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#1 of 34 Places to Visit in Mahabalipuram
At a distance of 2 km from Mahabalipuram Bus Station, the Shore Temple is an ancient temple situated on the shore of Bay of Bengal in Mahabalipuram. It is one of the most photographed monuments of heritage in India, and among the must-visit Mahabalipuram tourist places.
Shore Temple was built in the 7tcentury CE by Pallavas during the reign of Narasimhavarman. It is one of the oldest temples in South India constructed in the Dravidian style and depicts the royal taste of the Pallava dynasty. It has been classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site as part of the 'Group of Monuments at Mahabalipuram'. It is one of the must include places in Mahabalipuram trip.
Shore Temple is a structural temple built with blocks of granite. It is so named because it overlooks the Bay of Bengal. The Shore Temple .....
#2 of 34 Places to Visit in Mahabalipuram
At a distance of 0.5 Km from Mahabalipuram Bus Station (on Mada Koil Street), Arjuna's Penance or Bhagiratha's Penace is the name of a massive open air bas-relief monolith dating from the 7th century CE. Measuring 96 feet long by 43 feet high, the bas-relief is also known as The Descent of Ganga. It has been classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site as part of 'Group of Monuments at Mahabalipuram'.
In one interpretation, a figure in the bas-relief who is standing on one leg is said to be Arjuna performing an austerity Tapas to receive a boon from Shiva as an aid in fighting the Mahabharata war.
The bas relief is situated on a rock with a cleft. Figures within the cleft are said to represent the River Ganges and Shiva. This provides the basis for an alternative interpretation, rather than Arjuna, the figure performing austerities is said to be Bhagiratha.
#3 of 34 Places to Visit in Mahabalipuram
At a distance of 0.5 Kms around Mahabalipuram Bus Station, there are 14 rock-cut carves and Mandapams in and around Mamallapuram. Mythological scenes are depicted on these architectures. These caves have been classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site as part of 'Group of Monuments at Mahabalipuram'.
Following three are important Mandapams:
1) Krishna Mandapam - This is the biggest among the Mandapams and is dedicated to Lord Krishna. The sculptures inside this Mandapam beautifully picturize the myth of Lord Krishna during his brave and energetic adulthood.
2) Mahishasuramardhini Mandapam - The battle between goddess Durga and the buffalo headed demon, Mahishasura is beautifully inscribed.
3) Varaha Mandapam - the side walls have large sculptured panels depicting Vishnu as Varaha, the boar, holding up Bhudevi, the earth goddess.
#4 of 34 Places to Visit in Mahabalipuram
At a distance of 1.5 Kms from Mahabalipuram Bus Station, Pancha Rathas (Five Chariots) - five monolithic pyramidal structures named after the Pandavas (Arjuna, Bhima, Yudhishtra, Nakula and Sahadeva) and Draupadi. It has been classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site as part of 'Group of Monuments at Mahabalipuram'.
An interesting aspect of the rathas is that, despite their sizes they are not assembled - each of these is carved from one single large piece of stone.
The Pancha Rathas shrines were carved during the reign of King Mahendravarman I and his son Narasimhavarman I. Each temple is a monolith, carved whole from a rock outcropping of pink granite.
#5 of 34 Places to Visit in Mahabalipuram
At a distance of 2 km from Mahabalipuram Bus Station, the golden sandy Mamallapuram Beach is a serene beach situated near the Shore Temple in Mahabalipuram, Tamil Nadu. It is identified as the one of the most pristine beaches in Tamilnadu, and among the must-visit places during your Mahabalipuram tour.
Lies on the shore of the Bay of Bengal, the Mahabalipuram Beach is a picturesque place bounded by the shimmering sea and rolling hills. The beach stretches for about 20 km and comprises some rock-cut sculptures which are pleasing to the eyes. It is a perfect place to relax and give yourself a break from the hustle-bustle of city life. This is one of the famous Mahabalipuram places to visit for nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts as well.
This charming beach is one of the perfect places .....
#6 of 34 Places to Visit in Mahabalipuram
At a distance of 0.5 Km from Mahabalipuram Bus Station (on Mada Koil Street), Krishna's Butter Ball is a huge boulder near the Ganesha Ratha. It rests precariously on a narrow rock base. Legend has it that several Pallava Kings attempted to move it, but all the kings and their elephants could not shift the boulder even by an inch.
#7 of 34 Places to Visit in Mahabalipuram
At a distance of 500 m from Mahabalipuram Bus Stand, the Mamallapuram Lighthouse is perched majestically along the coastline of Mahabalipuram. It is one of the must visit places as part of the Mahabalipuram heritage tour.
Erected in the 19th century, the Mamallapuram Lighthouse serves as a testament to the Tamil Nadu's maritime history. This lighthouse features a circular masonry tower constructed from natural stone and has been operational since 1904. It opened to the public in 2011, having been closed in 2001 due to concerns regarding security from the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam.
The lighthouse's circular masonry tower, built from natural stones, offers visitors breathtaking views of the Bay of Bengal from its observation deck, making it an ideal location for photography enthusiasts and nature admirers. The vicinity is adorned with ancient rock carvings and temples, highlighting the region's rich .....
#8 of 34 Places to Visit in Mahabalipuram
At a distance of 300 m from Mahabalipuram Bus Stand, the Varaha Cave Temple, or Varaha Mandapa is a rock-cut cave temple located at Mamallapuram, on the Coromandel Coast of the Bay of Bengal in the Kanchipuram district of Tamil Nadu. It is one of the must visit places as part of Mahabalipuram packages.
The Varaha Cave Temple, also known as the Adivaraha Cave, stands as an exceptional representation of rock-cut architecture from the Pallava era, dedicated to Varaha, an avatar of Lord Vishnu. Located in a hilltop village near the Bay of Bengal, it is surrounded by other notable rock-cut monuments and temples that date back to the 7th and 8th centuries CE. This temple is part of the 32 Group of Monuments at Mahabalipuram, which have been recognized as UNESCO World Heritage Sites since 1984.
Carved from a single rock, the Varaha Cave Temple exemplifies Indian stone-cut architectural design from the late seventh century. .....
#9 of 34 Places to Visit in Mahabalipuram
At a distance of 200 m from Mahabalipuram Bus Stand, the Krishna Mandapam is a rock-cut cave temple situated in Mahabalipuram. It is one of the must visit places as part of Mahabalipuram honeymoon packages.
The Krishna Mandapam, commonly referred to as the Krishna Cave Temple, is a significant rock-cut temple situated in Mahabalipuram. It is positioned on a hillock adjacent to the open rock relief known as the Descent of the Ganges. This cave temple is dedicated to Lord Krishna and exemplifies the architectural excellence of the Pallava dynasty from the 7th century. It is included in the Group of Monuments at Mahabalipuram, which was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1984.
The Krishna Cave Temple is an east-facing pillared mandapa. Originally, it consisted of an open-air bas-relief dedicated to Krishna, dating back to the mid-seventh century, which was later enclosed within a mandapa during .....
#10 of 34 Places to Visit in Mahabalipuram
At a distance of 600 m from Mahabalipuram Bus Stand, the Mahishasura Mardini Mandapam, or Mahishasura Mardini Cave is a rock-cut cave temple situated in Mahabalipuram. It is one of the most prominent tourist places in Mahabalipuram.
Mahishasura Mardini Mandapa, also referred to as Yampuri, exemplifies the Indian rock-cut architecture from the Pallava dynasty. This cave dates back to the reign of King Narasimhavarman Mamalla (630-668 AD), after whom the town is named. It is situated on a hill near the Mamallapuram Lighthouse and is part of the Group of Monuments at Mahabalipuram, a UNESCO World Heritage Site designated in 1984. Similar to many structures in Mamallapuram, the Mahishasuramardhini Mandapa remains unfinished.
The cave showcases a transitional architectural style, characterized by columns supported by seated lions and frescoes adorning the interior walls, which developed during the .....
#11 of 34 Places to Visit in Mahabalipuram
At a distance of 400 m from Mahabalipuram Bus Stand, the Trimurti Cave Temple is a 7th century ancient rock-cut temple situated in Mahabalipuram. Located towards the north of Ganesha Ratha, it is one of the most prominent places to visit as part of Mahabalipuram packages from Chennai.
Situated atop a 100-foot high cliff, the Trimurti Cave Temple stands as a remarkable example of rock-cut architecture in Mahabalipuram. This temple is a testament to the ingenuity of Pallava craftsmanship, having been meticulously carved into the natural rock face. It is one among the very few which can put under the category of the most complete excavations. Recognized as part of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Group of Monuments at Mahabalipuram, it holds considerable historical and architectural significance.
The temple comprises three distinct shrines, each dedicated to the Hindu deities of the trinity: Shiva, Brahma, .....
#12 of 34 Places to Visit in Mahabalipuram
At a distance of nearly 0.5 Km from Mahabalipuram Bus Station, Ganesh Ratha Temple is located towards the north of the Arjuna's Penance. It is a temple carved out from a rock to resemble a chariot and is built in Dravidian style of temple architecture. It was once dedicated to Lord Shiva. But when the original lingam was removed, the temple came to be known as the temple of Lord Ganesh.
It has been classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site as part of 'Group of Monuments at Mahabalipuram'.
#13 of 34 Places to Visit in Mahabalipuram
At a distance of 1 Km from Mahabalipuram Bus Station (situated in East Raja Street), the Sculpture Museum is famous for its elaborate collection of sculptures and images of god and goddesses of Hindu mythology. There are more than 3,000 sculptures can be found in this museum. All the sculptures bear the historic significance and the tales of the by-gone days. In the display of the museum there are sculptures made of wood, metal, brass and cement. There are creations of ancient artists to the contemporary ones.
Not only Hindu mythology but the Buddhists sculptures and images too, exist in the temple town. The monolithic statues, the Rathas (chariots), sculptured relief and their miniature can be seen in the museum.
Timings: 10 AM to 5 PM on all days
#14 of 34 Places to Visit in Mahabalipuram
At a distance of 5 Kms from Mahabalipuram (on Chennai - Mahabalipuram Road), Tiger Caves are situated in a coastal village on the Kovalam Road.
This is a magnificent mandapa which contains a shrine dedicated to goddess Durga which has big beautiful figures in front. The deposition here is on the battle of Goddess Durga and Mahishasura. There are number of charges in this Mandapam from that of the Mahishasura Mardini Mandapam. The figure of somaskanda is found in Athiranachanda Mandapa to the south of Tiger care.
#15 of 34 Places to Visit in Mahabalipuram
At a distance of 13 kms from Mahabalipuram (towards South) and 68 Kms from Chennai, Sadras is an outstanding beach resort that takes advantage of the beautiful landscape. This is one of the popular tourist places to visit around Chennai.
The beaches that surround Mahabalipuram are encompassed by beautiful, green casuarinas groves. The contrast of the vibrant green with the sparkling white beaches is breathtaking, and a sight that numerous tourists want to experience.
There is an old ruined Dutch Fort and a Dutch cemetery with finely carved headstones at Sadras as well.
#16 of 34 Places to Visit in Mahabalipuram
At a distance of 23 Kms from Mahabalipuram and 35 Kms from Chennai (on Chennai - Mahabalipuram Road) Covelong/Kovalam is a famous beach resort and one of the popular tourist places to visit near Chennai.
It was originally just a small fishing village, but now also expanded to become one of the most famous beach resorts in South India. You can still explore the old sea port that used to exist there. Numerous quality beach resorts can be found at Kovalam. The beaches at that location are absolutely exquisite, and are greatly enjoyed by all that visit there. It is also to these beaches that the well-known Olive Ridley Turtles travel to every year to hatch their eggs.
Swimmimg and wind surfing are popular activities at this beach.
#17 of 34 Places to Visit in Mahabalipuram
At a distance of 18 Kms from Mahabalipuram (on Chennai - Mahabalipuram Road) and 40 Kms from Chennai, The Crocodile Bank was established by herpetologist Romulus Whitaker in 1976.
It houses several different species of Indian and African alligators and crocodiles. They are kept in open pools that are made to resemble their natural habitat. This Crocodile Conservation Center is the most popular site to visit at Crocodile Bank.
A snake farm is also located at this site. Anti-venom is produced here. The process of extracting the snake venom is a popular tourist attraction, and it allows the Irulas, the snake catcher's tribe, to make a living.
Timings: 10 AM to 5 PM. Entry Fee is Rs 30.
#18 of 34 Places to Visit in Mahabalipuram
At a distance of 14 km from Mahabalipuram, Thirukkalukundram or Tirukalukundram is a temple town situated near Mahabalipuram. It is one of the popular places to visit near Chennai, and among the must-visit places as part of Mahabalipuram packages.
Thirukkalukundram is famous for the Vedagiriswarar temple, a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. The word Thirukazhukundram comes from the Tamil words Thiru (Respectful), Kazhugu (Vulture/Eagle), Kundram (mount). The town is also known as Pakshi Theertham (Bird's Holy Lake) because of a pair of birds -Most likely Egyptian vultures- that are believed to have visited the site for centuries. These birds are traditionally fed by the temple priests and arrive before noon to feed on offerings made from rice, wheat, ghee and sugar. Legend has it the vultures represent eight sages who were punished by Shiva with two of them leaving in each .....
#19 of 34 Places to Visit in Mahabalipuram
At a distance of 16 kms from Mahabalipuram, this holy shrine is one among the 100 temples called Tirupathy.
Lord Narayana came here as a Brahmachaari, answering the prayers of Kalava Rishi and married 360 young daughters of the Rishi in one year. On the last day, he is said to have merged them into one and given darshan with Goddess on his left. Having married one girl a day here at this temple, the Lord is called 'Nithya Kalyana Perumal'.
At this temple, one finds the Lord in a unique standing posture facing East. While one leg is on the ground, the other is on Adhisheshan and his wife. And he is seen balancing Goddess Agila Valli on his left thigh. This place is called Thiru- Idanthai (Thiru-Goddess, Idanthai-left side), which in course of time became ThiruVidanthai.
Garuda Sevai during the Tamil month of Aani, Pooram during the month of Aadi, Spring festival during the month of Vaigasi are the important events.
Timings: 6 AM to 1 PM and 3 PM to 8 PM.
#20 of 34 Places to Visit in Mahabalipuram
At a distance of 36 Kms from Mahabalipuram, Mudaliar Kuppam is an emerging backwater destination. Speedboats, pedal boats and motorboats are available for hire, and kayak & banana boating are introduced recently.
There is an island approximately 4 km from the Raindrop Boat House and tourists are allowed to spend time in the island (tents are also available on rent). There is no good place to eat in Mudaliarkuppam. It is recommended to carry food.
This place attracts lot of crowd on weekends. Houseboat Timing: 10 AM to 6 PM.
#21 of 34 Places to Visit in Mahabalipuram
At a distance of 53 km from Mahabalipuram, and 89 km from Chennai, Vedanthangal Bird Sanctuary is a protected sanctuary situated at Vedanthangal near Mahabalipuram. It is one of the oldest water bird sanctuaries in India, and among the popular weekend getaways from Chennai.
Vedanthangal literally means 'the hamlet of a hunter' in the local Tamil language. It was so named as being a famous hunting grounds for the local landlords during the 18th century. Realizing this ornithological importance of the region, the British government declared it as a bird sanctuary in the year 1798, making it the oldest of its kind in the country. And, among the most popular places to visit near Mahabalipuram.
Covering a total area of 30 hectares, the Vedanthangal Bird Sanctuary is a popular migratory home .....
#22 of 34 Places to Visit in Mahabalipuram
At a distance of 31 Kms from Chennai Central Railway Station and 27 Kms from Mahabalipuram (on East Coast Road between Chennai and Mahabalipuram), Muttukadu is a backwater destination and excellent picnic spot.
Muttukadu offers wide range of water sports options like Boating, wind surfing, boating, kayaking, canoeing, etc. The windsurfing regatta held every February attracts worldwide watersports lovers. TTDC (Tamilnadu tourism Development Corporation) has introduced boathouses in Muttukadu.
Training programs are available in windsurfing and other water sports activities.
Dakshina Chitra, located at a distance of 2 Kms from Muthukadu is a famous heritage centre. The architectural and cultural heritages of the South Indian states are showcased here. The architectural features of each state, the typical homes of each region of South India are built here.
Timings: 10 .....
Distance (From Mahabalipuram): 27 Kms
Trip Duration (From Mahabalipuram - Including Travel): Half Day to Full Day
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#23 of 34 Places to Visit in Mahabalipuram
At a distance of 21 Kms from Chennai Central Railway Station and 40 Kms from Mahabalipuram (situated on East Coast Road between Chennai and Mahabalipuram), VGP Golden Beach is the only resort in Chennai city limits. This is one of the popular tourist places to visit near Chennai.
This Beach cum Amusement Park is developed by The Tourism and Entertainment Corridor of Tamil Nadu, and offers wide range of entertainment options like Gokarting, Dashing Cars, Water Chute, Giant Wheel, Break-dance, Dragons belly, Super trooper and many more. Kids can enjoy the special sight seeing of Jurassic Park and Aquarium. There is an Art Centre which sells handicrafts and articles made out of sea shells.
The sea facing Swimming pool is an extra attraction. The beach is clean and ideal for sun-bathing. The Resort has a Multi-cuisine .....
Distance (From Mahabalipuram): 40 Kms
Trip Duration (From Mahabalipuram - Including Travel): Full Day
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#24 of 34 Places to Visit in Mahabalipuram
At a distance of 68 km from Vellore, 65 km from Mahabalipuram, 75 km from Chennai, 108 km from Tirupati & 127 km from Pondicherry, Kanchipuram or Kanchi is a temple town and the headquarters of Kanchipuram district. It is one of the most popular weekend getaways from Chennai and among the major places to visit in Tamilnadu.
Kanchipuram is one of the most famous places of pilgrimage in Tamilnadu. Kanchipuram has a rich history and it's one of the oldest cities in India. The temples of Kanchipuram are known for their grandeur and great architecture. The architecture of Kanchi monuments was trendsetting with great sculpture work and unique style and became a benchmark for South Indian architecture. This is another popular attraction to visit as part of Chennai tour packages.
The .....
Distance (From Mahabalipuram): 66 Kms
Trip Duration (From Mahabalipuram - Including Travel): Full Day
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#25 of 34 Places to Visit in Mahabalipuram
At a distance of 43 km from Mahabalipuram, Eri Katha Ramar Temple is a Hindu temple located in the town of Maduranthakam, Tamil Nadu, India. It is one of the most popular places to visit as part of Mahabalipuram pilgrimage packages.
Sri Eri Katha Temple is dedicated to Lord Rama, revered here as Ramanujar. Constructed during the Pallava period, the temple is approximately 1600 years old, making it one of the oldest Rama temples in South India. The temple features inscriptions that attest to the generous donations made by Chola king Parantaka I. This site gained prominence during the Chola dynasty, known as Maduranthaga Chaturvedi Mangalam, named after the Chola ruler Madurantaga Uttama Chola (973-985 CE). The temple is also referred to by various names, including Vaikunda Varthanam, Thirumathurai, Thirumanthira Tirupathi, and Karunagara Vilagam.
The temple is renowned for its association with the legend .....
#26 of 34 Places to Visit in Mahabalipuram
At a distance of 1.5 km from Mahabalipuram Bus Stand, the India Seashell Museum is a newly built museum situated in Mahabalipuram. It is one of the must-include places in Mahabalipuram family packages.
The newly built India Seashell Museum in Mahabalipuram is one of its kind in the country and the largest museum in Asia. This private museum, founded by K Raja Mohamed, serves as a comprehensive repository of diverse seashells, aimed at educating its visitors. Among its notable exhibits are sculptures crafted from shells, including representations of a car and a ship. The museum spans an area of one and a half acres.
India Seashell Museum houses over 40,000 specimens of rare and unique seashells, fossils, shark teeth and whale fins from around the globe. These seashells are presented in an artistic and informative manner. Additionally, the museum features oysters and snails, complete with details regarding .....
#27 of 34 Places to Visit in Mahabalipuram
At a distance of 100 m from Mahabalipuram Bus Stand, Sri Sthala Sayana Perumal Temple is a Hindu temple situated in Mahabalipuram. It is one of the most popular places to visit in Mahabalipuram.
Sri Sthala Sayana Perumal Temple, also known as Thirukadalmallai, is a revered site dedicated to Lord Vishnu. It is believed that the temple was originally constructed by the Pallavas, with subsequent enhancements made by the Medieval Cholas, the Vijayanagara kings, and the Madurai Nayaks. The temple is celebrated in the Naalayira Divya Prabandham, an early medieval Tamil scripture composed by the Alvar saints during the 6th to 9th centuries CE. It is recognized as one of the 108 Divya Desams dedicated to Vishnu, who is worshipped here as Sthalasayana Perumal, alongside his consort Lakshmi, known as Nilamangai Thayar.
This temple is also regarded as the birthplace of the Vaishnava Alvar saint Bhoothathalvar, .....
#28 of 34 Places to Visit in Mahabalipuram
At a distance of 500 m from Mahabalipuram Bus Stand, the Dharmaraja Mandapam is an ancient rock-cut temple situated in Mahabalipuram. Located near Mamallapuram Lighthouse, it is one of the most prominent places to visit as part of Mahabalipuram couple packages.
The Dharmaraja cave temple, also referred to as the Atyantakama cave temple, is situated on the southern slope of Mamallapuram hill, adjacent to the Mahishamardini Cave. This cave temple is classified as one of the early Pallava cave-temples, characterized by its primitive design and style, which closely resembles the early cave-temples from the era of Mahendravarman I (580-630 CE). Some scholars propose that the temple was constructed during the reign of Rajasimha I (735 - 765 AD). However, a majority of researchers lean towards the belief that it was built earlier, during the reign of Paramesvara Varman I (670 - 695 AD).
The Dharmaraja Mandapa faces .....
#29 of 34 Places to Visit in Mahabalipuram
At a distance of 500 m from Mahabalipuram Bus Stand, the Ramanuja Mandapam is an ancient rock-cut temple situated in Mahabalipuram. Located to the south of Raya Gopuram, it is one of the most prominent places to visit as part of Mahabalipuram leisure packages.
The Ramanuja Mandapa was originally a complete cave temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, constructed by Paramesvara Varman I. However, it suffered extensive vandalism during the Vaishnava resurgence in the Vijayanagara period. During this resurgence, the figures adorning the temple walls were removed, the arrangement of cells on the back wall was modified, and a mandapa was added in front of the cave.
This east-facing cave temple measures 24 feet in length and 8 feet in depth, featuring three cells. The Ramanuja cave includes a rectangular ardha-mandapa, characterized by a series of pillars. The façade of the cave temple is supported by two pillars and .....
#30 of 34 Places to Visit in Mahabalipuram
At a distance of 800 m from Mahabalipuram Bus Stand, the Koneri Mandapam is an ancient rock-cut temple situated in Mahabalipuram. It it is one of the most prominent places to visit as part of Mahabalipuram luxury packages.
This west-facing Koneri Mandapam derives its name from the adjacent Koneri tank. It features two excavations positioned side by side; one remains largely unfinished, while the other is more developed. Access to the temple is provided by a series of rock-cut steps, leading to a front facade that is set back slightly from the top of the staircase. The excavation is in form of a mandapa, divided into an ardha mandapa and a mukha-mandapa by two rows of pillars. The front section, above the overhanging cornice, is adorned with kudu-arches and small shrines.
Each row consists of four pillars and two pilasters, creating five bays and five entrances. The front row of pillars exemplifies the early .....
#31 of 34 Places to Visit in Mahabalipuram
At a distance of 500 m from Mahabalipuram Bus Stand, the Kotikal or Kodikkal Mandapam is an ancient rock-cut temple situated in Mahabalipuram. It is one of the most prominent places to visit in Mahabalipuram.
Located to the west of the Trimurti Caves, Kotikal Cave is a rock-cut cave temple oriented towards the west. Its architectural style is straightforward and reminiscent of the early cave temples from the era of Mahendravarman I. This temple is included in the 32 Group of Monuments at Mahabalipuram, which have been recognized as UNESCO World Heritage Sites since 1984.
Kotikal features a basic early excavation characterized by two pilasters on its front. The structure comprises a sanctum and a mukha mandapa. The front of the sanctum is adorned with mouldings that resemble those found in free-standing temples. On either side of the sanctum door stand female dvarapalas. One of these warrior women wields a sword in her right hand and a shield in her left, while the other, posed .....
#32 of 34 Places to Visit in Mahabalipuram
At a distance of 500 m from Mahabalipuram Bus Stand, the Kotikal or Kodikkal Mandapam is an ancient rock-cut temple situated in Mahabalipuram. It is one of the most prominent places to visit in Mahabalipuram.
Situated atop the hill between Koneri Lake and Varaha Mandapa, there exists a rock-cut structure referred to as the Dharmaraja Throne or Yudhisthira's Rock Cut Throne. Although commonly called a throne, it is more accurately described as a couch. This stone platform measures 10 feet in length and 3.5 feet in width, carved from a natural rock outcrop, and is spacious enough to accommodate individuals of considerable height and girth. A notable feature of this couch is the sculpture of a seated lion, standing 18 inches tall, which serves as a cushion. According to local tradition, this throne was utilized by Dharmaraja, also known as Yudhisthira, the eldest of the Pandavas, during their period of exile.
Adjacent to this rock-cut throne, one can find a round-shaped cistern, .....
#33 of 34 Places to Visit in Mahabalipuram
At a distance of 300 m from Mahabalipuram Bus Stand, the Rayar Gopuram is an ancient monument situated near Ganesh Ratha in Mahabalipuram. It is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Mahabalipuram.
Mamallapuram, the second capital of the Pallavas following Kanchipuram, is replete with stunning monuments. In addition to renowned tourist attractions such as the Shore Temple and Arjuna's Penance, numerous other monuments are situated on the hill at the town's center. Accessing the hill from Arjuna's Penance, visitors will encounter Rayar Gopuram, the second monument following Ganesha Ratha. Beyond Rayar Gopuram, a variety of monuments can be found, including the Varaha Cave and Krishna Mandapam.
Rayar Gopuram is an incomplete tower characterized by two central pillars, each adorned with the figure of a woman atop a yazhi, a mythical creature. The upper panels of both pillars feature representations of the Dasavatar. In addition to these pillars, there are two pairs of .....
#34 of 34 Places to Visit in Mahabalipuram
At a distance of 500 m from Mahabalipuram Bus Stand, the Maritime Heritage Museum is a museum situated near Mamallapuram Light House. It is one of the most famous tourist places in Mahabalipuram.
The Maritime Heritage Museum was established by D. Hemachandra Rao, a civil engineer who transformed his residence into a dedicated space for maritime heritage. Construction of the museum commenced in 2013 and was completed in 2015. True to its name, the Maritime Heritage Museum showcases models representing various aspects of marine heritage. This museum serves as a valuable resource for those interested in maritime history and culture, providing visitors with an engaging experience that highlights India's rich seafaring traditions.
The museum houses a wide range of artifacts including ancient ship models, navigational tools, and detailed sculptures that narrate the story of India's maritime legacy. Each item is displayed in a glass case, accompanied by its respective name. In addition .....
Winter from October to March is the best time to visit Mahabalipuram. December is also the busiest season and hotels are usually very expensive in this season. Summer would be quite hot and humid but the evenings are pleasant with cool breeze.
Mahabalipuram usually requires one full day to visit the most important attractions. Several tourists usually prefer visiting Mahabalipuram along with Kanchipuram or Pondicherry which requires an additional one day for Kanchipuram and 1-2 days for Pondicherry. There are several wonderful places near Mahabalipuram like Chidambaram, Vellore & Tiruvannamalai that can be visited with additional day for each place.
Budget of Mahabalipuram trip depends on the trip duration and category of hotel you choose for your stay along with the kind of vehicle you prefer. Mahabalipuram tour packages offered by Trawell.in start from as low as INR 5350 per person for a 2D/1N trip and from INR 7500 per person for 3D/2N vacation.
Ensure to cover most important places to visit in Mahabalipuram like Mahabalipuram Beach, Shore Temple, Arjuna's Penance, Mandapams / Caves, Pancha Rathas and Krishna's Butter Ball. Pondicherry which is around 95 km from Mahabalipuram and can be visited along with Mahabalipuram.
Mahabalipuram is famous for wooden artifacts and also granite sculptures which are made up of sandstone and granite stone. One can also buy decorative items and jewellery made of seashells. You can also take sea shell for a memory.
| Package | Duration | Starting Price | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kanchipuram & Mahabalipuram in 2 days | 2D/1N | ₹ 5350 | View Details |
| Mahabalipuram & Pondicherry From Chennai | 3D/2N | ₹ 7500 | View Details |
| Mahabalipuram & Pondicherry From Bangalore | 3D/2N | ₹ 9500 | View Details |
| Kanchipuram, Mahabalipuram & Pondicherry in 4 days | 4D/3N | ₹ 10750 | View Details |
| Mahabalipuram, Pondicherry, Chidambaram, Kanchipuram in 5 days | 5D/4N | ₹ 13200 | View Details |
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