If you want a weekend hangout spot near Chennai, consider visiting Mahabalipuram. This ancient town, also known as Mamallapuram, is famous for its UNESCO cultural heritage site monuments dating back to the 7th and 8th centuries. It is located 60km from Chennai on the coast of the Bay of Bengal, making it an ideal choice for a holiday. In this article, we will disclose information on the important places to visit in Mahabalipuram and how to make your trip an unforgettable experience.
Historical Connect
As a historically significant port town, Mahabalipuram gained prominence and political influence between the 4th and 9th centuries under the Pallava dynasty. The Pallavas demonstrated their authority by constructing impressive structures, the remnants of which continue to inspire us today. The temples built during this period proudly showcase the magnificence of three Dravidian architectural style. The temples and intricate carvings depict how artisans were revered during the glorious reign of the Pallavas. The fascinating beaches and the town’s proximity to some of the country’s major cities make it a busy weekend getaway destination.
Places to Visit in Mahabalipuram
Let us see the essential places you should visit in Mahabalipuram. A stroll through the streets of this historic town, has tales that will take you back in time. Though there are over thirty sites to visit, the most important ones are listed below.
- Shore Temple
- Pancha Rathas
- Arjuna’s Penance
- India Seashell Museum
- Krishna’s Butterball
- Mahishasuramardhini cave
- The Madras Crocodile Bank Trust and Centre for Herpetology
- Mahabalipuram Light House
- Varaha Cave Temple
- Sri Sthala Sayanaperumal Temple
- Mahabalipuram Beach
- Tiger cave
- Ganesh Ratha Temple
- Trimurthi Cave
- Pancha Pandava Cave
- Maritime Heritage Museum
The Shore Temple
The Shore Temple of Mamallapuram will leave you astonished every time you visit. It was built during the rule of Narashimhavarman II and is one of the oldest temples in South India. Two separate sanctums are dedicated to the Hindu gods, one for Lord Shiva and the other for Lord Vishnu. These temples are made out of cut rocks and granite stones and represent the true essence of Dravidian culture, standing as an example of the architectural mastery of South Indians.
This temple is believed to have been buried under the sand until recently. Along with the other temples and monuments, UNESCO has designated the Shore Temple a World Heritage Site. Marco Polo, the Italian sailor, mentioned the Shore Temple as one of the “Seven Pagodas.” Six more temples were constructed alongside, all now submerged under the sea. The Shore Temple is the last one to be built along the coastline.
Myth of Mahabalipuram
Next to the impressive Shore Temple, there were six more temples along the coastline. According to a myth, Lord Indra, the god of rains, became jealous when he saw the beauty of Mamallapuram and its architecture from heaven. In an attempt to destroy the city’s beauty, he created a huge storm in the Bay of Bengal, causing massive destruction and resulting in six of the temples submerging under the sea.
Arjuna’s Penance
The Descent of the Ganges, known as Arjuna’s Penance, is a renowned tourist attraction in Mahabalipuram. Legend has it that in ancient times, Arjuna underwent extreme penance to seek Lord Shiva’s blessings and obtain the powerful Pasupatha Asthra weapon he intended to use against the Kauravas in the Kurukshetra war. Visitors can admire the sculpture depicting Arjuna standing on one leg with his arms raised in prayer.
Some historians believe the same ascetic to be Sage Bhagirath, who is the ancestor of Lord Ram and was performing penance to request Shiva’s supreme power in bringing the River Ganga from the heavens to earth. It is said that Bhagirath’s ancestors were turned into ashes because of a curse from sage Kapila, as they had disrupted his meditation. Bhagirath also believed that Kapila offered a solution to his curse – if the ashes of the ancestors were immersed in the River Ganga, their souls would achieve Moksha. Bhagiratha’s penance impressed Shiva, and he agreed to bring Ganga down to earth through his hair-locks in order to decrease her strength and size.
Pancha Rathas
The Pancha Rathas, which means “Five Chariots,” is a group of five monolithic structures, each carved out of a single granite rock. These structures are shaped like chariots and are named after the five brothers of the Pandavas family.
| Name of the Rathas | Significance |
Dharmaraja Ratha |
This Ratha is dedicated to Lord Shiva and represents Yudhishthira, the eldest brother of the Pandavas. It is the largest and most extensively carved of the five structures. |
Bhima Ratha |
This Ratha is dedicated to God Vishnu and is named after Bhima, the second and strongest Pandava brother. |
Arjuna Ratha |
This is dedicated to Lord Indra, the god of the rain. It represents Arjuna, the third Pandava brother and an expert in Archery. |
Nakula Sahadeva Ratha |
This rathais dedicated to the god of death, Yama, and is named after the Pandava brothers Nakula and Sahadeva. |
Draupadi Ratha |
This particular structure is a tribute to Goddess Durga and symbolizes Draupadi, the spouse of the Pandava brothers. The lone chariot has a semi-circular, apsidal shape reminiscent of a hut. |
These structures are famous for their stone-cut architectural marvels, and thousands of people across the world visit them every year. Mahabalipuram tourist places are a true delight to watch, particularly in the winter season, as Chennai has supportive weather from November to February.
Krishna’s Butterball
Mahabalipuram sightseeing is never complete without a quick tour of Krishna’s Butterball Rock. Have you ever wondered how a 250-ton rock ball can stand on the slope of a hill with a base that is less than 4 feet, defying the centre of gravity? You should come and visit the fascinating Krishna’s Butterball. According to ancient myths, this rock is believed to be a portion of butter that fell from heaven. Butter was a favorite food of Lord Krishna. The rock is 20 feet tall and 5 meters wide, and it’s still a mystery how it has withstood storms and cyclones over the years. The rock is more than 1200 years old and still stays intact, so visitors can take shelter beneath it.
The Indian Seashell Museum
The largest seashell museum in Asia is located in Mahabalipuram, a famous tourist destination in South India, just 60 km south of Chennai. It has a collection of approximately 40,000 seashells and marine fossils from around the globe. The main aim of this museum is to educate visitors. It houses over 40,000 specimens of rare and unique seashells and minerals, offering visitors an extraordinary visual treat and a unique perspective on conchology. Visiting this museum is one of the most recommended things to do in Mahabalipuram.
The Tiger Cave
The Tiger Cave is another attraction that should be on every traveller’s itinerary. It is a rock-cut Hindu temple with carvings of 11 tigers around the pavilion’s entrance. The pavilion was a seat from which the Pallava kings addressed the audience. The cave was a place of worship and a centre for learning and scholarship during the Pallava Dynasty. Scholars and archaeologists believe these carvings are the faces of a mythological animal, “Yeli,” a cross between a tiger and a lion. This cave leaves you spellbound with wonder and admiration for its depiction of the goddess Durga, mounted on top of these tigers, or Yelis.
The ornate temple complex, hewn from solid rock, is a living testament to the prowess and artistry of the rich Tamil heritage that takes you back to the 7th-century grandeur of the Pallava Dynasty. Intricate carvings and sculptures depicting Hindu mythology adorn the cave’s inner walls. The Tiger Cave embodies the pinnacle of craftsmanship and virtuosity of the Tamils.
The Madras Crocodile Bank Trust and Centre for Herpetology
It is one of the largest reptile zoos in the world, spanning eight and a half acres of land. Visitors can observe large, hungry crocodiles and various snakes. Guided tours and outdoor activities are available. If you are a nature enthusiast, you can take a stroll through the lush coastal dune forest, which serves as a natural habitat for native wildlife, including large colonies of water birds and Olive Ridley Sea Turtles.
How to reach Mahabalipuram?
You can travel from Chennai to Mahabalipuram by bus, train, or car, as the town is only 60 km away. If you are coming from other country cities, then Chennai is well connected by air. Airport taxis are available, driving you straight from the airport to Mahabalipuram. There are exotic Resorts in Chennai providing a comfortable and cosy stay. The best time to visit this town is from November to February, as Mahabalipuram is relatively cooler in these months.
A Stroll on the Mahabalipuram Beach
Mahabalipuram Beach is a fantastic destination for beach enthusiasts. Situated along the east coast and offering the best of the Bay of Bengal, it’s no wonder that millions of tourists visit every year. Its golden sands and sparkling sea under the never-ending blue sky make it a serene and picturesque spot, especially with the prestigious UNESCO World Heritage Site nearby. If you’re adventurous, you can enjoy surfing and swimming in the Bay of Bengal’s waters, as the tides are ideal and the sea is perfect for various adventure activities.
Shopping and food in Mahabalipuram
Mamallapuram’s must-see places include the vibrant street markets. Here you can find a variety of items, including soapstone, granite sculptures, stone and wooden artefacts, jewellery made from gems, and rare seashells.
While exploring the archaeological sites, you can also indulge in delicious South Indian cuisine. Treat yourself to steaming idlis, dosas, appam, vada, and upma, served with mouth-watering sambar and chutneys. Seafood lovers can enjoy grilled fish, prawns, lobsters, and crabs, making it a feast for the taste buds.
In conclusion, Mahabalipuram places to visit are a captivating destination that offers a visual feast and rich insight into the cultural heritage of Tamil Nadu. The coastal hamlet stands as a source of pride for every Tamilian and vividly illustrates the cultural lineage of the Pallavas. The serene ambience and beautiful resorts like Nyantra provide a peaceful and tranquil atmosphere, making it an ideal retreat for those seeking relaxation and cultural enrichment.