Mamallapuram

A seaside World Heritage town south of Chennai, with 7th–8th-century Pallava shore temples, the Five Rathas, and giant reliefs; stone carvers still work on the streets.

Mamallapuram (also called Mahabalipuram) lies on the Bay of Bengal coast about 55 km south of Chennai in Tamil Nadu. In the 7th and 8th centuries, it was an important port of the Pallava dynasty. The Pallava kings carved caves, giant reliefs, monolithic chariots and stone temples out of the granite hills by the sea. Inscribed in 1984 as the 'Group of Monuments at Mamallapuram' World Heritage Site, it is regarded as the birthplace of Dravidian temple architecture in South India.

The monuments are concentrated in three areas: the Shore Temple by the sea; the hillside monuments in the town center, including Arjuna's Penance relief, Krishna's Butter Ball, Krishna Cave, Varaha Cave and the Lighthouse; and the Five Rathas to the south of town. A combined ticket for the Shore Temple and the Five Rathas costs about 40 rupees (about 600 rupees for foreigners), and the other hillside monuments are free. The best season is November to February, when the weather is cool and dry. January–February brings a dance festival performed in front of Arjuna's Penance. April–June is scorching hot, and October–December brings northeast monsoon rains. From Chennai, a hired car along the East Coast Road takes about 1.5 hours, which suits a day trip. Staying one night lets you watch the sunrise over the Shore Temple, browse stone-carving workshops, and eat seafood. You can then continue to the Crocodile Bank, Covelong Beach, or Tirukalukundram. Remove your shoes before entering temples, and protect yourself from the sun.

Top sights

Where to eat

Itineraries