Top Things to do in Mahabalipuram
What to do and see in Mahabalipuram, Tamil Nadu: The Best Points of Interest & Landmarks
Just 45 minutes out of the city, the East Coast Road first stops at the historic town of Mahabalipuram. The 7th century erstwhile port city is famous for its rock-cut shore temples. A lone lighthouse on a hill watches over a group of temples below. Mahabalipuram also has some great cafes that serve good sea food. A backpacker’s delight, one can find cheap accommodations and plenty of activities.
Restaurants in Mahabalipuram
1. Pancha Rathas
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 901 reviews
Reviewed By Donna_in_India - New York City, United States
Panch Rathas, also known as Five Rathas, is a complex of monolithic rock-cut temples dating back to the mid-7th century. The Panch (five) Rathas (processional temple chariots) are named after the five Pandava brothers, heroes of the Indian epic Mahabharata. They are Draupadi Ratha, Nakula Sahadeva Ratha, Bhima Ratha, and Dharmaraja Ratha. The shrine panels are richly carved with Hindu deities. Two things make the rathas unique. The first is that the stones were cut in situ. The second is that the styles and techniques of wooden architecture were imitated in stone creating a variety of forms. These would later influence the very distinct South Indian temple design. The temples were never finished so none were ever used for worship.
2. Arjuna's Penance
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 722 reviews
This bas-relief with life-size images from a mythical story adorns a huge rock.
Reviewed By Honisoiquimalypense - Derby, United Kingdom
A must visit - it is a huge rock face (96 feet long and 43 ft high);covered with hundreds of carves statues and on the right a family of elephants! It really an eyeful and is the second longest carver mural in the world ( so we were told). It tells a tale of Arjuna but there is some dispute about this too! Still whatever- it is a must see!
3. Krishna's Butter Ball
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 869 reviews
Reviewed By Manasi_2004 - Mumbai, India
If you are fond of sculptures this is place. Please be sure to start your day early as lighthouse, maritime museum, Krishna butter ball, Arjuna penance, varaha temple all are in same premises and it is a bit of a walk. But very clean and neat place.
4. Mahishasura Rock
5. Tiger Cave
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 88 reviews
Reviewed By Vineethkcm - Chennai (Madras), India
Tiger cave is a wonderful rock-cut cave where the carved shapes of horses, tigers, and elephants amaze us. A must watch place in the evenings. A beautiful beach is near by.
6. Lion Throne Mahabalipuram Hill
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
7. Ramanuja Mandapam shrine, Mahabalipuram Hill
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
8. Olakkannesvara Temple
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
