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The
Primitive Times Port City
Mahabalipuram, also known, as "Mamallapuram"
is 58-km, south of Chennai,
nestling on the shores of the Bay of Bengal, was once a port of the
Pallavas. The Pallavas have created many marvellous monuments with
Sculptural Panels, Caves, Monolithic Rathas (chariots) and Temples.
Once a thriving port trading with many distant nations, Pallava chisels
have breathed life into stone. The Pallavas art at this place emphasises
robust earthly beauty, imbibed with life. These monumental splendours and
the sunny beach resorts attract tourists from all over the world.
A crocodile farm, snake venom extracting centre, schools of art and
sculpture and a wide choice of resorts along the beach draw
holiday-seekers all round the year.
Dakshinachitra: While travelling from
Chennai to
Mahabalipuram visit
Dakshinachitra - a heritage centre. Here traditional crafts persons and
folk artists work and perform in the reconstructed period settings of 19th
century homes, streets and workspaces of the Southern States of
Tamil Nadu,
Kerala ,
Karnataka and
Andhra
Pradesh . 
Shore Temple: This is one of the oldest temples in south India. It
belongs to the early 8th century AD and is a good example of the first
phase of structural temples constructed in Dravidian style. The monuments
are floodlit at night and so it is possible to enjoy their beauty after
sunset.
Arjuna's Penance :
The world's largest bas-relief measuring 27m x 9m is the pride of
Mahabalipuram. This huge
whaleback shaped rock contains figures of Gods, Demigods, men, beasts,
birds and infact represents the entire creation.
Five Rathas : These are five monolithic temples, each created in a
different style. They are also known as the "Pancha Pandava Rathas",
and the four of the Rathas are supposed to have scooped out of a single
rock formation.
Tiger's Cave : It is 4-km north of the main monument complex. It
was an open-air theatre, where cultural programmes are held. Though it is
very near the sea, the place is serene and calm.
Air: Chennai
(58-km) is the nearest airport with both domestic and international
terminus. Chennai is
connected with all the major places in India through the numerous domestic
flights. International flights operate from various parts of the world to
Chennai.
Rail: The nearest railway stations are Chengalpattu (29-km) and
Chennai (58-km).
From these stations one has to take the road to reach
Mahabalipuram.
Road: There are buses available from
Pondicherry
, Kanchipuram, Chengalpattu
and Chennai to
Mahabalipuram daily. The
road to Mahabalipuram is
good. Tourists can also hire a taxi from
Chennai.
Accommodation is available at the beach resorts and lodges in Mahabalipuram.