Chasing Sunrises, Discovering Histories at Mahabalipuram: A Bike Trail Through Time

Rakshith Rao | 14. February 2025

Have you ever taken one of those rides where every moment feels like stepping into a history book? That is exactly what happened when Nirmal and Gopi set out to explore Mahabalipuram on our igus: bike. 

If you love ancient history, stunning architecture, and a beachside sunrise, this little coastal town in Tamil Nadu is a dream come true. So, hop on as we take you through their incredible journey.

Chasing the Sunrise at the Beach

The duo started their day early—really early. At 5:30 AM, when most of the world was still asleep, they were already at the beach, cameras ready. The sky was dark, and the only sound was the gentle lapping of waves. But within minutes, the magic began.

The first rays of the sun peeked out, turning the sky into a breathtaking mix of orange and pink. And there, in the distance, stood the majestic Shore Temple, its silhouette glowing against the morning light.

Click. Click.

They captured fishermen pushing their boats into the sea, the waves shimmering in golden light, and the peaceful charm of the morning.

“This is exactly what we came for,” Nirmal grinned.

Marveling at Arjuna’s Penance

With the perfect sunrise shots in their cameras, they rode through the quiet streets of Mahabalipuram to their next destination—Arjuna’s Penance. Now, if you haven’t heard of it before, picture this: A massive rock carving spread across two gigantic stones, packed with intricate details of gods, sages, animals, and even a river.

“Look at this crack in the rock,” Gopi pointed. “It’s not just a crack—it’s the River Ganga flowing down from heaven!”

Mind blown, right? The sheer artistry and imagination that went into this masterpiece over a thousand years ago left them speechless. As they walked around, they couldn’t help but admire the skill and patience of the artisans who had created this wonder.

Standing in Awe at the Shore Temple

The final stop on their historic ride was the iconic Shore Temple. Built in the 8th century by the Pallava king Narasimhavarman II, it is one of the oldest stone temples in South India. And let’s be honest, standing right by the sea, it looks like something straight out of a movie.

The temple had three shrines—two dedicated to Lord Shiva and one to Lord Vishnu. The detailed carvings on the walls showcased gods, mythical creatures, and rows of Nandi bulls, all facing the temple as if frozen in time.

“Imagine how this place must have looked when all seven temples were still standing,” Gopi mused, gazing at the ancient structure.

With the sea breeze in their hair and centuries of history around them, they knew this trip was special.

Wrapping up the Chennai Lap

As they hopped back on their bike and rode through the historic town, one thing was clear—the day was extremely special. 

It was the last day of igus:bike ride in chennai —a ride through history, and unforgettable experience.

Hey, we are not done yet. Stay tuned to know more about the next destination of our bike. 

Our rider : Gopinath Nedumaran

Hi , I am Gopi, product engineer for e-chain. Riding the bike was an absolute thrill! The smooth ride with the cycle was unforgettable experience. I also have fun playing badminton and love cycle in my free time thats my way of staying active and having fun. Looking forward to more adventure like this.

Our rider : Vidya Prakash

Hi, I’m VidyaPrakash. I’m passionate about traveling and exploring new places. Cricket is one of my favorite sports, and I actively participate in various tournaments. I also enjoy cycling and often go on long rides. I’m someone who loves solitude and often take time to be alone, reflecting and thinking about life.

Map of this tour :