Mahabalipuram’s most beloved landmark, this UNESCO heritage monument depicts the passage of Ganges into Earth – it makes an incredible sight to behold! Nearby you’ll find both a cave temple and lighthouse; with amazing views from up top. For a small fee you can climb all the way to the tower’s summit! Here you get to know Top Places to Visit in Mahabalipuram.
Shore Temple
Shore Temple is an important UNESCO World Heritage site in Mahabalipuram, and must-visit destination. Devoted to Shiva and Vishnu, the Shore Temple is considered among the earliest stone temples built in South India and survived the 2004 tsunami as evidence.
Atiranachanda Cave Temple in Mahabalipuram is another must-visit destination, featuring a massive staircase crafted out of rock that culminates in an open-air shivling. Additionally, this temple hosts an intricate Nandi bull carving as well as a mandapam with Pallava grantha inscriptions.
On the Coromandel Coast is this temple dedicated to Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva. With pillared mandapams and intricate carvings adorning it as well as being listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site it serves as one of the best examples of 7th-century Indian architecture.
This ancient monument, constructed out of two rock outcrops, is one of Mahabalipuram’s most beloved and impressive attractions as a result of its exquisite craftsmanship and intricate carvings. Legend has it that when Ganges waters first descended to Earth this monument depicted it.
Mahabalipuram Beach
Mahabalipuram Beach is an attractive tourist and locals alike to escape the daily stressors and spend a relaxing and enjoyable day away. Predominated by fishermen folk, several rock-cut sculptures and temples can be found along its long stretch of beach. Furthermore, Mahabalipuram is also well known for hosting an annual Mamallapuram Dance Festival held between December and January.
Mahabalipuram’s premier attraction, the Krishna Cave Temple is an open-air relief dedicated to Lord Krishna and features intricately carved reliefs depicting his lifting Govardhan Parvat. Additionally, you’ll love its gorgeous pillared mandapams and sculptures; not to mention tiger cave which houses eleven shrines of these majestic beasts on its walls!
At approximately 14 miles away from Mahabalipuram lies the fantastic Crocodile Bank conservation center established by herpetologist Romulus Whitaker in 1976. Home to numerous alligator, crocodile, and snake species from India and Africa as well as an open pool designed to simulate their natural environments, this facility also houses antivenom-producing farms which generate income for native snake-catcher tribes.
Five Rathas – One of the top Places to Visit in Mahabalipuram
Located between Shore Temple and Krishnas Butter Ball, Five Rathas are one of Mahabalipuram’s must-see attractions. This monument complex showcases Pallavan architecture in all of its beauty; featuring five monolithic sculptures dedicated to Hindu deities and goddesses – perfect for meditation! Or take some time exploring its intricate carvings and decorated roofs!
The Draupadi Ratha is designed in the shape of a stylized South Indian hut and dedicated to goddess Durga. Her lotus pedestal can be found inside, as she stands watch on all four walls along with her female guardians. Arjuna Ratha, on the other hand, resembles more closely an Indian chariot and contains pilasters, miniature roof shrines and Nandi leaning against its side – perfect for Shiva.
Tiger Caves is the final ratha on this tour and are mandapas dedicated to various gods and goddesses. One striking aspect of these caves are 11 carved heads of tigers on its walls that give this place its name; an ideal location for taking incredible photographs while creating unforgettable memories!
Tiger Caves – Another top Places to Visit in Mahabalipuram
Tiger Caves is an idyllic picnic spot near Mahabalipuram’s seashore, featuring casuarina trees that sway in the breeze and welcoming people with carvings of tigers and fierce Hindu goddesses that draw visitors here. Locals also make this their go-to recreation area; locals who brave its five-kilometer trek often stop here as well for recreation or relaxation purposes. It makes an excellent destination for locals.
Tiger Caves Temple gets its name from its crown of 11 tiger-like heads that recall mythological beast yali and on top of which sits a carving of goddess Durga herself, making for an impressive sight and photo opportunity.
Visit this site between the months of October and March when temperatures are cooler; summer can get very hot indeed. Make sure to wear light clothing and bring plenty of water; the hike up can be strenuous! For your own safety, having medical coverage would also be helpful in case of emergencies.
Crocodile Bank – One of the top Places to Visit in Mahabalipuram
Close to UNESCO temples, this beach offers the ideal natural experience. Boasting stunning sand dunes that provide ideal conditions for surfing and windsurfing, its water is clear and gentle waves provide perfect swimming conditions.
Crocodile Bank also houses other reptile species, such as Indian rock pythons, black caimans, Cuban crocodiles and broad-snouted caimans. Furthermore, its special tank allows visitors to observe gharial sharks underwater! Furthermore, its goal is educating people about wildlife and environmental protection through various educational initiatives.
At the Shore temple you will find various shops selling miniature stone and wood sculptures, shell souvenirs, and pearl jewelry. In addition, visit the India Sea Shell Museum which showcases interesting cultural tales related to these shells.
Water sports enthusiasts looking for an exciting adventure may enjoy trying their luck at kayaking and windsurfing at Mahabalipuram Beach. There are several good schools that provide beginners with introduction courses. If you prefer peace and quiet, an isolated beach house may provide just that experience in this picturesque town.
Arjuna’s Penance
Mamallapuram Relief, one of the world’s largest open-air bas-reliefs, dates back to around 7th century and depicts Arjuna’s penance while God watches over. Also referred to as Descent of Ganga Relief.
Apart from scenes of ascetics performing penance, there are also scenes depicting birds and deer grazing harmoniously together, symbolizing man’s harmonious co-existence with nature. They serve as reminders of the morality and wisdom contained within Panchatantra stories while its humor comes alive through “Dirghakarna”, who acts pious so birds invite him into their nest but turns out to be anything but true to its nature by feasting upon eggs it finds therein!
Mahabalipuram, a UNESCO World Heritage Site located on India’s south coast, boasts numerous rock-cut temples, structural temples and relief panels which are breathtaking in scale and design. However, one panel remains enigmatic to scholars and visitors alike: Arjuna’s Penance. We explore it here in depth in order to unwrap its mysteries – this post kicks off our “Stories in Stone” series by looking beyond iconography to understand meaning behind each sculpture on display here.
Dakshina Chitra
The Dakshina Chitra Museum is an authentic heritage centre that showcases traditions from different regions of South India. “Dakshina Chitra”, or House of South, represents homes from various areas across Southern states – every detail from architecture and furniture are authentic; each house in the museum was bought, disassembled, transported and rebuilt by professional artisans (Stapatis) native to that particular region where each house originated.
Mahabalipuram offers many unique activities to do and it is one of the best ways to learn about Indian culture and heritage. Also a good place for getting souvenirs such as miniature stone and wood sculptures, shell souvenirs and pearl jewellery!
Mahabalipuram Beach Town provides more than these activities – it also boasts numerous water sports activities! Surfing and windsurfing can both be tried here with plenty of professional instructors available to teach the basics quickly so you can become proficient at these sports quickly.
