Holding the secrets of the cold crushing waves and the golden sun rays, Mahabalipuram is among the most pristine of Tamil Nadu's beaches. It stretches over 20 km along the Bay of Bengal and is very near(5 km) to the chaotic town. The beach is blessed with the Pallava period rock-cut caves, sculptures and is the new member in the diary of World Heritage Site. The place is also popular as Mammallapuram beach destination in India, where beach-lovers can swim close to the shore, pick shells, built sand-castles and also soak themselves in the balmy sun.

Things to do and see on Mahabalipuram
Where action lovers can have good time with a catamaran rides in the sea and catching marine fishes, luxury lovers can rejuvenating the body and mind with a cool beach walk and swimming. But exploring Mahabalipuram beach is restricted to early morning and evening and the main task here lies in making a heritage trail. The main attraction on the sea-beach are its ancient temples and monuments, which speaks a lot of the marvelous craftsmanship of the erstwhile Pallava Dynasty.

The shore temple, perched on the sands ensures the visitors to take back home speechless memories of wandering around the colorful beach stall in the temple town or enjoying a picnic-time with the dear ones. History indicates that the town was once the most important ports of the Pallava Kings, who ruled between the 6th and 8th centuries. All the set up temples depicts the ruling dynasty of their builder-Narasimhavarman Pallava(600 CE) and his successor, Raja Simhavarman(780 CE).

The bas relief of The Descent's of Ganga, also known as Arjuna's Penance is located in the middle of the town. This excellent example of rock art measures 27m by 9m and is learnt of as the largest bas relief of the world.

Another attraction of this beautiful town is the Pancha Ratham or the Five Chariots. This clustered mandapas has been designed in five different style of temple architecture and is associated with the historical saga of Pandavas. It is located just 1 km South of Arjuna Penance

Besides the bas reliefs, structural temple and monoliths, the heritage corner also has a number of cave temples, which highlights the mythological legends of God and Goddesses. And of the many visitors get highly attracted towards the cave with a carving of Lord Krishna holding up the Govarhan Mountain and the Mandapa to Vishnu in the Vishnu Avtar.

Mahabalipuram Dance Festival
A visit during the later-half of December offers the celebration of Mahabalipuram Dance Festival, organized each year, against the dramatic backdrop of the Arjuna's Penance. The event showcases cultural dance programmes of India and also invites visitors to participate from across the world.

Mahabalipuram Beach Shopping
Beach shopping in Mammallapuram deals in buying the stoneware. A number of shops set up on the beach road exhibits the beautiful statues of Lord Ganesha, Nataraja, Nandi, deer elephants etc. All this show-pieces ranges form big to small size made of soft soapstone to cuddapah, granite and marbles. Other exquisitely carved articles like incense holders, pen-stands, ashtrays and alike are also popular items of the market. Fashionistas can load their kitty with leather footwear, shell ornaments and looking glasses at cheap rates.

Eating at Mahabalipuram
A number of charming restaurants in Mahabalipuram are famous for their sea-foods like crab curries, fish and prawn fry, squid dishes etc. The resort restaurants also serves South Indian staples like Idli, Dosa and Pongal. The Wharf of Temple Bat Resort, Pongamiya of the Sterling Resort, Blue Elephant and Moonraker on the Othavadai Street are among the few must-visit food-courts. Besides beach shacks like the Luna Magica, Seashore and Ananda Bhavan serves the sumptuous sea-foods and a good South Indian Thali.

Place of Accommodation in Mahabalipuram
Sightseeing during the journey helps visitors find a row of luxury resorts, lodges and hotels , which extends all the way into the town. The luxury resorts on the East Coast Road in Devaneri are Golden Sun, Ideal Beach Resort, Mamalla Beach Resort, TTDC beach resort(Hotel Tamil) and GRT Temple Bay. While on proceeding towards Mahabalipuram , visitors can book hotel rooms in Sterling Mahabalipuram, Mamalla Heritage Hotel and Mahabs Inn. Budget options are also clusters along Othavadai Street and of the many are the Tina Blue View Lodge and Uma Guest House.

When to visit Mahabalipuram Beach
The best time to visit Mahabalipuram beach is form November to February.

How to Reach Mahabalipuram
Mahabalipuram beach is situated 58 kms from Chennai, the major town of Tamil Nadu. Visitors need to collect relevant transport information, available on the city

By Air
The nearest airport from Mahabalipuram beach is at Chennai and regular flights operates to and from the aerodrome, connecting the place with other Indian cities.

By Rail
Chengalpattu, situated 25 kms from the beach is the nearest railway station. Only local trains are manged from the station. On reaching visitors can hire bus and taxis from the nearby stands and reach Mahabalipuram beach.

By Road
Mofussil Bus Terminus at Koyambedu in Chennai's is the main bus-stand to board buses to Mahabalipuram beach. The East Coast road from Chennai passes through the towns at Thiruvanmiyum, Uthand, Covelong and other major cities within the states, therefore visitors can hire local transport and reach the beach destination.