Mahabalipuram & Kanchipuram in a day from Chennai by private car with guide

Ekambareswarar Temple

We visit Ekambareswarar of Pallava dynasty to appreciate these ancient architectural wonders. These were built in 600 AD and are magnificent specimens of the Pallava style of architecture.

We will visit the magnificent temple of Kailasanathar Temple from Pallava times. Kanchipuram was the capital of the medieval South Indian Kingdom of Pallavas. The Pallavas were instrumental in the transition from rock-cut architecture to stone temples. We will appreciate these architectural wonders built in 600 AD.

Pancha Rathas

Mahabalipuram is an ancient town and was known to be a trading post during Roman Times. It rose to prominence as a bustling sea port during the rule of the Pallava Dynasty headquartered in Kanchipuram during the 7th century AD. Ships sailing from South India to South East Asia used to depart from the Mahabalipuram port. Panch Rathas, or the 5 chariots is our first destination. These are rock cut monolith temples structures dedicated to Draupadi and the 5 Pandavas from the epic Mahabharata.

Arjuna's Penance

We also visit Arjuna’s Penance, a 100 feet x 45 feet bas relief where an entire masterpiece from the Mahabharata epic has been carved.

Krishna's Butter Ball

The next halt is at Krishna’s Butterball, a curious sight of a 5 meters diameter ball shaped boulder which is perched precariously on a slope and defies Newton’s laws of gravity!

Shore Temple

The legendary Marco Polo referred to Mahabalipuram as the city of 7 pagodas. The Shore temple is the only 1 of those magnificent 7 temples, which have survived the ravages of time. The Magnificent Shore temple beckons us. This 8th century structural temple is made of granite and served as a beacon for sea farers of the time.