• Shore Temple - Shore Temple, Mahabalipuram Overview

Constructed in the 7th century, the Shore Temple is among the oldest South Indian temples, showcasing the Dravidian architectural style and reflecting the regal taste of the Pallava dynasty. It stands as a testament to India’s rich heritage. Located in Mahabalipuram, it is one of the most photographed monuments in India, situated on the shores of the Bay of Bengal. The temple is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The name “Shore Temple” is derived from its location overlooking the Bay of Bengal. Built with granite blocks dating back to the 8th century AD, it consists of three shrines, with the main ones dedicated to Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu. Inside the Sanctum Sanctorum, there is an image of Shivalinga. At the end, two shrines face each other, one dedicated to Ksatriyasimnesvara and the other to Lord Vishnu. The depiction of Lord Vishnu reclining on the ‘Seshanag’ symbolizes “consciousness” in Hinduism.

The Shore Temple is no longer a functioning temple; it was created as a piece of art. The Pallavas, known for their patronage of art, aimed to build a temple in their unique architectural style. Today, the Shore Temple serves as the backdrop for the Mahabalipuram Dance Festival, held annually in January/February. This festival promotes traditional dance and tourism in Mahabalipuram. The temple is beautifully illuminated during weekend evenings.

• Mahabalipuram Beach - Mahabalipuram Beach, Mahabalipuram Overview

Locally known as Mamallapuram, Mahabalipuram Beach is located 58 km from Chennai in Tamil Nadu. Situated on the Bay of Bengal’s shore, the beach features rock-cut sculptures that are visually pleasing. It is renowned for its caves, massive rathas, chariots, and temples, making it an ideal holiday destination. Mahabalipuram Beach is perfect for relaxation, offering a break from daily work pressures. Visitors flock to the beach to enjoy natural sunbathing. Windsurfers and swimming enthusiasts have a fantastic time on the beach.

To attract tourists, the beach offers attractions such as a crocodile bank with around 5000 crocodiles from six different species, an art and sculpture school, and a snake venom extraction center. Numerous resorts along the beach provide delicious food options for visitors. The beach’s golden sand stretches along the coast, surrounded by rising hills and the sparkling sea.

Mahabalipuram is primarily known for its shore temples, constructed by Rajasimha, the Pallava king. The beach’s strategic location amidst rocks and lagoons creates a perfect blend of history, tourism, and beaches, ideal for vacations. The beach extends for about 20 km, with numerous beautiful beaches along the coastline for relaxation. The captivating beauty of Mahabalipuram hosts a dance festival organized by the Tamil Nadu Government’s Department of Tourism, showcasing talented classical dancers against the sea backdrop.

• Monuments at Mahabalipuram - Five Rathas, Mahabalipuram Overview

The Five Rathas, also known as Panch Rathas, are a remarkable set of rock temples, exemplifying the evolution of Dravidian architecture.

These temples are shaped like pagodas and closely resemble Buddhist shrines and monasteries. The rathas are linked to the epic Mahabharata. The first ratha, located near the entrance, is Draupadi’s Ratha, shaped like a hut and dedicated to the goddess Durga. Next is Arjuna’s Rath, featuring a small portico and carved pillar stones, dedicated to Lord Shiva. While there are no carvings inside, the exterior is richly adorned. In front of Arjuna’s Rath is the Nakula Sahadev Rath, featuring large elephant sculptures, a major attraction of the Five Rathas, dedicated to Lord Indra, the God of Rain. The Bhima Rath is substantial, measuring 42 ft in length, 24 ft in width, and 25 ft in height, with lion carvings on the pillars, though the ratha is incomplete. The largest of the Five Rathas is Dharamraja Yudhistar’s Rath.

• Arjuna’s Penance - Arjuna’s Penance, Mahabalipuram Overview

Arjuna’s Penance is a massive rock-cut relief, one of the largest globally, located in Mahabalipuram, Kanchipuram district, Tamil Nadu. Also known as the ‘Descent of the Ganges,’ the structure depicts one or both of these significant Hindu mythological events, making it a favorite among historians, scholars, academics, and tourists interested in India’s cultural history.

Beyond its historical significance, the structure is a fine example of the unique art of rock carving and sculpting, dating back to 7th century South India. Most of these rock forms, including Arjuna’s Penance, owe their existence to the Pallava dynasty, which ruled south of the Vindhyas from the 4th to 9th century. These sites continue to bear the legacy of Pallava art, now protected by ASI and UNESCO.

Visitors gather year-round to witness the incredible craftsmanship of that era, achieved with basic tools like hammers and chisels, and to learn about the fascinating stories behind its interpretation. It is a popular attraction in Mahabalipuram, where culture and history converge, offering a great opportunity for explorers.

• Alamparai Fort - Alamparai Fort, Mahabalipuram Overview

The captivating Alamparai Fort is a lesser-known tourist attraction, once a bustling trading post. It was featured in the International Tourism Fair in Berlin as one of Tamil Nadu’s twenty lesser-known attractions by the Tamil Nadu Tourism Development Corporation (TTDC). Despite its current state, the fort offers breathtaking views. As you explore the fort, you’ll find traces of life in the form of shrubs, creepers, bushes, and trees on the walls, seemingly supporting the structure.

Alamparai Fort exudes a mysterious yet alluring charm that many find irresistible. While some may criticize its condition, others appreciate its beauty. The fort’s enchanting location has been used for outdoor advertisements and movie shoots, including the Tamil film Pithamagan, starring Suriya and Vikram, renowned Tollywood actors. References to this beautiful location and trading post are also found in Sangam Literature, Cirupanarruppatai.

Alamparai served as a seaport in ancient times, also known as Alamparva and Alampuravi. The fort was built during the Mughal rule from 1736 CE to 1740 CE, initially under the control of the Nawab of Arcot, Doste Ali Khan, before being handed over to the French.

After the Carnatic war, the French lost to the British, who then took direct control of the fort, leading to its demolition in 1760. Before the war, the fort was ruled by Nawab Doste Ali Khan in 1750, and for services rendered by the French commander Duplex to Subedar Muzarfarzang, the fort was transferred to them.

• Mahabalipuram Beach - Sadras, Mahabalipuram Overview

Sadras is a stunning beach resort that fully embraces the beautiful landscape. The beaches surrounding Mahabalipuram are adorned with lush, green casuarina groves.

The contrast between the vibrant green and the sparkling white beaches is breathtaking, offering a delightful sight for those who appreciate it. This beach resort is located 13 kilometers from Mahabalipuram. There is an old ruined Dutch Fort and a Dutch cemetery with intricately embossed headstones. Exploring the Dutch history in the region, as well as India’s history, is intriguing.

• Private transportation
• Bottled water
• Breakfast
• All fees and/or taxes
• Tea and coffee

Mahabalipuram is a 7th century Port city which is an UNESCO monument located near the seashore. The section will be interactive and fun, we will be talking about history, culture and of course i’ll answer your curious questions about the mahabalipuram, once in a while i’ll ask you for a pose, sometimes i click you candid. of-course i will tell you the story of Mahabalipuram and all it’s monuments. finally, we will be experiencing the sunset with some stunning pictures.

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.