Mamallapuram holds a baffling visual treat around every corner. Its awe-inspiring cave temples, sculptures and monuments leave one marvelling at the skill of the craftsmen of that time. With its striking bas reliefs and rock-cut temples, Mamallapuram is practically an open-air museum. Many of the temples, built with granite, relate the stories from the Hindu epic Mahabharata.

Once a thriving port, Mamallapuram is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site complex, also famous for its seashell jewellery, seafood, cafes and markets and a breathtaking ocean-front. While you can soak in history visiting various historical sites, Mamallapuram’s pristine beaches fringed by lush groves with a warm sun, invite surfers. With perfect sea waves between June and September, the beaches host surfing training sessions conducted by experts. The town is also a major stopover for visitors coming from Chennai and Puducherry.

Mahabalipuram was a well-established seaport between the 7th and the 10th centuries. It earned its name for the legend of demon king Mahabali being killed at the site by Lord Vishnu. Taken over by the kings of the Pallava dynasty, who shifted their capital from Kanchipuram to Mamallapuram, giving glory to king Narasimhavaranam, who was bestowed with the title of “Mammala” for his wrestling skills. During the rule of the Pallavas, many great artists, dancers, poets, writers found a foothold here and left their mark.

The Pallavas made Mamallapuram a hub where they emerged as pioneers of new styles of art and architecture, making good use of their resources. However, the ingenuity of the Pallavas remained hidden from the world for centuries. When the region received its fair share of the limelight, it quickly became popular for its architectural marvels, gorgeous beaches, absolute serenity and mesmerising temples, and not to mention the fascinating legends of the Pallavas.

The 44th FIDE Chess Olympiad is an over-the-board event where national chess federations compete in games with a classical time control for gold medals, trophies, and the title of strongest chess nation in the world. The event started on July 29  and ends on August 11 at Mahabalipuram.

Nearest train station to Mamallapuram is Chengalpattu Junction. It connects Chennai and various parts of Tamil Nadu by express and mail trains. On arrival at the station, one can hire a cab to travel a distance of around 29 km to reach Mamallapuram.

How to reach Mahabalipuram

By Air

There are no direct flight services to Mahabalipuram. The nearest airport is in Chennai, around 40 km away. You can hire a taxi from the Chennai airport to reach Mahabalipuram.

Nearest Airport: Chennai Airport – 40 kms from Mahabalipuram

By Bus

You can reach Mahabalipuram via Chennai or drive straight by car. Bus services are available from Chennai, Chengalpattu railway station and also from Pondicherry.

By Train

There is no direct train service to Mahabalipuram from anywhere. You have to catch a bus or car from Chennai or from Chengalpattu.