Best Day Out Places in Mahabalipuram

Dating back to the 8th century AD, Shore Temple is one of the oldest temples which represent the ancient designs, carving art and constructions. It is claimed to be a part of Seven Pagodas by the legends and is one of the finest places to visit in Mahabalipuram. One can also locate the decorative top of the temple covered with sculptures and carvings, which indeed adds somewhat authentic beauty to it. The temple is standing strong with the help of the supporting stone that resists it from erosion. Shore Temple is located at the shore of Bay of Bengal which offers a beautiful view of the never ending ocean. This temple has three shrines where two of them are dedicated to Lord Shiva and the other one is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. The place is very clean and its location made it a major attraction among the tourists.Location: Mahabalipuram, Tamil Nadu 603104.Entry-Fee: INR 340 for foreigners and INR 10 for locals, free for children (below 15 years).Timing: 6 am to 6 pm every day.Best time to visit: The best time to visit this historical temple is from October to March, or in the months of January and February, considering the climatic factor.

The word Pancha means five, hence the place presents five Rathas built with rocks. It denotes the evolution or rise of the Dravidian architects. The temple also resembles the historical monarchs and shrines of Buddhists, while the Rathas are associated with Mahabharat. Describing the rath, the first one is Drupati's, which stands in on the right side by the entrance. Arjuna’s rath is situated just beside Draupadi’s whereas, stands Nakula Sahadev Rath and Bhima is located at the front. Dharamraj Yudhistar’s Rath is the largest. This place seems to be one of the best tourist places in Mahabalipuram.Location: Mamallapuram, Kanchipuram district, Tamil Nadu Entry-Fee: INR 10 for the India-based tourists and INR 250 for the foreigners.Timing: 6 am to 6 pm every day.Best time to visit: The perfect time to visit this place is during the winter months, i.e., from September to March.

Descent of the Ganges is one of the giant open-air sculptures which was engraved on two stiff rock boulders and it is one of the significant places to visit in Mahabalipuram. This is a great place to explore the history for some time with your family as it has some of the beautiful sculptures and carvings. This interesting rock relief has very sensitive and realistic carvings to explore and remember for lifetime. This monument was created by King Narsimhavarman of Pallava dynasty and it portrays his great imagination which was used by the workers to carve such an amazing and appealing rock-cut sculpture.Location: W Raja St, Mahabalipuram, Tamil Nadu 603.Entry-Fee: INR 10 for Indians and INR 250 for foreigners and Free for children below the age of 15.Timing: 6 am to 6 pm every day.Best time to visit: The most ideal months to visit Descent of the Ganges is from  September to May.