Mahabalipuram Holidays

Mahabalipuram at a Glance

Mahabalipuram is an ancient port town in the Tamil Nadu state in southern India, promising beautiful beaches and a wealth of cultural attractions for visitors of all ages. With stunning surroundings and excellent shopping facilities included, Mahabalipuram holidays are the ideal Indian getaway.

Explore Mahabalipuram

• Holidays to Mahabalipuram provide an ideal base from which to explore the rest of Tamil Nadu. A day trip to Pondicherry, the small and colourful city just an hour away, promises an intriguing afternoon of French/Indian fusion, with stunning French-Riviera-style architecture standing boldly against the traditional Indian buildings. The major cultural metropolis of Kanchipuram is close by too, as is the historic port town of Kovalam, ideal for a quiet retreat from the hustle and bustle of the city.

Why a Holiday to Mahabalipuram?

• Mahabalipuram's beaches are some of the finest in the region, with soft white sands, shallow waters, and stunning panoramic views. The beaches also offer a wide range of activities for the whole family. Take a fishing tour along the coastline, or a boat ride to the Bay of Bengal, for a spectacular look at the surrounding scenery of one of the most beautiful beachside resorts in India. Explorers can also take trekking paths along the coast and over the rolling peaks for fantastic views, or head to the shore and take a turtle walk to spot some of the region's excellent wildlife.
• Holidays to Mahabalipuram also offer a fantastic opportunity to discover India's fascinating cultural heritage. The Shore Temple is a building dating back to 700AD, a stunning structure surrounded by beautiful gardens. The Thirukadalmalli temple is also worth visiting, dedicated to Vishnu and designed to protect the sculptures built in his name. Sculptures can be found across the historic resort, thanks to the traditional stone-carving trade in the town. Visit the Sculpture Museum, containing a number of pieces in stone and in wood, or trek out to the rock carvings such as the Descent of the Ganges, carved into the hillside.
• Mahabalipuram is also a shopper's paradise, with a number of boutique shops, crafts-people and quirky stalls, as well as art galleries and souvenir merchants. The stone sculptures made by local artists are an ideal memento, and you can watch them being made, or learn how to do it yourself.
• Our experts also recommend Goa for another fantastic destination for your 2012 holiday.