Mahabalipuram Attractions

The Open Air Dance Festival in Mahabalipuram is an annual four week festival. It is held right by Arjuna's Penance. The beautiful backdrop adds to the charm of experiencing skilled dancers perform such traditional dances as Bharat Natyam, Kuchipudi, Kathak, Mohiniattam, Odissi and Kathakali. The use of this open air stage started about 13 centuries ago. Today, the best folk dancers from all over India come to perform during the festival. Other dancers come to see them dance, as do numerous tourists. The effect of skilled dancers combined with the aesthetically pleasing location ad to the special experience that is known as the Open Air Dance Festival.