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Location
: In Mahabalipuram, 58-km South Of Chennai, Tamil Nadu
Attractions : Stone carvings, Caves, Rock
Cut Temples
The Primitive
Times Port City
Mahabalipuram,
also known, as "Mamallapuram" is 58-km, south of Chennai,
nestling on the shores of the Bay of Bengal, was once a port of the
Pallavas. The Pallavas have created many marvellous monuments with
Sculptural Panels, Caves, Monolithic Rathas (chariots) and Temples.
Once a thriving
port trading with many distant nations, Pallava chisels have breathed
life into stone. The Pallavas art at this place emphasises robust
earthly beauty, imbibed with life. These monumental splendours and the
sunny beach resorts attract tourists from all over the world.
A crocodile farm,
snake venom extracting centre, schools of art and sculpture and a wide
choice of resorts along the beach draw holiday-seekers all round the
year.
PRIME
ATTRACTIONS
Dakshinachitra:
While travelling from Chennai to Mahabalipuram visit Dakshinachitra - a
heritage centre. Here traditional crafts persons and folk artists work
and perform in the reconstructed period settings of 19th century homes,
streets and workspaces of the Southern States of Tamil Nadu, Kerala ,
Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh .
Shore Temple:
This is one of the oldest temples in south India. It belongs to the
early 8th century AD and is a good example of the first phase of
structural temples constructed in Dravidian style. The monuments are
floodlit at night and so it is possible to enjoy their beauty after
sunset.
Arjuna's Penance
: The world's largest bas-relief measuring 27m x 9m is the pride of
Mahabalipuram. This huge whaleback shaped rock contains figures of Gods,
Demigods, men, beasts, birds and infact represents the entire creation.
Five Rathas :
These are five monolithic temples, each created in a different style.
They are also known as the "Pancha Pandava Rathas", and the
four of the Rathas are supposed to have scooped out of a single rock
formation.
Tiger's Cave : It
is 4-km north of the main monument complex. It was an open-air theatre,
where cultural programmes are held. Though it is very near the sea, the
place is serene and calm.
HOW TO GET
THERE
Air: Chennai
(58-km) is the nearest airport with both domestic and international
terminus. Chennai is connected with all the major places in India
through the numerous domestic flights. International flights operate
from various parts of the world to Chennai.
Rail: The nearest
railway stations are Chengalpattu (29-km) and Chennai (58-km). From
these stations one has to take the road to reach Mahabalipuram.
Road: There are
buses available from Pondicherry , Kanchipuram, Chengalpattu and Chennai
to Mahabalipuram daily. The road to Mahabalipuram is good. Tourists can
also hire a taxi from Chennai.
WHERE TO STAY
Accommodation is
available at the beach resorts and lodges in Mahabalipuram.
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