Mahabalipuram , Tamil Nadu
About Mahabalipuram
Mahabalipuram in Tamil Nadu, now known as Mamallapuram goes back to the Tamil Pallava dynasty, which ruled over a thousand years ago. Most of the carvings, monuments at the Mahabalipuram temple in the town are from that period.
This is a tourist centered town; most visitors are here to see the incredible monuments near to the Indian coastline. There are other activities though; visitors can even rent bikes, go on boat rides or go fishing or trekking. Look for a restaurant called Surf near the beach that offers activities to visitors. There are yoga courses available and some orphanages in the area may look for donations from visitors.
There is a lot of cheap and high quality street food in Mamallapuram. Look out for the street leading from the bus station to Shore Temple. Tourist orientated restaurants serve somewhat uninspired fare, although grilled fish with French fries can be a good deal.
Support local sculptors by buying from local artisans in the streets. For the best deals, shop around in the side streets as well as in the main road. Those looking for something different can learn to sculpt themselves- there are many willing teachers in the area, and a student can study full time from around 100 rupees per day. The specialty of the area is sculpture; it is a tradition that has been kept very much alive until the present day.
Don’t swim in the sea unless there is a designated lifeguard who says it is ok. The sea is unpredictable and can get rough without warning. There is a nuclear reactor in the area: don’t wander off into restricted areas or wander around late at night. Most restaurants close at around 11 and the town becomes quiet after that.
Get the bus to Mamallapuram from Chennai, Kanchipuram, Pondicherry or Chengalpattu. There is no train station here, so take train or plane to the nearest convenient point, and from there take the bus.
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Location & Places to Visit on Mahabalipuram Map
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Top 10 Places to Visit in Mahabalipuram
Annual Dance Festival, Tamil Nadu
1 km from Mahabalipuram - See map
Every January and February there is a dance festival in Mamallapuram. The festival espouses such local dance styles as Bharat Natyam,...
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Thirukadalmallai Temple, Tamil Nadu
1.7 km from Mahabalipuram - See map
This temple is a Divya Desam, a Vishnu temple that features in the work of the Tamil Azhvars. It has a tapering roof that stands tall against the...
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Varaha Cave Temple, Tamil Nadu
1.7 km from Mahabalipuram - See map
This rock cut cave is also a temple. The cave was made by sculpting into the rock. Observant visitors will see horned lions cut into the base of...
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Shore Temple, Tamil Nadu
2.1 km from Mahabalipuram - See map
You’re shore to be fascinated by this ancient temple. The two main carved pyramid shaped towers make a striking sight particularly against the...
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Pancha Rathas, Tamil Nadu
2.2 km from Mahabalipuram - See map
You’re shore to be fascinated by this ancient temple. The two main carved pyramid shaped towers make a striking sight particularly against the...
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Tiger Cave, Tamil Nadu
3 km from Mahabalipuram - See map
Tiger’s Cave is five kilometers out of Mamallapuram. It is so called because one of the caves here has tigers carved above the entrance. There...
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Crocodile Bank, Tamil Nadu
14 km from Mahabalipuram - See map
Extending over the 3.2 hectares of land, Crocodile bank is a not to miss tourist spot in Chennai. The bank was established by a German Biologist...
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Sadras, Tamil Nadu
15 km from Mahabalipuram - See map
If you want to travel in time, you don't need a time machine. You just need to go to Sadras and let Saduranga Pattinam sink in. Sadras...
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MGM Dizzee World, Tamil Nadu
20.6 km from Mahabalipuram - See map
MGM Dizzee World is an amusement park located on East Coast Road nearby Chennai. There are many rides and activities in MGM Dizzee World. Log...
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Muttukadu, Tamil Nadu
23.2 km from Mahabalipuram - See map
Muttukadu is a small hamlet which is much famed for its back waters, palm grooves, green environment. Tamil Nadu Tourism Development corporation...
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Kolavai Lake, Tamil Nadu
31.6 km from Mahabalipuram - See map
This perennial lake is located 38 km away from Kanchipuram nearby Chengalpattu. This lake contains water even in summer. This is the second...
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Golden Beach, Chennai, Tamil Nadu
33.7 km from Mahabalipuram - See map
Out of the several beaches which Chennai houses, Golden Beach is the most visited tourist attraction in the region. Golden Beach amalgamate to...
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