The
Primitive Times Port City :
Mahabalipuram, also known, as "Mamallapuram" is 58-km, south of
Chennai, nestling on the shores of the Bay of Bengal, was once a port of the
Pallavas. The Pallavas have created many marvellous monuments with
Sculptural Panels, Caves, Monolithic Rathas (chariots) and Temples.
Once a thriving port trading with many distant nations, Pallava chisels
have breathed life into stone. The Pallavas art at this place emphasises
robust earthly beauty, imbibed with life. These monumental splendours and
the sunny beach resorts attract tourists from all over the world.
A crocodile farm, snake venom extracting centre, schools of art and
sculpture and a wide choice of resorts along the beach draw holiday-seekers
all round the year.
Prime Attractions :
Dakshinachitra - While travelling from Chennai to
Mahabalipuram visit Dakshinachitra - a heritage centre. Here traditional
crafts persons and folk artists work and perform in the reconstructed period
settings of 19th century homes, streets and workspaces of the Southern
States of Tamil Nadu, Kerala , Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh .
Shore Temple - This is one of the oldest temples in south
India. It belongs to the early 8th century AD and is a good example of the
first phase of structural temples constructed in Dravidian style. The
monuments are floodlit at night and so it is possible to enjoy their beauty
after sunset.
Arjuna's Penance - The world's largest bas-relief
measuring 27m x 9m is the pride of Mahabalipuram. This huge whaleback shaped
rock contains figures of Gods, Demigods, men, beasts, birds and infact
represents the entire creation.
Five Rathas - These are five monolithic temples, each
created in a different style. They are also known as the "Pancha
Pandava Rathas", and the four of the Rathas are supposed to have
scooped out of a single rock formation.
Tiger's Cave - It is 4-km north of the main monument
complex. It was an open-air theatre, where cultural programmes are held.
Though it is very near the sea, the place is serene and calm.
How to get there ?
Air - Chennai (58-km) 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
(29-km) and Chennai (58-km). From these stations one has to take the road to
reach Mahabalipuram.
Road - There are buses available from Pondicherry ,
Kanchipuram, Chengalpattu and Chennai to Mahabalipuram daily. The road to
Mahabalipuram is good. Tourists can also hire a taxi from Chennai.
A
Long Stretch Of Coastal Delight :
Golden sand, good surf and a shimmering clean blue sea, this in a nutshell,
is Marina beach. This beach is counted among one of the longest beaches in
Asia. Its 12-km long stretch was made beautiful by the wonderful facelift
given by Governor Mountstuart Elphinstone Grant Duff in the early 1880's,
and is a major tourist attraction today.
Marina beach is located on the eastern side of Chennai, adjoining the Bay
of Bengal. Watching the sun set and rise from the beach is an enthralling
experience. Though bathing and swimming can be dangerous, as the
undercurrent is very strong, even then people come for swimming here. In the
evenings, the beach is virtually a fair ground with various kinds of
entertainment and food stalls lining the beach.
With its natural sandy beauty and spacious promenade and beautiful gardens,
the beach is a major attraction for tourists visiting Chennai. It has
acquired a South Indian aura with vendors hawking wares ranging from shell
and glass baubles to kites and fruit juices. The Marina, however, is large
enough to accommodate all visitors as well as the hawkers and is often the
venue for important state functions.
Prime Attractions :
Some of the most beautiful buildings in Chennai such as the University of
Madras, Senate-House, Chepauk Palace, Presidency College, P.W.D office and
Ice House are located on the beach drive. At the other end of the beach is
the new lighthouse. In between, sentinels on the promenade, are several
statues of Tamil scholars and two splendid bits of sculpture- the Victory of
Labour and the Mahatma Gandhi.
Aquarium - Close to the Marina beach is the aquarium,
which has some of the most exotic collection of tropical sea fishes and
fresh water fishes. The aquarium gives a chance to have a closer look at the
aquatic life. The Ice House, which was used to store ice brought from Great
Lakes in North America, is south to the Aquarium.
Anna And MGR Samadhis - Situated on the beach, the Anna
and MGR Samadhis, which are the memorials of the most popular, former Chief
ministers of the state, attract good crowd everyday.
How to get there ?
Air - Chennai has an airport with both domestic and
international terminals. Regular flights connect Chennai with the major
cities within the country and also with countries like USA, Singapore, U.K,
etc.
Rail - Chennai is well connected by rail with the
important towns and cities within and beyond the state.
Road - State transport buses and private buses connect
Chennai with the major towns and cities within the country. For local
transportation local trains, city buses, auto rickshaws and taxis are
available.
