You have likely read myths and stories about Mahabalipuram in the Upanishads as well as in books. A little town that is located on a narrow channel between the Great Salt Lake and the Bay of Bengal is a popular destination for visitors and pilgrims due to the beautiful sunsets that can be seen from the town’s mediaeval temples.
These attractions at Mahabalipuram depict a story that dates back thousands of years and may be seen for yourself. If you are planning a trip to Tamil Nadu, you should unquestionably include this location on your list of must-see destinations while you are there. You will be grateful for every moment that you spend in this little town in Tamil Nadu, enjoying the grandeur, artwork, and tradition that can be found there.
You may choose to travel any of the following routes in order to visit Mahabalipuram tourist places:
By air: The airport that is most convenient for travel to and from Mahabalipuram is located in Chennai. The distance between the airport and the temple town is around 58 kilometres.
By train: Chengalpattu Junction is the railway station that is located the closest to Mahabalipuram. When one arrives at the station, they have the option of hiring a taxi to make the approximately 29-kilometre journey to Mahabalipuram.
By road: Bus services provided by the Tamil Nadu state government connect Mahabalipuram to a wide variety of towns in the region, including Chennai, among others. Along with public buses, there are also a few other private passenger bus services that make the trip from Mahabalipuram to Chennai Central.
12 Tourist places Mahabalipuram you should add to your itinerary
Shore Temple
Source: Pinterest
One of the most popular destinations for tourists, UNESCO has included this ancient temple on its list of World Heritage Sites, and it is also considered to be one of the holiest places in South India. It was constructed in Dravidian style, which was reflective of the grandeur that was popular during the Pallava period. It was given its name attributed to the reason that it looks out over the coasts of the Bay of Bengal.
Granites from the 8th century AD were used to construct the whole temple. This temple has three sanctuaries. Two of the three sanctuaries are devoted to Shiva and Vishnu, respectively. A Shivalinga is also seen in the temple complex. The reclining posture of Lord Vishnu’s idol, facing the Seshanag, represents Hinduism’s self-awareness.
It’s best to visit Mahabalipuram in the evening when the temple is lit up if you’re in the area at this time of year. Even though it’s hot in the summer, the months of January and February are the best for visiting Mahabalipuram. The Mahabalipuram bus terminal is about 2 kilometres away from the Shore temple.
Mahabalipuram Beach
Source: Pinterest
It is a well-known destination for visitors to Mahabalipuram and one of the city’s most famous landmarks. You are going to have a great day at the beach if you come to this location, which is within walking distance from the Mahabalipuram city centre. You may relax in the warm sunshine, play about the beach area, and even go for a swim if you want to. If you like being on the edge of your comfort zone, you should give windsurfing a go.
The rock-cut sculptures are the feature that sets this beach apart from others. During your time at this beach, you will have the opportunity to explore the various caverns, rathas, enormous chariots, and temples that are located there. Rajasimha, a monarch of the Pallava people, is responsible for the construction of the coastal temples. The fact that even the seashore contains significant historical icons is one of the things that gives it its fascinating quality.
Crocodiles may be seen on this beach in large numbers. There are a plethora of street food stalls to sample after a day at sea and admire these artworks. This Mahabalipuram place to visit will round out and enhance your beach vacation to the fullest.
Five Rathas
Source: Pinterest
They are a group of rock temples that showcase the Dravidian architectural style. The name “Panch Rathas” may also be used to refer to the “Five Rathas.” These pagoda-shaped rock temples resemble Buddhist monasteries and shrines, as well as other types of Buddhist buildings.
The Draupadi Ratha is the name of the first ratha, which can be found just inside the main door. This ratha is constructed in the form of a house and is meant to honour the goddess Durga. The ratha that comes next is called the Arjuna Ratha, and it is meant to represent Lord Shiva. Within this ratha are several pillar stones that have carvings on them, as well as a tiny portico.
The ratha belonging to Nakula Sahadev may be found just beside this one. This ratha is home to some very impressive elephant sculptures. There is also the ratha of Indra, who is the deity of rain and thunderstorms. You will also locate the Bhima Ratha, which is a massive structure featuring lion heads carved into the pillars of the structure. Lord Shiva is honoured by Dharamraja Yudhistar’s ratha, which is the fifth and biggest of all the rathas.
Since Five Rathas is just 1.5 kilometres away from the centre of Mahabalipuram, getting there will take you anywhere between 5 to 10 minutes.
Arjuna’s Penance
Source: Pinterest
Arjuna’s Penance is a popular tourist destination in Mahabalipuram, located within walking distance from the city centre, that draws visitors from all walks of life, including students of history and academics. It is a massive rock-cut relief that is said to be among the biggest in the whole wide globe. In certain circles, it is also referred to as the “Descent of the Ganges.”
This edifice is definitely one of a kind due to the skilled workmanship that went into carving it out of the rock, in addition to the historical importance of the location. One may follow the history of this rock all the way back to the seventh century. All of these locations, which are associated with the art and history of the Pallava people, are presently under the care of the ASI and UNESCO.
Arjun’s Penance sees a lot of visitors throughout the year. Some people go to observe the workmanship, which was done with just basic instruments like a hammer and chisel in those days. Others go to hear the various tales that surround the location. A stop at this edifice is a must if you want to experience the best of both worlds.
Sadras
Source: Pinterest
Sadras is a magnificent beach resort that makes the most of the stunning surroundings by incorporating them into its design. It is located at a distance of 13 km from Mahabalipuram. Beautiful, verdant casuarina groves may be seen all along the coastline in the area around Mahabalipuram.
The stark contrast between the lush greenery and the shimmering white sands of the beaches is mesmerising, and anybody who sees it is sure to be delighted. Among the ruins of a Dutch Fort lies a wonderfully carved headstone. It’s fascinating to learn about the region’s and India’s Dutch settlers.
Tiger Caves
Source: Pinterest
This is a great place to rest and unwind on the shores of the Bay of Bengal. There are no tigers in these caverns, so you don’t have to be afraid. Instead, it was given that moniker due to the entrance’s 11 carved tiger-like heads. There is an animal named “yeli” that has an unusually large crown, which looks like the headpieces of two different beasts. Over these tigers, there is a sculpture of Goddess Durga, as well.
The Archaeological Survey of India maintains the surroundings of these caverns, which are one of the most popular tourist destinations in Mahabalipuram, in excellent condition. The caves themselves are enormous. In the middle of the verdant foliage, you may take a deep breath and admire this beauty at the same time. But if you start to feel hungry, treat yourself to some of the regional delicacies and wash them down with delicate coconut water.
To reach this place, you’ll have to book a cab or board a public bus from the Mahabalipuram bus station and you’ll arrive at this location, which is located at a distance of 11.3 km from the city centre.
Covelong Beach
Source: Pinterest
Feel revitalised by soaking your toes on this beach of silver sands. It was formerly known as Kovalam beach because of its location near the settlement of Covelong. As a result of the British inability to pronounce Kovalam, the beach’s name was changed to Covelong.
The settlement that was located close to the beach was home to India’s first surfing school. During their time at this beach, visitors have a wide variety of options available to them to participate in activities. In fact, the sunsets at this beach are absolutely enchanted. It is the perfect setting for winding down the day and engaging in a wide variety of activities all in one convenient place. There are also opportunities for surfing, fishing, jet skiing, and boating.
In addition to its natural beauty, this beach also features a fort that’s been constructed by the Dutch. It is now a posh resort due to the recent transformation. However, you may come here to enjoy the clear sea and silvery dunes and take back with you breathtaking memories that will last a lifetime.
If you are captivated by the scene that unfolds before you on Covelong Beach, then you should take a taxi or a public bus to travel the 23 kilometres that separate Mahabalipuram and this gorgeous beach in order to get there.
Indian Seashell Museum
Source: Pinterest
This is a brand-new museum, and it is the first one of its sort to be established in India. In addition to that, it is among the biggest in Asia, located in the immediate neighbourhood of Mahabalipuram. This museum has an extensive collection of seashells in its permanent collection. The establishment of such a museum has as its dual goals the promotion of tourism and the dissemination of knowledge to museum attendees.
This museum has close to 40,000 distinct examples of various species of shells from throughout the world. This is thus one of the greatest sites to visit in Mahabalipuram that you should consider going to if you are searching for some unique experiences.
Ganesh Ratha Temple
Source: Pinterest
The Ganesh Rath, which dates back to the latter half of the seventh century and was constructed under the era of Mahendravarman I, is an outstanding demonstration of the monolithic Indian rock-cut masonry. Originally, it was devoted to Lord Shiva, and the complex had a Shivalinga; however, the Linga was removed at some point in the past, and today, Lord Ganesh is worshipped in this location.
Ganesh Ratha Temple lies north of Arjuna’s Penance and about half a kilometre from the Mahabalipuram Bus Station.
Mahishasuramardini Cave
Source: Pinterest
Known as the Yampuri cave temple, the Mahishasura Mardini Cave temple dates back to the 7th century and is a rock-cut landmark of Indian architecture. The sanctuary of the temple has two noteworthy carvings. Both Lord Vishnu and Goddess Durga are seen riding their respective lions as they defeat the monster Mahishasura. Puranas are shown in the cave as well. It is located within walking distance from the Mahabalipuram city centre.
Varaha Cave Temple
Source: Pinterest
The magnificent rock-cut architecture of the temple known as the Varaha Cave Temple may be seen at Mahabalipuram. It is considered to be one of the finest specimens of Pallava art and was constructed during the period of Narasimhavarman I Mahamalla. The temple was constructed in the seventh century and is a relic of the old Vishwakarma Sthapathis. It is the home of an idol that depicts Lord Vishnu in his incarnation as Varaha, which is a boar hoisting Mother Earth. From the Mahabalipuram city centre, it will take you 2 minutes to reach Varaha Cave Temple.
Krishna Cave Temple
Source: Pinterest
The open-air relief of the Krishna Cave Temple honours the majesty of Lord Krishna. During the Vijayanagar Empire in the 16th century, it was eventually contained inside a mandap. One of the most well-known stories of Mount Govardhan is depicted in carvings at this monument. In the opinion of many, it is the most lyrical interpretation of the well-known myth.
It is nearly 1 kilometre distant from the centre of Mahabalipuram where the Krishna Cave Temple may be found. The Chengalpattu Railway station is the one that is located the closest to the temple.
FAQs
What is Mahabalipuram renowned for?
The town of Mahabalipuram is well-known for the magnificent landmarks and temples that can be seen there. The Shore Temple serves as the most popular place of interest for visitors to this area. It was created in the eighth century and comprises three separate temples that were all assembled into a single structure.
When is it ideal to go to Mahabalipuram?
It is recommended that visitors arrange their trips to Mahabalipuram during the winter months, namely between the months of October and March. During this time period, the weather will continue to be lovely.
What's the commute time from Chennai to Mahabalipuram?
The distance between the two cities is 62 kilometres. Both locations have convenient access to roads, so travelling between them is easy; otherwise, you might use a bus or a cab to get here.
