News

Things to do in Mahabalipuram for a Fantastic Holiday

Explore popular attractions in Mahabalipuram.

The Shore Temple is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, one of the most popular attractions in Mahabalipuram. It was built by Mahendravarman I and restored by Rajendra Chola II. Located on the shore of the Bay of Bengal, this temple has been built using sandstone blocks that weigh up to 20 tonnes each! You can explore it from above by climbing up to its roof or downstairs through narrow staircases carved into rock faces.

The Shore Temple was originally built around 100 years before Christ as part of an 8-km long causeway that connected two different parts of ancient India together; this allowed merchants and traders access between villages throughout Sirkali (now known as Mahabalipuram).

Visit the Pancha Rathas

If you are interested in ancient Indian architecture, then the Pancha Rathas are a must-see. These five monolithic temples are located on the shore of the Bay of Bengal and made up of granite and limestone. They were built around 500 years ago by Chola kings as part of their temple complex at Mahabalipuram.

The temples were carved out with such skill that they look like gigantic human figures when viewed from afar; however, closer inspection reveals them to be stylized representations of deities such as Vishnu or Shiva. The carvings include intricate scenes depicting battles between gods and demons, stories from Hindu mythology and even portraits of individual kings who commissioned these structures!

The temples' facades have been decorated with paintings which depict scenes from Hindu mythology or legends about particular kings who lived during this era (for example: Puranas).

Take a stroll along Mahabalipuram Beach

Take a stroll along the Mahabalipuram Beach and enjoy the beautiful views of the Bay of Bengal.

The beach at Mahabalipuram is one of Chennai's most popular tourist attractions, with clear blue water and white sand. It’s an ideal place to relax or even swim in if you are feeling adventurous!

You can also go for walks along this beach while enjoying some fresh air or listening to live music at night time.

Learn about the history of the region at the Mahabalipuram Museum

Learn about the history of the region at the Mahabalipuram Museum, which has a collection of sculptures, paintings, and artifacts. The museum is located in Mahabalipuram and open from 9am to 5pm daily except Monday.

The museum contains over 1,600 pieces dating back to around 500 BC when India was ruled by kings. It also features artworks from other eras including those made during periods when there were no kings or queens ruling over this land—instead it was ruled by local chieftains who lived off agriculture rather than warring against each other like in today's era (with its many wars).

Some highlights include:

A huge statue that depicts an elephant attacking humans on one side; on another side there are two bulls attacking humans with swords raised above their heads! This makes for an interesting contrast between two opposing forces fighting over territory – one being aggressive while another trying not to hurt anyone else...but still willing to fight if necessary!

Enjoy some delicious seafood at the local restaurants 

Mahabalipuram is a place for all tastes, and the food here will suit any palate. The local seafood Mahabalipuram restaurants are famous for their tasty fish curry and prawn fry dishes. If you're looking to try something different, try one of these local favorites:

Fish Curry - This popular dish is made with spices, vegetables and fish in a spicy curry sauce that is served over rice or roti (bread).

Prawn Fry - A classic Indian dish made with spices and prawns cooked in butter or oil until golden brown on both sides before serving over plain rice or roti

Take a boat ride on the backwaters of Mahabalipuram 

If you are looking for a memorable outing, then the backwaters of Mahabalipuram will definitely be a great place to go. The backwaters of Mahabalipuram are home to many natural attractions like walking trails and gardens that can be explored by foot or by boat ride. There are also places where you can have picnics with your family members and friends while enjoying the beautiful scenery around them.

The best time to visit this place is during the monsoon season which lasts from June until September each year when there's plenty of water in these lakes because it rains often here during this season; thus making it ideal for swimming activities as well!

Visit the Krishna Mandapam

Krishna Mandapam is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Krishna. It is located at the southern end of Mahabalipuram Beach, where it can be accessed via a small pathway from Muthialpet beach.

The structure was built during the reign of Raja Venkatapati Swamy (1534-1577). It has been declared as an archaeological site by Archaeological Survey of India and houses some beautiful carvings on its walls, which depict scenes from mythology or religious stories related to Mahabharata.

Go on a shopping spree and pick up some souvenirs, handicrafts, and local products at the Mahabalipuram Bazaar.

Go on a shopping spree and pick up some souvenirs, handicrafts, and local products at the Mahabalipuram Bazaar.

Buy from the Mahabalipuram Beach.

Buy from the Mahabalipuram Museum.

Take a trip to the Tiger Cave

The Tiger Cave is a rock-cut temple that dates back to the 7th century. It is located in Mahabalipuram and one of the most popular attractions in this region. The temple has been carved out of granite stone by skilled sculptors with the help of elephants and men who were hired as laborers.

The cave houses an image of Lord Shiva, which is made up of more than 300 figures carved on its walls. The main deity here is known as Adi Shakti or Parvati and she sits on her husband's lap while he holds a trident called Gada Deula (Trident).

Enjoy a camel ride on Mahabalipuram Beach

The camel ride is a great way to see the local culture, get out of the city, and experience nature. This is also an opportunity for you to meet some local people who will guide you through their villages and give you a glimpse into their way of life.

You can enjoy a camel ride on Mahabalipuram Beach or along with other attractions such as Chola Temples, Shore Temple & Pallava Temple are the Mahabalipuram Temples and pilgrimage sites.

Take part in some adventurous water sports

If you're looking for some fun, then you should consider taking part in some adventurous water sports like surfing, jet skiing, and parasailing.

The most popular types of water sports activities in Mahabalipuram are parasailing and surfing. Parasailing is an exciting activity that allows you to see the beauty of nature while riding on a harness attached to an aircraft or helicopter. The best way to enjoy this experience is by booking it early as there are limited places available each day at certain times during high season (April-October). There's also another option called "jet skiing" which involves riding on a small motorboat across the ocean waves with no visible means of support apart from your feet!

Visit the Varaha Cave Temple

The Varaha Cave Temple is one of the oldest rock-cut temples in Mahabalipuram, which was dedicated to Lord Vishnu. The temple dates back to the 7th century. It has a collection of sculptures, paintings and artifacts that are believed to have been created by artists from South India during this period.

The Varaha Cave Temple is located at a distance from Kailasanatha Temple on Papanasam Beach Road (also known as Old Mahabalipuram Road).

Take a trip to the Crocodile Bank 

The Crocodile Bank is a man-made lake in Mahabalipuram, which houses over 2,000 crocodiles. The reptiles are kept in captivity and fed by volunteers.

The bank was initially established as an effort to provide food for wild animals that had been affected by mercury pollution from factories along the coast line. This includes animals such as water moccasins, American alligators and even turtles with shells made from recycled tires!

Visit Arjuna's Penance

Arjuna's Penance is a magnificent rock carving that depicts a scene from the Hindu epic Mahabharata. It is located in the village of Arjuna, which is in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. The rock figure was carved between 300 BCE and 200 CE and depicts an episode from Book 2 of this famous story.

Attend the Mahabalipuram Dance Festival

The Mahabalipuram Dance Festival, which takes place every year in December, is a popular tourist attraction. It features classical dance performances by some of the best artists in the country and is held in a beautiful setting.

It is no wonder that Mahabalipuram is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and attracts thousands of visitors each year. Although the region is home to some amazing places to visit, it also has its fair share of hidden secrets. If you want to learn about the history of this place or simply discover some hidden gems, then this guide should help you on your way!