Mahabalipuram, also known as Mamallapuram, is a town southeast Chennai, in Tamil Nadu. The famous Tondeswaram temple of Tenavarai and the ancient Koneswaram temple of Trincomalee were patronised and structurally developed by the Pallavas in the 7th century. The five Rathas complex is also interesting, as much for its food and handicrafts court as for the monuments. These monoliths of Mahabalipuram were declared a part of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites in 1984. There was a major movement under Pallavas even before the imperial Cholas, and the art and architecture under Pallavas co-existed in South India along with Cholas, Chaukyas and Pandyas. Situated near the shores of Bay of Bengal, it boasts of about a dozen heritage structures from the world famous Arjuna’s penance to the oldest lighthouse built in India. Olakaneswar is a lighthouse built by Pallava kings in early 600 CE and what is interesting is that it stands next to a British era lighthouse built over a 1000 years later in 1887. 15. Today they are protected and preserved by both ASI and UNESCO. They are an excellent example of art from the Pallava times. These structures still have the legacy of the famous Pallava Art. Amazing Famous Facts About Mahabalipuram Temple For Tourists and Kids. By the 6th Century it became a principal port during the Pallava rule from … The temples are shaped like Rathas or temple chariots with an exception that, there are no wheels. During the time of the Pallava Dynasty, it was a popular trading port. Best time to visit: November to February How to reach. This kingdom, with its capital in nearby Kanchipuram, extended its influence for nearly 300 years from around 570 CE to about 900 CE. Mahabalipuram or Mamallapuram was once a trade city that was established during the Pallava dynasty. Shore Temple Mahabalipuram was built by the Pallava kings in the 7 th century. This city is known for its famous buildings and carvings: There are several carvings of elephants, armies and whatnot, and stone chariots or rathas. Mahabalipuram became prominent during the Pallava-era reign of Simhavishnu during the late 6th century, a period of political competition with the Pandyas, the Cheras and the Cholas. Mamallapuram or Mahabalipuram is one of the oldest cities in India. Mahabalipuram is famous for its group of monuments located on the Coromandal coast in Kancheepuram District. The various rock carved sculptures are dedicated to the various Hindu deities and are considered as the finest masterpieces of Indian art. Two Statues of Pallava Kings and five pallava Inscriptions in a Rock Temple at Mahabalipuram. Though ravaged by the sea, wind and time, the sculptural treasures of Mahabalipuram speak volumes about the magnificent heritage of ancient Dravidian art and temple architecture. One has to buy a ticket before exploring Mahabalipuram. Earlier, Mahabalipuram was ruled by the Sangam Chola dynasty or one of the chiefdoms under this dynasty. Mahabalipuram is a temple town that is situated along the Coromandel Coast 55 kilometers off Chennai, the capital of Tamilnadu. Mamallapuram, or Mahabalipuram, is a town on a strip of land between the Bay of Bengal and the Great Salt Lake, in the south Indian state of Tamil Nadu. By air: Chennai airport is the nearest airport to Mahabalipuram at a distance of about 40 kms. The ancient Pallava era monuments, in particular the Shore Temples, have been declared a UNESCO heritage site. We started exploring Mahabalipuram from the Shore Temple. Mahabalipuram or Mamallapuram is a small tourist village in Tamil Nadu. Mahabalipuram, situated about 60 km ... of the descent of the Ganges that are very famous. The temple stands on a natural granite boulder. Location: W Raja St, Mahabalipuram, Tamil Nadu 603104. 14. 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