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ATTRACTIONS IN INDIA - MAHABALIPURAM |
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Mahabalipuram or Mamallapuram, was an ancient port city on the Coromandel coast built by the Pallava Dynasty in the 7th century. It was named after the cruel demon king Mahabali, who was slayed by Goddess Durga, and is an important World Heritage Site today. It is 60kms from Chennai, and can be reached by the scenic East Coast Road.
Mahabalipuram is known for the beautiful historical monuments that were built mostly during the Pallava Dynasty in the form of rock cut caves and temples. Its beautiful and unspoilt beaches stretching for miles, and lined by groves of casuarinas is another great attraction.
The place is just 55 Kilometers off Chennai, the capital city of Tamilnadu and forms a major excursion destination around it. In fact, Mahabalipuram along with Chennai and Kanchipuram forms the famous 'Golden Tourism Triangle' ashore Coromandel Coast.
The most famous and magnificent monument here is the Shore Temple.
This temple looks absolutely mesmerizing when lit by moonlight. Although the religious activities in this temple have been discontinued way back in the late 19th century, the temple attracts a lot of tourists everyday. Due to the architectural and heritage value attached to it, The UNESCO has crowned this historical city as a 'World
Heritage Site'.
Cave temples, monolithic rathas (chariots), sculpted relief and structural temples are something that is found in the ruins of Mahabalipuram. The pillars are of the early Dravidian order where as the sculptures are predominantly Pallava in their architecture. The majestic Mahabalipuram invokes a certain kind of mystery, with its sculptural extravaganza depicting strong artistic temperament of the Pallava rulers who are considered by many as the conceivers and the driving force behind the Dravidian art movement.
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Please click on Bar Link..
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Dakshinachitra :
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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 .
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Shore Temple :
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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.
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Arjuna's Penance :
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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.
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Five Rathas :
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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.
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Tiger's Cave :
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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.
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Cholamadal Artist's Village :
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This village is about 20 km away from chennai and one has to reach 38 km from this village to mahabalipuram. This village was established in 1965 to promote and develop the traditional art. Exhibitions are regularly put up to exhibit various paintings, Sculptures and crafty articles. The visitors can interact with the artists of the studies in this village.
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Dakshina Chitra :
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This place is 12 km south of the cholamandal village, established in 1984. Separate sectors of Tamilnadu, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka sculptures are found here. This is a ling museum. One can find traditional architecture, artistry workers, exhibitions, workshops, archival library and graft shops etc. The other major activities here are exhibition of crafts, designs, folk arts etc.
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Chengalpattu :
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This city lies on the National Highway between Tiruchirappalli and Chennai. It is about 30kms away from mahabalipuram. The tourists can find remains and ruins of an ancient Vijayanagar fort. There is also a lake named Kolavai Lake. Boating facilities are found in the like by the tourism department.
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Kanchipuram :
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This city is a major cultural centre and a major Hindu pilgrim of Tamilnadu. This is also the place which has the famous temples and known as Golden city of thousand
temples. This is set on the western bank of the Palar River.
This is one among the seven sacred cities in India. The city is known for the seat of bearing, culture and philosophy.
This city is an important centre for commerce and a world renowned centre for silk goods. Kanchipuram is located on the chennai – Bangalore Highway. The chennai airport is 60 km away from Kanchipuram.
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Kovalam :
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Kovalam is known as Covelong in English, which is a beautiful spot lies 15Kms from mahabalipuram and 38 Kms from Chennai. This is a small fishing village but now a famous beach resort of the country. One can find remains of historic port and beautiful hotel resorts. The Olive Ridley Turtles visit the beach between November and March to hatch their eggs.
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Mudaliarkuppam :
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It is about 36 Kms from mahabalipuram on the East Coast Road (ECR).
There are facilities that are being developed for boating.
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Nithyakalyanaperumal Temple :
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This is a Hindu pilgrim which is 16 Kms away from mahabalipuram and is considered to be one of the 108 sacred shrines called as Tirupathi. The deity here is goddess Lakshmi. The events celebrated here are Garuda Sevai, on the Tamil Month Aani, Pooram in Aadi, and spring festival in Vaigasi.
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Sadras :
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This fine beach resort is 13 Kms away from mahabalipuram towards Kalpakkam. There is a ruined Dutch Fort. There is also a Dutch cemetery finely carved with headstones and inscriptions in the Dutch languages.
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Thirukkalukundram
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This Hindu pilgrim is also known as Pakshitheertham, which lies 16 km away from mahabalipuram. There is a 160 m hill where we can find the small Vedagirishvara Temple. This is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The priest in the temple feeds a pair of white eagles, which are said to be saints. The eagles travel from Varanasi and Rameswaram while traveling they nest in this hill temple during a particular time in the noon. No other eagles are birds attend this feast.
There is a larger shiva temple in the village located below the hill. One can take a view of the countryside from the hill tops which attract the devotees. There are snack stalls also in the hill top.
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Vandalur :
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The Anna Zoological Park Vandalur is 35 km from Chennai and 55 km from mahabalipuram. The area of the Zoo is 1,265 acres and is the largest Zoo in south Asia. The zoo has a natural habitat. There are various animals in this zoo. There are safari tours, Nocturnal Animal House, Natural Museum and Aquarium in this zoo.
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Vedanthangal :
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This water bird sanctuary is 53 km away from mahabalipuram, established in the year 1858 and the oldest of the country. The land area is about 30 hectares of marshy lard with a lake. 1,00,000 birds which hare migrated from other countries visit here.
The birds that visit here are garganey teals, shovellers, pintails, stilts, sandpipers, coot, moorhens and terns. The best time to visit this bird sanctuary is between November and February.
The park has couple of watch tourists and a viewing platform. There are bus facilities from Chennai, Tambaram and Chengalpattu to Vedanthangal. There is a forest Rest House too.
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Chennai - Mahabalipuram - Kanchipuram - Trichy - Tanjore - Chennai
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Day 01 / Arrival Chennai :
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Arrive Chennai, meet assist by our representative at the airport and then transfer to hotel. Evening free for leisure activites. Night stay in Chennai hotel.
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Day 02 : Mahabalipuram - Kanchipuram
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After breakfast in the hotel drive to Mahabalipuram and Kanchipuram. In Mahabalipuram visiting shore temple, Arjuna's Penance, Krishna Mandapam, Five Rathas and beach. In Kanchipuram visiting Ekambareshwar Temple, Kailashnath Temple, Kamakshi Temple, the Vaikunthaperumal Temple, all built in the 7th and 8th centuries. Meet & experience the local homes of the weavers and watch them create magic out of silk thread into saris. Night stay in Kanchipuram hotel.
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Day 03 : Kanchipuram - Trichy
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After leisurely breakfast in hotel drive to Trichy. Afternoon proceed on a half Day city tour of Trichy visiting famous Rock Fort Temple. Night stay in Trichy hotel.
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Day 04 : Tanjore
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After leisurely breakfast in hotel drive to Tanjore. Later visit Thanjavur Palace, the Brihadishwara Temple and Fort. Night stay in Tanjore hotel.
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Day 05 : Tanjore - Trichy - Chennai - Departure
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Breakfast in hotel, after relaxed breakfast drive to Trichy to board the flight to Chennai to board the flight for onward journey or way back home.
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