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The Ratha Temples are located in Tamil Nadu, in the historical town of Mahabalipuram, also known as Mamallapuram in the local language. Dating back to the 7th century and even earlier, when the Pallava dynasty ruled this land, the Ratha Temples were the most marvellous rock-cut structures. The monolithic temples were carved into single granite blocks, dedicated to various Hindu deities, and were known for architectural innovation and artistic detail. The temples, particularly the five Pandava Rathas, take their forms as chariots and signal a transformation in the temple architecture of South India.
Quick Details About Ratha Temples
Location: Mahabalipuram (Mamallapuram), Tamil Nadu, India
Timings: 6 AM – 6 PM (everyday)
Elevation: 11 metres (35 feet)
Best Time To Visit: October to March
Location
Photo: Sainath adapa / Wikimedia Commons
The ancient coastal town of Mamallapuram is around 60 kilometres from Chennai to the south. Ancient rock-cut temples and sculptures characterise Mahabalipuram, a must-visit destination for people interested in history and travel. The Ratha Temples stand about a few hundred yards inland from the shore, carved in the 7th century by the Pallava dynasty.
How To Reach Ratha Temples
Photo: Sandip Nirmal / Wikimedia Commons
Reaching the Ratha Temple in Mahabalipuram is convenient as there are various transport options available. Whether travelling by air, train, bus, or car, below are some accessible routes to this historic site:
By Air: The nearest airport is Chennai International Airport, approximately 60 km from Mahabalipuram. Hire a taxi or take ride-sharing services to reach the temple.
By Train: The closest railway station is Chengalpattu, 30 km from Mahabalipuram. The Ratha Temple can be reached either by taxi from Chengalpattu or by local bus service.
By Bus: State-run buses are easily available from Chennai and the surrounding towns to Mahabalipuram. The Mahabalipuram-bound buses leave from the major bus stations located around the city, and it is one of the most convenient options for budget travellers.
By Car: If you prefer to drive, take the ECR towards Mahabalipuram from Chennai. It is a scenic route along the coastline, which should take roughly 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on traffic conditions.
Places To Visit Around The Ratha Temples
There are many tourist attractions and places to visit near Ratha Temples in Tamil Nadu where you can enjoy a fun time.
1. Muttukadu
Photo: Timothy A. Gonsalves / Wikimedia Commons
Muttukadu is about 30 km from Mahabalipuram. The destination is known for its silent backwaters and picturesque beauty. There are water sports here like kayaking, windsurfing, and boating. It is a booming destination for adventure tourism. A relaxed picnic and nature walk in this serene environment make the whole experience even more beautiful. It is an ultimate retreat for anybody who wants to spend time in tranquillity to rediscover their bond with nature.
Timings: 9 AM – 5 PM
2. The Madras Crocodile Bank Trust And Centre For Herpetology
Photo: Muthu Psm / Wikimedia Commons
Located just next to Mahabalipuram, this zoo serves as an important conservation centre with a focus on saving endangered species of crocodiles and their habitats. There are also educational programmes and conservation efforts in place for the awakening of society at large about the creatures’ importance in the ecosystem. It is an exciting and informative destination for both families and wildlife enthusiasts.
Timings: 8:30 AM – 5:30 PM, closed Monday
3. Kovalam Beach
Photo: Aamir Khan / Wikimedia Commons
Kovalam Beach has a breathtaking crescent-shaped shore and crystal-blue waters. It is the kind of beach destination for sunbathing and swimming along with water sports. Visitors can have an exciting beach scene, taste fresh seafood at local shacks, or just find some relaxation with an ayurvedic massage. Its lighthouse adds to the magic and makes it one of the fine spots to take up the camera and enjoy beautiful sunset views.
Timings: 24*7
4. Sadras
Photo: Balaji Kundalam / Wikimedia Commons
Sadras is an offbeat coastal village, about 30 kilometres from Mahabalipuram. It includes remnants of Dutch architecture of the past in the old fort and even a cemetery. Sadras Beach is serene and perfect for a quiet retreat where beach lovers can immerse themselves in a peaceful environment, appreciating views over the coast with its historical insights.
Timings: 9 AM – 6 PM
Where To Stay
Photo: tshrinivasan / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Radisson Blu Resort Temple Bay would be perfect to stay lavishly on the beach in villas with an infinity pool and stunning views over the Bay of Bengal. Chariot Beach Resort is also a great place if you want a relaxed stay as it has modern amenities, extra-large rooms, and even a private beach. For an even cosier boutique experience, look for Grande Bay Resort & Spa with their more-than-well-designed cottages. In terms of comfort and easy access to local attractions, Hotel Mamalla Heritage is also a great option.
Where To Eat
Photo: Surya Prakash.S.A. / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Visitor accommodations at the Ratha Temple at Mahabalipuram include a variety of dining options ranging from the simple to the fancy. Moonrakers Restaurant serves both seafood and Indian cuisine, with a lovely view of the ocean. For something a bit more casual, L’attitude 49 provides a fusion of Indian and continental cuisine. Seashore Garden is a casual dining restaurant that uses local fresh products in the preparation of their dishes and also has a beautiful seafront view. The Wharf Restaurant also offers a pretty huge menu with a large variety of vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes.
Other Factors To Consider
Photo: Xorx / Wikimedia Commons
Tips For Travellers:
- Learn Basic Tamil Phrases: Knowing a few basic phrases in Tamil will make a difference while communicating with locals.
- Check For Festivals: You should schedule your visit during a festival, if possible. This will give you the ultimate cultural feel of Tamil Nadu and an experience of the lively atmosphere of the Ratha Temples.
- Visit At The Right Time: You may visit the temple during the early morning or late afternoon to avoid the crowds.
- Wear Comfortable Footwear: You will have to walk a lot around the temple complex and vicinity, so it is best to wear shoes that are capable of handling rough terrain.
Visiting the Ratha Temples will give you a glimpse of the incredible architectural and ancient historical treasures that India has to offer. Whether you are an architecture aficionado or have a family with young children, Ratha Temples promise a journey that will leave you reminiscing about this trip. Even if you are just looking at getting a feel of the local culture of the city, visiting Ratha Temple will help achieve this goal. Sit back and plan a visit with TripXL to ensure a hassle-free journey!
Cover Photo: Ashwin Kumar / Wikimedia Commons
