Mahabalipuram family trip in Spring-summer?
When I told a few friends about flying to Chennai for a Mahabalipuram -Pondicherry trip they looked surprised. Spring summer in Chennai is hot .28 to 32 degrees is not comfortable. But we had a good time. We visited the tourist spots in Mahabalipuram, Pondicherry, and Kanchipuram. Here is my story.
How to reach?
Most major cities are connected to Chennai by rail, road, and air.We flew from Kolkata and reached Chennai airport which is 58 Km from Mahabalipuram.
What to See in Mahabalipuram?
While there several temples and structures of historical and architectural significance and glory I am mentioning some of the more famous and must visit ones.
Shore Temple
One of its kind temple standing majestically on the shore washed by waves.Narasimha Varman the second built this temple. Sunrise and sunset both are a vision here.It shows the aesthetic aspirations of the mighty Pallavas. Standing for 12 centuries, this two spire temple is the lone survivor out of seven such temples. Preservation and restoration work is going on, to prevent this beautiful historical structure being lost to the sea.
Arjuna’s Penance
Monoliths
Five Rathas: Known as the Pancha Pandava rathas. Interesting story about how they came to be named thus.But you will be surprised to know that the Pandavas never visited Mahabalipuram!
On the Hillside
Mahishasuramardini Cave
Devi Durga also was known as Mahishasuramardini battles the buffalo-headed Asura/demon Mahishasura.On top of the Cave is an elevation which houses an ancient lighthouse.The view from the top is gorgeous.
Varaha Cave.
Krishna Mandapam.
Muttukadu boathouse.
A gorgeous sparkling lake and well-maintained boathouse with helpful staff .Boats of different capacity with different rates available for hire. It’s open from 9 am to 5 pm. The best part it’s a bird watchers paradise.My favorite surprise was the boating trip which I almost missed!
Crocodile Farm: An amazing, keeps-your-mouth-open kind of place with 1500 crocodiles in the farm. Very clean well maintained and they also have someone telling you all about crocodiles.
Mahabalipuram day 1 First day after lunch and rest for an hour We left at 3.30pm
Visited Sea shore temple and the sea beach next to it. The trek is some distance. Phone pictures have a nominal charge. Videography has special rates. We took a guide who charged us Rs 200 for telling us the story. The story was good and architecture was gorgeous. The fight between Pallavas and Cholas.
Day 2 trip to Mahabalipuram.
How we got ready for a day out
- Early swim, beach stroll, and breakfast.
- Sunscreen
- Hat
- Loose cotton clothes
- Sturdy comfortable shoes
- Drinking water
What we visited
Butterball.
Arjuna’s Penance
Monoliths
Mahishasuramardini cave and lighthouse
Crocodile farm
Muttukadu boat house.We lunched and rested a bit after visiting the crocodile farm and then went for boating at around 4 pm. We also enjoyed a nice cup of tea at the small cafeteria there.
When you visit places of historical interest you learn a few things.
1)History repeats itself
2)People will be human .They will love ,hate ,kill and die. Whatever changes this doesn’t change.
3)When we see these gorgeous works of art, we forgot how hot the sun was(the hats were very useful and you can buy them at the road side shops). Nature and beauty can make you forget physical discomforts.
4)History is like watching humankind in reverse. A good guide makes things come alive !You will be forced to imagine Bahubali here by a skillful guide. Ours was a good one!
5)The intricate carvings on stones make me realize how difficult life was back then and how much better off we are now. Gratitude!
6)Children are stronger than we give them credit for.
7)Very little has changed about humans and human nature. People still destroy own peace of mind to try and destroy others.
8 )Boating at the Muttukadu Lake reminded me how much I love being close to nature.
Boating 6 seater motor boat was INR 600.
The birds flocking on either side of the lake was amazing. Imagine we almost missed this! The boats are sturdy, The boatmen are friendly. The birds are magical. The kingfishers waiting for their meal made us smile! Do they ever think of going vegan? While I stared at the birds and tried to save them in my memory.
My hubby clicked the pictures which you see now. When you are feeling sad. When life seems difficult When you want to cry. Look at your travel pics. They will make you smile.
They will help you remember the good times. Memories are what make life more beautiful. Live love and travel! Challenge yourself. Go out of your comfort zone. Only one life to live. Live gloriously
The Landmark Pallavaa beach resort Mahabalipuram my review
We visited in March 2018. It was hot, but the property was lovely. It’s a spectacular Mahabalipuram private beach resort. The beach is secluded, totally clean and private.
The only downside. You must visit as early in the morning as possible to enjoy the beach stroll. Otherwise, our glorious Sun God can make it Hot!
The pool was sparkling and very well maintained. There are four pools, threes for kids according to age and a giant one for adults. The property is only two years old but shows promise.
The service is good and helpful. The storks, birds, and greenery make for a relaxing ambiance. The tourist attractions of Mahabalipuram, Kanchipuram, and Pondicherry are within comfortable driving distance in car. We were traveling with a 6-year-old and had hired our own care.
The food is average but they try to ensure quality. But choices are limited. Service again is excellent I must mention Mr Govind in the restaurant, who took a lot of care.
The only cons: They have no dedicated car service, neither do they have an option for driver accommodation. Both of which however is manageable. We had sea view room in the first floor and the view is stunning. Must visit
Super Traveller tip:
Ask for a sea view room and they will give you if one is available .I booked directly online and they are responsive via email and phone.
The contact person who helped a lot:
V John Bosco | General Manager | 89399 44400
Email address: contact@landmarkpallavaa.com
Website: http://www.landmarkpallavaa.com/
My not to miss recommendation: The Shore temple and the other landmarks of Mahabalipuram is steeped in history and gorgeous. The Crocodile Bank close by is a must visit. Don’t forget to go temple hopping and sari buying in Kanchipuram. Pondicherry is pretty and quaint.
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