A monument complex on the Coromandel Coast in Kancheepuram district, the group of monuments at Mahabalipuram is a collection of 40 sanctuaries. The site dates back to the Pallava Period and include some cave temples of Mahabalipuram including the Krishna Cave temple, Varaha Cave temple and Panchapandava Temple among others.

In addition, the structural temples including shore and Olakkannesvara temples also form part of the Group of Monuments in Mahabalipuram. Descent of the Ganges or the Arjuna’s Penance which is considered to be one of the largest open-air bas-reliefs in the world is also a part of this group.

History

The site at which the Group of Monuments in Mahabalipuram came into existence was initially a seaport during the era of Periplus and Ptolemy during 1st Century AD and AD 140. It was only in 7th century AD that temple building activity in rock cut architecture got initiated in the region. The advent of structural temples got initiated in 8th century, a reflection of which can be seen in form of shore and Olakkannesvara temples.

These monuments were rediscovered by Archaeologists associated with antiquarian art in 19th century. The site attained relevance from tourism perspective during 20th century and was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1984.

Architecture

A unique fusion of religion, culture and legends’ is evident at the Group of Monuments in Mahabalipuram. A unique aspect of all these monuments is that these have been designed in Dravidian Style of Architecture. This rock cut architectural design laid a firm footing for development of future temples in the region which eventually followed suit and were designed on the lines of Group of Monuments in Mahabalipuram.

This style of architecture not only got popular in South India but many temples in Java and Cambodia can also be seen to have similar architectural instinct. 

Activities & Excursions

• The Group of Monuments in Mahabalipuram is a key attraction site for those with interest in exploring the architectural designs of the Dravidian era.
• The place being a UNESCO World Heritage site attracts large number of visitors from world over.
• Mahabalipuram is a key tourist attraction and the visitors besides checking out the Group of Monuments can indulge in a host of other activities.
• One of the biggest open air rock canvases in the World, Arjuna’s penance also forms a part of the Group of Monuments at Mahabalipuram.

How to Reach

By Air

Chennai International Airport located at a distance of 54 km from Mahabalipuram is the nearest air link. Taxis can be hired from the airport for a comfortable journey to the Group of Monuments in Mahabalipuram.

By Train

The nearest rail head is at Chengalpattu and is located at a distance of 29 km from Mahabalipuram. This railhead has direct connectivity with Chennai, Mumbai and Kolkata. Taxis can be hired from Chengalpattu for onward journey to Mahabalipuram.

By Road

Mahabalipuram is well connected by the road network to important cities in Tamil Nadu including Pondicherry, Kanchipuram and Chennai among others. Tamil Nadu State Road transport corporation buses can be hired for a comfortable journey from any of these destinations.