Mahabalipuram Tourism Guide
Mahabalipuram is a temple town situated along the shores of the Bay of Bengal in the southern state of Tamil Nadu.
Location : The shore temples at Mahabalipuram, a coastal village 50 km south of Madras,
About Shore Temple
The Shore temple of Mahabalipuram built by Rajasimha Pallava during the eighth century A.D. is an architectural marvel of Tamil Nadu. The contribution of the Pallavas to the field of temple art is noteworthy. In the initial stages, the Pallavas were inclined to building only monolithic structures. Later, they started constructing temples which included the shore temples of Mahabalipuram and Kailasanathar temple of Kanchipuram.
These temples are refreshingly uncluttered, unlike later grandiose Dravidian architecture and they tower over the waves, behind a protective breakwater. The temple with its beautiful polygonal dome enshrines Lord Vishnu and Shiva. These beautiful temples, ravaged by wind and sea, were listed among the World Heritage sites, a few years ago and they are probably the most photographed monuments in India.
Getting There
By Air : Nearest Airport is at Chennai 76 kms.
By Rail : The nearest railway station, Chengalpattu, is around 29 km away from Mahabalipuram. Trains connect it to and from Chennai and several other major cities of South India.
By Road : The nearest railway station, Chengalpattu, is around 29 km away from Mahabalipuram. Trains connect it to and from Chennai and several other major cities of South India.
