Mahabalipuram

Hi Everybody,

Okay... i guess that's enough with the stupid posts. If anybody is wondering I do have the mustache still, but it's coming off this Friday. One of the professors here, has invited us to his home for dinner to celebrate Diwali. I thought i would make an effort to look presentable. I do like the mustache though... i think it gives some extra character, makes me look wiser.

Anyhoo... over the past few weeks... I have done a day trip and just recently got back from a trip, over the weekend, with a few good friends from Germany. It's always nice to meet passionate people who are ambitious and want to make a difference.

About 3 weeks ago... we took a day trip to Mahabilipuram. We took a rickshaw down to the bus station where we stood in the scorching heat, and waited for a packed bus to pick us up and take us to our destination. The bus ride was about 1 and a half hours. The bus ride, went by quickly as i put on my headphones (noise canceling headphones - best investment) and grooved to the music.

When we arrived, we rented bikes, great advice from another fellow German traveler. This allowed us to see all the temples and sites in Mahabilapuram in a few hours, with time to sit and enjoy the cool, breeze on the beach.

We first went to see Krishna's Butter Ball, which is balanced on the hillside.


We then proceeded to walk around and check out other temples, most of them carved out of 1 stone, quite the impressive feat.

Our next destination was the Panch Pandava Rathas. These 5 sculptures were also all carved out of single pieces of rock. Each Ratha is named for the five brother-heroes of the Mahabharata and resembles chariots (still incomplete).


After the Rathas, we proceeded for lunch/dinner and then off to see the Shore Temple.


This temple is on the Bay of Bengal, built in the early 8th century, it is considered one of the oldest temples in South India, and built in Dravidian style.

After a long day of biking and sight seeing, we headed to the beach to enjoy the nice ocean breeze and to enjoy some coconuts and ice cream.


A great way to end the day.

Cheers

Robin