MAMALLAPURAM DANCE FESTIVAL

Place : Mamallapuram, Tamil Nadu
Venue: Bhagiratha (Arjuna's) penance, Mamallapuram
Date: From early January to February First Week

Mamallapuram, once the ancient port of Pallavas and world famous for its shore temple is situated 58km south of Chennai.  It is famous for its monolithic rock sculptures,  cave and stone temples.  The combination of old 7^th and 8^th century Pallava carvings, temples and wonderful beaches  make the place a  beautiful tourist destination.  

A vibrant festival of dance is held at the venue of  'Arjuna's penance', a bass-relief sculpted on the face two enormous adjacent rocks, in Mamallapuram from early January for four weeks. Exponents of classical dances like Bharata Natyam, Kuchipudi, Kathak, Kathakali etc. perform in an open air stage against the magnificent backdrop of the Pallava rock sculptures. Besides classical, folk dances are also performed. Dancers from different parts of India perform during this festival. The renowned festival is organised by the Department of Tourism, Government of Tamil Nadu.  

How to get there

Air: Chennai (58km) is the nearest airport with both domestic and international terminus. Chennai is connected with all the major places in India through the numerous domestic flights. International flights operate from various parts of the world to Chennai.
Rail: The nearest railway stations are Chengalpattu (29km) and Chennai (58km). From these stations one has to take road journey to reach Mamallapuram.
Road: Buses are available from Pondicherry, Kanchipuram, Chengalpattu and Chennai to Mamallapuram daily. Tourists can also hire a taxi from Chennai.