Tour Packages for Mahabalipuram

Located in the south Indian state of Tamil Nadu, the temple city of Mahabalipuram was flourishing port town of the Pallava rulers of south India. Earlier known as Mamallapuram, the city is said to have a fabulous "open-air museum". The city flourished under the rule of Narsinha Varman I (AD 630-668) and Narsinha Varman II (AD 700-728). Most of the temples and carvings of this city belongs to this period only. The change of the religion from Jainism to Shaivism of the Pallava dynasty rulers has its affect on the monuments of the period.

The main tourist attraction of the town is the Varaha Cave, a small rock-cut mandapam (hall). Heinrich Zimmer, a leading expert on Mahabalipuram has described the famous Pallava doorkeepers' expression outside the cave as of "pious rapture,".

The Mahishamardini Cave and the Somaskanda sculpture, dedicated to Lord Vishnu are other fascinating places to visit. The Arjuna's Penance, which is said to be world's largest bas-relief, too attracts a number of tourists. A famous legend goes that how King Bhagiratha to redeem the cursed souls of his ancestors, had to bring down to earth the celestial Ganga. The cleft in the rock depicts the whole story of descent of Ganga.

The Five Rathas or the Chariots is said to be the architectural precursors of the temples of South India. The largest among them is the Dharmaraja ratha scoped from a monolithic rock, while the smallest is the Draupadi ratha. You can see these beautiful pieces of art through the Tour Packages for Mahabalipuram.

The other famous temple of the city is the Shore Temple. In this amazing structure a Vishnu temple is built in between the two Shiva temples. Tourists are amazed to see this piece of architecture, which reflects the technical excellence of the artists of those times.

The Sculpture Museum in East Raja Street that houses 3,000 sculptures by the local artisans, made in wood, metal, brass, and cement, Mahabalipuram Tiger Caves, Muttukadu, an ideal place for water sports and Tirukkalikundram are other few tourist spots worth visiting.

Mahabalipuram Dance Festival is the famous festival of the region.