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UNESCO 7th Century Mahabalipuram Trip
5.0
1 Rating
Mahabalipuram
Explore Mahabalipuram’s 7th-century wonders with a heritage storyteller. Discover ancient temples, rock-cut architecture, and hidden gems. Uncover history, mythology, and nature.
Duration:
6 hours
Cancellation:
1 day
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Highlights
- Tiger Cave - Our journey begins with a visit to Tiger Cave, a remarkable rock-cut monument complex. The name comes from the carvings of tiger heads at the entrance of a cave within the complex. The curator might ask questions like: Is it truly a sculpture of tigers or something else? Why was the so-called ‘Tiger Cave’ built? Is it unfinished? Can you spot two elephant heads and speculate on their significance? Do you see a Lingam with three different designs and wonder about their meanings? Can you find a detailed storyboard sculpture where an ‘Asura’ is signaling to halt an attack while a Goddess chases him, and what is the story behind it?
- Shore Temple - Did you know the Shore Temple complex was once called the ‘Seven Pagodas’? What does this name signify, and where are the other temples? Who constructed the Shore Temple? What is the architectural significance, and is it unique?
- Arjuna’s Penance - Arjuna’s Penance is one of Mahabalipuram’s most magnificent monuments. This exquisite bas-relief dates back to the mid-seventh century. Standing 43 feet tall, the monolith is carved on the face of two large adjoining boulders, extending to about 96 feet in length. The grandeur of this structure cannot be captured in photographs; it must be seen in person to be truly appreciated. Here, you will find a stunning depiction of a scene from the Indian epic ‘Mahabharata.’
- Pancha Rathas - Pancha Rathas is a monument complex in Mahabalipuram, showcasing monolithic Indian rock-cut architecture. The ‘Ratha’ temples are cave temples carved from rock. These rathas are considered to represent the five Pandavas, prominent characters from the Mahabharata.
- Mahabalipuram Lighthouse - Next, we will climb both the new and old lighthouses. They offer stunning photography opportunities and breathtaking views from the top. The new lighthouse, with its circular masonry tower made of natural stone, was built in the 19th century. Did you know that Mamallapuram was one of the oldest trading ports with foreigners, and the 7th-century old lighthouse stands as evidence?
- Krishna’s Butter Ball - We will visit this incredible wonder, a monolithic granite rock in Mahabalipuram, India, standing over 20 feet tall. With a width almost equal to its height, it appears spherical from some angles but is not a perfect sphere. Weighing over 250 tons, it miraculously balances on a small, slippery area of a hill. What is the other name for this rock ball?
What's Included
- Inclusions as per package options
What's Not Included
- Camera / Video fees, All fess for Foreigner, Anything other than inclusions.
Additional Information
- Engaging storytelling from an expert in Heritage, involving lesser-known tales and unexplored locales.
- Discussions involving aspects of History, Archaeology, Architecture, and Mythology.
- Visit to the 7th Century erected structures & shrines such as Rock-cut architecture, the Shore temple, and Lighthouse.
- An optional tour of the site of 2004 exposition that revealed a 2000 year old Subramaniya temple.
- Observation of natural wonders like Krishna’s Butter Ball and the Sea Shell Museum(Optional).
- Opportunity to purchase sea shells, stone carvings, and handcrafted goods.
Location
Shore Temple
Beach Road
If cab is not included, guests can meet the Guide near Shore Temple at Mahabalipuram.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Customer Ratings
5.0
(1 Rating)
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Shankarbexley_ohio
Nov 7, 2019
Highly recommended! - Our group thoroughly enjoyed the tour of Mammalapuram all because of our highly knowledgeable guide Vijay! Vijay gave us an archaeological and iconographic impression of the amazing monolithic, stone-cut, and structural temples of the Pallavas!!! If you think you know Mammalapuram, think again. Vijay will transform these incredible monuments into a special experience with his in-depth and enthusiastic narrative and points out the finer aspects of this UNESCO world heritage site that is worth the trip.
Thanks Vijay!
The van was very clean and the driver made sure we were safe! Thanks
Review provided by Tripadvisor
