Destination Features

Mahabalipuram is one of those places in India where the sea, sand and stone come together to provide the visitor with a singularly captivating experience. Largely known as a place of pilgrimage, the temple town is our window into a by-gone architectural era. However, it is not just the temples and the history associated with them that will charm you. The wading through the sand and the salty sea-laden air stinging your face, the local road-side eateries serving hot idlis and fresh filter coffee – these are integral parts of the Mahabalipuram experience.

Located just 58 km from Chennai, it offers a perfect weekend getaway for the heritage enthusiast. A lesser known fact is that the town is located just two hours away by road from Pondicherry and is part of the Kanchipuram-Pondicherry-Mahabalipuram tourist triangle.

Located on the Coromandel Coast, the town functioned as a port city in the seventh century during the time of the powerful Dravidian Pallava dynasty. Now designated a UNESCO World Heritage site, the temples were built by Pallava kings who were especially interested in the fostering of native art and culture. The monuments mark the period of transition from the era of rock-cut architecture to a more structural approach to building.

It is the sea that holds the real rights here. Time operates not on a human scale, but on the geological one – six of the seven temples from the famous Seven Pagodas now lie submerged beneath the sea. Long, unspoiled beaches mark the boundaries of both the town and the Indian landmass. Standing on the beach, you will be struck by the disconcerting notion that this is the end of human habitation. The sea dwarfs every thing else.

Mahabalipuram has been famous as a temple town for centuries now. The rhythms of pooja have sunk deep within its daily fabric. Pakshi theertam is its alternate identity. Every day at noon the temple priests feed two kites who home-in every day without fail. Considered sacred, this food is then distributed amongst the devotees.