MAHABALIPURAMTRAVEL GUIDE
Mahabalipuram is a magnificent living example of the Pallava art which has extraordinary historical monuments that have preserved the artwork of that era. Famous for its historical monuments, the tourist attractions in Mahabalipuram belong to the Pallava dynasty.
Famous for its intricately carved temples and rock-cut caves, Mamallapuram or Mahabalipuram as it is famously known, is a historically important and well-loved tourist location situated on the Coromandel Coast along the Bay of Bengal, in the state of Tamil Nadu.
Once the abode of the famous demon king Mahabali, Mahabalipuram was later renamed Mamallapuram. The serenity, the alluring atmosphere and the impressive setting with many beautiful white sandy beaches dotted with casuarina trees are all reasons as to why one would want to visit this wonderful town.
Some famous tourist spots include the UNESCO world heritage site Group of Monuments like the Shore Temple and the Five Rathas, the Crocodile Bank which is home to some exquisite species of crocodiles and alligators, and the beach resorts in Kovalam and Sadras.
What is the best time to visit Mahabalipuram?
he best time to plan a trip to Mahabalipuram is when the winter season sets in, which is between October and March. The climate remains good with warm days and cold nights, ideal for outdoor activities and for exploring the town. The period from November to February is the peak tourism season when the climate is salubrious. Travelling to Mahabalipuram during summers are generally avoided because of the very high temperatures and the exhausting heat, which makes it difficult to travel around the town for sightseeing.
How to Reach Mahabalipuram
Mahabalipuram is very close to Chennai. So, it's best to proceed from Chennai via road. Buses arrive in the centre of the town from either Koyembedu (CMBT) or Tiruvanmiyur (in Chennai) and Kanchipuram. The drive from Chennai on the East Coast Road is, by Indian standards, a wonderful experience.
How to Reach Mahabalipuram by Flight
There are no direct flight services to Mahabalipuram. The nearest airport is in Chennai, around 40 km away. You can hire a taxi from the Chennai airport to reach Mahabalipuram.
How to Reach Mahabalipuram by Road
You can reach Mahabalipuram via Chennai or drive straight by car. Bus services are available from Chennai and some other cities like Bangalore and Coimbatore.
How to Reach Mahabalipuram by Train
There are no direct train services to Mahabalipuram. The nearest railway station is the Egmore station, located in Chennai. After reaching Chennai, you can either hire a taxi from outside the railway station or hop on the buses that run regularly from Chennai to Mahabalipuram.
