Group of Monuments at Mahabalipuram

4.5

Location: Fisherman Colony, Mahabalipuram, Tamil Nadu 603104, India.

Visiting time: 1-2 hours.

The Group of Monuments at Mahabalipuram is a UNESCO World Heritage Site in the seaside resort town of Mahabalipuram, Tamil Nadu, India, consisting of religious monuments from the 7th and 8th centuries CE. It is located on the Bay of Bengal’s Coromandel Coast, about 60 kilometers south of Chennai.

Attraction

The Group of Monuments at Mahabalipuram is spread out across a huge region, therefore hiring a guide to assist you to learn the tales behind each of the temples is recommended. If one is interested in seeing all of the temples in detail, it will take a whole day to visit them all. The carvings and sculptures are all one-of-a-kind, and the monuments are all well-kept and tidy.

History

Group of Monuments at Mahabalipuram

The Pallavas, who founded Mahabalipuram south of Madras in the 7th century, dealt with the distant kingdoms of South-East Asia, including Kambuja (Cambodia) and Srivijaya (Malaysia, Sumatra, and Java), as well as the Champa empire (Annam). However, Mahabalipuram’s renown as a port has been transferred to its rock sanctuaries and Brahmin temples, which were built or adorned between 630 and 728. The temple’s beautiful polygonal dome saved the icons of Lord Vishnu and Shiva. These magnificent temples have been ravaged by the wind. This temple has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1984.

Inside/Outside Views

Group of Monuments at Mahabalipuram

The Group of Monuments at Mahabalipuram is a combination of the Hindu holy pantheon religion, culture, and tradition. The 40 monuments are divided into five groups based on their degree of completion:

Rathas: The monolithic temples are known as ‘rathas’ (chariots) because they resemble temple ceremonial chariots.

Mandapas: Innovations in the rock medium were developed during the period of Narasimhavarman-I Mamalla in the shape of cave temples.

Rock reliefs: Another major type of masterful masterpiece developed during Mamalla’s reign is the sculptural bas reliefs.

Structural temples: King Rajasimha pioneered large-scale structural architecture. The Mukundanayananar temple is the oldest and smallest.

Excavations: Over time, the excavation of sand has revealed various buried buildings surrounding the Shore temple.

Ten main rathas, ten mandapas, two rock bas-reliefs, and three structure temples are among the ten major rathas. The monumental design is built on stacked squares or a square and a circle.

Opening Hours

6 am- 6 pm every day.

Entry & Others Fees

INR 250 for foreigners and INR 10 for locals, free for children below the age of 15.

Near Restaurants

Near Hotels

How to Reach

By Air: The closest airport to Mahabalipuram is Chennai International Airport which is about 58km away.

By Rail: The closest railway is Chengalpattu which is about 29 km away.

By Road: Mahabalipuram is accessible by bus from Chennai, Puducherry, and Kanchipuram.

Tips for Travellers

Mahabalipuram has a hot climate throughout the year. Cotton clothing and flat shoes are recommended.
Use the services of a licensed guide to fully comprehend the monument’s complexities.
Don’t forget to capture the mesmerizing monuments.