BEST PLACES IN MAHABALIPURAM
Seashore Temple
If you are visiting Mahabalipuram, one of the best places to start your adventurous day should be the Shore temple overlooking the Bay of Bengal. This ancient temple on the way to Mahabalipuram is rock-cut and five-storied, dating to the 7th century AD. Built-in Dravidian architecture, the temple faces east and the sun rays directly fall on the Shiva linga, while the temple houses two more shrines dedicated to the Lord Vishnu.
Things to see or do: Admire the beautiful carvings of Nandi along the temple walls
DakshinaChitra
This beautiful exhibit of the local culture, craft, and heritage called DakshinChitra should be your next stop. Established in 1996 by the Madras Craft Foundation, this museum showcases various aspects of culture from various states in South India, such as North Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, etc. You can also attend the various workshops that are conducted here in indigenous arts and crafts including pottery and indigo dying.
Arjunar Penance
This amazing depiction of the famous Pandava, Arjuna as he performed penance to Lord Shiva is etched on the boulder here. According to the mythological epic Mahabharata, Arjuna performed the penance to seek the blessing of Lord Shiva in form of the Pashupatastra, a weapon to defeat the Kauravas who had wronged him and his brothers. The boulder also depicts the penance of sages to descend the river goddess Ganges to earth from the heavens by the grace of Lord Shiva.
Covelong Beach
One of the most famous of the Mahabalipuram beaches is Covelong Beach which is 17 km away from the city. Also called Kovalam beach, this place is filled with amazing activities for all tourists. There is also a church, a mosque, and a 17th Century port on the beach.
Muttukadu Boathouse
