Mamallapuram beach
A source of major tourist attraction with monotonous fall of
the waves on the beach, and the fresh smell of the sea sand is a small town in
the state of Tamil Nadu called Mahabalipuram, once popularly called “Mamallapuram”. The beach at the Mahabs
is beautiful, but a little dangerous. People are advised not to swim there
because the shore ends in a very steep drop, which is impossible to distinguish
from the surface. Along with this, the undercurrents are quite strong. The view
of the sun rising and setting over the temples is not to be missed. The
Archaeological Survey of India has done a wonderful job of preserving and
maintaining Mahabalipuram’s rich cultural heritage.
There are many places tourists can visit that offer a glimpse into India’s past. Monuments at Mahabalipuram, Arjuna's Penance, Pancha Rathas, Sea Shore Temple, Krishna's Butter Ball, and Descent of The Ganges, Mamallapuram Lighthouse, India Seashell Museum, Varaha Cave Temple, Krishna Mandapam, Mahishasuramardini Cave, Ganesh Ratha Temple, and Trimurti Cave are a few places which are very attractive.
Being located on the coast, seafood is naturally an
important part of the local diet. Tourists can try different restaurants, from High field international hotels to small shack called Seashore famous foot
stalls. Each place has a unique way of cooking and serving their seafood. The
waves from the sea come right up to the base of the stalls which sells various
foods like fish fry, cut mangoes soaked in salt and chili powder, steamed
groundnuts, and much more varieties of snacks.
Sea waves are quite rough in Mamallapuram, but the high
breezy location is a mix of red, orange and yellow shade during the time of the
sun set reflecting a golden cascade. A fortuitous combination of abundant
marine life, and abandon shells are found along the shore, which the local
handcraft makers make door hanging, key chains and many other innovative and
attractive products. The most preferred is the face mirror decorated with colorful and designed sea shells which gives an elegant look. Those planning a trip should put both
sunglasses and sunscreen atop their “to bring” list as sun is too bright but
still the scenic beauty mesmerizes the tourists. The sea shore has colourful shells and a variety of poisonous dead fishes also. Tourists and visitors must be quite careful while talking a walk.
The scenic beauty of Mahabalipuram is truly a beautiful one
to behold. The sun sinking beneath the horizon and the sky painted with
beautiful tints of pink, gold, orange and yellow. Its reflection on the sea
held the tourists spellbound. There is a magical touch about it and it is
created by the dancing waves that shimmered in the twilight. Tourists and
visitors from local places enjoy the evening time eating snacks which are sold
in the sea shore.
Mahabalipuram shore temple is closed by sharp 6pm in the
evening, and tourists and visitors are not allowed after the fixed time span.
Guards whistle loud and make sure that the crowd is evacuated before 6pm in the
evening. The reason is not known but some say it is a haunted place. Mahabalipuram
which was ruled and built by Pallavas during the 7th century AD, was destroyed
very badly due to the geographical changes and roughness of the sea.
The sculptures and other handcrafted works are of great value, diverse and rich. Various craft works can be seen here.
Metal Crafts includes metal work using Zinc, Copper, Brass,
Silver, and Gold. Some of the traditional ancient handicraft styles are
Bidriware, Pembarthi Metal Craft, Dhokra, and Kamrupi. The most famous and
preferred in Mahabalipuram is stone carving craft work. Stone carving of
various idols at various designs and sizes are done here. This may be attributed to the fact that the government has
set up the Mamallapuram School of Sculpture here. Just as in bronze, the
20th-century sculpture has not yet evolved an idiom of its own and many of the
carvings are copies of the earlier periods. The quality of the material is an
extremely important part of the sculptural process. The artists out here work
with the indigenous varieties of the stone available in the state, as it is
extremely durable for construction purposes. Also the homogeneity of the stone
is important for the stability and durability of the final form. The stones are
selected carefully for their texture and the lie of the stone (or the direction
of the growth). This lie also defines the quarrying technique employed.
Note: Photo credits Mr. Niranjan (UG Student, Department of Commerce, SRM University)/ Write Up : Anand Shankar Raja M, Professor, Christ University.
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