Mahabalipuram is also known as Mamallapuram after Mamalla who was responsible for creating the earliest monument in the city, under the reign of the Pallava King, narshimha Varman I. The place is located at about 58 km from Chennai. This temple town of Mahabalipuram is about 2000 years old. The rock-cut temples of Mahabalipuram are the major attractions of this place. The place contains India's oldest examples of Dravidian buildings and sculpted rock -panels. Caves, sculptures, temples and ruins sprout like vegetation here are must sees. After dusk the monuments of Mahabalipuram assume a magnificent aura.

The Shore Temple of Mahabalipuram is its signature symbol. The temple is made of charcolite, its silhouette is beautiful against the changing colours of the sky. The Shore Temple is dedicated to Shiva.Here you can also come across the unique Sthala Shayana Perumal, which is the only temple in India where Vishnu reclines on the floor, serenaded by the sound of the waves.


Arjuna's Penance is the world's largest bas - relief panel. It measures about 27m by 9 m and holds over hundred figures of Gods, men and beasts. It is slashed by a perpendicular fissure that has been creatively included in the depiction of Ganga's descent to earth.

Southwards from Arjuna's Penance is the Krishna Mandapam with scenes of Lord krishna lifting Mount Govardhan hewn in the rock and Pancha Pandava Mandapam.

Pancha Ratham is a cluster of six incomplete structures on the road to Kalpakkam, about a km south of Mahabalipuram. They represent the rathas ( chariots) of the five Pandavas. The sixth chariot is that of Draupadi, the wife of Pandavas. The rathas are the true representatives of the Pallava art.

Tiger's Cave is located at about 5 km from Mahabalipuram. It is said to be a royal retreat and houses a cave of sculptures, framed by a large boulder. This shrine belongs to the 7th century and is dedicated to Goddess Durga.

Year Of Kudos

The Group Of Monuments at Mahabalipuram got the distinction of a UNESCO World Heritage Site in the year 1984, since then it is enjoying the attention of the tourists from all over the world.

Peppery Bulletin

• The world's largest bas-relief pane is said to have been named after the Pandava Arjuna who came to meditate at the place.
• Tiger's Cave is an important picnic centre.
• One can also enjoy the Mahabalipuram Dance Festival here which is held every January.
• The Shore Temple is said to be one of the seven that existed here in 600 AD. A 2002 diving expedition by the National Institute of Oceanography , India, and the Scientific Exploration Society, UK, found proof of this legend. Researchers discovered masonry and stone structures submerged 20 ft deep in the waters here.