How to Reach Mahabalipuram

Mahabalipuram is a tourist destination in Tamil Nadu, a south Indian state. It boasts of rich historical lineage. Known for earliest forms of south Indian temple art and architecture, Mahabalipuram is an ancient port town with numerous UNESCO World Heritage sites like Shore Temple, Mahishasurmardini Cave etc. Being located close to Chennai , Mahabalipuram is well connected from all parts of India. Gradually, the town has emerged as a popular place to explore rich heritage of India with pleasant moments to laze on serene beaches. Taken as a whole, the group of monuments at Mahabalipuram equals in variety, interest and beauty any other group of ancient relics in India. The chief monuments fall into three classes: monolithic rock-cut shrines; caves excavated on hill-sides, and structural buildings and temples; besides sculptural bas-reliefs. Mahabalipuram served as the part of the Pallava capital, Kanchipuram. It is the reputed birth-place of an early Vaishnava saint, Bhutattalvar. It is praised by Tirumangai Alwar, as Kadalmallai (Mallai by the sea), in his hymns; and it was evidently a reputed Vaishnava shrine even in the days anterior to the Pallava epoch.