Mahabalipuram Beaches - Tamil Nadu - மகாபலிபுரம் கடற்கரை

Co-ordinates 13.207860, 80.474854 State Tamil Nadu Nearby Stations Chengalpattu Nearby Places Chennai Wikipedia Link http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mahabalipuram Other Langauge Names Hindi: महाबलीपुरम समुद्र तट-तमिलनाडु Tamil: மகாபலிபுரம் கடற்கரை

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Mahabalipuram or Mamallapuram beach is famous for its centuries old Cave Temple. Now a day the Mahabalipuram beach is becoming more popular due to its historical significance and beautiful beaches. It offers much to the tourists who are interested on beach holidays. The emergence of good hotels and other facilities are the clear evidence of the growth of popularity of this beach. Apart from the foreign tourists many domestic tourists are also finds Mahabalipuram as their getaway for holidays.

Mahabalipuram, previously known as 'Mamallapuram', is 55 kilometers off to Chennai, the capital city of Tamilnadu. Mahabalipuram, the magnificent city ashore Coromandel, was once a trading port of the Pallavas. Pallavas were the first Dravidic dynasty that ruled over the substantial portion of the peninsular India. The Pallavas rulers were famous for their appreciation and patronization of Dravidian art forms. They were the one who commissioned the magnificent monuments and temples of Mahabalipuram.

Mahabalipuram beach is famous for its marvelous monuments that include sculptural panels, caves, Monolithic Rathas (chariots) and temples. The Pallavas art at this place emphasizes robust earthly beauty, imbibed with life. These monumental splendors and the sunny beach resorts attract tourists from all over the world. A crocodile farm, Snake venom extracting center, Schools of art and sculpture and a wide choice of resorts along the beach draw holiday-seekers all round the year. Mahabalipuram beaches are a good place for sunbathing and other related activities. The resorts that lay scattered all along the Coromandel offers a range of leisure activities such as diving, wind surfing and motor boating.

Mamallapuram , a tiny seaside village is situated in the state of Tamil Nadu. It is world famous for it's shore temple. Mamallapuram art divides into four categories: open-air bas-reliefs, structured temples, man-made caves and rathas (chariots, carved in situ from single boulders, to resemble temples or the chariots used in temple processions) The famous bas-reliefs, Arjuna's Penance and Krishna Mandapa, adorn massive rocks near the centre of village, while the beautiful Shore Temple towers over the waves behind a protective breakwater.

Mahabalipuram, or Mamallapuram, was the chief seaport of the Pallavas who ruled most portions of South India from the first century BC to the eighth century AD., and it is now recognized as the site of some of the greatest architectural and sculptural achievements in India. Under the reign of Narasimha Varman (c. 630), this seaport began to grow as a great artistic center. The beautiful cave temples carved from blocks of granite date back to the seventh century. At the southern edge of Mahabalipuram is a group of five freestanding temples. Four of them were carved out of a single long granite boulder. These temples, which are detailed replicas of ancient wooden structures.

History Of Popularity

Though Mahabalipuram is famous for its Shore Temple and other cave temples, built in the reign of great Pallava kings, the beaches won much recognition later in the second half of 20th century. Now Mahabalipuram is a mascot to the tourists to get rid of modernity by being on the lap of Mother Nature.

Vicinity

Just 5 km north of Mahabalipuram is Tiger Caves, a rock-cut shrine, possibly dating from 7th century. Tirukkalikundram, around 14 km from Mahabalipuram, is a pilgrimage center. The place has a hilltop temple dedicated to Lord Shiva.

Just 14 km from Mahabalipuram is a crocodile-breeding center. At this center about 5000 crocodiles of 6 different species are there. There is also a snake farm where anti venom is produced. This center is one of the most successful reptile breeding centers in India.

An ideal place for water sports and an excellent picnic spot, Muttukadu is 21 km from Mahabalipuram. Tamil Nadu Tourism Development Corporation has a boathouse here. The visitors can enjoy boating, canoeing & kayaking and wind surfing. The 'Dakshina Chitra of Madras Craft Foundation' here has replica of an old agricultural house of Tamil Nadu, replica of Kanchipuram weavers house and replicas of ancient houses presenting the life style of South India.

Activities

The main activities are the surfing, sunbathing, local sight seeing etc. On request the local fisher folk can arrange sea cruises in the country crafts. Angling can also be done with the help of the fishermen. The deep-sea angling is also famous here. Surfboards and boogie boards can also be hired on the beach. Sunrise and sun set watching cruises are another attraction.

Fairs And Festivals

The Pongal festival celebrated in mid January every year is the most important of festival not only in Mahabalipuram, but also in most parts of South India.

Mahabalipuram Dance Festival is an occasion for the dance lovers to enjoy the performances of the artists from all parts of the country. The Festival is celebrated in the month of January-February every year. The shore temple forms the backdrop of this festival and the music from the musical instruments mixes with the natural music of wind and the sea.

March is the time to celebrate Sthalasayana Perumal temple festival. At this time over twenty thousand pilgrims arrive here.

The Brahmothsavam festival is celebrated during April- May, which lasts for ten days. The Palanquin Festival is celebrated in October- November every year.

The Holy family church (Roman Catholic) festival is celebrating for ten days during first week of January.

Tradition And Dress Code

Nudity is strictly prohibited in Mahabalipuram like in any other parts of India. Topless parade of ladies is also banned here. To suit to the local dress code Lungi is available in all shops.

Shopping

Here the sculptures in various sizes and beautiful shapes are made out of stone. These images include deities for temples and other forms for restoration works. One can buy these images and statues at several handicraft emporiums scattered around the city.

Some marvelously carved wooden images of Hindu Gods are also offered in the shops. Jewelers and other items are also available. In Mahabalipuram one can always find decorative items made from seashells.

Other Facilities

Almost all modern facilities are available in Mahabalipuram beach resorts. STD, ISD, FAX, Internet also available. Most of the hotels accept major credit cards. Foreign exchange can be achieved from nationalized banks like Indian Overseas Bank (Monday to Friday from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm, Saturday until noon). A Post Office is also here.

Security Precautions

The danger warning areas should be avoided from swimming. Some times the undercurrent may be heavy.

Do's And Don'ts

Possession and consumption of illegal drugs are punishable.

It is better to visit this place during October to March. One is advised to avoid the monsoon period. Climate of Mahabalipuram is very much influenced by the sea, due to its closeness to it. Rainfall continues throughout the year and the climate remains hot and sultry. There is almost uniform temperature whole year with a maximum of 35o C and minimum of 19o C.
The best time to visit this area is in winter, between the months of November and February.

Mahabalipuram is situated just 60 km off Chennai on the Bay of Bengal coast. Mahabalipuram is extended from Latitude 12o 37' in the North to Longitude 80o 14' in the East.

How to Reach

By Air

Nearest airport from Mahabalipuram is Chennai International Airport, around 64 km away. One can get flights for almost all major destinations in India and many places abroad. Several Indian and international Airlines are operating out of Chennai. From Trichy, it is 250 km away and from Madurai, it is 375 km.

By Rail

The nearest Railway Station, Chengalpattu is around 29 km away from Mahabalipuram. One can take trains for Chennai and several other major cities in the south India from here. The nearest rail junction is Chengalpet (30 km). You can also reach Mahabalipuram from Chennai (60 km), Pondicherry (134 km), Trichy (250 km), Madurai (375 km).

By Road

Mahabalipuram is connected by road to Madras, Tirukkalikundram, Kanchipuram and Pondicherry via Chengalpattu. It is 16 kilometers from Pakshithirtham and 65 kilometers from Kanchipuram via Chengalpattu. For local transport tourist taxis can be hired form Madras. Private taxis are also available on hire. Cycle rickshaws are also available here.

Accommodation

Several types of accommodation options are available in Mahabalipuram fitting every pocket. The best option to enjoy the calm and serene environment of Mahabalipuram is to check inside several beach resorts spread over Mahabalipuram. It is necessary to have prior reservation in most cases. Other options are to use the hotels, guesthouses, and inspection houses that are spread around the town. Accommodation is available at Hotel Tamil Nadu (Beach Resorts Complex), Hotel Tamil Nadu II Camping Site and other beach resorts and lodges.

With the emergence of Mahabalipuram as a major beach in Tamil Nadu, many private beach resorts are mushroomed. There is a wide choice of resorts along the beach. Fisherman's Cove, a private beach resort offers water sports apart from its magnificent beach area. Some resorts are also having beachfront restaurants. Ideal Beach Resort, Sterling Mahabalipuram, MGM Beach Resort, Temple Bay Resort.

Chennai.