South India Overland - Mahabalipuram

Mahabalipuram
(11/13 Jan 1997)

World famous for it's shore temples the small coastal town of Mahabalipuram is also renowned for it's beautiful beaches which have not been ravaged by the effects of mass tourism as yet.
Breakfast in the grounds of our excellent hotel about 2Km North of Mahabalipuram (note the coconut nets overhead to prevent the unexpected loss of a guest).

Sue had puri's for breakfast but I stuck with scrambled eggs on toast, more traditional fare.

The first temple complex we visited and a few Km inland from Mahabalipuram itself.
This is a monolithic complex and all the temples and statues are carved from the rocks which originally sat on the site.

thats our guide on the right...

Heading back towards the coast we visit Mahabalipuram's most famous archeological site.
Carved in relief on the face of a huge rock Arjuna's Penance depicts the story of the river Ganges issuing from it's source in the high Himalayas, and is probably the most realistic and unpretentious rock carving in the whole of India.

Back to the coast and we visit the famous shore temple in Mahabalipuram itself.
Built in the 7th Century the temple has suffered the effects of erosion by wind, rain, and sea although a rock wall now keeps the sea back.

Walking back into town there are many street traders including this woman selling coconuts, we had no choice but to give one a try.

Arriving in town we sat on a wall in the sun with two bottles of beer. These three little girls asked for our empties and sat patiently waiting until we had done.

Back at the hotel for the evening and after a splendid buffet meal in the grounds we were entertained by Indian music and dancing well into the night.

An early morning start for the long day ahead as we drive inland towards Tiruchirappalli (or Trichy) at the bottom left of the map.
The journey takes us past inumerable rice paddies, villages, and sugar plantations and at this time of year the harvest is in it's full swing. The road is a hive of activity and frequently covered in rice - why thresh it yourself when you can spread it all over the road and let passing traffic do it instead!

Two of the many villages we pass through en-route.

Lunch on the road is a simple but delicious salad with tea. Note the captive audience stood alongside. We are such an unusual sight in these parts the locals have to check out what's going on.

Just before arriving in Trichy we cross the river which can be seen on the map, and (as usual in this part of the world) it's washing day.

Madras, Tiruchirappalli, Madurai, Periyar, Cochin, Ooty, Mysore, Goa, Hampi, Bijapur, Aurangabad, Bombay.

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If you are interested in South Indian Food then why not visit Sue's Recipe Server, our other Web site.

North India & Nepal is the record of our overland journey from Dehli to Kathmandu during January 1998.

Exploring Vietnam is the record of a journey through Vietnam from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) and beyond during March and April of 1999.

		The first temple complex we visited and a few Km inland from Mahabalipuram itself. This is a monolithic complex and all the temples and statues are carved from the rocks which originally sat on the site.
		*thats our guide on the right...*

		Back to the coast and we visit the famous shore temple in Mahabalipuram itself. Built in the 7th Century the temple has suffered the effects of erosion by wind, rain, and sea although a rock wall now keeps the sea back.
		*Walking back into town there are many street traders including this woman selling coconuts, we had no choice but to give one a try.*

		Lunch on the road is a simple but delicious salad with tea. Note the captive audience stood alongside. We are such an unusual sight in these parts the locals have to check out what's going on.
		Just before arriving in Trichy we cross the river which can be seen on the map, and (as usual in this part of the world) it's washing day.