An easy, practical and in-sequence itinerary planner I have travelled the length and breadth of India, and am truly proud of its rich and varied heritage. I am amazed by the tradition and values, the people, festivals, celebrations and the changing landscape. Have you wondered if it's possible to travel across India completely? Most foreigners arriving in India, land in Delhi and then travel the Golden Triangle route first- which is a good decision incase you have limited time at hand and want to make the most of it. The Golden Triangle- Delhi, Agra and Jaipur includes the much hyped Taj Mahal which invariably is part of a tourist's bucket list. This blog on the other hand- is a sequential strategy and detailed 'been there done that' itinerary plan starting from Mumbai. I am sure as we go through this Journey you will understand India better. My experiences are based from the perspective of a - digital nomad, budget backpacker and from a local standpoint. Each Itinerar
Mahabalipuram Dance festival 2021 | Signs of the PALLAVAS
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Mamallapuram, better known as Mahabalipuram or Mahabs is a coastal town approx 60 kms from the bustling metropolis of Chennai. Originally just a small fishing village, this town owes its importance to the PALLAVAS under Narasimhaarman I (630- 688 CE). Initially serving as an outpost, to guard their kingdom from sea invaders; Mahabalipuram gradually grew into a major port city that traded with many foreign countries.
Getting here~ Mamallapuram lies on the ECR (East Coast road) 60km south of Chennai. Almost all buses on ECR stop here. From OMR (Old Mahabalipuram road)~ bus#515 but has less frequency. Otherwise get down at Kelambakkam, auto to Kovalam (which on ECR) and a bus to Mamallapuram.
Entry Ticket : YES, Need to purchase from ASI website OR Counter. Indians 40rs, Foreigners 600rs. 1 ticket for all monuments. If you're buying at the counter please carry cash.
Timings : 10am to 5pm
Guides are available, negotiate well.
Tip~ Approx duration of tour 2/ 3 hrs. Carry cap, water and snacks as it gets hot during the day.
WHAT TO SEE HERE
THE MONUMENTS here were built in the 7th century AD during the period of the Pallava dynasty.
#1 Shore Temple in Mahabalipuram
The temple's unique location on the shores of Eastern India is similar to that of Somnath in Gujarat which is located on India's West Coast. The importance of this temple is evident by the fact that it served as a landmark for navigating ships on this route.
Shore temple at Mahabalipuram, TamilNadu
The temple dates from the 7th - 8th CE AD and is built using the technique of interlocking rocks. The 3 shrines within are dedicated to ~ Reclining Vishnu, Swayambu lingam, and Shiva (Ksatriyasimnesvara). Over time it is said that a 13th CE tsunami claimed the remaining structures, leaving only what we can see today. Ironically enough, it took the 2004 tsunami to reveal remnants of the earlier structure.
There are 2 different versions to this open-air rock relief. (1) Descent of the Ganges assisted by Bhagiratha who is interpreted in the form of an ascetic doing penance on one leg.
Arjuna's penance relief at Mahabalipuram TamilNadu
(2) Arjuna performs penance by standing on one leg, so as to receive a divine weapon (Pasupatha Astra) to slay the Kauravas.
Descent of Ganges relief, Mahabalipuram TamilNadu
#3 Pancha Rathas (630 to 668 AD)
Ganesha Ratha 672-700 CE, Mahabalipuram, This monolithic temple dedicated to Siva is known as 'Atyantakama Pallesvaram'
'Panch'meaning 5, and 'Rathas' is basically temples in charriot form. These earlier temple built by Pallavas were monoliths carved out of a single individual boulder.
#4 Krishna's Butterball
A gravity-defying boulder called 'Krishna's Butterball at Mahabalipuram TamilNadu
Is an enigma of nature in the form of a gravity-defying boulder. The Pallavas and even the British attempted but failed to move this boulder.
#5 Cave temples
Varaha temple, 7th century Pallava cave temples at Mahabalipuram TamilNadu built by the Pallava king NarasimhaVarman
The earlier Pallava temples were carved within caves 7th century.
Mamallapuram dance festival 2021
Is a 30 day classical and folk dance festival extra that takes place during the winter months of Dec~ Jan is truly mesmerizing. The stage is set for a rich cultural expression of folk dances from Across InDIA. The festival is held at the Shore temple complex. Entry is Free for both the festival and the temple, during such time.
Viveganantha Gramya Kalai Kuzhi, Kanchipuram : Tamil folk music & dance
The above is a folk dance and music performance 27/12/2021. Region~ Tamilnadu
The Mahabalipuram dance festival Is a great opportunity to experience genuine dance art forms of INDIA.
Bharatnatyam classical dance performance. India dance festival highlights 27/Dec '21
Mesmerising Bharatnatyam at MAHABALIPURAM Dance festival 2021
Kutchipudi is a classical Indian dance form epitomising grace and beauty.India dance festival highlights.
Kutchipudi classical dance performance. India dance festival highlights
Kathak is another classical dance performance. India dance festival highlights
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