Pancha Rathas, Mahabalipuram (Mamallapuram)

Five monolithic temples of Mahabalipuram (Mamallapuram)

Also see: FAM Trip of Tamil Nadu

55 km south of Chennai (Madras) lies the ancient port town of Mahabalipuram (now Mamallapuram) known for its gigantic rock-cut caves, massive monolithic structures, intricate bass relief panels and structural temples, including the famous Shore Temple.

Panoramic view of the Pancha Ratha Complex, Mahabalipuram (Mamallapuram)

The Pancha Rathas also known as Pandava Rathas are a group of five monolithic temples named after the five Pandavas and their common wife Draupadi (Nakula and Sahadeva share a single temple). Although the temples are named after Pandavas but they are not dedicated to them, so it is widely believed that the names probably emerged at a later date.

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Brihadeshwara Temple, Gangaikonda Cholapuram

Great Living Chola Temples of Tamil Nadu

Also see: FAM Trip of Tamil Nadu

The Brihadeshwara Temple of Gangaikonda Cholapuram is a temple dedicated to Shiva. It is one of the largest Shiva temple of South India and is a classic example of Dravidian Temple Architecture.

Brihadeshwara Temple, Gangaikonda Cholapuram

It is part of the UNESCO Heritage site of Great Living Chola Temples. Which includes:

1. Brihadeshwara Temple, Thanjavur (Tanjore) constructed by Raja Raja I (Raja Taja Chola) in 1010
2. Brihadeshwara Temple, Gangaikonda Cholapuram constructed by Rajendra (Rajendra Chola) in 1035
3. Airavatesvara Temple, Darasuram constructed by Raja Raja II in 1166

The temple at Tanjavur was included in the UNESCO list in 1984. In 2004 the other two were included in the list under the common heading of Great Living Chola Temples.

Shore Temple, Mahabalipuram (Mamallapuram)

Shore Temple

Mahabalipuram (Mamallapuram)

Also see: FAM Trip of Tamil Nadu

55 km south of Chennai lies the ancient port town of Mahabalipuram (now Mamallapuram) known for its towering pagodas, gigantic rock-cut caves, intricate bass relief panels and massive monolithic structures (Also see: Pancha Rathas).

Shore Temple, Mahabalipuram (Mamallapuram), view from west side

The structures date back to the 600 – 700 CE and were constructed by the Pallava dynasty. Mahabalipuram offers a interesting mix of history along with golden sand beaches washed by the thundering waves of the Bay of Bengal.

Elephanta Caves, rock cut caves and amazing sculptures

Elephanta Caves

Rock cut caves and amazing sculptures

Also see: Ferry Ride to Elephanta Island

The Elephanta Caves, an UNESCO Heritage Site is located on the Elephanta Island about 11 km north-west of Apollo Bunder Jetty located next to Gateway of India.

Entrance of Cave 1 of Elephanta Cave

The island has been referred as Gharapuri (literally meaning village of caves) in ancient literature. The island covers an area of 1050 hectors. The island consists of two hill separated by a narrow valley. The higher of the two hills rises to a height of 173 m above sea level.

Ferry Ride to Elephanta Island, approaching is half the fun

Ferry Ride to Elephanta Island

Approaching the Elephanta Caves is half the fun

Also see: Elephanta Caves

The Elephant Island houses the Elephanta Caves, a series of rock cut caves with amazing sculptures. The island is located about 11 km north west of Apollo Bunder Jetty located next to Gateway of India.

Panoramic view of Apollo Bunder, with Gateway of India and Taj Mahal Hotel, from Elephanta ferry

The Elephant Caves are an UNESCO Heritage Site and attracts large number of tourists. Regular ferry service connects Mumbai to the Elephant Island at frequent intervals.

Chasing the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (DHR) Toy Train

Chasing Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (DHR) Toy Train

Kurseong – Mahanadi

See also: FAM (Familiarization) Tour of Cochrane Place, Kurseong

Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (DHR) Toy Train

The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (DHR) Toy Train is a narrow gauge railway running between New Jalpaiguri (100 mts) and Darjeeling (2200 mts). The train attends the highest altitude at Ghum Railway Station (2258 mts).