MAMALLAPURAM /
MAHABALIPURAM -
The renowned an ancient 7th century
centre for Pallava culture and arts. Situated just 60 kms. south of Chennai
city, on the Bay of Bengal coastline.
Mamallapuram is a popular beach resort and culture-front,
especially for the tourists who come from the worldover, who love to imbibe
and soak in its rich traditions ! During this time of revival, this ancient
and quaint little town will get a new lease of life. Thanks to the festival
!
This beach-town, saturated with ancient monuments, sculptures,
caves, monolithes, temples, beaches and lots more too ! We promise an
altogether new experience designed to leave you spellbound, yet, panting
for more!
TOURIST SPOTS IN AND AROUND
MAMALLAPURAM :
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Caves : There are nine rock-cut temples.
The Mahishasuramardhini cave, depicting the goddess fighting a demon
on one side and Lord Vishnu's cosmic sleep on the other, is a particularly
remarkable one.
-
Krishna Mandapam : A bas relief, notable
for its realistic representation. The panel relates to one of the
stories of Lord Krishna.
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Arjuna's Penance : This is the world's largest
bas relief measuring 27m X 9m. This huge whale-backed rock contains
figures of gods, demigods, men, beasts, birds and almost all of the
entire creation. And, this is easily the pride of Mamallapuram.
-
The Five Rathas : There are the five monolithic
temples, each created in a different style. They are also known as
the Pancha Pandava Rathas - and four out of the five rathas are supposed
to have been carved out of a single rock.
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The Shore Temple : This is one of the oldest
temples. Unique about this temple is the fact that it houses shrines
for both Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu. This belongs to the early 8th
century AD and it is a classic example of the first phase of structural
temples constructed in pure Dravidian style.
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The Government College of Architecture and Sculpture:
Here training is imparted in the various branches of temple art
and architecture, according to Silpa Sastra.
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Crocodile Bank : Is situated about 14 kms.
away from Mamallapuram. Over 5000 crocodiles representing 6 different
species are maintained here. There are also numerous other types of
rare reptiles.
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Covelong : The remains of the fort have now
been converted into a luxury beach resort which offers facilities
for windsurfing and swimming, an ancient Catholic Church, a mosque
and the ruins of the fort make interesting viewing from this
5 Star hotel.
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Tirukalukundram : This tourist spot has a
small Shiva temple situated on the top of the Vedagiri
hill which is 160m high. Just before noon everyday, two White kites
stop at the temple and are fed by the temple priests. Legend has it
that these two birds are actually saints who daily make a stop to
rest at the temple on their flight between Varanasi and Rameswaram.
There is also a larger Shiva Temple in the town below. At the South-East
end of the town is a spacious tank whose waters are said to have curative
powers. Once every 12 years, a conch is discovered in this tank and
thousands of devotees flock to bathe in the tank at this auspicious
time. A collection of the conches is displayed in the larger Shiva
Temple.
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Muttukkadu : This is an ideal picnic spot.
T.T.D.C, runs a Boat House, where facilities for boating and wind
surfing are available.
HOW TO GET THERE :
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.
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