Mahabalipuram or Mamallapuram, UNESCO World Heritage Site, Major Tourist Destination, India

History, Best Places to Visit, UNESCO World Heritage and Travel Guide of Historical City Mahabalipuram, Tamil Nadu, India

Mahabalipuram also known as Mamallapuram, the temple city and ancient town is located at just 56 km from Chennai – Capital of southeastern Indian state Tamil Nadu, situated at on the Bay of Bengal coast. Though Mahabalipuram is small town of Kanchipuram district but it is world famous for UNESCO World Heritage Site - Hindu Group of Monuments at Mahabalipuram built during the 7th and 8th century. Thus, it is major tourist destination of India which attracts domestic and international tourist throughout the year. Also the weather remains cool and moderately humid across the year so tourist can choose any time around the year to visit here and especially between November and February winter session which is best time to visit.

Along with world heritage site, it is said that Mahabalipuram was the prominent center of art and literature between 3rd and 7th century CE, also the golden time of Pallava dynasty. Due to seaport, sailors of Europe referred this as the land of the Seven Pagodas due to seven pinnacles or stupas of its temples. Also some evidence found which reveal the presence of trade with Romans in ancient times. During the rule of the Pallava dynasty, between the 3rd to 7th centuries CE, Mahabalipuram became an important centre of art, architecture and literature during this time. The name Mamallpuram was derived from King Narasimha Varman I great warrior who was given the title Mamalla which means ‘the great wrestler’ so the name of Mahabalipuram was converted to Mamallapuram in honor of the great king and his achievements.

During the kingdom of Narasimha Varman-I and Narasimha Varman-II, the renowned Shore Temple and other temple complexes and rock carved caves were built. Apart from this descent of Ganges, Olakkanesvara Temple, Mantapas or cave temples like Mahishasurmardini Cave Temple, Thirukadalmallai or Sthalasayana Perumal Temple, Krishna Cave Temple, Panchpandava Cave Temple and Varaha Cave Temple, Crocodile Farm, Krishna’s Butterball, India Seashell Museum etc. attracts tourist here.

Panch Ratha temple of Mahabalipuram which are in shape of Rath – Chariot, which includes the Ganesha Ratha, Dharmaraja Ratha, Draupadi Ratha, Arjun Ratha, Nakula- Sehdeva Ratha and Bheema Ratha.

As per the legend, Mahabalipuram is associated with the King Bali also known as Mahabali mentioned in Vishnu Puran, and great story of Lord Vaman – incarnation of Lord Vishnu and King bali is attached.

Annual Mahabalipuram Dance Festival, held during December to January every year is the main festival of Mahabalipuram which attracts artists from all over the country. Department of Tourism, Govt. of Tamil Nadu is taking care of entire festival arrangements. During the festivals, lots of classical dances are performed including the Bharatanatyam, Kathak, Kuchipudi and Kathakali. The other festivals which are held and celebrated with great zeal in Mahabalipuram are Sthalasayana Perumal temple festivals, Brahmothsavam and Masimagam.

How to reach Mahabalipuram, Tamil Nadu, India

As Mahabalipuram is UNESCO World Heritage Site and major tourist attraction of Tamil Nadu, India, it is very well connected via Air, Road and Rail network. Mahabalipuram is just located at 57 km from Chennai, 67 km from Kanchipuram, 96 km from Pondicherry, 290 from Trichy. The nearest airport from Mahabalipuram is Chennai international airport from where you can get flight to any city across India and world. The nearest railway station from Mahabalipuram is Chengalpattu, situated around 29 km away. You can get trains for Chennai and other major cities in South India from here. Via road, all major cities of Tamil Nadu are well connected with Mahabalipuram.

Taluka / Tehsil: Chengalpattu, District: Chengalpattu , State: tamil-nadu, Country: india.

Religious Importance: Hindu

How to Reach Mahabalipuram

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