Krishna Butterball, located in the state of temples, is a gigantic granite boulder in the Mahabalipuram city of Tamil Nadu, India. It is a symbol of nature’s beauty and the substantial culture of Mahabalipuram. The architecture of Krishns Butterball is unique, making it a UNESCO World Heritage site to be explored. The renowned structure strikes a code for its seemingly precarious balance on a slope, making tourists and historians flabbergasted by its geological and cultural significance.
Krishna Butterball’s Religious and Cultural Significance
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The original name of the Krishna Butterball was Vaan Irai Kal (a Tamil name), which, when translated into English, is known as the stone of God. It was built by the Pallava Dynasty and is said to have a link to Lord Krishna through the local folklore and mythology, hence the name.
The name itself signifies the love of Lord Krishna with butter, bringing out a large part of Lord Krishna’s childhood. Many stories relate the architecture to Lord Krishna, depicting his childhood, innocence, and playfulness. One rare thing that makes the destination a must-visit is its protected status under the Archaeological Survey of India.
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Things To Learn And See At Krishna Butterball
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The construction of Krishna’s Butterball has some incredible characterisations that make it stand out from all other state artefacts.
- The boulder structure is massive in view, measuring about 6 meters in diameter and around five feet wide. It weighs approximately 250 tons, making us wonder how on earth this thing is balancing from a narrow base. The structure is made of natural reddish-colored granite rocks that are easily available in the Mahabalipuram city of Tamil Nadu. Its round shape is said to resemble a giant ball that shows a playful association with Lord Krishna.
- The Iconic Balancing Wonder seems to be precariously balancing on a slight stilt slope, giving the illusion that the structure might be unstable and can fall anytime. This mind-striking view is a must to be seen with your own eyes.
- In medieval history, it is seen that many kings have tried to move or replicate the structure of the Krishna Butterball but have yet to do so. Like the Pallava King, Narasimhavarman attempted to move the boulder but failed every time. Similarly, many decades later, a famous Tamil king, Raja Chola, was in the race to make a similar structure to portray the balance of the Krishna Butterball. Alas! Failed miserably. Later, during British rule, A. Havelock, the then-governor, used seven elephants to move the structure but failed.
- Lush green palm trees surround the Krishna Butterball, and is well situated in an open garden. While enjoying the view of the boulder, the tourist can also view the nearby ancient rock-cut temples, enhancing their visual appeal and cultural context.
Things To Do Near The Krishna Butterball
The Krishna Butterball has become the most popular tourist attraction in Tamil Nadu. Visitors usually come here to experience the unique gravitational play of the boulder and to enjoy the scenic beauty, temples, and coastal views of Tamil Nadu. Thanks to the Archeological Department of India, the site is preserved so that this amusing wonder can be enjoyed by future generations.
In addition to enjoying the amazing Krishna Butterball, there are numerous other activities to do and various attractions to enjoy.
1. Visit The Shore Temple
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Shore Temple is within walking distance from the Krishna Butterball and is the best to explore nearby. Located at the edge of the Bay of Bengal, the Shore Temple is the oldest structure in Tamil Nadu. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and Lord Vishu and has various carvings from ancient history. The entry fee for Indian citizens is INR 10 for adults, and the visit is free for kids under 16. For foreigners, the cost is INR350-400. The times to visit the temple are from 6 am to 6 pm.
Address: J58V+JWW, Beach Rd, Mahabalipuram, Tamil Nadu 603104
Entry Fee:₹40 for Indian and ₹600 for foreign.
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2. Historic Visit to Pancha Rathas
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The Pancha Rathas, or the Five Raths, are rock-cut chariot-shaped temples dedicated to five Pandavas. The five Rathas showcase the details of their lives and historic activities. The place can be visited from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. the entry fee for Indian Citizens is INR 10, and for foreigners, it is INR 250.
Address: 58, W Raja St, Mahabalipuram, Tamil Nadu 603104
Entry Fee: 40 for Indian nationals and ₹600 for foreign
3. Exploring the wild Crocodile Bank.
The Crocodile Bank is a short distance away from the Krishna Butterball. There, you can enjoy the reptile zoo solely dedicated to conserving crocodiles, alligators, and other reptiles. It was founded in 1976 by Romulus and Zai Whitaker and is a leading conservation organisation dedicated to saving India’s crocodiles. The Bank combines cutting-edge science with grassroots education to protect crocodiles and their habitats.
Address: Post Bag No 4, Mahabalipuram, Tamil Nadu 603104
Entry Fee: Adults: INR 100. Children (3-02 years): INR 50.
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Local food and Beaches
Since Krishna Butterball is closer to the beaches, there are various beaches like Mahabalipuram Beach and Kovalam Beach, where you can have family picnics, play games, and enjoy the scenic beauty.
Some significant places to enjoy the local food are Seashell Museum Café, Moonrakers Restaurant Mamalla Bhavan, and the Chennai Dosa Corner. All the areas are famous for their tasty South Indian Food.
Accommodation Options Near The Krishna Butterball
Radisson Blu Resort Temple Bay is one of the most luxurious beachfront resorts in the Radisson chain. It offers various modern amenities and spa services. The price is around ₹10,000 – ₹15,000 per night.
Intercontinental Chennai Mahabalipuram Resort: This hotel aims to offer a blend of comfort and luxury. Here, you can enjoy sea views and try various foods for dinner. The price is around ₹8,000 – ₹12,000 per night.
Hotel Mahabalipuram: This is a budget-friendly option for travelling with a larger group. It provides comfortable accommodations and easy access to local attractions, and the price is around ₹2,000 – ₹4,000 per night.
Sea Breeze Hotel: It is located very close to the beach and is OK to offer basic amenities and a relaxed atmosphere during your stay. The price is around ₹3,000 – ₹5,000 per night.
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How To Reach Krishna Butterball
While planning your trip to the Krishna Butterball, you can explore flights or reach via train or road. The nearest airport (the Chennai International Airport) is around 60 km from the destination. From the airport, you can book a taxi to reach here.
The closest station for trains is the Chengalpattu Junction station, about 30 km away. From here, you can book a taxi to reach the destination. There are various interstate bus services that will drop you off at your location. If you are self-driving, you can take the East Coast Road and enjoy the beauty.
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Plan a trip to Tamil Nadu and rejoice in the historic journey into the arts of ancient architecture and natural wonder at Krishna Butterball. The Butterball is a giant boulder playing with the gravitational force by balancing on the sloping hillside. Mahabalipuram also offers a serine visit to other places like the Shore Temple and Pancha Rathas. These places also provide a sneak into the rich heritage of the Pallava dynasty. The place is also an ideal spot to enjoy the serene beaches and local cuisine, making it a complete destination for travellers.
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Cover Image Credit: Timothy A. Gonsalves. for wikimedia commons
Frequently Asked Questions About the Krishna Butterball
In short, what is Krishna's Butterball ?
Krishna's Butterball is an ancient historical attraction. A huge boulder balances on the slope, playing with the gravitational force. Since it is associated with Lord Krishna's childhood, it has become a popular tourist attraction.
What is the entry fee to visit Krishna's Butterball?
There is no entry fee to visit the Krishna Butterball.
Best Months to visit the place?
The months from November to February are the best to enjoy the place and beaches.
Are there any food and stay facilities around?
There are various hotels, restaurants, and shops in Mahabalipuram to eat and enjoy your visit.
Can One take pictures of the Krishna Butterball?
Yes, one can click the picture of the beautiful Krishna Butterball.
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With a passion for travelling, and carving beautiful stories of stunning locations I chose my profession as a content writer. The unique blend of creativity and strategy ensures that each narrative takes readers on a journey to their desired destination. With distinct locations and unique vibes, I strive to deliver captivating content that speaks to the hearts of readers.
