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Do you wish to experience the rich tradition and culture of India? Then embark on a trip to
Mahabalipuram and Kanchipuram. Here you will find astounding sculptures and temples which will simply mesmerize you and take you back to the
centuries. Embark on Mahabalipuram & Kanchipuram - Sculptural Extravaganza tours and enjoy to the fullest degree along with a learning
experience.
Mahabalipuram was an important port city in the Pallava Dynasty in the 6th century. It is around 60
kms from the city of Chennai. It is listed among the World Heritage Sites by the UNESCO. The city ranks among the popular tourist destinations in
Tamil Nadu and experiences the inflow of thousands of tourists from various parts of the country and abroad.
Mahabalipuram is named after the Pallava king Mamalla. The city is home to beautiful monuments which
date back to the period between 7th and the 9th century. The temples and monuments are famous for their rock cut sculptures and carvings. They
mostly follow the Pallava and South Indian School of architecture. Most of the temples were built during the reigns of king Narasimhavarman and
his successor Rajasimhavarman.
A few kilometers from Mahabalipuram is Kanchipuram. It is popularly known as Kanchi and is the
headquarters of the Kanchipuram district. The capital city of Chennai is also close by. In the ancient times, Kanchipuram was known as
Kachiampathi.
Kanchipuram is located by the banks of the Palar River and is famous for its beautiful stone carved
architecture. Kanchipuram is also known as the "City of 1000 Temples" and experiences the inflow of thousands of tourists and art enthusiasts.
Some of the well known temples in Kanchipuram are Varadharaja Perumal Temple, Sri veetrirunda Lakshmi Narayana Perumal Temple, Ekambareswarar
Temple, Kailasnatha Temple, Sangupani Vinayakar Temple and so on.
Kanchipuram is also famous for its silk sarees. The sarees are woven manually and have a very big
market worldwide. You can buy beautiful silk sarees from the local markets and shops at affordable rates.
Both Mahabalipuram and Kanchipuram are well accessible. The capital city of Chennai is close by. The
cities are well linked by air, rail and road network. Good quality accommodation is also available in the cities.
VISITING MAHABALIPURAM
GETTING THERE
By Air
The nearest airport,
Madras (Chennai being the new name) is 64 kilometer away.
By Rail
The nearest Railway
station, Chigelpet is 29 kilometer away.
By Road
Mahabalipuram is
connected by road to Madras. Thirukkalikundram, also known as
Pakshithirtham, Kanchipuram and Pondicherry via Chingelpet. It is 16
kilometer from Pakshithirtham and 65 kilometer from Kanchipuram via
Chingelpet.
It is connected by
frequent local bus service with Madras, Chingelpet and
Pakshithirtham.
WHERE TO STAY
Temple Bay, Ashok Beach
Resort.
Golden Sun, Beach Resort
Hotel, 59 Covelong Road.
Ideal Beach Resort
Silversands.
TTDC Beach Resort
Complex,
VGP Golden Beach Resort,
East Coast Road, Injambakaam (15 kilometer from Madras and 39
kilometer from Mahabalipuram).
Fisherman’s Cove,
Coverlong (38 kilometer from Madras and 20 kilometer from
Mahabalipuram).
Other Accommodation TTDC
(Tamil Nadu Tourist Development Corporation) camping site near Shore
Temple.
WHERE TO EAT
Restaurants in Temple Bay
Ashok Beach Resort, Golden Sun, Ideal Beach Resort, Silver Sands,
TTDC Beach Resort Complex and VGP Golden Beach Resort serve Indian
and Continental food.
LOCAL TRANSPORT
Tourist taxis can be
hired from Madras. Unmetered private taxis and cycle rickshaws are
also available.
MISCELLANEOUS
Tourist Information
Centre
Tourist Information
Counter, Govt. of Tamil Nadu, Mahabalipuram.
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