Mahabalipuram Sightseeing, Quick Facts, History, Packages, Tours & Excursions

The monuments here are built in the Dravidian style of architecture and made out of a single stone each. You could start with the most famous monument here, the Shore Temple, which is a feast for the eyes. It is as ancient as 1,400 years.

The temple built in honour of Lord Vishnu, Thirukadalmallai, is another temple to see.

There are five chariots here called Pancha Pandava Rathas and each named after the five Pandava brothers. These relics are from the 7^th century and are fine examples of stone architecture carved out of a single rock.

The other 7th century cave temple is of Varaha, which is home to four noteworthy carvings of Vishnu, Gakalakshmi, Trivikama and Durga. Arjuna's Penance is a flat sculpture on a rock wall, with an episode of the Mahabharata depicted. Check out the giant rock poised atop a hill called Krishna's Butterball; it is a marvel of balance.

You could also visit the Sculpture Museum, home to many beautiful sculptures, and the old and new lighthouses which give you a panoramic view of sea.

Other Activities:

Buy stone carvings made by the local artists; check into a beach resort and chill on the sandy beaches; drink beer and try the local cuisines.

Visit the Crocodile Farm a unique reptile farm and museum set up by the naturalist Rom Whittaker. It has several rare species of crocodiles, alligators, and snakes and is a very interesting and educative place to visit.

Tamil Nadu Tourism Development Corporation (TTDC)

Tourism Complex, No.2, Wallajah Road, (near Kalaivanar Arangam)

Chennai- 600 002.

Ph. 25367850 Extn.221; 25383333, 25389857, 25360294

Mahabalipuram or Mamallapuram, was an ancient port city on the Coromandel coast built by the Pallava Dynasty in the 7^th century. It was named after the cruel demon king Mahabali, who was slayed by Goddess Durga, and is an important World Heritage Site today. It is 60kms from Chennai, and can be reached by the scenic East Coast Road.