Mamallapuram: A place to visit

Mamallapuram also well known as Mahabalipuram is located in the South Indian state of Chennai. This is one of the most popular pilgrimage that is built with attractive architecture of ancient times. Mamallapuram is reflected by art and culture of Pallava dynasty who ruled this place. Especially the carvings will inflame the imagination mostly at the time of sunset. This is one of the places which is in the list of cheap honeymoon and romantic packages in India. So, couple visiting as a part of India Honeymoon and Romantic packages can visit the temples to get blessed by God.

Places to visit in Mamallapuram

Mamallapuram, may not be a romantic place, but still it is also included in best Honeymoon and romantic packages in India, because most young couple also visit to the temples after they get married. Here are some of the popular places to visit in Mamallapuram.

1. Shore temple

Shore temple is one of the popular temples located in the Mamallapuram, town since its construction in the 7^th century and was again rebuilt by the King Narshima Verma 2. Shore temple is famous due to its architectural style, which is completely in the Dravidian style. This astonishing construction is one among the seven magnificent temples which were popularly called as Pagodas. This temple is well known for the finely created architecture of 3 shrines, which can be viewed upon visiting through the paved forecourt surrounded by weathered perimeter walls. It will be very amazing to look at the walls as they have been crafted with ‘Nandi’s’, all over. Shore temple consist of two Shiva temples, the special attraction of these temples is that one will be facing towards east, while the other towards west and these two will be flanking Vishnu temple. This is one of the interesting place and don’t forget to visit in your loving honeymoons.

2. Krishna temple

Krishna temple is yet another place that need to be visited by the tourists of Mamallapuram, without missing the chance. One will be surprised to see this temple, because it is built inside a cave. Krishna temple has got an amazing bas-relief, which showcases one of the scenes from the life story of Krishna. It is that scene, where Lord Krishna will be lifting up the Govardhana Giri Mountain for three days to protect his people and cows, from the rain, which was showered by Lord Indra. So, try visiting even this temple as a part of your tour to Mamallapuram.

3. Varaha temple

Varaha temple is also one of the popular temples of Mamallapuram, which tourists need not miss its amazing carvings and sculptures. Varaha temple is another cave temple, and it depicts another scene from the life story of Lord Vishnu. The special feature of this temple is that Lord Vishnu is  shown as Varaha that is boar, while Vamana as a dwarf. This temple illustrates the rescue of Godess Boodevi by the Lord Vishnu, who was in the avatar of a boar. The one who likes to know more about epics and wish to see them in the form of art, then this is the perfect temple.

4. Pandava Raths

Pandava Raths or Monolithic Shrines are yet another amazing thing to view without missing them on your visit to Mamallapuram. As the Pandavas are 5 in number there are a total five shrines that are carved in a amazing manner by the great ancient sculptors. They have carved four from only single rock, while fifth one from another small rock. The huge rath among the five is the Dharmaraja rath that is partioned into 8 panels, with excellent carvings of exquisite sculptures. Bhimas rath is of two storeys which are built on the lion based pillars, while Nakula – Sahadeva rath is more attractive with only one huge elephant on the front side. Arjuna rath will be amazing to view with most of the graceful gods figures along with the mortals, that is carved in a fantastic way. The smallest of all raths is Draupadi rath in a hut shaped structure with door keepers and Goddess Durga with a worshipper offering his neck. These raths are carved in fantastic and excellent way, which will be awesome to view.

5. Tiger Cave

Tiger cave is another fantastic and must visit place in Mamallapuram, by the tourists. This cave is just located a few kilometres away and near to the seashore on the Southern side. This cave will be facing the sea and is carved in an amazing manner. Tiger cave is built of one of the beautiful monolithic stages, to held cultural programs at this place in the ancient days. So, have a look at ancient days stage and hall where programs are conducted.

The above mentioned are the most popular places of mamallapuram, that are carved with excellent architecture and sculptures. All these carvings will be depicted from the stories of Ramayana, Mahabaratha, Lord Shiva, Lord Vishnu, other Gods and Goddesses. The other interesting places to visit near by Mamallapuram are Thirukkalikundram, Vedenthangal bird sanctuary, Thiruporur – temple of Lord Murugan, Sadras – age old fishing village, Arjuna’s penance, Mahishasuramardini cave, Mandapams and Lord Krishna’s Butter ball.

Where to eat in Mamallapuram?

Mamallapuram, being one of the tourist places and also listed in honeymoon tour packages in India, it offers excellent food options to its guests. There are many popular multicuisine restaurants along with South Indian in Mamallapuram. Some of the popular multicuisine restaurants that serve excellent varieties of palate are Water’s Edge cafe, Wharf, Gecko and Le Yogi while the South Indian restaurant is Mamalla Bhavan. So, taste the yummiest food in Mamallapuram after your long day journey.

Where to shop in Mamallapuram?

Visitors of Mamallapuram will be able to shop antique items related to furniture, paintings, sculpture along with carvings at Southern arts and crafts store. The other best thing to shop at Mamallapuram is books of several collections at Apollo books, that sells books of various languages.

Mamallapuram is an excellent place to visit in honeymoons or with family members that showcases historical temples and ancient days sculptures along with carvings.