famous town. The Pallava dynasty of Southern India, one of the major lines of kings to rule in India after the Gupta period, made this lovely seaside village their second capital. The place blossomed under the creative forces of that time.
Today, the shore temple, the largest bas-relief in the world called Arjuna's Penance, and the famous and beautiful mandapams has made this town known all over the world.
Close by, is the village of Salavankuppam. Here, in the tiger cave, is a rock cut shrine dating from 7th century. Dedicated to Durga, it has a small mandapam featuring a crown of carved yali heads.
Covelong
Covelong, closer to Chennai than Mahabalipuram (about 48 km way), is replete with historical monuments such as forts, churches, mosques, and a lovely beach. This is the kind of place where you can experience the history of Tamil Nadu as a whole.
If you are in Chennai, do not miss a visit to this place. The remains of the Fort have now been converted into a luxury beach resort that offers facilities for windsurfing and swimming. So you can kill two birds with one stone- a historical and cultural treat along with amusement and thrill!
Kanchipuram
Along with Chennai and Mahabalipuram, Kanchipuram forms the famous Golden Triangle of the Coromandel Coast. It is amazing to find how almost all tourists who visit Chennai, pay a visit to Kanchipuram, too.
The city finds place on the global map because of the wonderful craftsmanship of the Kanchi weavers, the makers of what is, perhaps, the finest silk fabric in the world. This spectacular temple city is one of the seven sacred cities of India.
Moreover, the temples and gopurams (a tower abutting the entrance to a Hindu temple, typically consisting of an odd number of tiers. The exact number depends on the degree of funding dedicated to the building) that one comes across, are exquisite reminders of the beauty of Dravidian architecture. From the freshness and simplicity of the Pallavas' 7th-century Kailasanatha Temple through to the Vijayanagar Empire's 16th-century Ekambareshwara Temple, you will realise how diverse and beautiful architectural achievements have been in the south Indian history. The latter covers nine hectares, has a 59-metre-high gopuram, a 1000-pillared hall. What you will find amazing is a sacred mango tree that is said to be 3500 years old.
Tirupati
Well, this one will take your breath away: the main shrine competes with the vatican in financial aid and number of visits by devotees spread all over the world! It is the most active religious pilgrimage destination on earth, drawing more than 10 million devoted pilgrims every year -- apparently, more than either Jerusalem or Rome.
Situated in the Chittoor district in southern Andhra Pradesh, Tirupati is the abode of the legendary Lord of the Seven Hills. It is one of the most famous shrines in the country where worship of the Lord has been carried out for over thirteen centuries.
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