A seventh century port city, Mahabalipuram is also known as Mamallapuram. Established by rulers of the Pallava dynasty, Mahabalipuram is a Unesco World Heritage Site.
Famous for its exotic shore temples, Mahabalipuram is an important destination in the Indian tourism circuit. An enigmatic aspect of all Mahabalipuram monuments is the fact that most of them are incomplete.
Located at a distance of 58 kilometers from Chennai, Mahabalipuram was the second capital of the Pallava Empire and most of the monuments that you see on the shores of this epic city were built in between the 7th and 9th centuries.
History
Mahabalipuram finds a mention in writings left behind by ancient seafarers and scholars such as Ptolemy and Periplus. With a 2000-year old history, Mahabalipuram's early years are shrouded in mystery.
Narasimhavarman II, son of Narasimhavarman I, also known as Rajasimha was a prolific builder. He initiated the stonework structures. The biggest contribution made by Narsimhavarman II is the stupendous Shore Temple facing the sea.
The Shore Temple was the last and the most outstanding temple built during the Pallava dynasty. Ever since the first western visitor wrote about Mahabalipuram in the 16th century AD, the Europeans call it as the 'Land of the Seven Pagodas' or the Land of Seven Temples although there are around 40 temples here. Explore the marvelous creation on the stone dedicated to the gods and goddesses of Hindu pantheon by the Pallava kings on Tours to Mahabalipuram.
There are several legends associated with the origin of the term Mahabalipuram. According to one tale Tours to Mahabalipuram is an adaptation of the name Mamalla that was an honorific used for the Pallava king Narasimhavarman I.
Another legend indicates that the region is named after King Mahabali who was chastened by Lord Vishnu.
Tourist Attractions
Among the most important Tours to Mahabalipuram , the ones that deserve a special mention are: Arjuna's Penance, Varaha Cave, Mahishamardini Cave, Sculpture Museum and the Shore Temple.
The Mahishamardini Cave and the Somaskanda sculpture, dedicated to Lord Vishnu are other fascinating places to visit. The Arjuna's Penance, which is said to be world's largest bas-relief, too attracts a number of tourists.
A famous legend goes that how King Bhagiratha to redeem the cursed souls of his ancestors, had to bring down to earth the celestial Ganga. The cleft in the rock depicts the whole story of descent of Ganga.
The Five Rathas or the Chariots is said to be the architectural precursors of the temples of South India. The largest among them is the Dharmaraja ratha scoped from a monolithic rock, while the smallest is the Draupadi ratha. You can see these beautiful pieces of art through the Tour Packages for Mahabalipuram.
The other famous temple of the city is the Shore Temple. In this amazing structure a Vishnu temple is built in between the two Shiva temples. Tourists are amazed to see this piece of architecture, which reflects the technical excellence of the artists of those times.
The Sculpture Museum in East Raja Street that houses 3,000 sculptures by the local artisans, made in wood, metal, brass, and cement, Mahabalipuram Tiger Caves, Muttukadu, an ideal place for water sports and Tirukkalikundram are other few tourist spots worth visiting.
Enjoy excursions to tourist attractions located on the outskirts of Mahabalipuram, Tamil Nadu, India. Tour Muttukadu, Tirukkalikundram and Tiger Caves.
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