Chennai To Mahabalipuram - How To Reach

By Author: Rashmiranjan Patil
Total Articles: 261
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Mahabalipuram is a tourist destination in the Kanchipuram district of Tamil Nadu along the Coromandal Coast which is known for its historical monuments, serene beaches, sculptures, scenic beauty, culture and tradition.

Mahabalipuram is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This place has some of the best creations of the Pallavas whose rule in south India is referred to as the 'Golden Age'. 'The Pallavas' architectural genius is reflected in temples some of which are made out of an entire large rock and world's largest artistic bas-reliefs.

Mahabalipuram attracts tourists to visit its beautiful white sandy beaches and other tourist spots are the Shore Temple, Five Rathas, a rock-cut temple, Arjuna's Penance, Trimurti Cave Temple, Krishna's Butterball, Dakshinachitra and sculpture museum. There are many popular caves in Mahabalipuram like Tiger's Cave, Varaha Cave Temple and Koneri Cave.

The Open Air Dance Festival in Mahabalipuram is an annual four week dance festival extravaganza where skilled dancers perform traditional dances like Bharat Natyam, Kuchipudi, Kathak, Mohiniattam, Odissi and Kathakali.

Mahabalipuram ...
... is just 55 km away from Chennai. Mahabalipuram is one of the best weekend destinations from Chennai, not just for its proximity and connectivity, but also for its architectural grandeur.

The best way to travel is by taking a bus from the Chennai bus stand to Mahabalipuram.

TNSTC ply buses on the route to Mahabalipuram on a regular basis. Private operators have a/c and non a/c buses plying between the two towns and take an hour to reach Mahabalipuran from Chennai. The cost of a bus ride may vary from Rs. 30 for an ordinary bus to Rs. 80 for a deluxe seater.

If one is travelling with kids and elders hiring a cab from Chennai to Mahabalipuram is the best option. For a round trip the charge will be in the range of Rs 2000.

If you plan to drive yourself, it will be a very rewarding experience what with this 55 km stretch being along the Bay of Bengal. The East Coast Road also known as SH 49 is known for its smooth roads and excellent views. There are numerous restaurants, petrol bunks and other amenities on the way for your convenience.

Mahabalipuram does not have a railway station. Chengalpattu is the nearest railway station that connects Chennai to Mahabalipuram. One can catch a train from Chennai get down at Chengelpettu and then take a cab or bus to Mahabalipuram. Chengelpettu is 31 km away from Mahabalipuram. You can catch any train on the Chennai-Trichy route. The trains that run between Chennai and Chengelpettu are the Guruvayur Express (16127), Mangalore Express (16107), Bhubaneswar-Rameswaram Weekly Express (18496), Nagercoil Express (0637), Trichendur Express (16735) and Vaigai Express (12635).

There are no flights from Chennai to Mahabalipuram.