Also known as Mahabalipuram, this ancient sea port was built by Emperor
Mahendravarman Pallava in the 7th century. From here ships left for countries
in south-east Asia and the Mediterranian carrying not only traders but people
who emigrated to countries like Indonesia, Thailand and Combodia. Over the
passage of time Mamallapuram ceased to function as a port but its glory lived
on in its finished and unfinished temples and monuments. Time and natural
forces have wrought changes onthe solid rock surface of these monuments but
each sculpture and image still succeeds in conveying a message of beauty and
harmony. Mamallapuram bears testimony and pays tribute to its Pallava artists
and to the culture of South India. Among the places of interest are Arjuna's
Penance, Krishna Mandapa, Mahishasuramardini Cave, Mandapams, Pancha Rathas,
Shore Temple and Varaha Mandapa.
Pulicat (54 km)
This is the site of an old Dutch settlement dating back to 1609. Today,
Pulicat is a picnic spot famed for its lake. There are amenities of
sort for swimming, fishing, and windsurfing. History-buffs can wander
around the ancient Dutch cemetery with its well-preserved tombstones.
Cholamandalam Artists' Village (28 km)
Contemporary art, sculpture, batik and craft flourish in this little
palm-studded sea-rimmed artists' commune that was started in 1966.
Artists and sculptors live and work here and also exhibit and sell their
work. Its open air auditorium is also the venue of avant garde theatre,
poetry-reading and dance recitals.
Kovalam (43 km)
A picturesque fishing village en route to Mamallapuram. It has an
idyllic, golden beach and a charming luxury hotel beach resort that's been
ingeniously integrated with the remains of a fort. The resort offers
delicious sea food and facilities' for such watersport as swimming and
windsurfing. The ruins of the old fort, an ancient Catholic church and a
mosque make interesting viewing.
V.G.P. Golden Beach Resort (30 km)
This is a cleverly planned beach resort geared to entertain the visitor
with sculptured vignettes from the past, folk dances and ethnic sea food
cuisine. Its unique stretch of spotlessly clean golden sand is a warm
invitation to sun-bathers and the surf beckons the seabather. The V.G.P.
Art Centre, a part of the resort complex, sells merchandise ranging, from
sea shells to rural handicrafts. Pretty tacky and tastelessly done!
MGM Dizee World (20 km)
An amusement park complete with Roller Coasters and Water Slides and
Giant Catherine Wheels - fun place for kids.
Dakshina Chitra (immediately next to Dizee World)
A reasonably new place presented by the Madras Crafts Foundation as a show
piece of different living styles in the South. Contains recreations
of Brahmin, Chettinad, a potters, a basket weaver's, a silk weaver's houses
along with live representations of their craft. Similarly the Kerala section
has a Syrian Christian house, a Menon house etc. Very authentic since the
dwellings were actually bought from their places of origin and replanted
here. There is an accompanying audio-visual presentation and a little gift
shop. Very well done and definitely worth a visit.
Crocodile Bank (31 km)
Several species of Indian and African crocodiles and alligators bred in
captivity are kept here in open pools. Visitors can view the reptiles
from close but safe proximity. There is also a small snake farm here that
conducts demonstrations of venom extraction.
Kancheepuram (75 km)
This spectacular temple city is one of the seven sacred cities of India.
It was, successively, capital of the kingdoms of the Pallavas, Cholas and
rajas of Vijayanagar. The temples and gopurams they left behind are
exquisite reminders of the beauty of Dravidian architecture, from the
freshness and simplicity of the Pallavas' 7th-century Kailasanatha
Temple through to the Vijayanagar Empire's 16th-century
Ekambareshwara Temple. The latter covers nine hectares, has a
59-metre-high gopuram, a 1000-pillared hall and a sacred mango tree said
to be 3500 years old. Kanchipuram is also famous for its hand-woven silk
fabrics. The best way to see the temples is to hire a bicycle or a
cycle-rickshaw driver for the day and have plenty of baksheesh ready for
the temple guides, shoe-minders and riff-raff who will relish your arrival.
Courtesy: Tamil Nadu Tourism Development Corporation.
This site will continue to be under construction!
This site will continue to be under construction!