Top Things to do in Mahabalipuram
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Things to do in Mahabalipuram, Tamil Nadu: The Best Sacred & Religious Sites
Just 45 minutes out of the city, the East Coast Road first stops at the historic town of Mahabalipuram. The 7th century erstwhile port city is famous for its rock-cut shore temples. A lone lighthouse on a hill watches over a group of temples below. Mahabalipuram also has some great cafes that serve good sea food. A backpacker’s delight, one can find cheap accommodations and plenty of activities.
Restaurants in Mahabalipuram
1. Karukathamman Temple
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 5 reviews
Reviewed By meenakshimuthusamy - Chennai District, India
The temple is popular one.It is very neat and calm place to visit in the place.It is a hindu temple.
2. Monuments at Mahabalipuram
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,684 reviews
Many interesting rock-cut temples and giant open-air reliefs from the 7th and 8th centuries.
Reviewed By 369gillianj - Clitheroe, United Kingdom
Beautiful beach side setting, lovely village with good shops and restaurants, and so many amazing things to see - ancient rock carvings, cave-like temples hewn from granite, beautiful shore temple, lovely old working lighthouse and gravity-defying Krishna's Butterball Boulder! All within easy walking distance - a real treasure trove.
3. Shore Temple
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,644 reviews
Reviewed By vikas-Maheshwari - Jaipur, India
The Shore Temple is so named because it overlooks the shore of the Bay of Bengal. It is a structural temple, built with blocks of granite, dating from the 8th century AD. At the time of its creation, the site was a busy port during the reign of Narasimhavarman II of the Pallava dynasty.
4. Ganesh Ratha Temple
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 111 reviews
Reviewed By prpal2009 - Navi Mumbai, India
After seeing Arjuna's Penace or Descent of the Ganges , we moved into a protected section , known as 'hill area' ..... This age old granite hill contains many monuments hidden within. The first one is 'Ganesha Ratha' ..... this is one of the ten Rathas or Chariots carved out of pink granite within the group of monuments of Pallava kingdom at Mahabalipuram. This is now a UNESCO world heritage site. The Ganesha Ratha temple can be accessed on foot . A self - guided walking tour of the ruins in Mahabalipuram is an excellent way to see the sites. It is located south of Krishna's Butter Ball monument. I think this Ganesha Ratha is the only one where daily aarti / pooja is still held. The west facing two - storey, relatively undamaged Ganesha Ratha is very similar to Bhima Ratha (of Pancha Rathas). It is 19ft (5.8m) long, 11.25ft (3.43m) wide and 28ft (8.5m) high. The first storey has five small vimanas ; the second storey has four, with repeating patterns. There is a Gopuram (arch) and the sala has nine Kalasas. One end has a Trishula at its top. The temple facade has two pillars and two pilasters. The column bases are shaped like seated lions. At the side of the entrance Mandapa, there are two standing dvarapalas with welcoming, bend heads. Initially this temple was constructed with a 'Shiva Linga', but it is now deified with a Ganesha deity after the linga was removed during British era ..... Lovely greeneries and surroundings ..... added to the charm. But don't forget to carry your own hat, sunscreen & water bottle during this foot journey to this hill area. A must visit site at Mahabalipuram !!
5. Varaha Cave Temple
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 162 reviews
Reviewed By Tanumita - Kolkata (Calcutta), India
Beautiful sculptures dedicated to the Varaha King. It is located in the Krishna's butter ball complex and is worth a visit.
6. Sri Sthala Sayanaperumal Temple
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 66 reviews
Reviewed By pradhikar
The expressions on the deities, especially the Mahalaxmi Amman and Shri Anjaneya is spell binding. The atmosphere inside the premises is all pervading.
7. Tiger Cave
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 88 reviews
Reviewed By Vineethkcm - Chennai (Madras), India
Tiger cave is a wonderful rock-cut cave where the carved shapes of horses, tigers, and elephants amaze us. A must watch place in the evenings. A beautiful beach is near by.
