Mahabalipuram Tour
Rock cut sculptures & architecture
Mahabalipuram Tour takes us to the 8th century world heritage site famous for spectacular rock cut architecture. The experience comprises spell binding Pancha Rathas or Chariots carved in stone, Asia’s largest bas-relief structure at Arjuna’s Penance, a gravity defying boulder and the magnificent Shore Temple, which was one of the 7 Pagodas as mentioned by Marco Polo during his visit in the 11th Century.
World heritage site
Mahabalipuram was known to be a trading post during Roman Times. It rose to prominence as a bustling sea port during the 7th century AD. We will marvel at the incredible skills of the ancient sculptors and architects who carved art out of rocks!
Arjuna Penance
Arjuna’s Penance is a 100 feet x 45 feet bas relief where an entire masterpiece from the Mahabharata epic has been carved. The river Ganga is at the center of the panel, surrounded by divine beings, hunters, animals, birds and trees belonging to the Himalayan ranges. Do not miss the sculpture of a cat standing on one leg in imitation of a holy man while plump mice gather around!
Pancha Rathas
The 5 chariots are rock cut monolith structures, where of the chariots are dedicated to the lead cast of the Mahabharata epic- Draupadi, Arjuna, Nakul-Sahadeva, Bhima and Yudhister. There is also a sculpture of an elephant next to the ratha of Nakul-Sahadeva.
Mahishasura Mardini Cave
Two of the most impressive works of art of Mahabalipuram reside in this cave. It has 2 imposing bas-reliefs on the walls. The first one is Lord Vishnu sleeping on top of the coils of a serpent. The other is with Goddess Durga fighting with the demon on a lion.
Ganesh Ratha
This is a imposing chariot carved out of a single stone. Originally dedicated to Lord Shiva, it now has the deity of his son Lord Ganesh. It was built in the 7th century by King Mahendravarman I. The other highlight of this temple are the 18 inscriptions in ancient grantha and nagari scripts of Sanskrit.
Sea Shore Temple
The magnificent Shore temple beckons us next in the Mahabalipuram tour from Chennai. This 8th century structural temple is made of granite and served as a beacon for sea farers of the time. Legend says that this was a part of a complex of 7 temples dotted along the Sea. In fact the legendary traveler Marco Polo also mentioned Mahabalipuram in his memoirs and called it the city of 7 pagodas.
Varaha Cave
The Varaha cave is carved out of huge piece of granite and dates back to the 7th century. This temple took several decades to be completed. There are squatting lions adorning the pillars which support the hall. Another highlight are the sculptures of two guardian angels who protect the sanctum.
Trimurty Cave
This cave is a fine example of the spectacular architecture style of the Pallavas. The rock cut temple is dedicated to the holy trinity of Hindu Gods- Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva. There are fine carvings of elephants as well.
Guided Tour
Mahabalipuram tour is a fully guided tour led by a professional guide who will explain the intricacies of the sculptures as well as set the context for the rock cut temples.
Strenghening local community
Mahabalipuram is the proud recipient of world's first stone carving city declaration. However, the next generation of sculptors are moving to the cities for jobs threatening a slow death for this fine art. Our company is helping this community by training & employing local guides and by procuring their wares to strengthen their livelihood.
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Pricing Chart
- Single guest- Rs 3000
- 2-3 guests- Rs 2500 per person
- 4+ guests- Rs 2000 per person
- Includes- Guide & Entrance
- Single guest- Rs 3750
- 2-3 guests- Rs 3250 per person
- 4+ guests- Rs 2750 per person
- Includes- Guide & Entrance
- Single guest- Rs 3750
- 2-3 guests- Rs 3250 per person
- 4+ guests- Rs 2750 per person
- Includes- Guide & Entrance
Trip Itinerary
Visit 8th century rock cut sculptures of Mahabalipuram.
Panch Rathas, or the 5 chariots is our first destination in the Mahabalipuram tour. These are rock cut monolith structures, where of the chariots are dedicated to the lead cast of the Mahabharata epic- Draupadi, Arjuna, Nakul-Sahadeva, Bhima and Yudhister. There is also a sculpture of an elephant next to the ratha of Nakul-Sahadeva.
Next in our Mahabalipuram tour from Chennai, we visit Arjuna’s Penance, a 100 feet x 45 feet bas relief where an entire masterpiece from the Mahabharata epic has been carved. The river Ganga is at the centre of the panel, surrounded by divine beings, hunters, animals, birds and trees belonging to the Himalayan ranges. Do not miss the sculpture of a cat standing on one leg in imitation of a holy man while plump mice gather around!
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