Location

Mahabalipuram Beach is one of the unspoiled tourist centers of India. Located on the Tamil Nadu coastline, 60 km south of Chennai, the beach is the symbol of rich historical heritage. Covering around 20 km of Bay of Bengal’s seashore, this strikingly beautiful beach attracts tourists around the globe every day.

Historical significance

The beach was formerly called Mamallapuram, a major port and the second capital of the Pallava Kingdom (5- 8th century AD ). They traded through this port with many distant countries. They decorated their port with beautiful monuments of caves, stone carvings, and monolithic temples in the old Dravidian style of rock cut architecture. The place is considered one of the most important places in Tamil Nadu State both historically and for its tourism potential.

Tourist attractions

More than one million domestic and foreign tourists arrive here every year. The lovely sunny beach and the splendid ancient monuments are the main sources of attraction.

These monuments are famous for their Pancha Pandava Rathas (five chariots), mandapas (caves), and big open-air reliefs. The Shore Temple and the Tiger Cave exhibit the brilliant Pallava architectural skills. Arjuna’s Penance is the world’s biggest bas-relief. It has brilliant interpretation of Arjuna (a character in the Indian epic, Mahabharatha) in meditation with all the creatures of the earth including an image of the Ganges flowing. Evidently, they are the treasures of the Mahabalipuram Beach. After sunset and under artificial lighting they radiate exquisite grace and beauty.

The beach is suited for sunbathing and resting rather than surfing or swimming as the undercurrents here are strong. One can arrange sea cruises with local agents. Many young people can be seen enjoying their favorite sports at the beach. Some can be seen playing their favorite ball game. The beach is a favorite haunt of families during the holiday season, hence it is also known to be a family beach. Parents can be seen at various places teaching telling their children about the historical importance of the edicts in stone. An excavated tank here draws the curiosity of the visitors. There is a stone carving workshop near the ancient temples where artisans train and sell their sculptures. There are many foreigners here undergoing training in ancient sculpting techniques.

Shopping through the numerous stalls for handicrafts is a memorable experience to the visiting tourists.  Sculptures made of wood, stone, and seashells are their favorites.

The beach has been the location for the shooting of many Tamil Films. Films of other languages have also been shot here. The beach has been visited by many film stars during their shooting here. Many well known artists of the region visit the beach with their foreign guests to show them the stone carvings.

Visiting timings

The weather is usually hot and dry. Though thousands of tourists visit this place every day, the ideal time is late November to February. It is better to avoid the rainy season.

Specialty

Every year in the months of January and February, the Tamil Nadu Tourism Development Department conducts a festival of classical music, dances like Bharatanatyam, and other folk dances. These are performed in an open stage with the shore temple as the background. The mixture of music, dance and the sea wind makes this a wonderful place for music lovers.

The United Nations has announced this place as one of the world’s heritage centers.

Access

The nearest airport is in Chennai at a distance of 60 km. All the important cities of India and the world are connected to Chennai. Bus services link Mahabalipuram to most of the cities of Tamil Nadu. You can also hire a van or car in Chennai and travel to Mahabalipuram.

Emergency services

Lifeguard service: Some private resorts provide lifeguards near their resort premises. There is no government organized lifeguard service here.

Police service: For police emergencies, dial 100 – Police Control Room.
(04114) – 242221 – Mahabalipuram Police Station.
(04114) – 242100 – Mahabalipuram Sub Division Office.

Fire service: For fire emergencies, dial 101 – Fire Control Room.
(04114) – 47001 – Thirukazhukundram Fire Station.