Mahabalipuram

Mahabalipuram was one of the two port cities of Tamil Nadu during the reign of the Pallava dynasty. There are about forty ancient monuments and temples located at Mahabalipuram. The place is named after Narasimha Varman I, who was also known as Mahabali. Mahabalipuram is a city of solitary sculptures, a beach, a chariot, five magical rocks and animal statues. Mahabalipuram is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The story of the Ganges coming down from the sky to the earth under the leadership of Bhagiratha is carved into two large rocks. All the monuments at Mahabalipuram have been preserved by the Archaeological Survey of India since 1960. Mahabalipuram is home to evidence and remnants of religion, culture, history, beliefs and lifestyles that existed during the 8th century.