Chennai day trip to Kanchipuram and Mahabalipuram

Chennai day trip to Kanchipuram and Mahabalipuram

Mahabalipuram & Kanchipuram tour from Chennai is about the 8th century twin wonders of Pallava architecture. We will cover the magnificent temples of Ekambareswar & Kailashnath in Kanchipuram and then visit weavers of the famed Kanchipuram Silk Saree. After that we visit the ancient sea port of Mahabalipuram and visit the legendary rock cut structures lie Arjuna’s penance, Five Rathas and the iconic Shore temple which served literally as the beacon for sea farers from the 8th century onwards.

Itinerary
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Stop At: Ekambareswarar Temple, Ekambaranathar Sannidhi Street, Kanchipuram 631502 India

Built in 600 AD by Pallava Kings, this is a magnificent specimen of dravidian architecture. Guests will be mesmerized at the "hallway with a thousand pillars", which was built by the Vijayanagar Kings. The temple's inner walls are decorated with an array of 1,008 Siva lingams.
The highlight of this temple is a 3,500 year old mango tree whose branches are said to yield four different types of mangoes!


Duration: 45 minutes

Stop At: Kailasanathar Temple, Pillaiyarpalayam, Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu 631501, India

This temple is also dedicated to Lord Shiva and its most interesting characteristic is the magnificent tower over the Sanctum Sanctorum. The foundation of the temple is laid on granite stones while the superstructure is carved out of sandstone. Interested guests can try an interesting path around the sanctum where they can climb up and down a flight of seven stairs and will need to crawl through narrow ways! The statue of a kneeling bull is another highlight of this temple.

Duration: 45 minutes

Stop At: Kanchipuram India

anchipuram is renowned for its magnificent Silk Sarees. Silk Sarees are a cultural icon in South India. Ranging in length from 6-9 yards, these Sarees are worn by women during auspicious occasions like a wedding or a birthday. There are more than 5000 families who are into the business of silk weaving. The Sarees are weaved from pure mulberry silk thread.

We will visit a weaver in action and see how Silk Sarees are made on the loom. You will be able to interact with the master weaver and ask questions.

Duration: 1 hour

Stop At: Pancha Rathas, Kancheepuram District, Mahabalipuram 603104 India

Our next destination is the world heritage site of Mahabalipuram, 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
We first visit Arjuna’s Penance, a 100 feet x 45 feet bas relief where an entire masterpiece from the Mahabharata epic has been carved.

Duration: 45 minutes

Stop At: Arjuna's Penance, West Raja Street Near Ganesha Ratha, Mahabalipuram 603104 India

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

Duration: 30 minutes

Stop At: Krishna's Butter Ball, E Raja St, Mahabalipuram 603104 India

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!

Duration: 15 minutes

Stop At: Sea Shore Temple, Mahabalipuram India

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. This is the last remaining of the fabled 7 pagodas mentioned by Marco Polo during his travels!

Duration: 45 minutes