A complete guide to Mahabalipuram

Clear blue skies, waves crashing on the rocks and intricate temple architecture; this is often the most vivid of memories one take back after visiting Mahabalipuram. Mamallapuram or Mahabalipuram is an ancient and UNESCO World Heritage City in the state of Tamil Nadu. It is believed that the city of Mahabalipuram was hit by a flood between 10,000 and 13,000 BCE. Let’s know more about this mystic city in this step-by-step guide:

Best time to visit Mahabalipuram

The best time to visit the underwater city of Mahabalipuram is the winter months of November to February. These months are the most pleasant as the temperature is somewhere around 16 degree Celsius. It is also the most optimal time for sightseeing and trying out adventure sports.

Places you can visit in Mahabalipuram:

1. Mahabalipuram Shore Temple

Revered for being one of the oldest stone temples in South India, the Shore Temple is UNESCO World Heritage Site. The name Shore Temple was given as it overlooks the Bay of Bengal. The temple complex has three temples with beautiful architecture. The shrines in this temple are dedicated to Shiva and Vishnu. The most attractive structure is a majestic Lion monolith.
Timings: 6 am to 6 pm

2. Pancha Ratha

Built during the time of the Pallava Dynasty during the 7th century, the Pancha Ratha temple is situated along the Bay of Bengal coast. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is also known as Pandava Rathas. They are named after the Pandavas and their wife, Draupadi. All the five temples in the complex resemble chariots. The most interesting fact about these structures is that each one of them is carved out of a single stone.
Timings: 6 am to 6 pm

3. Ganesha Ratha Temple

This is the most beautiful structure of all. Built by the Pallavas, the architecture of the structure is Dravidian, and inside the temple, one can find a beautiful idol of Lord Ganesha. The temple is carved out of a giant pink Granite in the shape of a chariot. It is said that it was previously dedicated to Shiva. Do not forget to add this temple to your itinerary.
Timings: 6 am to 6 pm

4. Krishna’s Butterball

This huge rock is set atop a slope in a mysterious manner which many interpret it as something that defies the laws of physics. Located near Pancha Ratha, it also has natural caves around it. The 250 ton stone is extremely famous among tourists. There have been many attempts to move the butterball, but none have been successful.
Timings: 6 am to 6 pm

5. Wide Beach

No southern vacation is complete without a visit to the beach. After long visits to temples, your mind may request to be at ease. And this is where you will find the most serene beach of all; the Wide Beach. With crystal blue water and clean sand, the Wide Beach is most known for its sunrise and sunsets.

Mahabalipuram is located at a short distance of 60 km from Chennai. One can look up for hotels in Chennai on the internet, and you will find a long list of Chennai hotels that serve the best local food and are budget-friendly too. One of the most renowned 5 star hotels in Chennai is The Leela Palace. Known for its grandiose and top-notch facilities, a large number of tourists prefer The Leela Palace to any other hotels in Chennai.