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Shore Temple

The Shore Temple on the Bay of Bengal was constructed in the 7th century during the rule of King Narsimha-Varman II Rajasimha (ac. 690-728).The Shore temples is a temple complex consisting of two Siva temples and a carving of Anantasayana Vishnu. It is an historic monuments built largely between the 7th and the 9th century and has been classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Arjuna's Pennance

A sculptured marvel at Mahabalipuram, often called "Arjuna's Penance", is an enormous relief made on two huge boulders. One of the biggest open-air rock canvases in the world, this bas-relief is 31m long and 9m high. The surface of the rock has detailed carvings, showing the most endearing and natural rendition of animals.

Five Rathas

Five monolithic chariot temples dedicated to Hindu gods. The five rathas are Dharmaraja Ratha, Bhima Ratha, Arjuna Ratha, Draupadi Ratha and Nakul Sahadev Ratha. These are monolithic temples, each created in a different style, They are also known as the Pancha Pandava Rathas, and the fort of the rathas are supposed to have been scooped out of a single rock formation.
The Krishna Mandapam

This is a 12 column cave temple. It has a natural figure of a cow being milked. There is a sculpture of Krishana holding up the Govardhan mountain to protect his people from Indra's flood, on the black wall, in side the Mandapam.
Tiger's Cave

It is 4kms north of the main monument complex. It was an open air theatre, where cultural programmes were held. Though it is very near the sea, the place is serence and calm.

Mahishasuramardhini

There are nine rock-cut temples. The Mahishasuramardhini cave, constrasting the Goddess fighting a demon on one side, and Lord Vishnu's cosmic sleep on the other, is particularly remarkable one.
Festivals at Mamallapuram

Pongal Tourist Festival is celebrated on a grand scale during the middle of January, and Dance Festival in the month of December and January every year. Sthalasayan Perumal Temple Festival-Masimagam and Brahmmotsavam in the month of March.
Dance festival in Mamallapuram
A vibrant festival of dance is held at the venue of 'Arjuna's penance', a bass-relief sculpted on the face two enormous adjacent rocks, in Mamallapuram from early January for four weeks. Exponents of classical dances like Bharata Natyam,Kuchipudi, Kathak, Kathakali etc. perform in an open air stage against the magnificent backdrop of the Pallava rock sculptures. Besides classical, folk dances are also performed. Dancers from different parts of India perform during this festival. The renowned festival is organised by the Department of Tourism, Government of Tamil Nadu
How to get there

------------------------Air: Chennai (58km) is the nearest airport with both domestic and international terminus. Chennai is connected with all the major places in India through the numerous domestic flights. International flights operate from various parts of the world to Chennai.

------------------------Rail: The nearest railway stations are Chengalpattu (29km) and Chennai (58km). From these stations one has to take road journey to reach Mamallapuram.

------------------------Road: Buses are available from Pondicherry, Kanchipuram, Chengalpattu and Chennai to Mamallapuram daily. Tourists can also hire a taxi from Chennai.
Posted by tamilnatu turisum

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