Mahabalipuram Travel Information

Mahabalipuram is also known as Mamallapuram, it is a town in Kanchipuram District of Tamil Nadu State of India and located 58 km away from the capital Chennai. It is an ancient historic town and was a bustling seaport during the time of Periplus and Ptolemy, from where ancient Indian traders sailed to countries of South East Asia.
According to the legends name of this town was changed many times during the centuries. The first name was Kațalmalai meaning "The land between the mountain and the sea" in Tamil. The second name was Mamallapuram meaning "The land of the great wrestler" as the region was ruled by the Pallavan King Narsimhavarman during the 8th century who was known for his strength. The third name was and is still there is Mahabalipuram meaning "The land of Mahabali". According to legends, he was the grandson of the devoted Prahlada.

The temples of Mahabalipuram, portraying events described in the Mahabharata, which are built largely during the reigns of Narasimhavarman and his successor Rajasimhavarman and show the movement from rock-cut architecture to structural buildings.

Tourist Attractions in Mahabalipuram