other exciting water games entices thrill seekers to come and have a party of their own.

Besides this, the beach is embellished with an ancient Catholic Church; ruins, in the form of walls of a Dutch fort from the time gone by; and many other churches, mosques, forts, etc that depict the history of the city. After coming to this place, you will feel the history; tranquillity and the positive energy captivate your body and soul, and unwilling to leave.

The sand in the beach has a glimmering feel to it and when the sunlight falls on it the colour that reflects the eye is that of sparkling silver! And if this is accompanied with the pure blue sea matching the azure hue of the sky, I don’t think any mortal can move an inch! This combination is sure to soothe sore eyes, which are desperate for a relaxing vacation

There are places from where the facility is available and professional fishing ferries carry you out to the sea for enjoying fishing and then taking back your possession for dinner as well. This is an activity, which you must take part in and which will surely be cherished, especially if you’ve never been out fishing.

Covelong Beach is famous for its water sports and down the years has been attracting tourists and adventurers from afar to taste these water sports. It is one of the few beaches on the Eastern Coast, where you can find such activities being held. Water surfing is integral part of these activities.

Also, near the Covelong Beach, at a distance of 19 km, there is a place called Mahabalipuram, which has exclusive shore temples from the 7th century, the carvings and architectural designs of which are really fascinating.

Apart from this, there is a Crocodile Farm, which is a huge place for reptiles breeding. Here you can closely observe crocodiles living in their homely environment. This captivating spot is very well-connected and easily accessible from the capital city of Tamil Nadu.

You can reach there either by train, bus or by hiring a taxi. Apart from this, you can also go to this place by boat, along the seashore of Chennai or Chengalpattu. During your visit to South India, don't miss to visit this Covelong beach and to enjoy and collect some of the unforgettable memories.

By Car

The distance between Chennai and Covelong is 38 km. It can be reached in 1 to 1.5 hours. There are 3 routes that one can take to reach Covelong from Chennai. The one via East Coast Road is the shortest. The other route goes via Anna Salai/Mount Road and ECR. The longest route is the one via Chennai Bypass Road and Vandalur-Kelambakkam.

By Bus

Metropolitan Transport Corporation (Chennai)(MTC) and TNSTC Villupuram provide good connectivity by buses between Chennai and Covelong.

Kailasanatha Temple – It Is The Mostly Well-Known Tourist Lures Of The Kanchipuram City.

KAILASANATHAR TEMPLE 

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KANCHIPURAM

Kanchi Kailasanathar temple was built in 7th century AD by a Pallava king named Rajasimha known as Narasimhavarman II. This Kanchi Kailasanathar temple is famous for its magnificent Vimana, the gopuram over the Sanctum Sanctorum.

It is an early structural temple, built of sandstone, and partly renovated in recent times. The modest scale of the temple, and the closeness of its enclosing wall, lend a feeling of intimacy to the surroundings.

It speaks volumes of architectural beauty that flourished in the reign of Pallava King. Kailasanatha temple is the biggest sandstone temple in the world according to K.T. Narasimhan, Superintending Archaeologist at Archeological Survey of India.

The foundation of the temple is laid on granite stones while the superstructure is carved out of sandstone. The pradakshinam path around the sanctum is made in such a manner that it requires visitors to climb up and down a flight of seven stairs and to crawl through narrow ways.

A huge kneeling Nandi stands in the front facing the temple and a look at it clearly indicates it must have been painted in gorgeous colours once. There is a curious tunnel around the sanctum sanctorum which has a very narrow opening at the entrance and a larger one at the exit.

Kailasanatha contains in embryo many of the features of the rapidly emerging South Indian style: gopuras, pilastered walls, a pyramidal shikhara, and a perimeter wall enclosing the complex.

The temple is aptly located in a rustic suburb away from the hustle-bustle of the city. The architectural beauty of this temple stands out from all the other temples in Tamil Nadu.

One of the unique features of this temple is the 16 sided Shiva lingam made up of black granite at the main shrine. Thousands of devotees visit the temple at the time of Mahashivratri, when you would even have to wait for hours in long queues for your turn.

Kailasnathar temple in Kanchipuram is the oldest one.58 small shrines with different forms of Lord Shiva surround the main shrine. The walls of the temple are adorned with beautiful paintings and sculptures of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati in different postures. According to the popular belief the temple served as a shelter to the king at the time of battles.

Maha Shivaratri is the biggest festival held in the temple when thousand of devotees throng the temple in the evening hours to offer prayers to the main deity.

By Air

Chennai is the nearest airport. From Chennai the temple is 75 kms away.

By Train

The nearest Railway Station is Kanchipuram. From Kanchipuram, the temple is 2.7 km away. Private taxis are available to reach this temple.

By Bus 

Kailasanathar Temple situated west side of kanchipuram and is 3 Km from Kanchi bus stand.

MAHABALIPURAM

DREAM OF STONES

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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.