About Mamallapuram
Mamallapuram 60 kms, South of Chennai, nestling on the shores of the Bay of Bengal, was once a port of the Pallavas. The Pallavas have created many marvellous monuments with Sculptural Panels, Caves, Monolithic Rathas and Temples.
Once a thriving port trading with many distant nations, Pallava Chisels have breathed life into stone. The Pallavas art this place emphasises robust eatherly beauty, imbibed with life. These monumental splendours and sunny beach resorts attract tourists from all over the world.
HOW TO REACH
By Air : The nearest airport, Madras is 64 km away.
By Rail : The nearest railway station, Chingleput is 29 km away.
By Road : Mamallapuram is connected by road to Madras, Thirukkalikundram, also known as Pakshithirtham, Kanchipuram and Pondicherry via Chingleput. It is 16 km from Pakshithirtham and 65 km from Kanchipuram via Chingleput.
PLACES TO VISIT IN MAMALLAPURAM
• Dakshinachitra : Coming down from Chennai to Mahabalipuram you can visit Dakshinachitra - a heritage center. Here traditional craftspersons and folk artists work and perform in the same manner as they used to in 19th century. These skilled people were mainly residing at Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh.
• Five Rathas : Ratha are nothing else but five monolithic temples, each having there own style. They are also known as the "Pancha Pandava Rathas". Out of these five, four of the Rathas are supposed to have carved out of a single rock formation.
• Tiger's Cave : The Tiger Cave is situated at 4-km north of the main monument complex. It was an open-air theater, where cultural programmes were held. Being very near the sea, the place is exotic and serene.
• Shore Temple : One of the oldest temples in south India, the Shore Temple belongs to the early 8th century AD. It is a good example of the first phase of structural temples constructed in Dravidian style. These monuments look more beautiful at night when they are floodlit.
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