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Introduction 
Mahabalipuram (or Mamallapuram, its ancient name) is one of history's intriguing enigmas.
Situated just 60 km off Chennai on the Bay of Bengal coast in the South Indian state of Tamil Nadu,
and was the port of the Pallavas. The Pallavas have created many marvellous monuments with Sculpture Panels, Caves Monolithic Rathas and
Temples in Mamallapuram. Mamallapuram sculptural extravaganza is a
living testament of the virile artistic temperament of the Pallavas
who were trendsetters in South Indian art.
History
The history of Mahabalipuram dates back to two thousand years, it contains nearly forty monuments of different types.
Experts say that there were seven pagodas or temples on the shores of Mahabalipuram. All but one were pillaged by the rapacious sea, though there is little underwater evidence to substantiate their existence.
Mahabalipuram was already a centre of pilgrimage when, in the 7th century Mamalla made it a seaport and began to make temples fashioned of rock.
Most of the temples and rock carvings of this place were built during the reigns of Narsinha
Varman I (AD 630-668) and Narsinha Varman II (AD 700-728).
Festival
The festival celebrated in Mamallapuram is :-
Dance Festival :- The Dance festival
starts on the 25th of December of every year and is conducted on all Saturdays,
Sundays and Government holidays, up to February first week. The
"Mamallapuram Dance Festival" is organized by the Department of
Tourism, Government of Tamil Nadu every year in Mamallapuram.
Best Season
The best time to visit Mamallapuram is during October to
March. The climate is not too hot during this period.
Travel Links of Tamil Nadu
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