Mahabalipuram: Taking A Print, Leaving A Print by Ruchi Acharya

[Pardeep Dhounchak]

Stunning capture opening pic

 

[SHEKHAR 257]

Beautiful Crisp Log, Ruchi. Can you suggest nice places in and around Chennai within 500 KM radius which are worth visiting.

 

[Anna K]

“The sea was ornamental blue starving the beachgoers to their endless desire. I remember how long I stood there in the humid light of Sun, tanning my skin until I satisfied myself completely. I was staring at the sea waves, it seems like melodious wave was welcoming On-seers, calling them to dive into the emerald blue water and get lost into the heart of ocean. Another world of enchanting paradise! Everything seems so quite. It felt really good. All you can hear was the rhythmic waves dashing the golden sand.”-Ruchi Acharya[/I]

A sunny day is the perfect time to visit the beach. So here’s my first travelogue straight out from Southern India, Mahabalipuram. Mahabalipuram is also known as Mamallapuram and is located around 57km away from Chennai in the state of Tamil Nadu, India. It is popularly known for its stone carving and for its historical sites.

My day followed by morning clouds and humid atmosphere. The bright blue sky appeared to me like a silk satin welcoming another day of Sun. Usually people visit Mahabalipuram by bus or rental car but instead I decided to take my Scooty. A bike ride gives me immense pleasure when it comes to cover short distance. It enables me to inherit the feeling as free-rider. As the wind swept by, my hair entangled the threads of happiness and freedom.

Furthermore, the journey to reach Mahabalipuram was itself beautiful, exploring the countryside, greenery and acres of farmlands. It took me just one and half hour to reach Mahabalipuram from Chennai covering the distance around 56KM.

A beautiful trinket of world heritage site, a piece of land in between the Bay of Bengal and the Great Salt Lake. I remember for the first time when I stepped onto this place I noticed a beautiful kite fighting against the wind. The streets were chaotic and covered with mini lemonade stalls to cheap sea-shell ornaments. If you’re morning visitor you can find it peaceful and windy otherwise beware of scorching Sun and busy crowd. Consequently, my feet dragged me like a little hatchling towards the Beach. The alluring sea-waves is so captivating that it keeps calling my name. Ever since, I used to go to Mahabalipuram more often.

From Ancient temples to shipwreck, Sea-food to Museum, Granite sculptures to rock-climbing, Mahabs wins the heart of million tourists. As far as I remember, I had mentioned below some recreational activities to do in Mahabalipuram/ Mamallapuram.

STRIKE-OFF LIST:

1. VISIT “FOREIGNER’S BEACH”
2. NOTICE MINOR DETAILS OF “SHORE TEMPLE”
3. VISIT WORLD’S HERITAGE “PANCHAS RATHS”
4. CLICK PICS WITH ENORMOUS “KRISHNA’S BUTTERBALL”
5. HIDE AND SEEK AT “KRISHNA CAVE TEMPLE”
6. SURFING AT “MAHABALIPURAM BEACH”
7. “INDIA SEASHELL MUSEUM”
8. ADMIRE MASTERPIECES AT “SCULPTURE MUSEUM”
9. VISIT “TIGER CAVE”
10. CLIMB TOP OF THE “LIGHTHOUSE”

Image of Shore Temple

TIP#1: Always carry a water bottle during after noon. The temperature is hot and humid and you will get thirsty in every half-an hour. So, keep in mind!

By the afternoon I come across the Shore Temple. If you’re in India exploring temples you will surely find a story behind it. So, here’s the one. This temple was built in 700AD with a solitary granite. Unbelievable! Just imagine the era when everything was done manually. How difficult it would be to cut-in and cut-out the accurate symmetrical structures out of a single stone? By the mid 7th Century, a king named Narasimhavarman II of the Pallava dynasty built these amazing Architects under his reign supreme.

Marco Polo along with other European Merchants came across these temples and often called it as Seven Pagodas (Probably acts as a navigation site). The tragedy occurred in 2004 when Tsunami hits the city and submerged this marvelous temple into the Indian Ocean. This revived the assumption that yes indeed, Mahabalipuram was the part of Seven Pagodas as mentioned in the script of European Merchants. Probably, the rest six Pagodas might still be asleep under the deep-dark mysterious ocean. However, due to Tsunami many other ancient rocks of monolithic lion, dancing peacocks and small shrine of boar got exposed. On the other hand, the solid-hard granite stood still and sound after the Tsunami.

Well, that’s all I know. (I recommend you to take a guide available at Tourist Information Centre). The timings are so perfect from 6:00AM to 6:00PM. So there’s no hurry-bury.

In the pic it’s me: Ruchi Acharya

I took a stroll around the temple. From every angle it wins the charisma of serene vintage architect. The crown of the temple was a cluster of miniature items of sculptures and figures. You will find several patterns of flowers and animals for the reason that their contribution add more detailing to the temple plus every symbol or sculpture has its meaning. It was so much to in-take all the information at once.

Sooner consequently my feet lead me to other historic places. I wanted to finish off the monuments list first, before splashing the sea-water. What could be better reason to go to beach with sweaty pits?

TIP#2: A Sunhat or Sunscreen is recommended if you don’t want sunburn or terrible skin-tanning.

MAHABALIPURAM BEACH (FOREIGNER’S BEACH)

TIP#3: Don’t you forget your flip flops. People don’t think much about foot-wear but when it comes to travelling, your feet does play an important role and must be comfortable all the time. However, High heels or stilettos are not recommended because you’ve to climb the rock and sleek stairs on the way to lighthouse and other tourist spots.

I was there at the time when nobody was there with me except the Sun, waves and open bright sky. So, I closed my eyelids and could hear the rhythmic waves pulling the sand with an ease.

One after another to and fro waves were so hypnotic and mild. I love coming to this place rather say it comes back to me. Mahabalipuram Beach is truly tremendous depicting the beauty of Bay of Bengal. Today, this east-coast beach is widely used for tourism. Several fishing motor boats can be seen resting on the shore. All the saturated hue of boats gives an imagination of Beach Carnival.

The beach is among one of the few places for wind surfing on the shore of Bay of Bengal. A Hub station for tourist and localities. Since, it is located on the city’s outskirts; you can find enough peace far away from the city’s hustle-bustle. The Sunrise is beautiful. Don’t forget to take photographs as a return ticket for your trip because this place has its own natural effects.

TIP#4: Above all, If you’re Surfer don’t forget to get a Surfboard. Probably,You can buy from local shops as well. The price is negotiable. A strong bargaining will do. But it worth spending, since it’s the only recreational activity to do on the beach.

MASALA PAPER DOSA

Most noteworthy, when we are travelling no doubt that Food is our main Hero and hunger is our greatest Villain. You can find several local sea-food restaurants nearby. Howsoever, I urge the readers if you really want to dig in tasty sea-food maybe you can visit Chennai rather wondering on street of Mahabalipuram. (That’s completely my personal opinion.) It’s very hard to find a good restaurant. But howsoever, local restaurant nailed it when it comes to evergreen Tamilian cuisines such as Idli-Sambhar and Masala Dosa. Even more Shell-fish or Dosa, finally it’s your call.

“The lost shells by the sea,

Speak to me their stories.

Of Sailors and shipwrecks,

Mermaids and treasure chest.

Sandcastles build the tender walls

Spade and buckets, coloured balls and umbrellas

Trinkets of Beaches, Stretched Horizon,

Whooping splash waves adjourned the Sun

Hatchlings out of the nest, probably Jelly fishes on the Amaranthine crest

Tells Summer tales of prison mindset stalls

Even more rested beach, grain-hearted nature’s call” -Ruchi Acharya

LOCAL SCULPTURES SHOPS

Pic taken: Ruchi Acharya

Therefore, state Tamil Nadu is truly amazing. Above all, it captivates the adrenaline rush for wildlife photography and nature’s bold facade. The more you explore the further it gets. Discovery is never ending. Due to plain flora and fauna conjointly constitutes the whole wildlife veracity. Spend a day among the localities and fishermen. For the reason that unheard tales has got to come out. It feels good to be lost in right direction. So keep exploring!

Hey! What an amazing photos you have! I am in love with your story!