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ADYAR-BANYAN TREE 
MADRAS—AFTER DAY’S CATCH-FISHERMEN AT SEASHORE 
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Short Trips : 
A convenient trip is to Chingleput, famous for its Paliava Caves 
and temple of Anjanaya located in the neighbourhood. There are also 
Gingee Fort’s beautiful ruins and the three strongly fortified hills 
about 75 miles south of Madras, And, of course, not to be missed 
are historic Mahabalipuram and Kanchipuram. 
MAHABALI PURAM 
A mere 37 miles south of Madras is Mahabalipuram—an important 
tourist attraction lying on the beautiful coast of the Bay of Bengal, 
It has a splendid group of rock-hewn temples, caves and monoliths. 
Mahabalipuram, once a flourishing port of the ancient Pallavas, 
is now a peaceful tranquil village. Also known as Seven Pagodas, it 
is centuries old and has some remarkable carvings and sculptures. 
Unique specimens of Paliava architecture and art can be seen here. 
Between 600-750 A. D. every sizeable rock in Mahabalipuram was 
given life, shape and beauty by the hands of sculptors under the 
personal direction of some of the Pallavas. These carvings can be 
classified into four types—the monolithic rathas, the cave temples, 
the shore temples, and the bas-reliefs. 
In appearance the rathas resemble temple chariots. Carved out 
of huge rocks, the exteriors as well as the interiors are finely sculp¬ 
tured. South of Mahabalipuram, there stands, in a shaded grove, 
a group of five glorious rathas dedicated to the five Pandava Princes. 
Most fascinating and life-like are the life-size bull, lion and elephant 
carved out of granite. 
The cave temples have some of the most animated pieces of Hindu 
sculpture. Particularly alive is the portrayal of the fight between 
Mahishasura—the buffalo demon and Durga—the goddess that 
destroys all evil. This is seen in the Mahishasura mandapam. The 
other caves noted for their splendid carvings are the Varaha-manda- 
pam and the Govardhana and Pasu mandapams. 
Going through the Ganesh ratha at Mahabalipuram one is 
confronted with a superb piece of workmanship—the world’s finest 
and largest bas-relief—Arjuna’s Penance. This bas-relief is 90 feet 
long with an average height of 30 feet. 
Facing the fury and rage of the waters of the Bay of Bengal is the 
shore temple. Two or three others of the same type have been 
washed away by the sea. The shore temple, weatherworn and small, 
is however, most elegant and the only one of its kind left. 
How to Get There : 
This lovely village can be reached by car from Madras in about 
two hours via a good road. The journey is cool and pleasant because 
of the cocoanut and mango trees lining the road. Regular buses 
ply every day and special buses are run on Sundays and- holidays 
by the State Transport. 
MADRAS—THE MARINA 
Communications and Hotels: 
Madras can be reached by sea, air, rail or by road. Direct air and 
rail connections are available from all the major cities of India 
Your stay in Madras.be it short or long, can be most comfortable. 
There are a number of modern hotels both large and small. Rates are 
reasonable and food of good quality, Indian, Chinese and Western 
is served. 
Southern Cuisine : 
South Indian cooking—so different from the culinary art of the 
rest of India—is highly tasty and well worth trying. The ‘ idli ’ and 
* dosa ’ are rapidly becoming popular all over the country. 
What to Buy : 
Southern handicrafts—cane work, leather, wood and metal goods 
—can be bought in Madras. Mount Road serves as an ideal 
shopping centre for curios and art-ware typical of south India. For a 
reasonable price art dealers can get you good stone carvings and 
bronze statuettes. 
Exquisite silk and cotton textiles are the products of the intricate 
art of the handloom weavers and are available in artistic patterns 
suitable for all needs and occasions. Also available are the best 
quality scintillating blue and white diamonds. 
