Mahabalipuram is a town on a strip by Bay of Bengal in the Kancheepuram district of Tamil Nadu.
It is about 50 kms from Chennai by car or bus.
We heard so much about Mahabalipuram, it was beyond our expectation.
Mahabalipuram was a bustling seaport during 1st century. Indian traders sailed from here to countries of South-East Asia. It was a port city in 7th century for Southern Pallavas dynasty.
Chinese and Roman found from the 4 th century, suggest its been a active centre of Global trade in the late classical period.
It has a great history of inclusiveness because there were so many diverse groups and Kings,that were part of the history of Mahabalipuram. Britishers established the modern town of Mahabalipuram in 1827.
According to local people, the place name changed during the centuries, first, name was “Katamalai’ meaning place “between mountains and sea”.
Second name was “Mamallapuram” meaning the land of great wrestler, on the king Narsimhavarman who was known for its strength.
Another name by which mahabalipuram is known to mariners during Marco Polo time was “Seven Pagodas” that stood on the shore. Out of these 7 temples,only the Shore temple survives today. The present name is Mahabalipuram.
Mahabalipuram is known for being bit different, it is known for its history, beaches , laid back lifestyle and very historic stone carvings, shore temple and many more things.
It has group of sanctuaries carved out of rocks in 7th and 8th century.
It has Ratha temple(chariot temple),
Ratha temple
Rock relief such as descent of Ganges
Descent of Ganges
The group of monuments at Mahabalipuram has been classified as a UNESCO world heritage site.
The events described in Mahabharata are portrayed in the carvings of Mahabalipuram temple.
A small strip has nice restaurants and small souvenirs shop which mostly hand-made stone statues.
It is definitely an amazing foodie find where restaurants thrive on traditional dishes on carried on the head. Like popular fish, pomfret fried or grilled (with tandoori masala marination),lobsters. King prawn scallops, sea food is at its best here.
This place has many five star resorts by the beach. We stayed at the beautiful Radisson Blu. We stayed here for 3 days 4 nights. Our stay was extremely comfortable.
Mahabalipuram is worth visiting to learn the wonders of the past.
From Mahabalipuram, we also visited to Pondicherry for a day. It was another amazing destination, just 2 hours drive from Mahabalipuram.
In Pondicherry saw town of Auroville , Aurbindo Asharam and French town. More details on Pondicherry blog later.
