Mahabalipuram Travel
Area : 8 sq. kms
Main Languages : Tamil, English, Telugu and Malayalam
Population : 13,300
Location : The temple town of Mahabalipuram is located in the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu. Mahabalipuram is located at a distance of around 58 kms from Chennai, 66 kms from Kanchipuram and 29 kms from Chengalpattu.
Climate : The climate of Mahabalipuran remains hot and sultry all throughout the year. The temperature in summer reaches to a maximum of 35ºC, while in the winters the temperature drops down to a minimum of 19ºC.
Best Time to Travel :The best time to travel Mahabalipuram is from October to March.
Main Languages : Tamil, English, Telugu and Malayalam
Population : 13,300
Location : The temple town of Mahabalipuram is located in the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu. Mahabalipuram is located at a distance of around 58 kms from Chennai, 66 kms from Kanchipuram and 29 kms from Chengalpattu.
Climate : The climate of Mahabalipuran remains hot and sultry all throughout the year. The temperature in summer reaches to a maximum of 35ºC, while in the winters the temperature drops down to a minimum of 19ºC.
Best Time to Travel :The best time to travel Mahabalipuram is from October to March.
 |
 |
Mahabalipuram - Hauntingly Beautiful
Mahabalipuram or Mamallapuram a small town of Tamil Nadu is located on the shore of the Bay of Bengal. The 7th century port city of the Pallava kings is famous all over the world for its Shore Temple. Mahabalipuram houses innumerable monuments built between 7th century and 9th century. Most of the temples and rock-cut structures were completed during the reigns of Narasimha Varman I (630-668 A.D) and Narasimha Varman II (700-728 A.D). The Cholas have left several grandiose monuments here, but these rock-cut structures are notable for their delightful freshness and simplicity of their folk art origins. Besides, the sculptures of Mahabalipuram are known for depicting scenes of day-to-day life, instead of deities. Today, Mahabalipuram is a small village but it is a favourite haunt for travellers. Far from the noise, fumes and bustle of the cities, Mahabalipuram is an ideal place for relaxing in the lap of nature.
Mahabalipuram Travel Attractions
Arjuna's Penance : Arjuna's Penance is one of the most interesting attractions of Mahabalipuram. Named after Arjuna, the 27 m long and 9 high structure is believed to be one of the largest and finest rock carvings in India. One can see here hundreds of images of gods, flying celestial creatures, birds, animals and fables from the Panchtantra.
Krishna
Mandapam : One of the earliest rock-cut temples with intricate carvings,
the temple walls have carved scenes of pastoral life. A carved image depicts
Lord Krishna lifting up the Govardhana mountain to protect his people from
the wrath of Varuna, the God of rain.
Mandapams : There are eight mandapams, which are scattered over the main hill within a radius of one km. These rock-cut mandapams are known for their exquisite sculptures.
Rathas : The Rathas (Chariots), are known as Panch Pandava Rathas, which are named after the epic heroes of Mahabharata. These Rathas are full size models of various kinds of temples, which were known to the Dravidian builders of the 7th century. The Rathas with their gopurams, multi-pillared and sculptured wall and vimanas recall the earlier architecture of the Buddhist temples and monasteries.
Shore Temples : These beautiful temples are unique in India and one of the finest sights in the country. Built in the late 7th century during the reign of Rajasimha, the Shore temples represent the final phase of Pallava art. It has two rock-cut shrines, one is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and the other to Lord Shiva. The temples can be approached through paved forecourts, which is lined by sculptures of bulls and entrances are guarded by mythical deities.
Excursions
Covelong : Situated at a distance of 19 kms from Mahabalipuram, Covelong is a small fishing village. Covelong is known for its beautiful beaches and ruins of an old fort.
Crocodile Bank : The Crocodile Bank is another place of excursion, which lies 14 kms away from Mahabalipuram. It was founded in 1976 by an American , Romulus Whitaker.
Kanchipuram
: 66 km from Mahabalipuram, Kanchipuram is one of the great mythological
cities. Also known as the city of thousand temples, Kanchipuram houses a
large number of anceint temples that belong to different dynasties.
Muttukadu : Located near Covelong, Muttukadu is an ideal location to enjoy boating, canoeing, kayaking, wind-surfing etc.
How To Reach
By Air : Chennai Airport (58 kms) is the nearest major airport, which is connected to major cities of the country. Flights for international destinations are also available from here.
By Rail : Chennai (58 kms) and Chengalpattu (29 kms) are the nearest railheads. These stations are connected to important places of India.
By Road : Good roads connect Mahabalipuram with Chennai and other nearby places. Regular buses are available from Chennai, Kanchipuram,Chengalpattu and Pondicherry.
Mahabalipuram or Mamallapuram a small town of Tamil Nadu is located on the shore of the Bay of Bengal. The 7th century port city of the Pallava kings is famous all over the world for its Shore Temple. Mahabalipuram houses innumerable monuments built between 7th century and 9th century. Most of the temples and rock-cut structures were completed during the reigns of Narasimha Varman I (630-668 A.D) and Narasimha Varman II (700-728 A.D). The Cholas have left several grandiose monuments here, but these rock-cut structures are notable for their delightful freshness and simplicity of their folk art origins. Besides, the sculptures of Mahabalipuram are known for depicting scenes of day-to-day life, instead of deities. Today, Mahabalipuram is a small village but it is a favourite haunt for travellers. Far from the noise, fumes and bustle of the cities, Mahabalipuram is an ideal place for relaxing in the lap of nature.
Mahabalipuram Travel Attractions
Arjuna's Penance : Arjuna's Penance is one of the most interesting attractions of Mahabalipuram. Named after Arjuna, the 27 m long and 9 high structure is believed to be one of the largest and finest rock carvings in India. One can see here hundreds of images of gods, flying celestial creatures, birds, animals and fables from the Panchtantra.
Krishna
Mandapam : One of the earliest rock-cut temples with intricate carvings,
the temple walls have carved scenes of pastoral life. A carved image depicts
Lord Krishna lifting up the Govardhana mountain to protect his people from
the wrath of Varuna, the God of rain.Mandapams : There are eight mandapams, which are scattered over the main hill within a radius of one km. These rock-cut mandapams are known for their exquisite sculptures.
Rathas : The Rathas (Chariots), are known as Panch Pandava Rathas, which are named after the epic heroes of Mahabharata. These Rathas are full size models of various kinds of temples, which were known to the Dravidian builders of the 7th century. The Rathas with their gopurams, multi-pillared and sculptured wall and vimanas recall the earlier architecture of the Buddhist temples and monasteries.
Shore Temples : These beautiful temples are unique in India and one of the finest sights in the country. Built in the late 7th century during the reign of Rajasimha, the Shore temples represent the final phase of Pallava art. It has two rock-cut shrines, one is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and the other to Lord Shiva. The temples can be approached through paved forecourts, which is lined by sculptures of bulls and entrances are guarded by mythical deities.
Excursions
Covelong : Situated at a distance of 19 kms from Mahabalipuram, Covelong is a small fishing village. Covelong is known for its beautiful beaches and ruins of an old fort.
Crocodile Bank : The Crocodile Bank is another place of excursion, which lies 14 kms away from Mahabalipuram. It was founded in 1976 by an American , Romulus Whitaker.
Kanchipuram
: 66 km from Mahabalipuram, Kanchipuram is one of the great mythological
cities. Also known as the city of thousand temples, Kanchipuram houses a
large number of anceint temples that belong to different dynasties. Muttukadu : Located near Covelong, Muttukadu is an ideal location to enjoy boating, canoeing, kayaking, wind-surfing etc.
How To Reach
By Air : Chennai Airport (58 kms) is the nearest major airport, which is connected to major cities of the country. Flights for international destinations are also available from here.
By Rail : Chennai (58 kms) and Chengalpattu (29 kms) are the nearest railheads. These stations are connected to important places of India.
By Road : Good roads connect Mahabalipuram with Chennai and other nearby places. Regular buses are available from Chennai, Kanchipuram,Chengalpattu and Pondicherry.
|
|
