Stunning stone carvings to view and maybe learn how to carve stone during your tour to Mamallapuram.

Mamallapuram holds many people’s attention in India for having some of the oldest examples of Dravidian architecture still accessible today.  Mostly carved straight out of granite the structures here are an example of what a purely tourist town is capable of using to keep its audience captive.  Which include being able to learn to sculpt yourself.

This city was once the capital of the Pallava kings and was named after the King Mamalla. It has easy access to a number of historical monuments of late and considering the antiquity and the significance of these monuments, it has managed to be listed amongst the world heritage sites of UNESCO. This puts a great deal of attention onto the magnificent heritage of India and these monuments here in Mamallapuram are an absolute delight for tourists of both international and national visits.

Ancient Architecture in Mamallapuram

Located at a distance of about 60km from Chennai makes these rock cut temples, caves and monuments easily accessible. They are some of the absolute finest examples of Dravidian architecture in the world and originated sometime between the 7^th and 9^th century.  The shore temple is the most well known of these attractions and is brilliant if you want to see some examples of intricate carvings from skilled craftsmen.  The most surprising thing about this temple is that it is dedicated to both Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva.  The Mandapas and Rathas are also worth checking out in some detail.

The sense of antiquity in Mamallapuram is authentic, much of the old work here is eroded or in the case of the shore temple there has had to be a lot of reconstruction done after the building was hit by a cyclone.

Arjuna’s Penance in Mamallapuram

Arjuna was the hero of the Hindu epic Mahabharata, and Arjuna’s Penance is a large bas-relief depicting scenes from the book which are still beautiful if a little worn however the atmosphere around the open-air relief is somewhat destroyed by the presence of a large group of beggars, salesmen and women and gypsies.  This is however all a part of the experience of India and it wouldn’t be the same without it.  It is something to be expected.

Learn to Carve Stone in Mamallapuram

One of the greatest things that a tourist can do in Mamallapuram is to learn how to carve stone.  The main street of the town has many local sculptors who for a small price will teach you how to sculpt something simple like a locket.  At least 5 hours are needed for a locket and a small fee is paid however you can spend as long as you like and once you have finished the locket is yours.  You are free to come back and learn something new each time, making this a brilliant pastime with a memorable keepsake to take home.

A good tip if you want to buy stone sculptures here is to buy them on the side roads rather than the main road as this will save you a lot of money.