Mahabalipuram

Various travel places in Mahabalipuram. Also know as Mamallapuram, this city of India is around 60 km south of Chennai. It is an ancient and historic town at least 100AD with sea ports and traders who went to South East Asia. As an old city during the 7th century, it is reign by Pallavas dynasty, there are many sanctuary built during that period. The group of monuments at Mahabalipuram has been classified as UNESCO world heritage site.

1. Shore Temple

Built in 700-728 AD, Shore temple got its name because its overlook the shore of the Bay of Bengal. The temple built with blocks of granite dating from the 8th century AD. At the time of built, the village was a busy port in the Pallava dynasty. The Shore temple is different from other monuments in Mahabalipuram as it is a building, not a carve rocks. 

2. Five Rathas

Dating from late 700AD, it is called Pancha Rathas or Pandava Rathas, each of the monument resembles a chariot (ratha) and carve over a single, long stone or monolith, of granite which slopes in the north-south direction with a slight incline. Sometimes mistakenly referred to as temples, but the structures never completed, therefore no one knows why they are built.

3. Arjuna's Penance

This place is also known as the Descent of the Ganges. It is a giant bas-relief filled with detailed carvings, including a family of elephants and monkeys.

4. Varaha Cave Temple

The cave depict the impressive carving of Vishnu, Gakalakshmi, Trivikama and Durga. It is believe to be built during the 7th century.

5. Krishna’s Butterball

This is a giant natural rock perched on a hillside which looks to defy the laws of physics. It is a popular tourist attraction, many tourists like to take picture of themselves holding the rock from underneath it which make them look like they are holding the rock up.

6. Mahishamardini Cave

The cave present the carving of Lord Shiva and his wife Parvati and Murugan. The cave were carved out from a rock which represent the professional in rock carving around this area.

 

7.Light house

The light house provide the view across the area to the sea in the distant. There are several unfinished temples nearby as well.