Heritage temples recreated in Chennai

Chennai, Jan 8 (ANI): The Tourism Department of Tamil Nadu has put up an exhibition of life-sized replicas of monuments of the Mahabalipuram temple complex.

The exhibition was organized by Tamil Nadu Tourism Development Corporation (TTDC), which took the initiative to promote the famous ancient temples under the theme 'Tourism celebrates diversity' in the year 2010.

Riswana, a tourist felt that the replicas are very life-like.

"I like Mahabalipuram; it's a beautiful place. These replicas of Mahabalipuram are also very beautiful and look like the original, and so it will attract those people who have not visited Mahabalipuram so far," said Riswana.

Mahabalipuram has various historic monuments built largely between the 7th and the 9th centuries. The entire complex has been classified by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site.

"Actually, Mahabalipuram monuments. ...have been declared as one of world heritage monuments. There are actually five monuments declared in Tamil Nadu, out of which, Mahabalipuram is one of them. So, we want to highlight the importance of the sculptures of Mahabalipuram. This will be to attract people and lure them to Mahabalipuram," said N.Prabakaran, General Manager, Tamilnadu Tourism Development Corporation.

The exhibition showcased replicas of the famous mandap (pavilions) and rath (chariots), as well as temple chariots carned in granite. (ANI)