Mahabalipuram or the 'City Of Bali' is located in the Kancheepuram district of Tamil Nadu. Famous by another name of Mamallapuram, Mahabalipuram, a 7th century port city lies down at a distance of 60 kms from main city of Chennai. With its picturesque location on a rocky outcrop between beach and lagoon, the old city has been a frequent Kibosh for archaeologist and other tourists who land here to see Mahabalipuram enjoying dual shades of éclat; UNESCO World Heritage Site and a beach city. The city of Mamallapuram is a significant historical city blessed with architectures built between 7th and 9th century. Despite its many visitors, drawn by the Pallava Dynasty town, the Palace is friendly, relaxed, and the villagers are remarkably unperturbed by the crowds of visitors. Interestingly, Mahabalipuram includes one of India's most photographed monuments, the Shore Temple.

Popular Tourist Attractions in Mahabalipuram

Safely arrived in the city of rock-chiseled architectures Mahabalipuram is where the sculptural wonder lingers. It is concrete testimony of the vaulting, virile and artistic temperament of Pallava sculptors. Your Mahabalipuram tour has plethora of rock-cut marvels to offer, its stellar attractions are Arjuna's Penance.

Arjuna's Penance
It is an enormous relief made on two huge boulders, is a universe itself in stone. The sculpted colossus, 29 mts long and 9 m high, the worlds most largest bas relief. The cleft in the rock depicts the descent of Ganga and the two large elephants are remarkable for their artistry, and so are the scenes from the panchtantra. Slightly north of Arjuna's Penance, precipitously is a massive spherical boulders called Krisha's butter ball.

Shore Temples
Towards the east of the Village the unforgettable distinct silhouette of Mamallapuram's Shore Temple, the mute tireless sentinel of the shore, is a ultimate expression of Mahabalipuram. Dating back to eight century it is considered to be earliest temple in South India. It is a good example of the first phase of structural temples constructed in Dravidian style. The designs of its two finely carved towers has had a profound influence on subsequent religious architecture, as it was exported across South India, and eventually to Southeast Asia.

Mahabalipuram Beach
Mahabalipuram is primarily a beach beauty spatted worldwide for its beach activities and rock carved architectures and shore temples. Indulging in the beach activities will make your tour to Mahabalipuram all the more unforgettable.

Popular Shopping Centres In Mahabalipuram

Kanchipuram's exquisite sarees are woven from pure mulberry silk in dazzling colours and have an enviable reputations for luster, durability and finish. There are several shops on the road to Sri Varadraja Temple. So, always remember, during your tour to Mahabalipuram, to hunt for memorabilia, souvenirs, gifts and curios as well as whole lot of sculptures such as gods, goddesses on soapstones at Mahabalipuram beach. The best place to hunt for sea shells, cane objects and wood carving is Mount Road. Emporias and government run shops are best to rely at.

Eating Out/ Restaurants In Mahabalipuram

Mamallapuram restaurants offer you a wide choice of multi cuisine restaurants offering specialty dishes. Sip filtered coffee or just try gorging locally prepared South Indian cuisines. Besides eating out preferences(Chines, Thai, Japanese, North Indian, South Indian) at Mahabalipuram is fast becoming easy with recent opening up of restaurants.

How to Reach Mahabalipuram (Air/Rail/Road)

The closest airport is situated at Chennai at a distance of 60 kms and nearest railway station is situated at Chengalpattu, 29 km away from Mahabalipuram. Mahabalipuram / Mamallapuram is connected by road to Chennai, Tirukkalikundram (Pakshithirtham), Kanchipuram (65 km), and Pondicherry. Mamallapuram is loaded with hordes of accommodation options therefore staying at Mahabalipuram is just a matter of your choice, according to your budget and requirements.

Mahabalipuram Hotel Information

There are many beach resorts, luxury and economy hotels in Mahabalipuram. There are heritage hotels in the city as well. The choice is, of course yours. You can get in touch with our travel counsellors for more hotel options and also look out for lucrative deals and discounts, if any. During your tour to Mahabalipuram, you can choose to stay at one of the following hotels.
» GRT Temple Bay
» TIdeal Beach Resort
» Fortune Chariot Beach Resort
» Hotel Mammala Heritage