Mahabalipuram is an ancient portal city (7th century) of the great Pallava kingdom. Now it is situated in the Kanchipuram town of the Tamil Nadu State. The place is historically well known for monolithic temples, and a beautiful coast line. It is a world heritage site now. It is on the east coast of southern India. It is often known as the ?city of seven pagodas?. Mahabalipuram is well connected to other major cities by road and railway. It is just 60 km drive from Chennai ?the capital city of Tamil Nadu. You can also reach via Pondichery. Places to see ? Mahabalipuram, much back in the history of India belonged to the Sangam dynasty. Later it was ruled by the Pallava dynasty. It is known as the ancient portal city. Chinese and Roman coins have been found at the excavated site to prove that. It is reported that during the reign of Pallavas envoys to Cylon (today?s Shrilanka) were sent. Monuments displaying the Dravidian architecture are the major attractions of Mahabalipuram. ? Shore temple: This is an old temple built on the sea shore. It is not a monolith structure and much of it has been reconstructed in recent times. ? Other attractions are: five stone chariots, Tirukadamali temple, and a museum. ? Single rock cut monuments: these monuments are located within a forest site and are all monolith structures. They are Arjuna?s penance (a rock relief), Krishna?s butterball, Mahishmardini cave and the Varaha cave. ? The place has a beautiful sea shore. You can relax on the shore, can go for surfing or, you can take a boat ride. ? It is a place for the sculptors. There are joints to teach stone carvings if one is interested. You can buy some of the sculptures if you like. ? Kalpakam, the first nuclear reactor of India is situated just a few kilometers from the shore city. But, the entrance to the reactor area is restricted.
