By Air
The nearest airport from Mahabalipuram is Chennai (Madras), located around 60 km away. One can get flights for almost all major destinations in India and abroad.

By Rail
The nearest railway station, Chengalpattu, is around 29 km away from Mahabalipuram. Trains for Chennai and several other major cities in South India are available from here.

By Road
Mahabalipuram is connected by road to Chennai, Tirukkalikundram (Pakshithirtham), Kanchipuram (65 km), and Pondicherry.

Area
8 sq. km

Population
12,049

Languages
Tamil and English

STD code
04114

Beach Temples
The most renowned tourist attractions of the town of Mahabalipuram are its beautiful beach temples. The five rathas (chariots) are architectural precursors of the temples of south Indian. The smallest and the simplest is the Draupadi ratha and the largest is the multi-storeyed Dharmaraja ratha scopped from a monolithic rock. These small unfinished shrines ravaged by war and weather are things of undiminished beauty. The Kailasanatha temple, Sri Varadaraja temple, Sri Vaikuntaperumal temple, etc are all amamzing instances of patience, skill and labour.

Varaha Cave
The Varaha Cave is a small rock-cut mandapam (hall), that is a faceted and finished gem with four panels of the famous Pallava doorkeepers.

Arjuna?s Penance
Arjuna?s Penance, perhaps the world?s largest bas-relief, is an incredible work of art. According to the legend, King Bhagiratha had to bring down to earth the celestial Ganga to purify and redeem the cursed souls of his ancestors. But the torrential river would flood the earth, and so he had to undergo a penance to propitiate Shiva who finally received the flood in his matted locks and let it trickle down. The world?s creatures gathered around to watch. The cleft in the rock depicts the descent of Ganga, a theory supported by the ruins of a stone water tank on the hill.

Mahishamardini Cave
The Somaskanda sculpture in the Mahishamardini Cave radiates peace, power and wisdom while Lord Vishnu in omniscient repose is a masterpiece of dhwani (the art of suggestion) perfected by the Pallava sculptor. Feeble sunlight glimmers on panels of classical beauty.

Shore Temple
However, it is the Shore Temple that evokes the spell of Mahabalipuram. A three-in-one abode of god-a Vishnu temple sandwiched between two Shiva temples-it is a visual delight, its precincts abounding in architectural masterpieces.

Sculpture Museum
The Sculpture Museum in East Raja Street contains more than 3,000 sculptures by the local artisans, made in wood, metal, brass, and cement.

Tiger Caves
About 5 km north of Mahabalipuram is Tiger Caves, a rock-cut shrine, possibly dating from 7th century.

Tirukkalikundram
Tirukkalikundram is a pilgrimage center that lies around 14 km from Mahabalipuram. It is a hilltop temple dedicated to Lord Shiva that is worth visiting.

Muttukadu
Muttukadu is an ideal place for water sports that is located 21 km from Mamallapuram. The Tamil Nadu Tourism Development Corporation (TTDC) has a boathouse here. Visitors can enjoy boating, canoeing, kayaking, and windsurfing. The Dakshina Chitra of Madras Craft Foundation here has replica of an old agricultural house of Tamil Nadu, replica of Kanchipuram weavers house and replicas of ancient houses presenting the lifestyle of South India.

Mahabalipuram has kept alive and, to a great extent, revived the ancient art of stonemasons and sculptures. The sculptors in various yards work to carve beautiful shape and size from stone. They receive contract from all over India and abroad to supply images of various kinds. These images include deities for temples and other forms for restoration works. One can buy these images and statues at several handicraft emporia scattered around the town.