India: Mahabalipuram – Main Site

The main complex of the archaeological site of Mahabalipuram, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is a sprawling expanse of several amazing attractions. The most impressive one is the Arjuna’s Penance – a colossal open-air bas-relief (27m x 9m) carved on two granite boulders, one of the largest of its kind globally. It dates to the mid-7th century. Then, there are about a dozen or so various cave temples carved into granite hills – Varaha Cave, Mahishasuramardini Cave, Krishna Cave, and so on – all with elaborate carving, dug out of sheer boulders and rocks with fluted columns and sculpted panels, blending Hindu, Buddhist, and Jain influences. There is also Krishna’s Butter Ball – a massive, naturally balanced granite boulder 5m diameter, defying gravity for over 1,300 years. there is a lot to explore here!