A flourishing port town during the time of Pallavas, Mahabalipuram is akin to a treasure chest for backpackers and travelers alike. Famous for its rock-cut shore temples, this town is bustling with activity that is sure to rejuvenate your senses.
The sandy beaches, the rich heritage, and the courteous hospitality of Mahabalipuram leave no room for dissatisfaction. Let us look at the top tourist destinations to explore in this port town.
One of the oldest temples in South India, The Shore Temple was built in the 7th Century. Shortlisted as a UNESCO World Heritage site, this temple perfectly depicts the simple yet royal taste of the Pallava Dynasty. As the name suggests, the temple is located right on the beach so one can relax in the calm environment provided naturally. The temple remains open from 6 AM till 6 PM. Indian citizens are charged an entry fee of INR 10 while foreign visitors must pay INR 340 for entry. Children below the age of 15 enter for free.
Lying on the shore of the Bay of Bengal, The Mahabalipuram beach is truly an exquisite sight. Many resorts built along the coastline provide an excellent show of true Southern hospitality. This beach houses monuments like a crocodile bank with about 5000 crocodiles belonging to 6 different species, a school of art & sculpture, and a snake venom extracting center.
An open-air relief dedicated to the might of Lord Krishna, the Krishna cave temple houses various carvings in the monument depicting the story of the Lord lifting Mount Govardhan and his other legendary tales. This temple is said to be one of the most poetic depictions of the lord. In the 16th century, this temple was enclosed within a mandap during the reign of the Vijayanagar Dynasty.
Also known as Thirukadalmallai, The Sthalasayana Perumal Temple is one of the 108 Divyadesam dedicated to Lord Vishnu. The annual festival of “Bhoothatazhwar Avata” is celebrated on these premises. The temple is open from 7 AM till 12 PM and then from 3 PM till 8 PM. There is no entry fee.
Also known as 'Descent of the Ganges', Arjuna's Penance is an enormous rock-cut relief, in fact, one of the largest in the whole world. the structure depicts either or both of these two significant and symbolic events of Hindu mythology. Indian citizens are charged an entry fee of INR 10 while foreign visitors are charged INR 250. Children below the age of 15 can enter for free. Photography is free but they charge an extra INR 25 for videography.
The sculpture museum preserves various sculptures and artifacts showcasing the rich mythological heritage of Mahabalipuram. They house an extensive collection of over 3000 sculptures. They charge an entry fee of INR 10 per person.
Tamil Nadu
Being a coastal town, Mahabalipuram offers a variety of seafood specialties. For vegetarians, the vegetarian thali is a must-try. Even the typical South Indian thali is mouth-watering with a selection of idli, payasam, vada, dosa, etc.
Tamil is widely spoken in Mahabalipuram but tourists can communicate with the locals in English and Hindi.
You can commute internally in Mahabalipuram by chartering a taxi or rickshaw.
The best time to Mahabalipuram is in winter, ideally between October to March.
