Seashell decorations and souvenirs at market in Mamallapuram, Tamil Nadu, India

Tamil Nadu

Unearth the soul of artistry in Mamallapuram

Seashell decorations and souvenirs at market in Mamallapuram, Tamil Nadu, India
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An artistic treasure trove

Mamallapuram, a coastal town in Tamil Nadu, is famous for its creativity and craftsmanship. Here, visitors are exposed to a rich variety of traditional art forms, sculptures, and classical dance performances.

Traditional arts and crafts

Explore the enchanting world of the Cholamandal Artists Village, on the outskirts of Chennai. This vibrant community serves as a living testament to Tamil Nadu's art and craft traditions; visitors can step inside for regular exhibitions of paintings, sculptures, handicrafts and handiwork by renowned artisans. You are welcome to engage with them for insights into their creative processes as well as to know the cultural significance of their works. Known as India's largest self-sufficient artists' community, the Cholamandal Artists Village fosters creativity with collaboration among artisans from across disciplines!


"A Buddha statue - Monolithic handmade statues found in the streets of Mahabalipuram, Tamilnadu, South India"

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Tamil Nadu

An expression of craftsmanship

Established in the 1950s, the Government College of Architecture and Sculpture (GCAS) plays an integral part in conserving traditional forms of art and nurturing them further. You can see beautiful stone sculptures created by these young artists, which show off their talent and craftsmanship. You can also explore different styles of sculpture such as Chola, Pallava, Pandya and Nayak periods. You can even try your hand at traditional art yourself! This unforgettable experience provides art lovers the opportunity to appreciate the many techniques behind timeless masterpieces.

Classical dance

The Mamallapuram Dance Festival, set against the breathtaking setting of Arjuna's Penance bas relief, attracts dancers and connoisseurs from places far and near. . It showcases all the classical dance forms of India. This open air theatre is a great way to appreciate the richness and variety of dance forms in the country.

An ideal setting for art lovers

Mamallapuram is an art lover's paradise, boasting of an endless source of artistic expression. You'll be transported to another realm when exploring the Cholamandal Artists Village for traditional arts and craft; marvelling at intricate sculptures created by skilled artisans at the college of architecture; or witnessing classical dance performances at the Mamallapuram Dance Festival. Mamallapuram guarantees an enriching and captivating artistic experience that speaks directly to the soul!

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