- Pancha Rathas - Make the first stop of the day at the Pancharathas, or five chariots, a series of monolithic temples built by the Pallavas.These are rock cut monolith temples structures built in the 7th century. Each of the 5 rathas or chariots are dedicated to the lead cast of the Mahabharat epic- Draupadi, Arjuna, Nakul-Sahadeva, Bhima and Yudhister. There is also a sculpture of an elephant next to the ratha of Nakul-Sahadeva. Once you stand towards the rear of the elephant you will notice that there is an uncanny resemblance between the rear of the chariot and the elephant.
- Entry/Admission - Trimurti Cave
- Pick and drop to Chennai hotel
- Lunch
- Entrance charges
- Professional tour guide
- Personal expenses
- Gratuities
- Beverages
Mamallapuram, also known as Mahaballipuram, is located approximately an hour away from Chennai via the East Coast Road. This place served as the secondary capital and port for the Pallava Kings in the 5th century. According to local folklore, a stunning city housing seven temples once existed here, which the deities drowned beneath the ocean in wrath. However, in 2002, an Indo-British team of divers unveiled several square miles of underwater human-made constructions. Presently, visitors at Mamallapuram can view the renowned Shore Temple, the sole enduring temple of the initial seven, with others submerged beneath the ocean. As one of the oldest South Indian temples, the Shore Temple showcases the supreme maturation of Pallava artistry. Arjuna’s Penance, the world’s largest bas-relief, illustrates the tale of the River Ganges descending from the Heavens to Earth. The combination of mammoth monolithic carvings (created from an extensive single piece of granite) and cave temples makes Mamallapuram an unforgettable location.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
