Mahabalipuram Beach

Mahabalipuram beach or Mamallapuram is one of the most attractive beaches in the Southern part of the country. Mahabalipuram is located under Kancheepuram district in the state of Tamil Nadu and is famous for its rich heritage and serenity. Mahabalipuram beach which lies on the shores of the Bay of Bengal on India’s east coastline, situated 58km from Chennai on the Mahabalipuram road. This beautiful 20 km long golden sandy beach is a perfect place for a lazy family gate-together. The beach offers activities like sunbathing, scuba diving, surfing and boating. There are many monuments, rock-cut temples and Monolithic Rathas around the town with same name. They say Mahabalipuram has ‘poetry in stone’ and you just need to listen to it. The breathtaking Mamallapuram Dance Festival in January every year at Arjuna’s Penance attracts tourists from all over. The best time to visit Mahabalipuram is between October and March.

To experience reminisces of historic monuments from Pallava dynasty and Dravidian temple art and culture along with beautiful sea beach come to Mahabalipuram.

Here is a little Mahabalipuram guide for travelers:

Route:

By Air: The distance from Chennai International Airport to Mahabalipuram is about 58-km.

By Train: From Chengalpattu station Mahabalipuram is about 29-km way and you have to take auto or taxi to reach the twon.

By Road: Mahabalipuram is approximately one hour’s drive from city of Chennai. So take a cab or auto rickshaw from Chennai central. Bus service is also available from Chennai. The bus service is also available from Pondicherry, Kanchipuram, Chengalpattu.

Nearest Railway stations: Chengalpattu or Chingleput (29 km)

Nearest Airports: Chennai International Airport (41 km)

Main Bus stops: kalpakkam bus stand

Famous Places around the area: Mahabalipuram beach, Thirukadalmallai, Varaha Cave Temple, The Shore Temple, Pancha Rathas, Mahishasuramardhini cave, Krishna Mandapam, The Tiger Cave and Light House

 Climate: Summer (25°C to 41°C), Winter (17 to 33°C)

 Population: 12,000 (approx)

Local Famous Foods: Mahabalipuram is famous for its mouth-watering cuisine varying from spicy south Indian dishes to local Sea Foods.

 Local restaurants: Gecko Café (way to the Shore Temple), Seashore restaurent, Moonrakers, Mahabalipuram bhavan (near bus stand), Ulna magic.

ATM locations: Lots of ATMs can be found on Old Mahabalipuram Road, ICIC ATM near Kancheepuram, HDFC at Novalur and SBI at Vinayaga Cottage.

Emergency numbers: Mahabalipuram E1 Police station (044-27442221); All women police station (044–27443331)

Nearest Hospitals/Nursing homes:

Vee Care Health Centre (044-39246464/39246400); S V Hospital (044-64617397); Suradeep Hospital (044-27442448)

Budget and safe hotels for middle class:

• Siva Guest House

#2 Ottavadai Cross Street,

Ph: 044-27443534

Email: sivaguesthouse@hotmail.com

Tariff: 1000/-

• Hotel Mahabs

Tarriff: Rs. 1100+ (for standard room)

No. 68 East Raja Street (Behind SBI-ATM)

Phone: 044-2744264

• Jawaharlal Nehru Rest House,

Covlong Road, Mahabalipuram

Tariff Rs. 300 onwards

• Green Woods Beach Resort

#7, Othavadai Cross Street,

Mahabalipuram,

Tariff: Rs. 400 onwards

Booking facilities related to the place: Spot booking

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