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| Location: Right on the Coromandel Coast next to the Bay of Bengal |
Located in the state of Tamil Nadu,
Mahabalipuram is located right on the Coromandel Coast next to the Bay
of Bengal. It was a well established sea port during the 7th and 10th
centuries of the Pallava dynasty, and has flourished accordingly.
This city was actually the 2nd capital of the Pallavas. It was originally named after the rude, cruel, and arrogant King Mahabali who was killed during a fierce battle by Lord Vishnu at that location. It was named by the people more out of gratitude that the heartless king was killed there than out of respect upon his death for his leadership.
During the rule of the Pallavas, new styles of art and architecture were pioneered. Mahabalipuram is where they tried and then exhibited their new artistic and architectural creations. As a result, the area is brimming with rock-cut caves and numerous temples. In fact, this region is often referred to as an open museum. Some of the temples were even carved out of one enormous rock rather than simply constructed out of rock. Not much pillaging has occurred here over the centuries, since the wealth of the Pallavas was never flaunted, so the temples are well preserved.
The architecture is not the only draw for tourists in this city. The area is also nestled in an especially impressive setting. Beautiful white sandy beaches are plentiful, as are the casuarinas trees that are found in abundance there. Mahabalipuram is also known for providing a fantastic shopping experience. Exquisite local handmade crafts are readily available in the local shops.
This city was actually the 2nd capital of the Pallavas. It was originally named after the rude, cruel, and arrogant King Mahabali who was killed during a fierce battle by Lord Vishnu at that location. It was named by the people more out of gratitude that the heartless king was killed there than out of respect upon his death for his leadership.
During the rule of the Pallavas, new styles of art and architecture were pioneered. Mahabalipuram is where they tried and then exhibited their new artistic and architectural creations. As a result, the area is brimming with rock-cut caves and numerous temples. In fact, this region is often referred to as an open museum. Some of the temples were even carved out of one enormous rock rather than simply constructed out of rock. Not much pillaging has occurred here over the centuries, since the wealth of the Pallavas was never flaunted, so the temples are well preserved.
The architecture is not the only draw for tourists in this city. The area is also nestled in an especially impressive setting. Beautiful white sandy beaches are plentiful, as are the casuarinas trees that are found in abundance there. Mahabalipuram is also known for providing a fantastic shopping experience. Exquisite local handmade crafts are readily available in the local shops.
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State: Tamil Nadu
District: Kancheepuram
Famous for/as: Heritage, Beaches
Languages: Tamil, English
Best Season: Oct - Mar
Weather: Summer 21 to 41°C, Winter 17 to 33°C
Altitude: 12 m
Pincode: 603104
STD code: 044
District: Kancheepuram
Famous for/as: Heritage, Beaches
Languages: Tamil, English
Best Season: Oct - Mar
Weather: Summer 21 to 41°C, Winter 17 to 33°C
Altitude: 12 m
Pincode: 603104
STD code: 044
