Mamallapuram, otherwise known as Mahabalipuram, is a small quaint coastal town in the State of Tamil Nadu that comes alive during the winter Mamallapuram Dance festival. An ancient town, it is only about a two-hour drive from the city of Chennai. It is famous for its stone carvings and temples, largely monoliths that were built between the 7th and 9th centuries and is one-of-a-kind tourist destination perfectly suited for backpackers that love the tranquil sea and the surf.

The Dance Festival in Mamallapuram – Within…

Come December end, this town springs alive with the Mahabalipuram Dance Festival that lasts for a whole month. The festival takes place in the open air at the World Heritage Site Bhagiratha Penance that is sculpted on two rocks that face one another. Featuring classical dance forms such as Bharathanatyam, Kuchipudi, and Kathakali, and folk art such as Kokkali Attam, Karagam, and Kavadi, amidst the backdrop of the Pallava sculptures, Mahabalipuram is at its alluring best during these times. Conducted by the Department of Tourism, Government of Tamil Nadu, this dance festival features renowned dance artists from all over the country.

The dances largely depict love-tales of Radha and Krishna in mesmerizing dance forms of Manipuri and Kathak among others. It is the time when the music of these open-air dances blend with the sound of the wind and the sea. The Bhangas of the Odissi dance form enthralls the visitors much as the grace of Mohini Attam. The folk dance forms add to the local flavor.

… And Without

For those in love with seafood, the sun, shores lined with casuarina, sunbathing, all thrown in amidst breathtaking 9th century Pallava edifices, there is plenty to be seen and experienced outside of the Mamallapuram festival. It is a backpacker’s dream-come-true of an affordable holiday with farmstay in Mamallapuram which are available at competitive rates.
This ancient port city has many places to see outside of the Mamallapuram festival. The precariously perched Krishna’s butterball rock, the Varaha cave, Mahishamardini cave, the shore temples built by the Narasimha Varman, the sculpted Panadava chariots, sculptures on bass reliefs, and others that have withstood the tests of the times. The fascinating fact of them all is that they are monolithic in nature and have been built from the top to the bottom. There is also a fair share of shops on the shore that can help you carry souvenirs and knickknacks back home. Known as the home of stone carvers, you can even try your hand at stone carving from the many carvers who do their work on the streets of the town.

Almost razed to the ground during the Tsunami in the year 2004, Mamallapuram is once again beckoning the tourists for the Mamallapuram festival between the 25th Dec 2017 and 25th Jan 2018 this year.

Spend your holiday at a farmstay in Mahabalipuram that reflects the simplistic lifestyle of the villages and which would be ideal for the activity-centric winter holiday that you have in mind.

You can choose a farmstay that overlooks the sea for the best experience. Make it one of the most cherishable holidays of your lifetime.