Mahabalipuram tour packages enable the vacationers to dive into one of the most beautiful pilgrimage destinations in India. Brimming with the unsurpassed splendor, comfortable climate, and enchanting temples, Mahabalipuram beckons holidaymakers in need of a spiritual and historical trip an idyllic scenery to dwell in.
Mahabalipuram is of course replete with magnificent rock cut temples and sculptures. A number of age old sites with roots that go back to the Pallava age can be seen to this day. Tourists are free to visit some of the most well-known places in Mahabalipuram like the Shore Temple, Pancha Rathas and Arjuna’s Penance.
Mahabalipuram is a popular tourist destination of India due to its cultural richness and beautiful beaches. A visit to Mahabalipuram is indeed an enriching experience for people whether they are on a pilgrimage or on a sightseeing activities.
Famous Places in Mahabalipuram
1. Shore Temple
Regarded as one of the most ancient shore temples ever built of stone in South India, Shore Temple lords over the Coromandel Coast. Constructed somewhere towards the mid-8th century by the rulers of the Pallava dynasty, this shrine is a dedicated temple for Lord Shiva as well as Lord Vishnu. The marine side of the temple high on the beach is exquisite and together with the well carved bell makes the temple tourist most sought after. This is one of the best places to visit in Mahabalipuram.
2. Pancha Rathas
These are unicellular and colossal rock cut temples also called as the Five Rathas. Each ratha is the label of the Mahabharata’s pandavas and Draupadi. Such structures are boasts of some of the best architectural skills of the Pallava dynasty and can be considered as the best of the classical age of Indian rock-cut architecture because the image is in one block. Remember to add this place in Mahabalipuram Tour Packages.
3. Arjuna's Tapas (Penance)
Also known as the "Descent of the Ganges,'' this imposing rock relief, measuring 43 feet height and 96 feet in width, constitutes one of the world's largest open-air bas-reliefs. Depicts scenes from Hindu mythology, including Arjuna performing penance and the descent of the sacred river, Ganges. The whole intricate sculpture and enormous size thereof make it awe-inspiring.
4. Krishna’s Butter Ball
Located Mahabalipuram Cottage Road, it is a gravity-defying unique rock formation, a giant boulder precariously balanced on a hillside-it looks more likely to roll than tumble. The scientist is left in awe-however criminally or accidentally has a rock steadfastly resisted gravity and withstood perched for a long time, it becomes one of the funniest things to stare at for the beauty-enhancing tourist and photographers.
5. Mahabalipuram Beach
In the beach attractions of the Tamil Nadu, Mahabalipuram Beach retains a beautiful charm and caters as a retreat for some calm moments plus loads of water sports. Moreover, in the events that are to be conducted daily, people come here to host a variety of events; this has included the popular Mahabalipuram Dance Festival; it is a haven of classical dance presentations in various Indian classical dance forms.
6. Tiger Cave
Located just a few kilometers from city, way Tiger's Cave, an ancient site of the rock made with tiger carvings. It was as a place of royal gathering in the era of Pallava and is now the place for solitude for the travelers.
7. Shore Temple
Shore Temple incorporates one of the oldest of South Indian temples built in the Dravidian style. Created in the 7th century, it shows how the royal family of the Pallava dynasty liked living. Remember to miss the shore temple during the Mahabalipuram Tour Packages.
8. Sculpture Museum
An interstate visit on holiday would be very good for art lovers by delivering Mahabalipuram Thomas Museum to view a wide range of stone sculpture, wooden carvings, and artifacts representing Hindu mythology and Pallava history. This is one of the best places to visit in Mahabalipuram.
Mahabalipuram History
Mahabalipuram or Mamallapuram had existed as a thriving port city of old Tamil Nadu, set up under the Pallava kingdom of Tamil Nadu during the 7th and 8th centuries. It became a port of major seafaring and trading activities under them. The grand rock-cut temples and sculptures are attributed to King Narasimhavarman I alias Mahamalla, who gave a distinct identity to the town with his dedication. The site is known for its Shore Temple, Pancha Rathas, and Arjuna’s Penance, wherein one can have a view of the Dravidian architecture. Today, Mahabalipuram is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, flocked by throngs from all over the world to get to see its long-span history, artistic splendor, and cultural significance. To get know more visit Mahabalipuram tour packages.
Things to Do in Mahabalipuram
Visit Shore Temple- See the iconic eighth-century temple with the radar system overlooking the Bay of Bengal.
Explore the Pancha Rathas- Marvel at the five monolithic rock-carved temples dedicated to the Pandavas.
Near Arjuna's Penance- See the grand structural relief depicting Hindu mythology.
Krishna's Butter Ball- Experience the gravity-defying boulder on the hill slope.
Relaxing on Mahabalipuram Beach- Enjoy post-card-like views as well as water sports and cultural festivals.
Visit Tiger Cave- Examine the carvings that look like those of a tiger on the rock in a cave house.
Take Seafood Fresh- relish the delicious delicacies from the sea side in any nearby restaurant.
