Mahabalipuram beach
(Mamalapuram Beach)

Mahabalipuram Beach (also known, as "Mamallapuram Beach") is located 
58 kms south of Chennai on the shores of the Bay ofBengal,spanning a distance of over 20 km.The Mahabalipuram beach is a marvelous destination to visit. It isprobably one of the finest un-touched beaches in India. Mahabalipuram was the erstwhile port of the Pallava dynasty. They have created many marvellous monuments with Sculptural Panels, Caves, Monolithic Rathas (chariots). This place was declared as the World Heritage Site by UNESCO, in the year 1995. This golden sandy beach is a picturesque place bounded by the shimmering sea and rolling hills. Tourists from across the globe come to Mahabalipuram. 

Department of Tourism, Government of Tamil Nadu hosts a Dance Festival annually at Mahabalipuram during Jan- Feb.The dances like Bharathanatyam, Kuchipudi, Kathak, Kathakali and folk dances are included in this festival.

Attractions of Mahabalipuram Beach

Dakshinachitra - On the way from Chennai to Mahabalipuram Dakshinachitra - a heritage centre, can be seen. Here traditional crafts persons and folk artists work and perform in the reconstructed period settings of 19th century homes, streets and workspaces of the Southern States of Tamil Nadu, Kerala , Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh. 

Shore Temple - This is a twin temple, and is one of the oldest temples in south India. It belongs to the early 8th century AD and is a good example of the first phase of structural temples constructed in Dravidian style.The monuments are floodlit at night and gives a beautiful view.

Mahabalipuram Shore Temple

Arjuna's Penance