Our visit to Mahabalipuram in January 2024 was part of a longer journey through India and southern India. We took a day trip from Chennai to Mahabalipuram before heading to Kanchipuram and then to Vellore. After that, we made our way to Kattarikupam, a quiet and charming spot off the beaten path, before returning to Chennai.
Our travels didn’t stop there, though! We then flew to Vietnam and Malaysia before finally making our way back home to New Zealand, whew! More blog posts to come.
Introduction
After spending a day in Chennai, we took a short drive down to Mahabalipuram. This place is rich in history and famous for its ancient temples and rock carvings. Mahabalipuram, also known as Mamallapuram, is home to the Group of Monuments at Mahabalipuram, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The site is renowned for its rock-cut temples, sculptures, and architectural masterpieces dating back to the 7th and 8th centuries CE, built under the Pallava dynasty— 275 CE to 897 CE . Here are the highlights we visited within the UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Itinerary
Click Here: Our South India Itinerary
- Arrival in Chennai – January 3, 2024 After a morning flight from Goa, we arrived in Chennai and settled in for the night. This was a brief stop before heading to our next destination.
- Trip to Mahabalipuram – January 4, 2024 After breakfast, we drove to Mahabalipuram, known for its ancient rock-cut temples and coastal charm. We spent the day exploring the famous monuments, including the Shore Temple and Arjuna’s Penance, before continuing our journey.
- Kanchipuram and Vellore – January 5, 2024 The next leg of our trip took us to Kanchipuram, a city famous for its temples and silk weaving. After sightseeing, we proceeded to Vellore, where we stayed overnight.
- Return to Chennai via Kattarikupam – January 6, 2024 On our way back to Chennai, we made a stop at Kattarikupam to spend some time before returning to the city for another overnight stay.
- Exploring Chennai – January 7, 2024 This was our main sightseeing day in Chennai. We visited key landmarks, including the famous Marina Beach and Kapaleeshwarar Temple. The afternoon was free for shopping, which gave us time to explore some of the local markets and pick up souvenirs.
- Departure from Chennai – January 8, 2024 After breakfast, we transferred to the airport for our departure, wrapping up our journey through this part of India.
Short Video
Things We Did
Shore Temple
Our first stop in Mahabalipuram was the Shore Temple, built way back in the 8th century. It’s one of the most iconic spots in the area, right by the sea. The temple’s intricate carvings are fascinating, and the view of the ocean is beautiful. We spent some time just soaking in the atmosphere, appreciating the ancient craftsmanship. If you’re visiting, the Shore Temple is a must-see – it’s hard to miss and perfect for anyone who enjoys history and architecture.
We also caught the light and sound show in the evening, which tells the temple’s story with lights and narration. It’s a great way to experience the temple at night.
Mamallapuram Dance Festival
If you happen to be in Mahabalipuram during the winter, you might catch the Mamallapuram Dance Festival. It runs every year between December and January, lasting about 30 days. The festival is held right at the Shore Temple, with the ocean as a backdrop. We were lucky enough to attend one of the performances at night, and it was a real treat. They put on traditional dances like Bharatanatyam, Kuchipudi, and Kathakali, all under the stars. It really brought the place to life in a special way. If you’re into culture and the arts, this is definitely worth checking out – it’s a great mix of history, dance, and the beauty of the surroundings.
Arjuna’s Penance
Next, we headed over to Arjuna’s Penance, one of the largest rock carvings we’ve ever seen. This massive relief tells a story from the Mahabharata, and the level of detail in the carving is incredible. It’s the kind of place that makes you appreciate the advanced craftsmanship from centuries ago. We walked around and took in the whole scene, marveling at the skill that went into creating it.
Pancha Rathas
We also made sure to visit the Pancha Rathas, five monolithic temples carved from a single piece of rock. Each temple is unique, showcasing different architectural styles. It’s fascinating to think about how these massive structures were carved from just one piece of rock, and it’s definitely worth a visit when you’re in Mahabalipuram.
Krishna’s Butter Ball
One of the highlights of the day was checking out Krishna’s Butter Ball. This giant boulder seems to be precariously perched on a slope, as if it could roll off at any moment. We couldn’t resist posing for a few fun photos with the rock, pretending to hold it up or push it. The legend behind it is that it’s named after Lord Krishna, who was said to have played with a butter ball as a child. It’s a quirky spot and a great photo opportunity!
Where We Stayed
Radisson Blu Resort Temple Bay
After a full day of exploring, we checked into the Radisson Blu Resort Temple Bay for the night. The resort is right on the coast, so we could hear the waves crashing as we relaxed. It was the perfect place to unwind after a busy day. Unfortunately it was raining and windy so we didn’t get to swim. At night we enjoyed a delicious dinner at the resort’s restaurant, which had a mix of local and international dishes. The fresh seafood was a highlight, and we couldn’t have asked for a better way to end the day.
Getting Around
We got around by car with our awesome driver. He was there early every morning and stayed with us until we were dropped off at our hotel for the night. We were always well looked after, and he made great suggestions for places to visit. He really made everything easy and comfortable for us. We couldn’t have asked for a better experience, and we highly recommend him!
Wrapping Up the Day
Overall, our trip to Mahabalipuram was a real highlight. We loved exploring the ancient temples, marveling at the rock carvings, and enjoying the quirky spots like Krishna’s Butter Ball. The coastal beauty added a picturesque setting to the whole experience. Staying at the Radisson Blu was the perfect way to relax after a day of sightseeing, and we left feeling like we’d truly experienced the best of what Mahabalipuram has to offer. If you’re ever near Chennai, this town is definitely worth the visit!
We’re not done with India just yet – catch you in the next post! ♡ Janet
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