Mahabalipuram, once known as Mamallapuram is a historical beach town which lies 60 km ahead from Chennai on the east coast in TamilNadu. The town is popular among the locals as a famous weekend getaway and is equally known among the UNESCO heritage lovers. Mahabalipuram has several monuments dating back to 7th and 8th century when the Pallavas returned from Sri Lanka to rule here and made this beach town as their thriving seaport. So, here in this Mahabalipuram travel guide, we will be briefing and opening up all the histories which you must know once visiting the monuments of this small historical town.
History of Mahabalipuram Town
According to the legends, the name Mahabalipuram is derived from two words “Mahabali” and “Puram”. The word Mahabali comes from the King name Bali or Mahabali who once ruled this place and “Puram” in Sanskrit means a city or urban dwelling. So, together it makes Mahabalipuram. Whereas there is another legend theory thought that the Pallava King Narasimhavarman I, was a great wrestler and to honor him he was dedicated to the great title Mamalla. So, together the historical town got its name as Mamallapuram. 100vw, 683px” data-recalc-dims=”1″></p>
<h3><strong>Heritage walk through a Historical town: Mahabalipuram Travel guide</strong></h3>
<p>Mahabalipuram town might be the first love of <strong>UNESCO world heritage site</strong> lovers but it too is a great place to admire sculptures, dwell into the caves, soak in the beaches and smell the fresh coastal air.</p>
<p>We did the early morning, heritage walk of historical town Mahabalipuram, during our visit to Chariot Beach Resort for #chariotbloggersretreat #ctbr #funatcbr.</p>
<p>Also, read the activities you must explore with Chariot Beach Resort, Mahabalipuram</p>
<h4><strong>1.Shore Temple</strong></h4>
<p>The Shore temple, as the name says looks on to the shore of Bay of Bengal and is a part of UNESCO monuments listing. It is also one of the oldest temples in South India.</p>
<p><strong><em>Ticket:</em> </strong>Rs 30/- for Indians and Rs 500/- for Non-Indian; extra charges for videography.</p>
<p><strong><em>Timings:</em> </strong>6:00am – 6:00 pm</p>
<p><em><strong>The time required for exploring</strong>:</em> 30 minutes to several hours, depending on your eye detailing.</p>
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Are you a #heritage site lover? Then #mahabalipuram is going to interest you for sure. The rooftop of this stone carved temple was used as a lighthouse in ancient time and to us this whole structure looked like a Komodo dragon. What can you relate the same to? Let us know in the comment box below. #travel #travels #travelaroundtheworld #traveller #travellers #traveling #travelblogger #travelblog #allgudthings #travelphotography #travels #coupletravel #like4like #followme #explorer #wanderer #photography #photo #picoftheday #unesco #lighthouse #india #southindia #igers #wanderlust #traveltheworld #travelislife #travellove
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Opposite to this temple stands the circular masonry tower made up of natural stone which is said to be a new lighthouse. It got opened to the public only in 2011. Adjacent to it lays the oldest lighthouse of India, built by Pallava King Mahendra in 640AD, which is now a protected monument.
 100vw, 522px” data-recalc-dims=”1″><figcaption>Light House: Mahabalipuram Travel Guide</figcaption></figure>
<p>One must climb both the lighthouses to get the panoramic city views.</p>
<h4><strong>6. Panch Rathas</strong></h4>
<p><em><strong>Ticket: </strong></em>Rs 30/- for Indians & Rs 500/- for Non-Indians</p>
<p><em><strong>Timings: </strong></em>6:00am – 6:00 pm</p>
<p><em><strong>Time required for exploring</strong></em>: 1 -2 Hrs</p>
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