Excursion Mahabalipuram - vision in stone tour at Chennai

Leave behind the modern world for a trip back in time. Travel by motor coach to Mamallapuram - a wonder in stone on this full-day excursion with lunch.

Earlier known as Mahabalipuram, Mamallapuram reflects the glory of the Pallava Emperors, who reached their zenith in the 7th and 8th centuries AD.

Mamallapuram

Your sightseeing here begins with a visit to the open-air museum of sculpture and its breath-taking display of masterful sculpture carved out of solid rock. Relaxing in the shade of the casuarinas it is a mute observer, looking on, at the visitors who come to marvel at the artistic genius of the Pallavas.

Arjuna's Penance

The best known piece de resistance is undoubtedly Arjuna's Penance, or the Descent of the Ganga, the world's largest bas-relief that is 27 meters long and 9 meters wide and one of the masterpieces of Indian art. It is a beautiful composition of hundreds of celestial beings, humans and animals, all hurrying to a natural rock cleft that divides the giant stone canvas.

Mandapams

You also visit the Shore temple and the Mandapams, each a cave scooped from a hillside of solid rock and ornamented pillars and sculptured panels and the Rathams, monolithic rock-cut shrines that have inspired generations of South Indian builders.

Durga & Tiger Caves

Continue on to the Durga Cave, located in the Mahishasuramardini Mandapam, that depicts Goddess Durga, the amazon, astride a lion battling the powerful buffalo headed demon Mahishasura. You will get a chance to see the famous Tiger Cave, which was left unfinished and was meant to be an open-air amphitheater. Sculptured tiger heads frame a tiny stage in a casuarinas grove.

Following your tour re-join the coach for your journey back to the pier stopping along the way at Fisherman's Cove en route for lunch. Built on the ramparts of an old Dutch fort, the snug resort is set amidst whispering casuarina and palm trees.

Please note: This tour requires a moderate amount of walking involved with some stairs, inclines and distances; however it is not particularly strenuous. This tour is not wheelchair accessible. Proper attire is required to visit the sacred sites. Shorts and short skirts are not allowed, and women must have their shoulders covered. Shoes must be removed prior to entering the temples. We recommend bringing along a pair of thick socks, as the pavement may be hot. Photography is not permitted inside the temples. Vehicles used are the best available in the city, they will not be of the same standard as vehicles found in the Western countries.