About
Mahabalipuram, also known as Mamallapuram, is a historic port town on the Coromandel coast of Tamil Nadu, in southern India. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, valued for its ancient rock-cut temples and sculptures from the Pallava dynasty.
What to see
- The Shore Temple, a stone temple standing close to the sea, which gives the town much of its best-known image.
- The Five Rathas, a group of monolithic temples carved out of single rock formations, each in a different style.
- The rock-cut sculptures scattered across the town, which show the skill of the Pallava craftsmen who worked the granite.
Because the monuments are spread through the town and its rocky shoreline, a visit suits a slow pace. Walking between the sites lets you see how the carved rock sits within everyday streets and open ground.
Planning a visit
Mahabalipuram is a good day trip or overnight stop for travellers interested in history, archaeology and sculpture. The town itself is small and easy to explore on foot, and it offers a relaxed seaside atmosphere between visits to the monuments.
For current information, you can call the local contact line at +91 4114 242 226. The town's postal code is 603104.
