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Shopping Delights	City Name

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	<channel>
		<title>Mahabalipuram</title>
		<link>http://www.travelguru.com/travelguide</link>
		<language>en-us</language>
		<pubDate>Thu, 23 Aug 2007 14:29:50 EDT</pubDate>
		<ttl>10</ttl>
		<image>
			<title>Travelguru</title>
			<link>http://www.travelguru.com/hotels/</link>
			<url>http://www.travelguru.com/images/logo.gif</url>
			<width>145</width>
			<height>65</height>
			<description>Hotels in India Find Cheap and Budget Hotels online on India largest Hotel Network.Instant Hotel Reservation at Best price</description>
		</image>

<item>
	<title>Editor's Note</title>
	<link></link>
	<description>
		<![CDATA[
			
		
			<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="2">
 	
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 <td class="body-text" align="justify"><img src="http://www.travelguru.com/travelguide/images/mahabalipuram-editor.jpg" hspace="15" width="220" height="140" class="body-img" alt="Mahabalipuram" align="right" />Mahabalipuram or Mammallapuram was named after the Pallava ruler who set his capital here. Little did he then know that his very kingdom would one day feature in the UNESCO World Heritage map! And why not? After all, it is home to one of the greatest wonders you'd ever find - huge structures intricately carved out of single rocks! A glimpse here does bring to mind how the artist must have conceived these dreams in stone. It reaffirms ones faith when you see temples and carvings dedicated to almost the entire Hindu pantheon. This is the home of the Shore Temple, which is the lone survivor of Gods' jealousy and to the greatest bas-relief depicting the determination of ancient characters and exuding an unseen gradeur. Drive down the picturesque East Coast Road, catch splendid views of the coastline and set aside a few days to revel in Mahabalipuram's glory - it is undoubtedly worth it!
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<item>
	<title>Fast Facts</title>
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		<![CDATA[
			
			<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="2">
 
 <tr>
 <td valign="top" class="climate-head">Climate</td>
 <td class="body-text"><table class="body-text" width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="2">
 <tr>
 <td class="body-text" width="15%" valign="top"><img src="http://www.travelguru.com/travelguide/images/icons_03.gif" alt="Summer" width="48" height="44" /></td>
 <td width="83%" valign="middle">Summer 
 April-mid June, Hot and humid during the day, relatively pleasant at night 
Temperatures - 21.1°C-36.6°C</td>
 </tr>
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 <td class="body-text" colspan="2" height="13"class="body-text"></td>
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 <tr>
 <td class="body-text" align="left" valign="top"><img src="http://www.travelguru.com/travelguide/images/icons_10.gif" alt="Monsoon" width="48" height="44" /></td>
 <td class="body-text" valign="middle">Monsoons 
 June-September, Heavy rainfall 
Annual rainfall - 800 mm</td>
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 <td colspan="2" height="12"class="body-text"></td>
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 <td align="left" valign="top"><img src="http://www.travelguru.com/travelguide/images/icons_06.gif" alt="Winter" width="48" height="44" /></td>
 <td valign="middle">Winter 
 November-February, Days are pleasant & nights are cool 
Temperatures - 19.8°C-30.5°C</td>
 </tr>
 </table></td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
 <td width="20%" class="climate-head">Local Languages:</td>
 <td width="80%" class="body-text">Tamil & English</td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
 <td class="climate-head">Best Time to Visit:</td>
 <td class="body-text">November-March, Avoid the monsoon period</td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
 <td class="climate-head">Clothing:</td>
 <td class="body-text">Light cottons, sunglasses & sunscreen during summers & a couple of light woolens during winters. Since you'd be able to swim in the sea here, you may carry some swimming gear. However, remember that nudity is strictly prohibited here.</td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
 <td valign="top" class="climate-head">Moving Around: 
 </td>
 <td class="body-text"> For local transport, taxis can be hired from Chennai. The easiest way to move around is, undoubtedly, on foot, though it is not advised on a hot day. You can hire mopeds or motorbikes which are convenient or opt for cycle-rickshaws. 
 </td>
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 <td valign="top" class="climate-head">Tourist Offices:</td>
 <td class="body-text">Tamil Nadu Tourist Office 
Kovallal Road, Mahabalipuram 
Tel : 04114-242232
</td>
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<item>
	<title>What to See</title>
	<link></link>
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	 <tr>
 <td align="justify" class="body-text"><img src="http://www.travelguru.com/travelguide/images/mahabalipuram-what-to-see.jpg" hspace="15" width="220" height="140" class="body-img" alt="Mahabalipuram" align="right" />Shore Temple: This magnificent temple is believed to be the lone survivor of a set of seven temples in Mahabalipuram. One of the oldest temples constructed in Dravidian-style, the Shore Temple is a declared UNESCO World Heritage site. Almost entirely covered in carvings, the temple is a five-storeyed structure sporting shikharas with overhanging eaves and placed on a square platform. Within the main complex are three temples, the main dedicated to Lord Shiva, who is the patron deity here. Before you enter the sanctum housing the partially-damaged shivling, you’d be confronted with two carved Dwarpalakas who appear to protect the sanctum. The temple walls are also lined with carvings of Brahma, Vishnu, Parvati, Skanda, Gaensha, Narasimha and Durga.

The other two temples in the complex are dedicated to Lord Vishnu in a reclining position and Vishnu astride the Garuda, helping Gajendra, the elephant. Carvings depicting the life of Lord Krishna cover the wall surrounding the mandapas. Also worth noticing here is a rock-cut structure of two women riding a lion. Also beautiful is a carving of a buffalo demon running with a stick in his hand. The temple is particularly striking when it is lit up on weekends. 
Open from: 6.00 am-5.30 pm 
Entry fee – Rs 10

Arjuna’s Penance: This is believed to be the largest open-air bas-relief in the world, carved almost entirely on one side of a cliff. This structure shows Arjuna doing penance to obtain a special weapon for the Mahabharata. Along with this, carvings of celestial beings, sun, moon, sages meditating, scenes from a forest, animals are birds are also seen. This relief has a fissure, and carvings in it are believed to depict the flow of Ganges on earth, also called Descent of Ganga. Legends have it that King Bhagiratha had to bring Ganga down to earth so he could free the souls of his ancestors. Since the heavy flow of Ganga would devastate the earth, he performed severe penance so Lord Shiva would receive the river in his matted locks and let it drop down. In fact just above the cleft is the ruin of a stone water tank from where water used to descend through the cleft.

Thirukadalmallai: Dedicated to Lord Vishnu, this structure was built by a Pallava King as an effort to safeguard sculptures from being corroded by the ocean. There is also a separate shrine to Lord Narasimha, built in typical Pallava-style. A prasadam of tamarind rice, curd rice, pongal, vada and murrukku is offered daily to the god.

Varaha Cave Temple: Located next to Arjuna’s Penance, this temple is a small rock-cut structure dedicated to Vishnu as a boar. The entrance to the temple has two pillars engraved with two-horned lions, as if protecting the shrine. This temple was built to commemorate the saving of Bhudevi (goddess earth) by Vishnu. Also visible here is a carving of Goddess Durga on a lotus, standing under the royal umbrella. 
Open from: Sunrise-sunset, Monday-Friday 
Entry fee – Rs 5

Krishna Mandapam: Dedicated to Lord Krishna, this temple has carvings depicting Krishna’s life. A particularly imteresting carving is that of Krishna lifting the Govardhan Mountain to protect the locals. Other interesting carvings include a shepherd milking a cow, a farmer walking with a child on his shoulder, a shepherdess carrying a pot of curd and a woman carrying a rolled mat on her head and a tier of arranged pots in her hand.
 
Open from: Sunrise-sunset, Monday-Friday 
Entry fee – Rs 5

Mahishasuramardini Mandapam: This rock-cut temple has three shrines inside, with carvings of Goddess Durga waging a battle against the Mahishasura demon. Other carvings include a sculpture of Shiva with Parvati, Ganesh and Skanda, Lord Vishnu in a reclining position on the serpent, Lord Brahma and Lord Vishnu. 
Open from: Sunrise-sunset, Monday-Friday
 
Entry fee – Rs 5

Pancha Rathas: This is a fine example of a monolith rock-cut structure in Mahabalipuram. Dedicated to the pandavas and their wife Draupadi, each shrine is built out of a single piece of stone. Draupadi’s Rath is a hut-shaped structure located at the entrance of the entire complex and dedicated to Goddess Durga. Carvings of Durga standing on a lotus and worshipped by two devotees and a carving of the lion, enhance its appeal. Arjuna’s Rath is dedicated to Lord Shiva, and is striking for the absence of carvings on the inner walls. The outer walls, however, have interesting carvings of Lord Vishnu, Lord Indra and two women. A figure of Nandi Bull is also present, though it is incomplete. The Nakul and Sahadeva Rath is dedicated to Lord Indra and has carvings of elephants, which face the sea. The Bhima Rath is particularly striking because of its magnanimous shrine and pillars carved with lions. Yudhishtar Rath is possibly the largest of all Rathas and is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The peculiarity of this temple is the absence of stairs from the ground to the first floor, though stairs are present from the first to the second floor. You’d also find here a carving of Ardhanareshwar, a blend of Shiva and Parvati. Other carvings include those of Lord Krishna and Lord Vishnu, a devotee holing a flower basket and a temple priest holding a set of keys. The Ganesh Rath is the only complete structure in this complex. It was earlier dedicated to Lord Shiva, and now is a shrine to Lord Ganesha. 
 
Entry fee – Rs 10

Trimurti Cave: Another rock-cut temple, it is dedicated to the Hindu Trinity – Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva. Carvings of a Shivling and Lord Brahma adorn the first two cells. The third cell has an image of Goddess Durga, who is depicted stamping Mahishasura’s head. Also present adjacent to it is a rock-cut zoo, which depicts carvings of an elephant, a calf, a monkey and a peacock.

Replica of Arjuna’s Penance: Located close to Krishna Mandapam, this was possibly started as an effort to replicate Arjuna’s Penance. Though incomplete, you can catch a glimpse of the efforts put in to create it.

Adivaraha Temple: Located close to the Mahishasura Mandapam, this shrine is dedicated to Vishnu as a boar. Carvings of Vishnu’s 10 reincarnations (the 9th being as Buddha), adorn the walls. Carvings of shiva receiving the Ganges in his matted locks are also visible. Vishnu seated on the lotus and surrounded by his queens, Goddess Lakshmi on a lotus and two figures of Pallava kings are other interesting carvings inside.

Krishna’s Butterball: This is one of the most striking elements of Mahabalipuram near Ganesh Ratha. This huge natural rock is perched on a hillside and does not move. In fact, the Pallava kings had once tried to move it with the help of elephants, but were unable to do so. It also provides a respite from the heat – if you dare to sit beneath it!

Tiger’s Cave: The mere mention of this is likely to conjure up images of prowling tigers, but that is absolutely not the case! This cave derives its name from a lone cave with tiger heads set around the temple. This cave is a favourite picnic spot and contains a shrine dedicated to Goddess Durga.

Mamallapuram Beach: This is one of the cleanest and well-kept beaches in India, close to the Shore Temple. The shore is fringed with casuarinas groves and provides spectacular views of the sunrise and sunset. You can also enjoy a session of swimming here, though you must remember that nudity is strictly prohibited here.

Government College of Sculpture: Located 2 kms from Mahabalipuram, this is the best place to catch a glimpse of how carvings and rock-cut architecture was done. You can also undertake a course of creating sculptures in wood and stone.</td>
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<item>
	<title>Gourmet Feasts</title>
	<link></link>
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		<![CDATA[
			
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 <td class="body-text" align="justify"><img src="http://www.travelguru.com/travelguide/images/mahabalipuram-food.jpg" hspace="15" width="220" height="140" class="body-img" alt="Mahabalipuram" align="right" />Typical to any seaside city, fresh fish is the most prevalent meal. For this the Sea Shore Restaurant offers excellent tiger prawns. Luna Magica on the beach also offers fresh lobsters and prawns. What’s even better is that you can actually view all fishes on display before making your choice. Moonrakers Restaurant on Othavadai Street is known for its amazing ambience combined with the freshest seafood and South Indian curries. Their pancakes and tropical fruit salad are also much recommended. Head out to German Bakery to try great cinnamon rolls, chocolate cakes and hot cappuccino. For a true South Indian feel, head out to Village Restaurants, which is set next to a lake and is overshadowed by swaying palms. Tina Blue View is an extremely quiet restaurant and is one of the few hotels serving chilled beer! Mamallapuram Bhavan’s Sarus Restarurant and Ananda Bhavan are known for vege South Indian thalis. The chettinad chicken is also well-known at Golden Palate Restaurant. </td>
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<item>
	<title>Shopping Delights</title>
	<link></link>
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 		<td align="justify" class="body-text"> <img src="http://www.travelguru.com/travelguide/images/mahabalipuram-shopping.jpg" hspace="15" width="220" height="140" class="body-img" alt="Mahabalipuram" align="right" />Small bazaars are set up near the tourist attractions that sell a couple of interesting souvenirs. One of the most popular buys is the sculptures and statues made of granite stones. These are available in various shapes and sizes, including animals, gods and goddesses. Idols made of soapstone and wood are intricately carved and constitute popular shopping items. In addition jewellery and other articles made of sea-shells are available aplenty. If you wish, you can also try a hand at chiseling an article on your own. The sculptors would only be glad to help you out!</td>
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<item>
	<title>Festive Celebrations</title>
	<link></link>
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 <td align="justify" class="body-text"><img src="http://www.travelguru.com/travelguide/images/mahabalipuram-festival.jpg" hspace="15" width="220" height="140" class="body-img" alt="Mahabalipuram" align="right" />
 The otherwise quiet town of Mahabalipuram comes to life during the four-week Mahabalipuram Dance Festival in January and February. Organised by the Department of Tourism at the Arjuna’s Penance, the event is marked by spectacular performances of traditional dances as Bharat Natyam, Kuchipudi, Kathak, Odissi and Kathakali. These events are organized and performed in an open-air theatre and is attended by artists from across the country. Pongal is one of the most important festivals celebrated all over Tamil Nadu to mark the harvesting of crops.</td>
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<item>
	<title>Staying There</title>
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 <td align="justify" class="body-text">Since Mahabalipuram is essentially a tourist location, the hotels available are not exactly the budget-type. Located close to the Shore Temple, <a href="http://hotels.travelguru.com/moreinfo.do?strHotelId=00001908&link=HotelOverview&hotelName=Fortune+Chariot+Beach+Resort%2C+Mahabalipuram&hotelClass=0&address1=Five+Rathas+Road%2C+Distt.+Kancheepuram&address2=&city=Mahabalipuram&state=Tamil+Nadu&pinCode=000000&country=India&strAffiliateCode=00000080&strCurrency=INR&searchChoice=right">Fortune Chariot Beach Resort</a> is one of the higher-priced hotels and extremely popular. The rooms are beautifully done, offer views of the sea and there is a 24 hour coffee shop offering good meals. Another popular hotel close to the Shore Temple is <a href="http://hotels.travelguru.com/moreinfo.do?strHotelId=00000436&link=HotelOverview&hotelName=Sterling+Mahabalipuram&hotelClass=0&address1=Shore+Temple+Road&address2=&city=Mahabalipuram&state=Tamil+Nadu&pinCode=603104&country=India&strAffiliateCode=00000080&strCurrency=INR&searchChoice=right">Sterling Mahabalipuram</a>, which is known for its ayurvedic centre. If you wish to stay near the sea, book yourself a room at <a href="http://hotels.travelguru.com/moreinfo.do?strHotelId=00001329&link=HotelOverview&hotelName=Hotel+Sea+Breeze&hotelClass=0&address1=Ottawadai+Street&address2=&city=Mahabalipuram&state=Tamil+Nadu&pinCode=603104&country=India&strAffiliateCode=00000080&strCurrency=INR&searchChoice=right">Hotel Sea Breeze</a>. <a href="http://hotels.travelguru.com/moreinfo.do?strHotelId=00001422&link=HotelOverview&hotelName=Shelter+Beach+Resorts&hotelClass=0&address1=275%2C+East+Coast+Road%2C+VadaNemmeli&address2=&city=Mahabalipuram&state=Tamil+Nadu&pinCode=603104&country=India&strAffiliateCode=00000080&strCurrency=INR&searchChoice=right">Shelter Beach Resorts</a>, as the name suggests, is a good option set near the sea as a tropical beach resort. <a href="http://hotels.travelguru.com/moreinfo.do?strHotelId=00001328&link=HotelOverview&hotelName=Mamalla+Beach+Resort&hotelClass=0&address1=108%2C+Kovalam+Road&address2=&city=Mahabalipuram&state=Tamil+Nadu&pinCode=603104&country=India&strAffiliateCode=00000080&strCurrency=INR&searchChoice=right">Mamalla Beach Resort</a> and <a href="http://hotels.travelguru.com/moreinfo.do?strHotelId=00001450&link=HotelOverview&hotelName=Mamallaa+Heritage&hotelClass=0&address1=No.104%2C+East+Raja+Street&address2=&city=Mahabalipuram&state=Tamil+Nadu&pinCode=603104&country=India&strAffiliateCode=00000080&strCurrency=INR&searchChoice=right">Mamallaa Heritage</a> are simple but good options for a comfortable stay. Located about 15 kms from Mahabalipuram, <a href="http://hotels.travelguru.com/moreinfo.do?strHotelId=00001460&link=HotelOverview&hotelName=VGP+Golden+Beach+Resort-15Kms+before+Mahabalipuram&hotelClass=0&address1=East+Coast+Road%2C&address2=&city=Mahabalipuram&state=Tamil+Nadu&pinCode=600041&country=India&strAffiliateCode=00000080&strCurrency=INR&searchChoice=right">VGP Golden Beach Resort</a>, <a href="http://hotels.travelguru.com/moreinfo.do?strHotelId=00001451&link=HotelOverview&hotelName=Green+Coconut+Resort+%2815+Kms+before+Mahabalipuram%29&hotelClass=0&address1=58%2F1%2C+East+Coast+Road%2C+Muttukadu&address2=&city=Mahabalipuram&state=Tamil+Nadu&pinCode=603112&country=India&strAffiliateCode=00000080&strCurrency=INR&searchChoice=right">Green Coconut Resort</a> and <a href="http://hotels.travelguru.com/moreinfo.do?strHotelId=00001418&link=HotelOverview&hotelName=MGM+Beach+Resorts+%2815Kms+before+Mahabalipuram%29&hotelClass=4&address1=East+Coast+Road%2C+Muttukadu&address2=&city=Mahabalipuram&state=Tamil+Nadu&pinCode=603112&country=India&strAffiliateCode=00000080&strCurrency=INR&searchChoice=right">MGM Beach Resorts</a> are located on the East Coast Road that offers rooms with good views and amazing dining options.</td>
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<item>
	<title>Getting There</title>
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 <td width="5%" valign="top" class="climate-head">Air:</td>
 <td width="5%" valign="top" class="body-text"><img src="http://www.travelguru.com/travelguide/images/icon-air.gif" alt="Air" width="48" height="44" /></td>
 <td width="75%" valign="top" class="body-text">Meenambakkam Airport in Chennai, 52 kms, is the closest airport. Pre-paid taxis are available from the Chennai Airport to reach Mahabalipuram.</td>
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 <td valign="top" class="climate-head">Rail: </td>
 <td valign="top" class="body-text"><img src="http://www.travelguru.com/travelguide/images/icon-rail.gif" alt="Railway" width="48" height="44" /></td>
 <td valign="top" class="body-text">Mahabalipuram has a good network of roads that connect it to Chennai, Kanchipuram, Chengalpattu and Pondicherry.</td>
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 <td valign="top" class="climate-head">Road:</td>
 <td valign="top" class="body-text"><img src="http://www.travelguru.com/travelguide/images/icon-road.gif" alt="Roadways" width="48" height="44" /></td>
 <td valign="top" class="body-text">Chennai Central, 55 kms is the closet railhead, connected to Bangalore, Delhi, Mumbai and other states in Tamil Nadu.</td>
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	<title>Trivia</title>
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 <td align="justify" class="body-text"><img src="http://www.travelguru.com/travelguide/images/mahabalipuram-trivia.jpg" hspace="15" width="220" height="140" class="body-img" alt="Mahabalipuram" align="right" />Mahabalipuram is often called the City of Seven Pagodas, though you can only see one out of them! Legends have it that Mahabalipuram was once a large and beautiful city. In fact its beauty was so great, that the Gods themselves were jealous of it. In a fit of jealousy, the gods sent a terrible flood, which completely submerged the entire city in one day! Till date local folklore has it that there were seven temples here, out of which, six got totally submerged in the waters, and only the seventh temple, Shore Temple, remains standing on the seashore!</td>
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