Mahabalipuram - மகாபலிபுரம்

Mamallapuram offers some remarkable temple architecture in a quiet seaside setting. This is another of those resorts like Goa, Diu, Kovalam and Puri that caters well for Western visitors, which makes it a very pleasant place to stay and relax. In the time of te Pallava dynasty (third to ninth centuries AD) Mamallapuram was the seaport for their capital in Kanchipuram, and the temples, dating from this period, testify to its former wealth. Like Chennai there was no actual harbour, but links exteneded to south-east Asia and beyond the Middle East to Rome.

Mamallapuram, a thriving sea port and trade centre between 7th and 10th centuries was the second capital of the Pallavas of Kanchipuram. It was earlier known as Mahabalipuram after the demon king Mahabali, who was killed by Lord Vishnu. Later on, the name changed to 'Mamallapuram' after its founder Narasimha Varman I (630-668 AD), who was bestowed with the title of 'Mamalla' or the 'great wrestler'. Pallavas, the first important Tamil dynasty to emerge after the decline of the Guptas, held sway over sothern India from the 3rd to the close of 9th century AD. They patronised and deveolped new styles in art and architecture, sculpture and painting. Today, the town is referred as an 'open-air museum' and is dream world of Tamil art, exhibiting an astonishing legacy of Pallava architecture.
Mamallapuram is also known for its silvery sandy beach, delicious sea food and exquisite handicrafts.

A soft pearly light dims the stars and lifts the opaque veil of darkness from Mahabalipuram and the pyramidal contours of a diminutive temple swim into view silhouetted against a vast cathedral sky, like a wondrous unreality spun out of early morning magic.