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More on Mahabalipuram
Before I forget the details of this terrific trip, I am reminding myself to log and post some pictures here. Well, this is now using the bandwidth of energy and time dedicated to post-trip affairs, which also means, my productivity at work is almost equal to zero !

Most of the sites at Mahabalipuram are free of cost for viewing except the Pancha Rathas and Shore Temple bcos they are part of the World Heritage Site. But frankly all the madapams and other sites which were left at nature's best were more relishing to the sight. Probably, they appealed more bcos they were not confined to fences and gates !

Another amusing thing was the rate at which the tickets were sold. For an Indian it was Rs 10 and for non-Indians it is priced at Rs 250. We wondered, what difference did it make to view from a pair of foreign eyes. Anyways, it was moment to be a proud Indian !





Pancha Rathas ( meaning Five Chariots) is another example of monolithic rock-cut temple architecture, though named after Draupadi and the Pandava brothers, has nothing to do with Mahabharatha. For pictures click on the below image and move towards right on my flickr photostream. I regret I didnt take panoramic shots of all them ! sigh! Another lesson learnt !



Any street you walk into Mahabalipuram, one would witness rich and skilled craftmanship of stone sculptures. We checked out the prices of few sculptures which were like INR 35K+ and so we settled down with photographing them which was obviously free of cost. Ganesh, the eternal, all time eligible bachelor seems to be the favorite, most of sculptures are different poses of Ganesha, like laptop Ganesha, Ganesh with a book, with a veena etc.

One which amused me most is this Elephant turned upside down and caught my attention as a ROFL elephant. Click the picture and move towards left for other stone sculptures.



The most breath-taking site is the Shore Temple on the Bay of Bengal with an excellent blend of the blue sea behind, green grass around and the temple in the foreground and a cool breeze blowing freshness on your face after a tiring but yet enriching tour. The shore temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva.




Coming next -> Pondicherry !