Embark on a voyage of historic legacy at Mahabalipuram!

Embark on a voyage of historic legacy at Mahabalipuram!

Mahabalipuram is a town filled with a unique legacy and impressive cultural heritage. Located almost 60 km from Chennai, this temple town’s intriguing history provides a tale of fascination for history buffs worldwide. Nestled on the scenic shores of the Bay of Bengal, this worldfamous UNESCO World Heritage Site draws over 1.4 lakh tourists per year, rising above the Taj Mahal as one of India’s top tourist destinations.

For a city imbibed in history, the earliest known findings about this temple town remain a mystery to many. There are, of course, multiple theories but never any concrete proof of what existed before Mahabalipuram became a Pallava dynasty stronghold.

In the 7th century, Pallava king Narasimhavarma converted this town into the UNESCO World Heritage Site it is today. The temple town flourished as a religious, cultural and art centre, with numerous rock-cut architecture constructed. Here’s an overview of the famous monuments you cannot miss out on during your next trip to Mahabalipuram!

Shore Temple: One of the most famous monuments in Mahabalipuram, the Shore Temple is an architectural marvel located on the shores of the Bay of Bengal. This gorgeous temple garners tourists from

all over the world, and with good reason! The temple's intricate carvings and architecture are beautiful and spellbinding in its elegance and innovation.

The temple’s three shrines' ornamental motifs and sculptures were built with a stunning confluence of old and new-world technology, blending the best of rock-cut and free-standing structural architecture. The Shore Temple has immense significance in the rich history that shrouds Mahabalipuram, standing against the test of time as a monolith that heralded the magnificent legacy of the Pallava dynasty.

Pancha Rathas: The group of monuments famously dubbed the Pancha Rathas are another thing that stands as the pinnacle of architectural excellence. Each of the five monuments is built in the likeness of a chariot, carved over a single, long stone or monolith or granite. Pancha Rathas is believed to have derived from the Pancha Pandavas and their common wife, Draupadi, from the iconic epic ‘Mahabharata’.

While these structures are referred to mistakenly as temples, they are more vimanas. These monoliths were not consecrated because they were never completed before the death of the Pallava king Narasimhavarma. These monuments stand as an example of Dravidian architecture, with beautiful carvings preserved for their cultural significance.

Descent of the Ganges (Arjuna’s Penance): Descent of the Ganges, better known locally as Arjuna’s Penance, is one of the largest rock-cut reliefs in the world. This monument’s popularity is due to its intricate carving and rich history, attracting tourists, history buffs, historians and academics worldwide to marvel at its beauty.

With its unique carvings and technique, Arjuna’s Penance is one monument protected and preserved by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), and it is also a part of the 25 UNESCO World Heritage Sites in India.

Krishna’s Butterball: What may seem like a boulder has more than what meets the eye. Krishna’s Butterball, a huge monolithic boulder, seems to defy gravity, located at the edge of a slope but never moving from its position for years. There have been reports from 1908 that Arthur Lawley, the then Governor of Madras, feared for the safety of people if the rock rolled down the slope and tried using seven elephants to remove the rock, but he was ultimately unsuccessful.

With researchers failing to explain how the rock defies gravity, it’s safe to say that Krishna’s Butterball is a monument well worth visiting!

Mahabalipuram Lighthouse:

While the lighthouse may not be a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is nevertheless worth visiting. Constructed back in the 20th century, the lighthouse became open to the public in 2011. Tourists are encouraged to climb up the circular tower and take in the breathtaking panorama of the temple town. The town of Mahabalipuram stretches as far as the eye can see, broadcasting a visual treat for all!

Historic legacy on the scenic shores: Mahabalipuram is a town that stands as a testament to its historic legacy. With several monuments preserved for their architectural magnificence and innovation, this town is a mustsee for anyone who comes to the south for a vacation.

Located just 2km from Mahabalipuram is Kaldan Samudhra Palace, an elegant reimagination of India’s rich history. Inspired by Rajasthani architecture, Kaldan Samudhra is a Luxury Resort in Mahabalipuram that allows you to experience the regal history of the north and the south close to each other.

Book your stay at Kaldan Samudhra Palace and traverse the beautiful temple town of Mahabalipuram to indulge in its fascinating legacy. Enjoy our Palace Experiences at Kaldan Samudhra Palace, our luxury resort by the sea in Mahabalipuram!

For bookings & reservations, visit our website www.kaldanhotels.com or call us on +91 89258 14910.