Mahabalipuram

In the intense heat of Tamil Nadu a dusty haze hangs like a pall over the temple town of Mahabalipuram. But the good news is tha as in most parts of coastal Tamil Nadu a pleasant sea breeze sets in late afternoons, making even may evening bearable.

Mahabalipuram itself or Mammallapuram as it was originally called, is an ancient seaport named after Mammala or Narasima Varman I the Pallava ruler who set up his capial here and established a centre of sculpture and art in the seventh century AD.

The striking feature of the sculpture here is that it is all monolithic giant works carved from single rocks. The fabulous ancient carvings make the town an acknowledged world Heritage site.

One very good reason for driving down the hi-tech East Coast Road – on your left are unforgettable glimpses of surf breaking on endless coastline, interspersed with stretches of casuarinas groves, and all along the road food courts, amusement parks and art village.

Arjuna And The Pandavas

Arjuna’s penance is considered the largest open – air bas – relief in the world. Carved on the side of a cliff is an elaborate depiction of one of the scenes from the Mahabharata – Arjuna doing penance to obtain a special weapon for the Kurukshetra war. The 30 m X 12 m carved area is split into two by a fissure that depicts a river. It is believed that in Pallava times, water flowed down this crack into the tank below. Animals and supernatural creatures are carved around Arjuna, and sculptures of gods Shiva And Vishnu.

The Five Rathas are actually a set of temples or Vimanas devoted to the five pandava brother and their wife Draupadi, built each of a single rock and unique in shape among Indian temples. They are carved with beautiful carvings, and to see them perched splendidly. Two millennia ago, this town could well have been a Pallava school of sculpture, guessing from the sheer quantity of unfinished and experimental work lying around.

Entry Fee – ( Rathas and shore Temple ) Rs 10. foreigners $ 10. Timings – 6 am to 5-30 pm.

Year End Drama

If you’re in January, you’ll be in time for the annual open-air dance festival held amid the rock temples, which showcase Bhaeatanatyam, Kuchipudi Kathakali and various folk dances, performed by renowned artists of the country. The 21 day festival encompasses the Christmas and Pongal celebrations. Every night means a new performance. Look for your favourite performers in the programme schedule available at the tourist office. Ticket can be booked at the Tamil Nadu Tourist Office.

Phone No – 04114 – 242361 / 63

On the east coast road. Near the market. Entry fee begin at Rs 150.Where To Stay

Where to saty and eat

Hotel Mammla Bhavan.

Phone No – 04114 - 242250.

Tariff - Rs 100 – 150.

Mammala Bhavan Annexe

Phone No – 04114 – 242060.

Tariff – Rs 400 – 770.

GRT Temple Bay And Beach Resort,

Phone No – 04114 - 243636.

Tariff – Rs 3000 – 4500