I think I have stopped with being at the Shore Temple.
Well one thing we notice is that, the old stone carvings in Mahabalipuram is not like regular temple carvings. They are so old and unfinished. Mahabalipuram was like a stone carving school in the late 6th and 7th century. So most of the carvings are not complete or perfect. Some stone structures are even not clear or meaningful. It is a total stone city(actually even the dust bins are made of stone).
The outer parts of the Stone temple is mostly eroded by the salty wind from the nearby sea. The day we chose to visit was beautiful, calm and we escaped with only a slight Sun tan.
Archeological Survey of India has maintained the place very well. The surroundings are litter free and beautifully kept plants and lawn makes the stay a pleasant one.(And very clean rest rooms which is a very rare experience in India. My advice for future travelers- Don't use 'Pay and Use Bathrooms' in Mahabalipuram. Use the one inside the Shore Temple site. It is clean and free.)
From there we went to climb the rocky slopes which will lead us to the lighthouse. The slopes were beginning with lots of half finished mandapas. We saw lot of stone carvings here also. There was a legend of Lord Krishna lifting the mountain to shield others from rain, lion with a man's face evolving into monkeys, a man milking a cow...
Then we reached the lighthouse. It was a beautiful view from the lighthouse.
Then we saw 'Krishna's Butter ball'. A huge stone balancing by itself on a slope. Then we went to see the Five Rathas which is said to be related to Mahabaratha. There was a huge statue of an elephant also.
Since all these places were close by, we didn't require any transportation. We simply walked but the climbing had doused our spirits a bit. But luckily we had carried a lot of water and snacks in our backpacks. Mahabalipuram is a very hot place. Never leave the shade without a bottle of water in your hand. The weather is very dehydrating. We bought water from the local stands also, but had to pay extra charges along with MRP for cold water( which was not fair). Then there were ice creams vendors also. So forgetting our diets, we succumbed to the temptation because of the hot weather.
At last we went to the sea shore. There were street vendors who sold things made to sea shells. They were mighty expensive. But bought one or two things despite the price. I will share the pictures of the soveniers in my next post. I made a very beautiful hanging with one.
Sitting on the sea shore we relaxed for some time. Listened to songs from our mobile phones, ate ice creame again (twice), picked sea shells, played in the water and watched others who came to enjoy the waters.
It was a nice experience. We enjoyed a lot. Of course there are lot of more photos which I will share soon.
The important things is- We felt free... relaxed... and content... with a mind full of wonderful memories we started our journey back to Chennai....
