Mamallapuram

Mamallapuram, Tamilnadu (60 kms, 90 minutes by road; rent a car & driver)

Mahabalipuram (also called Mamallapuram) was a 7th century port city of the South Indian dynasty of the Pallavas around 60 km south from the city of Chennai in Tamil Nadu. It is believed to have been named after the Pallava king Mamalla. It has various historic monuments built largely between the 7th and the 9th century, and has been classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The city has been a centre for stone carving for hundreds of years, a legacy displayed in superb temples, bas reliefs and mandapas (narratives carved into the face of shallow rock overhangs). The most famous example in Mahabalipuram is the Shore Temple, but the intriguing unfinished temples provide an insight into the sculptor’s art.

With the rhythmic sounds of stone carvers chipping away at granite, interesting streets lined with shops and cafes (serving delicious seafood) and an informal backpacker atmosphere, Mahabalipuram makes for an enjoyable weekend getaway from Chennai.

If you have time, there are two interesting diversions. First, the Madras Crocodile Bank – set up by renowned herpetologist, Romulus Whittaker, this not-for-profit conservation and breeding centre for crocodiles and turtles, has one of the world’s most diverse collections of these reptiles. It’s a lovely setting with plenty of learning opportuities for adults and kids. The second diversion, is Dakshina Chitra, a centre for the preservation and promotion of South India’s architectural and cultural traditions. Set up by American historian, Dr. Deborah Thiagarajan, the highlight is the different houses that were trans-located piece-by-piece from their dilapidated locations to this setting and today form part of this museum.

Leave on a Saturday morning or even an afternoon, breeze down the magnificent East Coast Road and check into one of many beach resorts located in close proximity to Mahabalipuram. Our favourites are the Ideal Beach Resort (3-star) and the GRT Temple Bay Resort (4-star).

All in all Mahabalipuram is the perfect overnight self-drive destination.