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Mahabalipuram Beach

Also known as Mamallapuram by locals, Mahabalipuram Beach is 58 km from Chennai city in Tamil Nadu. The beach lies on the shore of the Bay of Bengal and comprises some rock-cut sculptures. The scintillating beach has golden sand all along the stretch and is also famous for caves, massive rathas, chariots and temples. The surfers and swimming lovers are bound to have an amazing time at the beach. The beach also has interesting places to attract tourists, including a crocodile bank with about 5000 crocodiles belonging to 6 different species, a school of art & sculpture and a snake venom extracting centre. There are also numerous resorts along the beach offering delicious food joints.Mahabalipuram is a town mostly known for its shore temples which were constructed by Rajasimha, the king of Pallavas in old times. The coast stretches for about 20 km, and numerous lovely beaches are along the coastline. Also, at this captivating beauty of Mahabalipuram a dance festival is organised by the Department of Tourism of the Government of Tamil Nadu every year, where one can see extremely talented classical dancers performing against the backdrop of the sea. Read More

Mahishasura Mardini Cave temple, also known as Yampuri, is a rock-cut monument of Indian architecture, dating back to 7th century. There are two prominent carving featured in the temple? sanctum. A carving of Vishnu on the seven hooded serpent and another of Lord Durga on her lion while slaying demon Mahishasura. The cave also depict scenes of Puranas.

Mamallapuram Dance Festival is organised for around twenty days, in the town of Mahabalipuram, to celebrate the diverse forms of folk dance popular in different regions and cultures of India. A captivating stage is set before a stone sculpture range known as the ‘Arjuna’s Penance rock sculpture’ for the festival. Mamallapuram Dance Festival 2023-24 Dates A group folk dance at Mamallapuramsource In 2023-24, the Mamallapuram Dance festival will be held from Dec 25, 2023 – Jan 15, 2024. The Mamallapuram Dance Festival is organised by the Tourism Department of the Government of Tamil Nadu. Hence, the date of its commencement and conclusion too decided by the department. Since it is an annual festival, the dates are kept pretty much around the same time every year, but not the same. Mamallapuram Dance Festival Venue A glimpse of Mamallapuram Dance festival performancesource The Mamallapuram Dance festival is celebrated in the port town of Mahabalipuram in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. Mahabalipuram is situated between Bay of Bengal and Great Salt Lake, and thus is a port town, having its significance since a long time in history. The dance festival is organised at the Arjuna's Penance rock sculpture in Mahabalipuram, where a makeshift stage makes for the celebration. The Shore Temple is the closest temple from the venue and is a much revered destination for the people gathered for the Mamallapuram Dance Festival. Events & Celebrations at Mamallapuram Dance Festival Kathak performance at Mamallapuram Dance Festivalsource Tamil Nadu is famous for temples and monuments, housing sculptures beyond imitation. As is the case with other parts of the state, the town of Mahabalipuram, which is also known as Mamallapuram, is marked with such constructions. Most of these enthralling structures have come down to this period, through the test of time, from the 7th or 8th century AD. These are the legacies left behind by the Pallava rulers. Mahabalipuram comprises of a strip of land in Tamil Nadu, situated between the Bay of Bengal and Great Salt Lake. A town with such culturally rich history, Mahabalipuram has much to offer for the lovers of folk art-forms. In that capacity, standing true to its past, the Tourism Department of Government of Tamil Nadu organises an annual festival, known as Mamallapuram Dance Festival, in most cases in January.The shores of Mahabalipuram are blessed with naturally ordained beauty, and sculptures crafted back during the reigns of the Pallava dynasty. To spend endless nights for almost a month among these beautiful structures, attending an extravaganza of dance, witnessing various dance forms popular across the country is an experience incomparable to any other. On the grand ceremonial stage, the visitors can witness some of the most beautifully prepared folk dance performances. Dancers from all over the country gather to participate in this festival, bringing to life stories of the past in their performances. One can witness the tale of Krishna and Radha being explored on the stage, in most beautiful of ways, through movements on the lines of folk delicacy. The Mamallapuram Dance Festival presents numerous dance forms such as Kathak, Kathakali, Kuchipudi, Bharatnatyam, Odissi, Bhangra, and much more.The Shore Temple of Mahabalipuram becomes a major attraction during the festival, and the visitors who attend the dance extravaganza do not miss a chance to visit the temple. The temple, standing at the shore, having witnessed the Pallava dynasty's rule and the port activities, has acquired almost an inseparable status with the Mamallapuram Dance festival.The Mamallapuram Dance festival is not something to be missed if a person is having a corner for folk art forms in his heart. It provides a wondrous experience, and a peek into the cultural richness of the south Indian state of Tamil Nadu in general, and that of Mahabalipuram in particular. The Significance of the Festival A performative dance at the festivalsource A one of its kind extravaganza of folk dance forms, the Mamallapuram Dance Festival is significant for multiple reasons. It is an event which attracts people from far distances and makes them witness the cultural and heritage beauty of the state of Tamil Nadu in general and that of Mahabalipuram in particular, thus helping the state in improving tourism. It also helps to provide the monuments with their due sanctity by making them come alive through festivity. Apart from the apparent benefits of the celebration of Mamallapuram Dance festival, it helps in injecting the feeling of 'unity in diversity' by bringing various folk dance forms on a common platform. While the dance forms also find a reason to remain alive and thrive with glory, it gives the visitors an incomparable experience of joy and mesmerisation. How to Reach Mahabalipuram If you are planning to take the railways to reach Mahabalipuram, the nearest railway station is the Chengalpattu Junction railway station, which is situated at an approximate distance of 30 kilometres from Mahabalipuram. However, the nearest major railway station is the Chennai Central Railway Station which is around 56 kilometres away from Mahabalipuram. However, for through airways trip, the nearest airport is the Chennai International Airport, which is approximately 60 kilometres away from Mahabalipuram.Thus, the Mamallapuram Dance festival has been making a significant contribution in providing a platform, nurturing recognition, and keeping alive the various folk dance forms of the country. It has remained as an important dance festival for the traditional forms of the art, in the times when their relevance appears to be fading. Moreover, it is the most beautiful event altogether to visit and see. The lovers of Indian folk dances must join the Mamallapuram Dance festival, for it provides a true haven to the culturally rich dance forms of the country. Read More

Mamallapuram Lighthouse in Mahabalipuram has been open for public view since 2011. The circular masonry tower of the Lighthouse is made of natural stones and is fully functional since 1904. Climbing on the stones and atop the Lighthouse (yes, you are allowed to climb) can be a real treat. From the top, the view is capable of captivating its audience.

Olakkannesvara Temple, also known as the Old Lighthouse, is a structural temple built in 8th century. The structure is made out of grey-white granite and has a shikar on the top. Owing to its location on a hillock, it provides a pleasing view of the town. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva, but the worship has been ceased after the 19th century.

Sadras is a fortress town and a beach located 13 kilometers outside of Mahabalipuram. An old ruined Dutch Fort and a Dutch cemetery with finely embossed headstones exist. It is intriguing to explore some of the Dutch history in the region and that of India.

Sculpture Museum at Mahabalipuram, as the name suggests, houses sculptures depicting several Hindu mythological characters, gods and goddesses. An elaborate collection of over 3000 sculptures can be found here. The stone, wooden, brass and cement sculptures are intricately carved and bears the historic significance and legends. Various monolithic statues, Rathas, sculptured reliefs and miniatures can also be found.

Built during the 7th century, Shore Temple is one of the oldest South Indian temples constructed in the Dravidian style and depicts the royal taste of the Pallava dynasty. The work of the temple has been listed amongst the World Heritage Sites by UNESCO. It is located in Mahabalipuram and is one of the most photographed monuments in India situated on the shores of Bay of Bengal.

Constructed in a Dravidian style, Sthalasayana Perumal Temple also called Thirukadalmallai, is one of the 108 Divyadesam dedicated to Lord Vishnu. He is worshiped here as Sthalasayana Perumal with his consort Lakshmi as Nilamangai Thayar. Yearly festival of Bhoothatazhwar Avata festival is also celebrated here during the Tamil month of Aipasi (October_November).

Situated by the shore of the Bay of Bengal, Tigers Caves has been a recreation spot since ages where locals relax after their five-kilometre trek from Mahabalipuram to this idyllic location out of the town. The name of the caves has nothing to do with the presence of any real tigers. The caves got this name from the crown of 11 tigeresque heads which were all carved around the entrance. It is believed that these images resemble an animal called 'yeli' which is a cross between a lion and a tiger. One of the most attractive features of the caves is a carving of Goddess Durga on top of these tigers. There are numerous secrets associated with the Tiger Caves just like the one in 2005 when an inscription was found in the rocks which led to the discovery followed by the excavation of the Subramanya Temple nearby. The grounds of the park are well-maintained by the Archaeological Survey of India thereby making the Tiger Caves a public space. Amidst nature's greenery and fresh air, this architectural beauty is a perfect place to hang out at. There are vendors offering light refreshments along with tender coconut to the tired visitors as well. It is a wonderful place to visit if you love discovering new facts and figures about the history of various places in a scenic beauty away from the busy life of the city. Read More