Mahabalipuram is accessible (55 kilometers) by road from Madras city. There are organized tours, and cars can be hired to take you to Mahabalipuram. A day's visit of the historical temples combined with a beach holyday are possible for there are now a number of beach resorts along the way. Madras, as the capital of Tamil Nadu, has an international airport and internal air, rail, and road links with almost every region of India.


Pallava Kings of Kanchipuram
Though it is no longer a port, Mahabalipuram has retained its fame, thanks to the great Pallava artisans. It is among the most outstanding examples of Dravidian art and architecture and the jewel in the crown of the Pallava contribution to Tamil Nadu. In a land that is liberally strewn with some of the best in temple art, Mahabalipuram holds its own, and stands as a silent yet eloquent witness to the glory of its creators and sculptors. Unfortunately most of the work was left incomplete, and time and nature have also eroded the remains of this once great port.

Rathas
These are architectural prototypes of all Dravidian temples, showcasing the imposing gopurams and vimanas, multi-pillared halls and sculptured walls, which dominate the landscape of Tamil Nadu. The rathas are named after the Pandavas, the heroes of the Mahabharata epic. Although they are widely known as "Five Rathas", there are actually eight of them.


Bhagirath
Mythology explains that a sage Bhagirath requested the mighty Ganga (a river appearing as the Milky Way in the heavens) to fall down to earth to wash away the sins of the dead and the ashes of the thousands of his relatives. In the upper left hand corner one can see Bhagirath standing in a yogic posture, meditating and performing (for he is all skin and bones) strenuous tapas to appeal to the river goddess. Shiva was requested to bear the brunt of the might of the river on his head for no one else could support such a burden. He is seen coming up beside Bhagirath and offering his assistance, accompanied by his ganas, followers. As the river descends, all of nature responds to her fertile presence and cleansing spirit. Animals, lions, docile deer, and a delightful family of elephants with their young (on the right) come towards the river to pay their obeisance. A touch of humour, so characteristic of Indian art, is introduced with a cat imitating Bhagirath's tapas, standing on one hind leg meditating. While the cat has gone spiritual, tiny mice frolic in gay abandon. Seated to the right of the relief on a boulder is the celebrated portrait sculpture of a monkey family, busy preening one another and playing with the baby.


Shore Temple
The shore temples were built in the 7th century, during the reign of Rajasimha, and depict the final phase of Pallava art. These beautiful temples, ravaged by wind and sea, were given the World Heritage listing, a few years ago. The two spires of the temples, contain a shrine for Lord Vishnu and for Lord Shiva.

The Mahabalipuram dance festival is held every year from January 15 to February 15. During this period, dances from all over the country are staged here, including Kathakali from Kerala, Kuchipudi from Andhra Pradesh as well as tribal dances, puppet shows and classical and traditional music concerts.