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Amit Khanna Staff answered 5 months ago
To reach Mahabalipuram, here’s all the relevant information for first-time visitors:
By Air: The nearest airport to Mahabalipuram is Chennai International Airport (IATA: MAA), located about 60 kilometers away. From the airport, you can take a taxi or a pre-booked cab to Mahabalipuram. The journey typically takes around 1.5 to 2 hours depending on traffic.
By Train: The nearest railway station to Mahabalipuram is Chengalpattu Junction (Station Code: CGL), which is around 30 kilometers away. From Chengalpattu Junction, you can hire a taxi or take a local bus to Mahabalipuram. Another option is to take a train to Chennai Central or Chennai Egmore railway stations and then proceed to Mahabalipuram by road.
By Road:
From Chennai: Mahabalipuram is well-connected to Chennai by road, located around 60 kilometers south of the city. You can drive down using the East Coast Road (ECR), which offers scenic views of the Bay of Bengal. Alternatively, buses operated by Tamil Nadu State Transport Corporation (TNSTC) and private operators ply regularly between Chennai and Mahabalipuram.
From Pondicherry: Mahabalipuram is approximately 100 kilometers north of Pondicherry. You can drive via the East Coast Road (ECR) or take a bus from Pondicherry to Mahabalipuram.
From Bangalore: Mahabalipuram is around 350 kilometers southwest of Bangalore. You can drive via NH75 and NH77, which takes approximately 6-7 hours depending on traffic conditions. There are also direct buses from Bangalore to Mahabalipuram operated by various private bus operators.
Local Transportation: Within Mahabalipuram, you can explore the town on foot or hire bicycles for a more leisurely experience. Auto-rickshaws and taxis are also available for traveling between different attractions within Mahabalipuram.
Best Time to Visit: The best time to visit Mahabalipuram is from November to February when the weather is pleasant and ideal for sightseeing. Avoid visiting during the monsoon season (June to September) as heavy rains can disrupt travel plans and sightseeing activities.
Attractions in Mahabalipuram: Make sure to visit the famous Shore Temple, Pancha Rathas (Five Rathas), Arjuna’s Penance (Descent of the Ganges), and the Krishna’s Butter Ball. The Mahabalipuram Beach and the Crocodile Bank are also popular attractions nearby.
Safety Tips:
Carry sufficient drinking water and wear comfortable clothing suitable for exploring historical sites.
Beware of local guides offering services; opt for authorized guides if needed.
Respect local customs and traditions, especially at religious sites.
By following these guidelines, you can ensure a smooth and enjoyable visit to Mahabalipuram, soaking in its rich history and scenic beauty along the way.
Sameer Staff answered 3 months ago
Reaching Mahabalipuram (also known as Mamallapuram), a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in Tamil Nadu, India, is relatively easy and can be done by road, rail, or air. Here’s how you can get there:
1. By Air
Nearest Airport: Chennai International Airport (approximately 55 km away).
How to Proceed: From Chennai airport, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to Mahabalipuram, which takes around 1.5 hours by road.
2. By Train
Nearest Railway Station: Chengalpattu Railway Station (around 30 km away).
How to Proceed: Chengalpattu has good connectivity with major cities. From there, you can take a taxi or bus to Mahabalipuram, which takes around 45 minutes.
Alternatively, you can reach Chennai Central or Egmore Railway Station in Chennai, then travel by road to Mahabalipuram (55 km).
3. By Road
From Chennai: Mahabalipuram is around 55 km from Chennai and can be reached via the scenic East Coast Road (ECR). The journey takes about 1.5 hours.
From Pondicherry: The distance from Pondicherry to Mahabalipuram is around 100 km, and it takes approximately 2 hours to reach by road via the ECR.
Bus Services: Regular state-run and private buses operate from Chennai, Pondicherry, and nearby towns to Mahabalipuram. Buses from Chennai can be taken from Koyambedu Bus Stand.
4. By Taxi or Car
From Chennai: You can easily book a taxi or self-drive via the East Coast Road, which offers picturesque views of the coastline.
From Other Cities: Private taxis can be hired from nearby cities like Kanchipuram (65 km) or Pondicherry (100 km).
Mahabalipuram is well-connected and accessible from various parts of Tamil Nadu and southern India, making it a convenient destination for tourists.