Located in the south Indian state of Tamil Nadu, the temple
city of Mahabalipuram was flourishing port town of the
Pallava rulers of south India. Earlier known as Mamallapuram,
the city is said to have a fabulous "open-air museum".
The city flourished under the rule of Narsinha Varman
I (AD 630-668) and Narsinha Varman II (AD 700-728). Most
of the temples and carvings of this city belongs to this
period only. The change of the religion from Jainism to
Shaivism of the Pallava dynasty rulers has its affect
on the monuments of the period.
The main tourist attraction of the town is the Varaha
Cave, a small rock-cut mandapam (hall). Heinrich Zimmer,
a leading expert on Mahabalipuram has described the
famous Pallava doorkeepers' expression outside the cave
as of "pious rapture,".
The Mahishamardini Cave and the Somaskanda sculpture,
dedicated to Lord Vishnu are other fascinating places
to visit. The Arjuna's Penance, which is said to be
world's largest bas-relief, too attracts a number of
tourists. A famous legend goes that how King Bhagiratha
to redeem the cursed souls of his ancestors, had to
bring down to earth the celestial Ganga. The cleft in
the rock depicts the whole story of descent of Ganga.
The Five Rathas or the Chariots is said to be the architectural
precursors of the temples of South India. The largest
among them is the Dharmaraja ratha scoped from a monolithic
rock, while the smallest is the Draupadi ratha. You
can see these beautiful pieces of art through the Tour
Packages for Mahabalipuram.
The other famous temple of the city is the Shore Temple.
In this amazing structure a Vishnu temple is built in
between the two Shiva temples. Tourists are amazed to
see this piece of architecture, which reflects the technical
excellence of the artists of those times.
The Sculpture Museum in East Raja Street that houses
3,000 sculptures by the local artisans, made in wood,
metal, brass, and cement, Mahabalipuram Tiger Caves,
Muttukadu, an ideal place for water sports and Tirukkalikundram
are other few tourist spots worth visiting.
Mahabalipuram Dance Festival is the famous festival
of the region.
Recommended Itineraries
Museum and Architectural Tour of India
South India Wildlife Tour
Southern Splendor with Exotic Backwater Tour
Best of South India Tour
India Tours and packages offer tour packages, tour itineraries
and tours for Mahabalipuram, India.
For details about the tour packages for Mahabalipuram,
please fill in the query form below.
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