Mahabalipuram is also known as Mamallapuram which is the historic town located in the north east of Tamil Nadu. It lies along the coromandel coast of Bay of Bengal and 60 km from the south of Chennai . Mahabalipuram is famous for its temples and monuments built by pallavas during 7th and 8th century. Extremely well-maintained tourist spots, knowledgible tour guides are easily available.
It is a home for art, architecture and literature.UNESCO World heritage site in India.
Attractions in Mahabalipuram:
Arjuna's Penance Descent of Ganges
Arjuna’s penance is the monument at Mahabalipuram ,it is a giant open-air rock relief carved on two monolithic rock boulders measuring 96 by 43 feet (29m *13m), where the Life in the forest is sculptured .It is built in the period of Mahendravarman of Pallavas. Arjuna's Penance' is an extract from the Mahabharata, of how Arjuna, one of the Pandavas, performed severe austerities in order to obtain Shiva's weapon. The concept of the story encompasses Hindu philosophy where it is believed that one could by penance, self-mortification, attain miraculous blessings from the Gods. wood, stone, ivory, jade, etc. are used for craving.
Thirukadal mallai or Sthalasayana Perumal Temple.
Thirukadalmallai is also known as sthalasayana Perumal temple.It is one of the UNESCO world heritage site of 32 monuments.Thirukadalmallai temple is a best example for Dravidian style of architecture. The Thirukadalmallai temple built by Pallavas at Mahabalipuram is dedicated to Lord Vishnu.Pallava king built this temple to protect the sculpture from the waves . As this strong base protect monuments from Tsunami in 2004.
Shore Temple.
The Shore Temple of Mamallapuram was built during the reign of the Pallavan king Rajasimha/Narasimhavarman II, and it is the oldest structural temple of significance in South India.It is built of cut stones and not craved from caves.It shows the shore of Bay of Bengal as it named as shore temple . Shore temple is a complex of 3 temples. One big temple and two small temples. In that two temples have pyramid shaped gopura (temple tower).One temple is devoted for Lord shiva another one for Lord Vishnu
Crocodile Farm.
The Madras Crocodile Bank Trust and Centre for Herpetology (MCBT) is a reptile zoo and herpetology research station. One of the famous tourist attraction.It was formed on 1976 to reserve crocodile from hunting for their skin. Romulus Whitaker is the founder of this farm. The centre has one of the world's largest collections of crocodiles and alligators and has bred 5,000 crocodiles and alligators.
Krishna's Butterball.
It is a massive 20 feet high and 5 meters wide rock stand on the slippery slope of the hill on the less than 5 feet base.The actual name of the stone is “Vaan Irai Kal” which translates to “Sky God’s Stone,” .According to Hindu scriptures, lord Krishna often stole butter from his mother's butter handi; this may have led to the namesake of the Boulder.
Cave Temples.
There are 11 Eleven Caves in Mahabalipuram , cave Temples of Mahabalipuram are Varaha cave, kotikal cave Temple, Dharmaraja cave Temple,Ramanuja cave Temple, Koneri, Krishna mandapa, Atiranachanda cave Temple , Adivaraha cave Temple,Panchapandava mandapam.
Mahabalipuram (Mammallapuram) Dance Festival.
Mamallapuram dance festival is one of the remarkable festivals organised every year January to February for 4 weeks Bharatanatyam, Kuchipudi, Kathakali, Mohini Attam, Oddissi and Kathak dances are performed and dedicated to the heritage of Indian country
India Seashell Museum.
One of the must place to visit in Mahabalipuram is India seashells museum.This museum has a largest collection of 40,000 specimen of unique and rare sea shells The aquarium of the museum gives an entire colourful look with various kinds of fishes in it. The mouthwatering aroma of the seafood drags you towards the Sea Food Restaurant. the museum also allows photography with a minimal camera fee.
